Over the last few decades, it's become part of New England culture for Patriots quarterbacks to be overlooked and their accomplishments diminished, regardless of what they've done for the team.
That was the case even with Tom Brady, who won 6 Super Bowls with the team, and that's now continuing with Drake Maye.
From the moment he was drafted with the fourth-overall pick in 2024, Maye was immediately labeled a red-shirt rookie who the Patriots should hold off on starting due to his age and inexperience, not to mention the way the media believed he wasn't on the same level as his classmates, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels.
Some of that subsided during the 2025 season, when Maye led the Patriots to the Super Bowl on an MVP-caliber campaign after only getting the starting role in Week 6 of his rookie year. But that hasn't stopped those in NFL circles from doubting he is the real deal, even in 2026.
Maybe it has to do with his early-season struggles, or maybe it's the old agenda that keeps analysts from giving a Patriots quarterback proper credit. Whatever it is, NFL analysts are still overlooking Maye, as Albert Breer's recent poll showed.
The Sports Illustrated insider sent a mass text to NFL general managers, assistant GMs, several coordinators, and others, asking for their pick between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye as their quarterback of the future.
In a runaway decision, Williams won with a 12-5 vote.
Caleb Williams is viewed more highly by those in the NFL than Drake Maye in Year 3
With so many eyes on Week 7's Thursday Night matchup between the Patriots and the Bears, there was plenty of discussion about the future of NFL quarterbacks, with a focus on Maye and Williams after their impressive performances.
It was arguably the Bears quarterback's best game of the season, aided by the Patriots' frustrating defense, while Maye put on a show, proving he is not the quarterback we saw in Weeks 1-3.
But that didn't change the minds of those who responded to Breer's poll, who cited Williams' "ceiling, creativity, and early record of clutch play" as reasons to build around him rather than Maye.
"The difficulty to prepare for him, in particular, broke a tie for some. “You call a perfect D,” said an assistant GM, “and still get beat, just like Josh [Allen] and [Patrick] Mahomes.” For most, it was close, though I had one OC text, “It’s Caleb; it wouldn’t really be close for me. More ability, keeps getting better, gives you a chance to win every game and he’s clutch.”'
It's hard to argue against their reasoning, given the great situation Williams was drafted into, even if his head coach was fired after their first season together. Maye dealt with the same situation, but Williams was a Day 1 starter and has had more time to grow in the NFL, leading to more consistent performances.
It does seem premature to compare him to players like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, but clearly NFL teams believe Williams is an elite talent and prefer what he offers over Maye.
Drake Maye is a far better quarterback than he's getting credit for
Regardless, the five who did choose Maye cited his "personality and sustainability" as reasons why they believe he would be a better quarterback to build around, both of which have become valuable parts of his success in New England.
"One GM texted he “would lean Drake, just falling back on the makeup and total package, not that Caleb is deficient, just maybe more volatility in his game long term.”
An OC added, “Drake, but it’s close. Drake appears to me to be a little ahead of Caleb operating in the pocket and getting through progressions in the passing game, and still has athleticism to create. Caleb has great athleticism/speed and arm strength but is maybe a little less consistent.”'
Maye's biggest strengths are exactly what one offensive coordinator mentioned: his arm strength and his athleticism. He's among the league's best deep passers because he's completed so many 20+ yard throws, and he's already shown his athleticism by rushing for 38 carries, 211 yards, and two touchdowns.
On top of that, he's one of the best at creating plays that weren't called, as seen below, and that's what will ultimately set him apart from Williams and even the other quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class.
It's Mayehem Season pic.twitter.com/VXCV0SRdIT
— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) October 28, 2026
Fortunately, nobody loves to be doubted more than the Patriots, and their fans thrive on the team being overlooked. So while some might find it frustrating that Maye isn't viewed as highly as someone like Williams, it makes his success that much more enjoyable to watch.
The Patriots have historically been great with quarterbacks who have a chip on their shoulder, and while Maye's chip may be small, he can still leverage it and be motivated.
He delivered one of the best quarterback performances in league history last year, falling just one vote short of MVP. And although he's struggled to maintain that momentum this season, he's still making impressive plays that suggest he could be a legitimate quarterback for the next decade and beyond.
That gives him plenty of time to change the minds of those who would prefer a player like Williams, who could also have a great career. But Maye has already accomplished more, and there's no reason to believe he can't build upon that as soon as this season.
And even if he can't persuade the doubters that he's a great player, the Patriots will still benefit from having him as their quarterback for a long time, and that's what really matters.
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