He may not be coaching in the 2024 season, but there are very few football minds like Bill Belichick.
For the first time in 24 years, the former Patriots head coach is not involved in the draft process for any NFL team. He and New England elected to part ways at the end of the season, and despite buzz around one of the winningest coaches of all time, he did not find a new job for this upcoming fall.
While he isn't in any war rooms, that does not mean he isn't sharing his wisdom of the sport. Belichick joined Pat McAfee and his crew for "The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular", providing analysis on all of the prospects going in the first round.
Unlike other analysts, Belichick did not hold back any and all criticism of the draft picks, including the top three quarterbacks selected within the first three picks. While his comments on Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were worthy of listening to, everyone wanted to hear his opinion on the Patriots' selection at No. 3 — Drake Maye — and the former New England boss did not disappoint.
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Here is what Belichick said about Maye's selection to the Patriots.
What did Bill Belichick say about Drake Maye?
Belichick gave candid assessments of all of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he gave a unique answer when talking about Maye.
The North Carolina product has reportedly been comparing himself to Josh Allen, the star quarterback of the Bills. The size between the two are similar, and Maye flashed big arm power, similarly to what Allen is doing in the NFL.
While Maye eventually may make his way to Allen's status, Belichick isn't on board ... yet.
"Drake compares himself a lot to Josh Allen — we'll see about that," Belichick said about Maye. "I think there are some comparisons with size and athleticism, but Josh Allen is a pretty special player."
Bill Belichick on Patriots No. 3 overall pick QB Drake Maye: "Drake compares himself a lot to Josh Allen. ... We'll see about that. I think there are some comparisons with size and athleticism, but Josh Allen is a pretty special player."
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 26, 2024
"A very talented kid. Good size, runs…
That's not to say that Belichick did not praise the Maye pick. Before the UNC QB was officially selected by New England, Belichick gave props to Maye for his athleticism and playmaking ability.
"Drake Maye makes some amazing plays that you really like," Belichick said. "He can really drive the ball and he's a freak athlete. This is a kid that can make all the throws, he just needs to be more consistent."
"Drake Maye makes some amazing plays that you really like..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 26, 2024
He can really drive the ball and he's a freak athlete" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSDraftSpectacular https://t.co/wJHIM1vS9Q pic.twitter.com/RvmUZpXDra
Belichick also pointed out a number of elements of Maye's game that he needs to improve on, including his footwork, his patience in the pocket and his consistency.
No one would know about Allen's ability better than Belichick. The former Patriots coach went against Allen and the Bills numerous times since Buffalo selected the QB in the first round of 2018. He has transformed into a perennial MVP candidate, and is widely considered as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Now, Allen and Maye will be playing against one another twice a year for the foreseeable future. Both sides will soon see if Maye's own comparison to Allen is valid, or if Belichick's hesitation is proven right.
