Former Patriots QB shares Drake Maye recommendations

Former New England Patriots quarterback and current free agent Brian Hoyer first entered the NFL in 2009 and has seen plenty during his lengthy career. 

While speaking on the latest edition of the "Eye on Foxborough" podcast, Hoyer discussed if he thinks third overall draft pick Drake Maye should start for the Patriots as a rookie signal-caller this coming September instead of veteran Jacoby Brissett. 

"I don’t think there’s any necessary reason to start him day one," Hoyer said about Maye, per Karen Guregian of MassLive. "You have a great veteran quarterback in Jacoby who can win games in the NFL. He’s proven that time and time again. And, to be honest, it’s not as good of a situation as a few of those other teams."

Hoyer echoed others who previously noted that New England lacks talent on its offensive line and at playmaker positions. Such a situation could make things quite difficult for any rookie quarterback, even one who clearly wants to start in Week 1. 

"I think you let him come in," Hoyer said about the Patriots taking things slow with Maye. "I think you let him learn from Jacoby. Get coached really well, improve his footwork, improve his ability to read the defenses, those types of things, and you don’t rush him into it. I think that’s the best scenario for him."

Before he ever made a meaningful start at the highest level, Hoyer sat behind and learned from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady with the Patriots. Hoyer advised Maye to study Brissett during spring and summer workouts as the two compete for the starting job. 

"Just being around someone where you see them study film the correct way, practice with the right approach, break the huddle … it’s the little subtle things like that, where it’s your responsibility as a young guy to pick up on that," Hoyer said about what Maye can learn from Brissett. "You don’t need to be pestering the starter with a bunch of different questions." 

Hoyer added that Brissett "won’t hold anything back as far as helping Drake out" even though head coach Jerod Mayo has repeatedly said since last week that "the best player will" serve as New England's QB1. 

Whether or not Mayo ultimately decides individuals such as Hoyer are right about Maye sitting for at least a few months this fall could impact the 21-year-old's career beyond his rookie season.