The New England Patriots are embarking on their second big rookie swing of the post-Tom Brady era. The team isn’t the deepest when it comes to Fantasy Football. However, most managers assume there is zero value on the team. As such, some Patriots players could be easy pickings for those in the know.
Here’s a look at two under-the-radar Patriots players worth adding or at least wishlisting in 2024.
Drake Maye, QB
Jacoby Brissett might be the Patriots’ starter for Week 1 of the 2024 season. However, the quarterback is not assured that he will finish the year. Depending on how the schedule shakes out, Drake Maye could be under center by the end of September.
The team has a massive opening gauntlet of teams that could put the fan base in an uproar for the rookie. The Patriots face Joe Burrow’s Bengals, Geno Smith’s Seahawks, Aaron Rodgers’ Jets, and Brock Purdy’s 49ers by the end of the first month. An 0-4 start is far from outside the realm of possibility.
When tens of thousands of fans are screaming for a change at quarterback, few can resist for long. As such, Maye might not start the season under center, but he might become the starter by October.
Quarterbacks can be a nightmare to find later in the season, so if the Patriots start 0-2 and you’re not happy with your current backup quarterback, Maye could be a smart lottery ticket.
Hunter Henry, TE
Assuming Maye and Brissett switch places, perhaps their most reliable target out wide could be Hunter Henry.
Henry has been around the NFL seemingly forever, so he is no stranger to the spotlight. Henry is heading into his fourth year with the New England Patriots, so he already has a strong level of comfort with the squad.
Brissett demonstrated in the preseason that his deep accuracy is lacking, which encourages the team to run an offense that prioritizes short throws. Tight ends usually operate underneath in most offenses, so Brissett could get comfortable with Henry. Also, if the switch to Maye takes place, rookies often prioritize the tight end as the check down option. This bolsters Henry’s case.
Of course, with his recent history sitting under 600 yards per season, going with more reliable weapons like Travis Kelce or George Kittle makes sense. However, as a bench tight end with starting upside, Henry has a place on many rosters.
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