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Drake Maye: An Ideal Wait on Quarterback Draft Target

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shawn Pettinati | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 10:00 AM ET

We are back to work with our 2025 fantasy draft prep series. We have not touched much on quarterbacks, but we have a player we are targeting for those who like to wait on position. Drake Maye has a QB1 finish within his potential range of outcomes this season. Based on the statistical data, personnel and coaching changes in New England, Maye is set up to take the next step. Keen fantasy managers have begun formulating strategies and identifying player values. Our loyal LWOS followers know, if you have not begun fantasy draft preparations, you are behind!

Drake Maye: An Ideal Wait on Quarterback Draft Target

Maye Was a Top-15 Quarterback From Week Six on

Drake Maye took over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in week six and was a very servicable fantasy quarterback. The top-15 performance during the span may not convince anyone, but as we looked closer at the data, it was very encouraging. In the 11 games that Maye started, he averaged just under 16 fantasy points per game. If we take out the December 28 game versus the Chargers, where Maye was injured and missed time, that per-game average jumped to 16.5.

To put that in perspective, last season overall QB12 was Patrick Mahomes, who averaged 17.7 fantasy points per game. So Maye is not that far off. Right now, on Underdog and Drafters’ best ball drafts, Maye goes off the boards as the QB 15. He certainly has the potential to outproduce his ADP and making him a solid value in 2025.

Drake Maye flashed some ability with limited offensive weapons. His 421 yards rushing ranked ninth in fantasy among qualifying quarterbacks, and he did that in only 11 starts. If we use Mahomes’ 17.7 per-game number as a baseline QB1 number, Maye hit that mark in six of his 11 starts.

The Coaching and Personnel Changes Should Enhance Maye’s Fantasy Production

Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) holds a press conference after minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

With the addition of Josh McDaniels as the new offensive coordinator in New England, Maye should see more called or designed quarterback runs. Maye posted 38.27 rushing yards per game in his 11 starts. Across a 17-game season, that number prorates to 650 rushing yards per game. That would have put Maye third, behind only Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels. The ‘cheat code’ potential alone puts Maye in the QB1 conversation.

The Patriots added to their offensive weaponry with the addition of Stefon Diggs and the drafting of a legit three-down back in TreVeyon Henderson. Diggs gives the New England offense a true alpha wide receiver and allows Demario Douglas to move to the WR2 role, more suited to him. Douglas led the Patriots in targets, catches, and receiving yards in 2024. Reports have indicated that Maye has shown well at OTAs and is picking up the new offense.

A point of emphasis for us is that we are here to provide you players that can be draft values and potential league winners at the back end of your fantasy drafts. Best ball formats are in full swing, and NFL training camp and season-long draft season are right around the corner. Drake Maye represents a potential QB1 currently going at the end of the ninth round in fantasy drafts right now. Draft Drake Maye, and you can thank us at LWOS later!

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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