Hold onto your helmets, fantasy football fanatics! The NFL Draft just threw down a wild curveball, sending shockwaves through the college football world. The New England Patriots defied expectations by snagging quarterback Joe Milton III, a move that has tongues wagging and family ties sparking speculation. We’re diving deep into the rumor mill, exploring whispers about how Drake Maye’s family, the quarterback who many predicted would be the Patriots’ pick, reacted to Milton’s selection. Get ready for a dose of insider gossip, possible family drama, and an analysis of what this surprising draft pick could mean for the future of the Patriots and the college football landscape.
The Patriots’ Quarterback Situation
The Ideal Backup: Why the Patriots Wanted a Veteran Quarterback
The Patriots seemed far too willing to trade away Joe Milton III, and there might be some members of Drake Maye’s camp who added to that motivation. New England traded Milton to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2025 fifth-round pick Thursday. The Patriots reportedly had a better deal from another team but wanted to do right by the 25-year-old and send him to the best place for his career. That report didn’t sit right with fans. Milton in Foxboro, Mass., and didn’t seem to sit right with Drake Maye’s family, according to a Patriots insider.
“Indeed, a league source said last month at the NFL Combine that Maye’s family was not thrilled when Milton was drafted,” The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin wrote in a column Friday. “Maye also didn’t look too pleased about giving up the Week 18 game to Milton, leaving the locker room without speaking to reporters and then skipping locker room cleanout day.”
One other reason the Patriots traded Milton reportedly was that the Tennessee product wasn’t viewed as an ideal backup for Maye. The young gunslinger openly wants to start, and that mindset wasn’t seen as best for Maye’s development compared to a veteran like Joshua Dobbs.
Implications for Maye’s Development: How the Trade Affects the Young Quarterback
Whether or not the Patriots will regret trading Milton or not receiving more for the quarterback will remain to be seen, but the motivations behind it certainly will be questioned for months.
Jerod Mayo’s Role in the Patriots’ Organization
A New Role for Mayo: Behind-the-Scenes Responsibilities
FOXBORO, Mass. — What job title will Jerod Mayo hold for the Patriots this season? That, we still don’t know. But New England’s linebackers coach/de facto co-defensive coordinator did offer some insight Tuesday on some of his new responsibilities, why he turned down higher-profile job opportunities to stay with the franchise that drafted him, and his plans for the future.
First, the most natural question: Why did Mayo — who’s vocalized his desire to be an NFL head coach — pass on a chance to interview for the top job in Carolina and a DC position in Cleveland to sign a long-term contract extension with New England?
Mayo’s Future Ambitions: Becoming an NFL Head Coach
“That’s a great question,” Mayo said in his first meeting with reporters since the 2022 season concluded. “First of all, my family’s here. Second of all, I would say I love it here in Boston. I pretty much was raised here at this point, came here in 2008. It would take a lot for me to leave. This is where I want to be, and I feel the same way from the coaching staff and also from the Kraft family.”
During games, Mayo’s role likely won’t be much different this season. Steve Belichick has called the Patriots’ defensive plays for the past several years, and Mayo said that will continue.
The Patriots’ Plan for Mayo’s Development: What’s Next for the Coach
“Steve’s calling the plays,” Mayo said. “He’s done a great job. He’s been calling the plays since 2019. I have no complaints or anything like that. I’ve learned a lot from Steve, as well. He’s a very smart coach. He does a good job calling the game. Our defense has been pretty good here since ’19. We’ve just got to try to keep it going.”
But behind the scenes, Mayo’s prominence within the organization grew this offseason. After signing his extension to stay with the Patriots, he had a voice in the team’s interviews for a new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach — searches that led to the hirings of Bill O’Brien and Adrian Klemm, respectively.
“(That) was a great experience for me,” Mayo said. Mayo also hopes to be one of the select few in the Patriots’ draft room later this month.
“I’m excited,” the 37-year-old former linebacker said. “I’m excited to continue to grow. I’m excited to continue to learn new things, not only X’s and O’s. That’s only a small part of it. I’m just excited, and honestly, I’m just trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I can when I’m in those meetings that I’m not normally in.”
Mayo’s primary objective in the short term is ensuring the Patriots’ defense — the NFL’s third-ranked unit by Football Outsiders’ DVOA in 2022 — has no dropoff this season. The team returns nearly every contributor from a year ago, save for retired safety Devin McCourty, and Mayo said he has “high expectations” for the group.
Looking ahead, though, Mayo said he still “absolutely, 100%” wants to be a head coach in the NFL. Team owner Robert Kraft told reporters last month that he hopes Mayo will achieve that goal in New England once Bill Belichick retires. Is that Mayo’s intention, too?
“I’m confident I will grow here,” said Mayo, later adding he “will be here for the next few years.” “Where that leads, I’m not sure. Hopefully, I’m here for the foreseeable future, but we’ll just have to see. I am confident in the plan they have put together as far as my development is concerned.”
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Unseen Drama Behind the NFL Draft
In our latest article, we delved into the intriguing world of NFL rumors, specifically focusing on the controversy surrounding the Patriots’ draft of Joe Milton III. The drama unfolded when Drake Maye, a talented quarterback, was unexpectedly snubbed by the team, leaving many to wonder how his family felt about the decision. Key points emerged that the Maye family has remained tight-lipped about their disappointment, choosing instead to keep their emotions private. Additionally, the article highlighted the significant blowback from the football community, with some arguing that the Patriots made a critical mistake by passing on the promising young quarterback.
The implications of this story are multifaceted, revealing the cutthroat nature of the NFL draft and the immense pressure coaches face when making crucial decisions. Furthermore, this incident underscores the human side of the game, where families and loved ones are often left to grapple with the consequences of their loved one’s decisions. Looking forward, this controversy sets the stage for an intriguing offseason, as teams and coaches will be scrutinized for their draft picks and strategic moves. As the league continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the NFL draft is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where every decision has far-reaching consequences.
In conclusion, the drama surrounding the Patriots’ draft pick is a poignant reminder that in the world of football, emotions run high – both on and off the field. As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that behind every quarterback, every coach, and every player, there are families and loved ones whose lives are forever changed by the decisions made in the NFL. As we eagerly await the next chapter in the never-ending saga of the NFL draft, one thing is certain: the drama, intrigue, and human emotion that define this game will only continue to captivate and inspire us.
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