Patriots spent NFL draft focused on offense, adding QB and support around him

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — A smattering of Patriots fans stood outside the gates to Gillette Stadium on Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the franchise’s latest attempt to find its next franchise quarterback.

Drake Maye, who was selected third overall by New England in the opening round of Thursday’s NFL draft was about to meet with reporters for photos on the field.

Fans were already wearing Patriots’ Maye jerseys, complete with the No. 10 that he wore in college at North Carolina.

That number, coincidentally, was also worn by former New England quarterback Mac Jones, who was traded earlier this offseason. It led a few of the fans to repurpose their old Jones No. 10 Patriots jerseys by placing tape over his name and writing in Maye’s.

Homemade ingenuity aside, it was emblematic of just how hopeful New England’s fanbase is that this latest move at the position — and this draft — will be the one to stabilize a team that’s gone just 29-38 since the exit of future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.