Team Building 101: How the New England Patriots Should Build Around Drake Maye

The Patriots have a bright young quarterback but a 3-14 record. How does the franchise build around Maye?

How the New England Patriots Should Build Around Quarterback Drake Maye

The New England Patriots have long been searching for a franchise quarterback to fill the void left by Tom Brady’s departure. They found that player in Drake Maye, the star quarterback from North Carolina, in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye’s combination of size, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ makes him an ideal centerpiece for rebuilding the Patriots’ offense. However, building around a young quarterback requires smart roster construction. This article outlines how the Patriots can maximize Maye’s potential by targeting key free agents, drafting complementary pieces, and optimizing the current roster.

Step 1: Bolster the Offensive Line

A young quarterback’s success hinges on a strong offensive line, and the Patriots’ current unit has been inconsistent. Investing in the line through free agency and the draft is crucial. No matter the conversations about drafting wide receivers or defenders, fixing the offensive line is the first step in building around a young quarterback. With a likely top three pick in the draft and the most available cap space in the NFL, there’s room to make big adjustments.