Pats Pulpit
Notes on the Patriots’ QB situation, problems drafting wide receivers, rookie wideouts getting some All-Pro help, and more.
The NFL is in its slowest period, but that does not mean there is nothing to talk about when it comes to the league and the New England Patriots. Granted, the exciting days of training camp are still a few weeks away, but the pro football world still does not keep spinning.
So, with that said, let’s clean out the notebook from the week that was. Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.
Despite going just 4-13, not all was bad for the Patriots in 2024. Arguably the biggest positive from an otherwise underwhelming season was the development of third overall draft pick Drake Maye, who took over as starter in Week 6 and never looked back.
Maye still had his fair share of rookie mistakes, but the arrow was pointing in the right direction. Heading into his sophomore campaign, there is therefore plenty of excitement surrounding the young QB — and don’t just take it from us: the national media as well has high hopes for Maye.
The latest to express those came via our friends at Windy City Gridiron, who ranked the five-year quarterback outlook for all 32 franchises. With Maye leading the way, the Patriots checked in at No. 10:
10. New England Patriots - Drake Maye (22)
Maye showed plenty of promise during his rookie year. He’s going to see plenty of changes around him in year two as he has a new coach in Mike Vrabel, a new offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, and if everything clicks, Maye and the Patriots should be one of the most improved teams in the league.
This ranking follows similar assessments from earlier in the offseason. Back in May, for example, NFL analyst Ollie Connolly selected Maye as the 11th best passer in the NFL heading into the next three seasons.
“I think Drake Maye is special. I think he’s going to prove to be special,” Connolly said on the Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny. “What is the special trait? He has special arm talent, whatever the platform, however muddy the pocket. He can rip it to anywhere on the field. Special as a runner, I think, on less of designed carries, more creativity that I thought we would have in the league. I think he’s a truly special one.”
Maye also was ranked 11th by the 33rd Team’s Dan Pizzuta earlier in the offseason, as well as in the “promising prospects” tier by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports:
The New England Patriots didn’t ruin Maye’s confidence or mobility despite surrounding the rookie with measly protection and weapons in 2024. Now the North Carolina product has Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels calling the shots, with added support across the lineup. A solid leap is expected here.
Granted, not everybody is similarly high on Maye...
