Drake Maye May 11, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) speaks to the media after practice at the New England Patriots rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

When the New England Patriots selected former North Carolina Tar Heels star quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they obviously hoped that he would blossom into a starter sooner or later. While he hasn’t earned the starting role yet, it sounds like he is already climbing the depth chart.

According to a report from Mike Reiss of ESPN, Drake Maye began the spring as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, but he has now climbed his way to the No. 2 spot behind only veteran Jacoby Brissett as he has overtaken Bailey Zappe.

“After starting spring practices as the No. 3 option behind Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe, Maye was the No. 2 option by the end of mandatory minicamp. His comfort level grew with each practice, and he capped his spring with a TD pass to fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk in a got-to-have-it situation — one second on the clock, ball on the 5-yard line, bragging rights on the line until the start of training camp.

There’s still a good chance that Maye will be behind Brissett on the depth chart to start the season, but it’s a good sign for him and the Patriots that he is moving his way up the depth chart already.

[ESPN]