Patriots analysts make predictions on when Drake Maye will start

One of the biggest questions for the New England Patriots moving forward is when they will start rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Fans are waiting in anticipation for the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft to make his debut. NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran and the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan made their predictions on when he will start.

Curran anticipated an early November timeframe for Maye, as the rookie continues to learn the offense and go through life in the NFL.

“Most likely, he is going to show good improvement during training camp, and they’re going to find that window probably in early November to get him out there because he has played capably during some spot [mop-up duties]. He played capably during training camp,” said Curran.

Callahan pinpointed December as a potential opportunity for the former UNC star to get his chance.

“We used to say it around here all the time the most important part of football is played after Thanksgiving. That will be true again, finally, but for a different reason because it’s around then that Drake Maye will go in,” said Callahan.

The developmental process will be important for Maye, who is slated to be a linchpin of the offense for years to come. All eyes will especially be on offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt as he takes the lead in working with the rookie quarterback behind the scenes.

The pressure will be on the new coaching staff to avoid a repeat of what happened to Mac Jones under Bill Belichick. The Patriots can’t afford to squander a first-round quarterback for the second cycle in a row.