Drake Maye reportedly being treated as Patriots' QB3

The Chicago Bears named No. 1 pick Caleb Williams as their QB1 before the start of rookie minicamp. The Washington Commanders are expected to name the No. 2 pick in the draft, Jayden Daniels, as their starter before the season. 

However, Maye, a quarterback Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote would be the first player taken in 80 percent of the league’s drafts, may not come close to starting until at least 2025.

This should have been evident from Maye’s pro day. Maye struggled during his workout. During the broadcast, the NFL Network’s announcers suggested that whoever drafted Maye would be wise to let him sit a year as he matures in the league.

The New England Patriots view Jacoby Brissett as their starter

According to Chad Graff with The Athletic, Brissett is the most impressive quarterback at the Patriots OTAs. He’s getting all of the work with the first team:

"Maybe this is obvious. But veteran Jacoby Brissett, who spent a year running Alex Van Pelt’s offense with the Cleveland Browns, is definitely ahead of the other quarterbacks," Graff wrote. "He runs the offense smoothly and is smart about distributing the ball.

"Brissett has so far gotten all of the No. 1 QB reps in practices the media has viewed. It’s also clear the other quarterbacks look to Brissett for advice and tips on this offense. Bailey Zappe called Brissett, 31, an “old head” and said he’s bugged Brissett with numerous questions."

Drake Maye is the Patriots QB3 for now

The Patriots might have to make a decision to cut or trade Zappe before training camp. Per Graff, head coach Jerod Mayo wants three quarterbacks for training camp. One would assume the Patriots would keep Maye and fellow rookie draft pick Joe Milton III:

"So much attention is being focused on Maye even though he’s being treated like the No. 3 quarterback behind Brissett and Zappe," Graff wrote. "Given that, it can be easy to read too much into one practice (or even a stretch of practices).

"Still, Maye had a productive day Wednesday highlighted by a successful deep pass to Tyquan Thornton. While Mayo said he wants the Patriots to trim to three quarterbacks before training camp (rookie sixth-round pick Joe Milton is the team’s fourth QB at the moment), he also said he’s not worried about Maye’s lack of snaps so far."

If the Patriots move on from Zappe, Maye could become the Patriots QB2 for the regular season. Still, the fact that the Patriots are giving Maye QB3 reps during OTAs is concerning. In any other year, one would hope the No. 1 player in the draft wouldn’t be working with the practice squad.