QB has a fan in Texans’ Stroud
Before Drake Maye’s name was called third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, he already had a fan in the league.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw his support behind the former UNC quarterback on the Bleacher Report draft show Thursday night.
“I feel like Drake Maye is [the most NFL ready],” Stroud said. “You watch his tape, just his arm talent jumps off.”
Stroud complimented Maye’s high football IQ and athleticism, pointing out inherent traits that usually take time to develop in the pros.
“The one mistake I did early on through the first couple games was I moved around too much,” the 2023 No. 2 overall pick and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year said. “I didn’t get the ball out on time, I started taking risks that weren’t even downfield or necessarily scrambling.”
Asking about Herbert
The Patriots’ trade proposal for Justin Herbert was worth a shot.
The Patriots and Vikings both reportedly reached out to the Chargers in hope of acquiring the quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The answer was, according to Schefter, “a flat no.”
Rumors flying, dying?
NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran reported the Patriots may be looking to trade for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk. CBS Sports reported New England may be looking into another 49ers receiver — Deebo Samuel. But Bleacher Report poured some water on that rumor a few hours later.
Name recognition
The NFL used current players and team legends to announce picks in Detroit. Mike Onwenu, the Patriots’ offensive lineman, had the honors at No. 37. Some other names included Warren Moon (Titans), Jim Plunkett (Raiders), Tiki Barber (Giants), Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), and Calvin Johnson (Lions).
Ex-Patriot dead at 28
Korey Cunningham, an offensive lineman who played for three NFL teams during a fiveyear career, has died. He was 28.
Police said Cunningham was found dead Thursday in his Clifton, N.J., home. Officers had gone to the home after a family member reported they could not contact Cunningham.
The cause of death remains under investigation. Police said there was no evidence of foul play.
Cunningham, who played at the University of Cincinnati, was a seventh-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2018.
After one season in Arizona, he spent parts of two seasons with the Patriots. He joined the Giants in 2021, and was with the team for two years.
Cunningham did not play in the NFL in 2023.