Patriots players feel Drake Maye gives team an opportunity Mac Jones didn't

Since the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, there have been a lot of reactions to how the Patriots did in their first year without Bill Belichick calling the shots.

For the most part, analysts and fans have agreed that the new regime did a tremendous job with the players they chose and appreciated the emphasis on the offense, with seven of the eight drafted being on that side of the team.

Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf made it clear they were sticking to their word of weaponizing the offense by selecting their presumed next franchise quarterback, two wide receivers, three offensive linemen, and a tight end.

The selection of Drake Maye brought a lot of excitement among fans in particular, but they are apparently not alone.

Patriots players feel Drake Maye gives team an "opportunity to win"

Joshua Uche was one of the first players to speak to the media on Tuesday about the quarterback's selection. When asked about the UNC alum's arrival, he stated that he feels that Maye will give them "an opportunity to win."

“I’m not a GM. I’m not a head coach, but I feel like he has a lot of potential. Great arm. Very athletic. I feel like he gives us an opportunity to win, but it’s going to be a competition. There are other quarterbacks on the roster. It’s football. It’s a competition.”

It's a significant shift in attitude from just one year ago but especially since the 2023 season ended. Although Maye hasn't stepped on the practice field just yet, his new teammates reactions to him being their new quarterback is a good sign for the future and the start of the new era in Foxboro.

Uche isn't the only player who expressed excitement over Maye's pick. Rhamondre Stevenson said he watched highlights of the quarterback's career after the selection was announced and shared his initial impression of Maye: “Big-statured guy - can throw the ball. I’ll make all my other judgments when he gets here.”

In addition to Maye, the running back was pleased with the other offensive players Mayo and Wolf added to the roster, which gave him and other Patriots a more positive outlook for the team.

“It’s not a surprise. The offense hasn’t been up to par the last couple of years. I think Eliot and Jerod noticed that just like everyone else and decided to help us out a little bit and get us some more key pieces. It’s time for us to rock now. It’s all on us.”

Considering the Patriots' rough run over the last few years, it's good to hear the positive reactions to what's going on behind the scenes. According to reports, it was not a pleasant place last year, so a more optimistic atmosphere is a better way to head into the new season than to continue with any remaining toxicity lingering from the 2023 season.

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