Drake Maye might have found a clone of his favorite UNC receiver on the Patriots

When the hype was still real for Mac Jones with the Patriots, there was hope that the team would draft one of his favorite former teammates from his successful days at Alabama. Because they already missed out on most of his number-one targets, fans were dead set on receiver John Metchie III or Slade Bolden in 2022, neither of which the Patriots selected.

With no reunion in sight for Jones and now he's continuing his career with the Jaguars, fans expressed their desire to see Drake Maye have one of his UNC buddies land in New England with him this year. There was a chance that could happen with Devontez Walker, who wasn't picked until the fourth round. However, the Ravens picked him up, while the Patriots chose Javon Baker.

Although the reaction to Baker's selection was unanimously positive, he is yet to play any meaningful snaps this season, so there's no connection budding between him and Maye.

But there might be a solid chemistry brewing between Maye and DeMario Douglas, as we saw in Week 6 against the Texans. The receiver scored the third touchdown for the Patriots, the first of his career, and Maye continues to gush about how impressed he is with Douglas's skillset.

It took Drake Maye one start with the Patriots to establish his favorite passing target

The connection between Maye and Douglas wasn't seen much throughout the preseason due to the quarterback's limited usage. But there were times at practice when it was clear the two could be a lethal duo in the league, and that was proven to be accurate against the Texans last week.

It was a connection that Maye predicted during the summer as he compared Douglas to his favorite UNC teammate, Josh Downs. If that chemistry continues to build between the two, there's no reason to believe we won't see the success Maye and Downs had together become a new elite pairing between the quarterback and Douglas in New England.

Douglas could easily become Maye's go-to receiver in the Patriots' offense. He was clearly his favorite target last week, and based on his comments post-game, that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon.

“Just missed that first one across the middle to Pop, and then kind of grooved later on with Pop. You can’t guard him in a phone booth. He’s tough to guard in man coverage, and he’s got a knack for finding zones. So, he’s a great guy to have out there and makes my job a little easier.”

The stress of having a WR1 on the Patriots has been one of the longest-running debates among fans for many years, and although Douglas isn't the prototypical player to fit that mold, he could be exactly what Maye needs to thrive in New England.

Because he worked so well with a player of similar stature and skill set during his days at UNC in Downs, working heavily with Douglas could make for an easier transition for the rookie this season, and the Patriots are the ultimate beneficiary.

It might be a bit early to declare anything since Maye has only played one NFL game so far, but at least things are looking good so far between him and Douglas, and that should only get better as time progresses.

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