Top quarterback prospect for 2024 NFL draft already complimenting Patriots

It's never too early to get excited about the 2024 NFL draft, right?

That's what is on the minds of countless Patriots fans, who are already looking ahead to the top prospects, especially as the team is projected to have a top ten, if not top five, draft pick for the first time in over 30 years.

With such a high selection, Bill Belichick will have a plethora of options to choose from, whether he's hoping to get a franchise quarterback or a game-changing wide receiver, it's looking like he could get his hands on some of the top players of the entire class.

Much of the focus from the media and fans has been at quarterback, of course because Mac Jones is being labeled a bust that some believe Belichick will soon choose to move on from. If that's the case, and the Patriots do wind up with a high draft pick, there are a few exciting options they will have the chance to choose from.

Outside of USC's Caleb Williams, who is currently projected to go first overall, a lot is being made of Washington's Michael Penix Jr., Oregon's Bo Nix, and North Carolina's Drake Maye. Who the best prospect is depends on who you ask, but Patriots fans have taken a strong liking to Maye, who seems to have reciprocated the interest in New England as well.

During a recent appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast, the quarterback was asked his feelings on the handful of teams that are at the top of the draft board entering Week 7, including the Bears, Broncos, Patriots and Vikings. And like any player in his position, Maye was complimentary of every team.

But one host wouldn't let him off the hook with the non-answer answer.

Maye was then directly asked if he had been to Foxborough and what he thinks of the city, obviously meaning more about the Patriots, and he continued with his positivity, complimenting their historical run and their fans.

Although it may not mean much coming from a player just hoping to be drafted, it was a fun little part of his podcast appearance, especially for the Patriots fans who have high hopes he will be the team's quarterback next season.