Drake Maye has been named as a fantasy football breakout candidate by ESPN’s Eric Karabell.
Field Yates (via ESPN) identified Maye as a sleeper pick as fantasy draft season approaches. Maye, currently QB18 by average draft position, delivered some decent fantasy production last season, despite only making his first start in week 6.
The 2024 first-round pick was also operating in a largely dysfunctional New England Patriots offense.
Maye’s Upside With Diggs
After bemoaning the lack of talent around Maye in 2024, Karabell argued that a stronger supporting cast — headlined by Stefon Diggs and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels — could transform Maye into a legitimate fantasy asset in 2025.
Karabell said, “That changes this season, with proven WR Stefon Diggs and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels among the noteworthy additions. Maye adds value with his legs and, with a little help, could easily perform at a QB1 level.”
Maye rushed for 421 yards with two touchdowns in his rookie season. Athletic and opportunistic in the run game, he’s poised to be an even bigger threat on the ground in 2025. McDaniels should be able to provide better protection for the sophomore quarterback with Will Campbell set to be an immediate starter and third-round pick Jared Wilson likely to get reps at center.
How Does Maye Cope With Flawed Offensive Line?
Concerns remain about New England’s offensive line, with Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury ranking poorly in 2024. Maye excelled with arguably the NFL’s worst offensive line last season, however, and his mobility means he can make plays even when his blockers struggle.
Only two quarterbacks with more than 12 regular-season starts had less pocket time than Maye. Of quarterbacks to start at least as many games as Maye, Trevor Lawrence was the only quarterback to be hurried less frequently.
Maye was also second among all quarterbacks (behind Jayden Daniels) in yards per scramble. The Patriots’ offensive line is far from perfect, but Maye has the poise, mobility, and know-how to put up big-time fantasy numbers even when given little time in the pocket.
High Fantasy Ceiling
Twenty-nine NFL quarterbacks had more fantasy points per game than Maye in 2024. Caleb Williams, CJ Stroud, and Justin Fields have a higher average draft position as of June 8, 2025.
Diggs, who is coming off a serious knee injury, and Mack Hollins aren’t the most exciting veteran receiving tandem in the league, but second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson will often be used in the passing game, and third-round pick Kyle Williams had a knack for big plays in college.
QB1 is probably out of Maye’s reach with the overall production expected from Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Daniels. It’s possible Maye is the fourth or fifth highest-scoring fantasy quarterback in 2024, but it’s equally likely he endures a sophomore slump and the Patriots offense struggles with a questionable offensive line and unproven pass-catching weapons.
