ESPN says Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are in the same category and it's huge for the Patriots' future

Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels had very different circumstances surrounding their rookie seasons. 

And while Daniels appeared to be ahead, having led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game along with picking up the NFL offensive rookie of the year award, ESPN's Ben Solak views things differently. 

"Here's something I struggle to put into words. (Yes, always good to write that sentence just before publishing something.) Jayden Daniels had a historically productive rookie quarterback season. The Commanders' fan base and team brass should feel confident and inspired about the future of the position. However, I'm still as -- if not more -- impressed by how well Drake Maye played on that terrible Patriots offense last season," Solak wrote. 

"Statistically, he didn't hold a candle. But degree of difficulty? Maye was playing a completely different sport. I'll put it this way and hope metropolitan D.C. doesn't come for my head: Patriots fans should feel as confident and inspired about their future at quarterback as Commanders fans do right now."

Patriots fans were already feeling good about Maye, knowing that New England got their quarterback of the future. But this statement just further proves that. 

Maye was thrown into a situation last season with no solid offensive line, a struggling receiver group, and issues in the run game. But, he was able to prove himself and kept the Patriots in games that they would have otherwise been completely out of. 

So now, with an experienced head coach, a true No. 1 receiver in Stefon Diggs, an established offensive line with key veterans, and a healthy running back room, this season can truly show what Maye is capable of. And not to mention, he gets to work with Josh McDaniels, who has a history of helping young quarterbacks to develop. (He turned Mac Jones into a Pro Bowl quarterback is rookie season). 

It's all a recipe for success for the first time in a while. 

Plus, Daniels and Maye will go up against one another this summer at training camp for joint practices, while will be exciting to watch.