Error code: %{errorCode}
Drake Maye becoming the best quarterback of the packed 2024 NFL Draft class
The 2024 NFL season produced one of the most hyped rookie quarterback classes in years –– six first-rounders, six immense talents and one clear standout.
Jayden Daniels stole the show, dragging the Washington Commanders all the way to the NFC Championship Game and scooping Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bo Nix impressed in Denver, leading the Broncos to the playoffs with the poise of a veteran, while Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in Chicago, flickered between brilliance and frustration as the Bears stumbled to mediocrity and eighth overall pick Michael Penix Jr started just three games. JJ McCarthy, taken at No.10 by Minnesota, missed the entire campaign through injury.
Now, as that 2024 class navigates its sophomore season, it’s Drake Maye – the man who spent much of his rookie year watching from the New England sideline – who suddenly looks the most promising of the lot.
At North Carolina, Maye built a reputation for big-arm throws, escapability and calm under fire. The Patriots made him the third overall pick in the 2024 draft but played it cautiously, handing Week 1 duties to veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Maye sat, learned and waited. When Brissett faltered midseason, Maye finally got his chance, announcing himself with a 243-yard, three-touchdown debut and flashes of genuine franchise-quarterback potential. He finished his rookie year with 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 421 rushing yards – enough to suggest the Patriots had found something worth building around.
Fast-forward to 2025 and the signs are even more encouraging. Through Week 5, Maye has completed 113 of 153 passes (a sharp 73.9%) for 1,261 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions, good for a passer rating north of 107. More importantly, he’s passed the eye test – confident in the pocket, smart with his reads and increasingly dangerous when plays break down.
His real breakout arrived in Week 5, when New England stunned the Buffalo Bills 23-20 on the road. Against reigning MVP Josh Allen – the quarterback he’s most often compared to – Maye went 22-of-30 for 273 yards and led a composed final drive to set up the winning field goal. A week earlier, he’d dismantled Carolina with ruthless efficiency: 14-of-17, 203 yards, three total touchdowns. The Patriots are 3-2 and playing with belief again, largely because their new quarterback looks like he belongs.
While Maye has surged, others have stumbled. Daniels remains electric but has battled a knee injury in 2025. McCarthy’s return has been repeatedly delayed. Bo Nix has flickered between strong outings and rookie-ish errors, Caleb Williams still can’t escape the Bears’ chaos long enough to show his best and Penix has lacked consistency from game to game.
Maye’s advantage is subtle but significant: health, stability and momentum. Sitting for half a season behind Brissett may have done him good, sparing him the bruising baptism that young quarterbacks often endure. He now looks physically and mentally ready for the role that New England drafted him for – the heir to the long-vacant throne left by Tom Brady.
Of course, it’s only October. Five games don’t make a franchise saviour. But watch Maye’s timing, his rhythm and his growing command of an offense that was lifeless a year ago, and it’s easy to believe the Patriots have found their cornerstone – just as we predicted heading into the season.
Jayden Daniels still has star power. Bo Nix still has upside. Caleb Williams still has magic. But right now, Drake Maye – with his blend of accuracy, mobility, and maturity – looks every bit the best of the bunch. The class of 2024 promised a generation of quarterbacks. By the looks of it, the kid in Foxborough might just be the one who delivers.
NFL offer: watch for even less with new Game Pass Week 6 discounts
UK and Ireland fans can purchase an annual pass to watch every game for the rest of the season - including the play-offs and Super Bowl - for an upfront discounted fee of £99.99 (reduced from £169.99). Alternatively, fans can pay for an annual subscription monthly, with payments reduced to £8.99 for the first three months, reverting to £17.99 in month four.
A subscription also includes access to the NFL Network, RedZone, and various weekly shows, such as Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and the X's & O's coaching breakdown.
