The New England Patriots are of their first NFL Draft with out Invoice Belichick since 1999. That does not imply the mythical trainer is not concerned within the procedure, although.
After parting tactics with the Patriots and now not discovering a brand new process within the training cycle, Belichick joined ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Display” to wreck down each and every of the first-round draft selections. Together with the Patriots’ pick out at No. 3.
That variety became out to be North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, with the Patriots touchdown a brand new face of the franchise with their first pick out of the post-Belichick technology. Maye used to be extensively mocked to the Patriots, who had been additionally considered searching for a business however ended up taking what they believed to be the most productive quarterback ultimate.
Belichick, alternatively, sounded much less offered. He did not outright name Maye a foul quarterback, however he obviously believed his outdated group had simply drafted a challenge below middle quite than any individual who can big name from Day 1. He additionally took minor factor with a comparability to Buffalo Expenses big name Josh Allen:
“Neatly, I believe that is indisputably a most sensible want for them. It is quarterback, take on and broad receiver, so this is without doubt one of the most sensible wishes. Drake compares himself so much to Josh Allen, he is been doing that for reasonably some time. We will see about that. I believe there are some similarities, measurement and athleticism, however Josh Allen’s an attractive particular participant now.
“An overly proficient child. Excellent measurement, runs smartly, has a excellent arm. He simply hasn’t performed very a lot. He actually does not have numerous enjoy. He makes some large performs … He will want some paintings in studying defenses, studying coverages.”
You’ll be able to see his complete tape breakdown, with captions together with “large play,” “fast to return off receivers,” “wish to keep within the pocket & throw” and “deficient throw.” He additionally famous “of all of the quarterbacks, [Maye] used to be the lowest-rated pocket passer.”
He additionally criticized Maye’s footwork in a clip ahead of the draft as smartly all the way through a handy guide a rough evaluate of all of the main quarterback possibilities:
“Drake Maye, his footwork wishes numerous paintings. Right here, he is everywhere. By no means resets his toes. By no means actually will get in place to throw. Will get strip-sacked. An excessive amount of hopping round. Step up and throw.
Belichick concluded that he believes Maye has ability “simply wishes a while and enjoy.”
To be transparent, Belichick had criticisms of No. 1 pick out Caleb Williams and No. 2 pick out Jaylen Daniels as smartly. He simply appeared extra enthusiastic about Maye’s recreation translating to the NFL in an instant. It is going to be on new Patriots head trainer Jerod Mayo to increase Maye into the quarterback Belichick believes he may also be.
Maye began for 2 years at UNC as a redshirt freshman and sophomore. They had been two excellent years, although, with a complete of seven,929 passing yards, a 64.9% of entirety charge, 62 passing touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 1,147 dashing yards and 16 dashing touchdowns in 26 video games.
Yahoo Sports activities’ Nate Tice used to be somewhat upper on Maye, rating him as the highest prospect at the board and announcing he has “extra really feel within the pocket and creativity to his recreation than I believe he’s gotten credit score for.”