The New England Patriots were destined to fall from their pedestal after Tom Brady either chose to leave (which he did) or retire, especially since Bill Belichick failed to have a proper succession plan, and that's exactly what happened. They experimented with some quarterbacks, Cam Newton at first, and used the 15th overall pick in the draft on Mac Jones, neither of whom turned out well.
It ultimately led them to Drake Maye in last year's draft, selecting the UNC alum with the third overall pick, and it has already proven to be one of the best decisions the franchise has made in the last five years.