Bill Belichick Doesn't Seem Too Impressed With New Patriots QB Drake Maye

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The New England Patriots and longtime head coach Bill Belichick parted ways this off-season, beginning a new era for the team. That new era now includes former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. 

There were plenty of rumors that the Patriots wanted to trade down in the first round, but ultimately, they kept the #3 overall pick and selected Maye. Belichick, who was not able to find a new head coaching gig in the NFL, joined Pat McAfee on ESPN to break down the NFL Draft. 

That meant fans got to hear exactly what Belichick thought about his former team's first-round pick. It sounds like if Belichick were still in town, the team wouldn't have drafted Maye. Belichick seemed … let's say … less than enthused about the selection. 

"Drake compares himself a lot to Josh Allen … we'll see about that," Belichick said, dryly. "Josh Allen is a pretty special player." 

OK, so Belichick doesn't think Maye is Josh Allen. That's not a huge slight against Maye, since Allen is one of the three best quarterbacks in the NFL. 

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn't sound enthusiastic about the team taking Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn't sound enthusiastic about the team taking Drake Maye (pictured) in the 2024 NFL Draft.

(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

But, the former head coach wasn't done. The crew went to the tape and Belichick showed one good play of Maye before eviscerating him for two terrible plays. 

"He's going to need some work in reading defenses and reading coverages," Belichick said. "He's quick to bail out of the pocket, and he's going to have to hang in there a little bit longer [in the NFL]." 

It's also not just about WHAT Belichick had to say, but HOW he said it. 

Watch for yourself: 

What do you think? Belichick just throwing cold water on the Patriots' new quarterback because he's salty about the way things ended? Or, does he really think Drake Maye isn't any good? 

Probably a little column A, little column B. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.