‘We’ll see about that’: Here’s what Bill Belichick thinks of Patriots’ draft pick Drake Maye

As part of his first tour of media duties in his first sabbatical away from NFL sidelines in decades, former Patriots QB joined ESPN host and personality Pat McAfee for live coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday night.

The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach sounded off when his former employer made their first selection without Belichick since 1999.

“He’s kind of quick to bail out of the pocket. He’s gonna have to hang in there a little bit longer to find those receivers,” Belichick said of Maye. “This is a kid who can make all of the throws. He just needs to be more consistent.”

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ACC Championship - Clemson v North Carolina CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 03: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels gets called for a facemask penalty against Trenton Simpson #22 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears kicked off the NFL Draft by selecting USC’s Caleb Williams as a quarterback and as their No. 1 pick. DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: (L-R) Drake Maye poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall by the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

North Carolina v Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a North Carolina Tar Heels touchdown in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) (Greg Fiume/PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a North Carolina Tar Heels touchdown in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images))

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 16 Minnesota at North Carolina CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 16: North Carolina Tar Heels Quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws the ball from the pocket during the college football game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the North Carolina Tar Heels on September 16, 2023, at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

At 6′4″, 223 pounds, with a 6′4″ wingspan, Maye, 21, has a size and frame that NFL scouts and front offices salivate over. The 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year boasts a cannon of an arm and a stronger upside than most of his draft class.

Maye’s athleticism and arm strength may remind Patriots fans of another AFC East rival’s signal caller- Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

But Belichick took the time to squash comparisons to the two-time Pro Bowler.

“We’ll see about that. I think there are some comparisons with size and athleticism, but Josh Allen is a pretty special player,” Belichick opined.

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Maye is the second youngest of the five QBs on top of most mock drafts and the rawest. Maye’s athleticism and arm talent led him to collegiate success, but his instincts sometimes steer him wrong, leading to reckless, turnover-worthy throws. Scouts have called into question Maye’s footwork and ability to throw in the short and intermediate, but new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt earned a reputation as one of the league’s best offensive tutors during his decade-plus working with the Cleveland Browns.

“Good size, runs well, has a good arm. Just he hasn’t played very much. He really doesn’t have a lot of experience. He makes some big plays,” Belichick assessed. “He’s gonna need some work reading defenses, reading coverages.”

Maye now joins a Patriots QB depth chart currently sporting Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe. While the Patriots clearly view Maye as the QB of the future, there is no guarantee the 21-year-old immediately steps into the starting role.

USC QB Caleb Williams was drafted #1 overall by the Chicago Bears. LSU QB and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels went #2 to the Washington Commanders.

The Patriots currently hold the remaining draft picks with glaring needs at tackle and wide receiver still to be filled.