Drake Maye Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Maye averaged 223.1 passing yards and 36.3 rushing yards across ten full games.

A good chunk of his rushing production came on scrambles. In fact, his 349 yards off scrambles led all QBs.

The rookie ranked 15th in fantasy points per game (15th in expected PPG). He finished QB15 or better in seven of nine games over a mid-season stretch, peaking at QB7 on the year.

Usage & Role

Jacoby Brissett was announced as New England’s starter in late August. He started the first five games before Maye took over in Week 6 vs. Houston.

Maye executed a conservative attack for the Pats. Per Pro Football Focus, he ranked 25th in a sample of 32 QBs in average depth of target (7.4 yards). He ranked 22nd in deep passing rate (8.9%).

Maye also ranked near the bottom of the league in play-action pass rate (19%).

Efficiency Metrics

As you’d expect, Maye’s efficiency metrics were a mixed bag.

He ranked ninth in completion rate over expected in a sample of 43 QBs (via Pro Football Focus).

But he also ranked:

• 24th in adjusted completion rate
• 31st in PFF passing grade

In a sample of 36 QBs, Maye slotted 19th in on-target throw rate (per Pro Football Reference). He ultimately flashed Round 1 talent, but his environment didn’t allow for an early breakout.

Offensive Context

New England’s top target earners included:

• Hunter Henry (97)
• Demario Douglas (87)
• Kayshon Boutte (68)
• Austin Hooper (59)

Not great.

The Pats also ranked 12th in pass rate but 20th in pass rate over expected.

Perhaps most troubling was the O-line. Maye took the ninth-most sacks league-wide, despite only ten full games. New England ranked 31st in ESPN’s pass block win rate and PFF pass blocking grade.

Injury History

Maye underwent an MRI on his knee after Week 6 but avoided missing time.

He overcame a Week 8 concussion to suit up and play the following week. Week 17 turned up another concussion check, but the rookie was cleared to return.

Maye’s college career turned up no significant injuries and zero missed games.

2025 Expectations

Supporting Cast

Maye’s supporting cast received a much-needed boost this offseason.

WR Stefon Diggs arrives to supply a veteran target. We’ll see how he progresses from an October ACL tear, but there’s a realistic chance he’s ready for Week 1.

New England spent a Round 2 pick on RB TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State standout is electric in space, both as a rusher and a receiver. He adds value as one of the best pass-protecting RBs in this class.

WR Kyle Williams arrived in early Round 3 of the draft. He adds a deep element that should pair nicely with Maye’s electric arm.

Now, the depth pieces remain unexciting.

Demario Douglas projects as an average slot. New Patriot Mack Hollins is best used in a situational role. And it’s a mystery as to what we’ll get from Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, a pair of underachieving ‘24 rookies.

Hunter Henry at least returns to stabilize the TE unit. The Pats also upgraded the O-line with the selection of Round 1 LT Will Campbell. They added veteran upgrades in C Garrett Bradbury and RT Morgan Moses in free agency.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Josh McDaniels returns to a gig he last held in 2021. He took a year off from coaching in 2024.

As Vegas’ HC from 2022-2023, he oversaw units that ranked:

McDaniels’ only experience with a mobile QB like Maye came in 2020 alongside Cam Newton. That year, the Pats ranked 31st in pass rate (51%) and 32nd in pass rate over expected.

We’d expect the Pats to lean more on Maye, who’s a more talented passer than Newton (especially late in his career). Still, we’re not expecting this unit to rank anywhere near the top in pass rate or raw volume.

Production & Efficiency Trends

Top-five QBs have increasingly needed to deliver on the ground.

Since 2020, top-five fantasy QBs have averaged 471 rushing yards per season. Only three QBs in that sample tallied fewer than 200 rush yards.