NFL Analyst Sounds Off on Quarterback Snubbed in Rookie of the Year Discussions
This year's Offensive Rookie of the Year race features some interesting names. Leading the pack is second overall pick Jayden Daniels, who has led the Washington Commanders into playoff contention. Behind him, other names being considered are Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Daniels has taken most of the attention, while Nix has a small following of believers. However, a former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst shared his thoughts on who he believes belongs in the conversation: New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
The third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye did not start the season like Daniels or Nix. However, since he replaced Jacoby Brissett as QB1 in Week 6, the UNC product has been very good. In seven games, he's amassed 1,236 yards, throwing nine touchdowns to six interceptions and completing 66.8% of his passes.
That's led Dan Orlovsky to praise Maye's performance. The former NFL quarterback said that if Maye's Patriots had a better record, the rookie would be talked about more as a top OROY contender.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye
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"He won’t win it because his team isn’t good enough," Orlovsky posted to X. "But just talking about the play — Drake Maye would absolutely be right in the OROY conversation. His tape is flat out awesome @Patriots"
The Patriots sit at 3-8 this season, well below the Commanders' 7-4 record. They've been one of the worst teams in the league on paper. However, Maye has consistently been the lone bright spot of the team. His dual-threat abilities make him a tantalizing prospect to watch.
With Daniels performing at a high level and Nix slowly turning around the Broncos' fortunes, it will be hard for Maye to crack the Rookie of the Year conversation. However, Patriots fans are more than happy to see their rookie quarterback go under the radar, knowing full well the potential he has. We'll see just how good Maye can be.
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