Rob Gronkowski chose Drake Maye over Caleb Williams during an appearance on Up & Adams ahead of the Patriots-Seahawks game scheduled for Thursday, according to Boston.com on Oct. 21, 2026.
Gronkowski’s choice in the Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams comparison was Maye, whom he praised for his throwing touch and potential chemistry with pass-catchers. He also said Maye’s processing of defenses could improve.
At the time of Boston.com’s article, the Patriots and Seahawks both had 4-2 records. The teams were scheduled to meet Thursday, with Maye and Williams set to face each other at quarterback.
Why Gronkowski chose Maye in the Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams comparison
Gronkowski called the decision difficult before naming Maye as his pick. “This is tough, it really is, but I’m going to go with Drake Maye. I just like the touch on his ball,” he said on Up & Adams.
He also explained that he liked the prospect of playing with Maye because of the potential for chemistry with pass-catchers. Gronkowski said: “I feel like Drake Maye would be, for me, as well as a player he would be the ideal quarterback. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have chemistry with Caleb but I feel like Drake Maye would be able to be on the same page with the chemistry going into games.”
That was Gronkowski’s personal preference as a potential teammate. His reasoning centered on the touch he sees in Maye’s throws and the possibility of developing a shared understanding with receivers before games. Gronkowski also framed the choice as difficult, acknowledging that his preference for Maye did not mean he dismissed the possibility of building chemistry with Williams.
Gronkowski described both quarterbacks as being in suitable situations for their respective teams. He said Chicago head coach Ben Johnson had “hit a home run” with Williams and argued that a team’s system needs to fit the quarterback its organization and offensive coordinator are trying to use. His comments placed the comparison in the context of the quarterbacks’ team situations as well as their individual traits.
Gronkowski said Maye’s defensive processing can improve
Gronkowski also pointed to Maye’s ability to process opposing defenses, saying that part of the quarterback’s game could continue to develop. He described Maye’s processing as something that “is going to get better and better and better,” then said, “so I would choose Drake Maye. I think he has the advantage in this one.”
His comments combined an assessment of Maye’s current throwing touch with his expectation that the quarterback’s defensive recognition will improve. Gronkowski repeated that his conclusion was a choice between the two quarterbacks, naming Maye as the one he would choose.
Boston.com reported that Maye and Williams were among the top three quarterbacks selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. It also cited Maye’s career milestones: he had played in a Super Bowl, finished second in the previous season’s MVP voting and been selected to two Pro Bowls. Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick, was described as having upside that could lead to more production in the future.
Patriots and Seahawks were set for Thursday matchup
Boston.com reported that the Patriots were scheduled to visit Seattle on Thursday. Both clubs stood at 4-2 when the outlet published its article, putting the matchup between Maye and Williams on the schedule as their teams met.
The quarterbacks also spoke positively about each other ahead of the game. Williams said he and Maye had been in the same class for years and attended many camps together, adding that Maye was one of the people he felt closest to among players in his class. Williams pointed to Maye’s mobility as a weapon dating back to high school and college.
Maye called Williams’ play “cool and fun to watch,” particularly his ability to move in the pocket, escape pressure and throw on the run. Maye also praised Williams’ arm talent and said he was not as shifty in the pocket himself. Their comments offered a different perspective from Gronkowski’s quarterback comparison, with each player highlighting the other’s strengths.
Boston.com’s account also placed the quarterback comparison alongside Maye’s noted career achievements, while Gronkowski’s stated reasons remained specific to his own preference: Maye’s throwing touch, possible chemistry with pass-catchers and room to improve while processing defenses.
New England’s next scheduled step was its Thursday game at Seattle, where Drake Maye and Caleb Williams were set to meet as the Patriots and Seahawks quarterbacks.
