Reporter thinks sixth-round QB has outperformed rookie Drake Maye

Apparently, a sixth-round pick is outplaying first-rounder Drake Maye in training camp. Should the New England Patriots be worried about the rookie quarterback?

"I wrote after last Thursday's practice that [Joe Milton III] is the 'wow' quarterback at camp— the guy with the best size, best athleticism, and biggest arm," wrote The Boston Globe's Ben Volin. "Now I'll take it a step further: Milton outplayed Maye over the first six practices of camp. You can't tell which player is the No. 3 overall pick (Maye) and which is the sixth-round flier (Milton)."

Although Milton may be off to a better start, that doesn't mean 21-year-old Maye is destined to bust. He could just need more time to fine-tune his game. Plus, the Patriots signed veteran QB Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8M deal this offseason to ensure Maye didn't have to play immediately.

Still, it's a bit surprising that the North Carolina product has looked inaccurate. NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry reported Maye completed 8-of-15 passes during competitive periods in Tuesday's practice. He also fumbled a handoff.

During the draft process, Milton — listed at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds — was considered a raw prospect with tantalizing upside. An AFC scout told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler Milton reminded him of former MVP Cam Newton, but he questioned his football acumen and accuracy.

The Patriots clearly felt Milton was a low-risk, high-reward prospect and took a chance on him. Following the draft, New England executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf told ESPN's Adam Schefter 24-year-old Milton had too much talent to "pass up."

Maye could still prove he's the future of the franchise, but the Patriots potentially have an intriguing backup if he fails to do that.