Patriots get potential top 5 QB in Drake Maye NBC Sports Boston [Video]

The wait is over.

With the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye out of UNC. The move came as little surprise given the team’s obvious need for a QB, though there was speculation about a potential trade down the draft board.

Nevertheless, Maye will be the key to the Patriots’ rebuild under the post-Bill Belichick regime. While the 21-year-old could sit behind veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett to begin his NFL career, he’ll be counted on to help New England regain its reputation as a perennial contender when he’s ready to take the field.

Last month, our Phil Perry labeled Maye the best quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class. He doubled down on that take while evaluating the Patriots’ selection.

Here’s Perry’s official grade for New England’s No. 3 overall pick.

“When it was suggested to one member of the Patriots organization that the Patriots may trade back to find a quarterback in the first …