New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye showed he can be the man during his rookie campaign in the NFL. But what is the biggest challenge that awaits the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Beyond adjusting to a new head coach and offensive coordinator, Maye is looking to be more of a team leader which encompasses doing a lot of the talking with his play on the field. With more talent around him and an offensive line that should be stronger, the Patriots second-year quarterback is in position to break out in 2025 and if he meets the challenge of being a more vocal leader, sky is the limit for the team under the coaching of Mike Vrabel.
With other veterans like Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson as playmakers around him, it is up to Maye to put them and the younger players on the field in position to execute. That also means elevating the young players with his play and guidance as an NFL quarterback. That also means calling guys out when they are not performing.
Drake Maye aims to go from a promising rookie to a leader
Can he make that leap in demanding that type of respect and response from players on both sides of the ball?
Well, that is something Vrabel is looking for out of his young quarterback.
“This is pro football. I don’t think everybody’s going to like you,” Vrabel said regarding Maye’s leadership role. “I don’t think that’s something that is possible. We have to do our job. We have to make sure that we’re prepared and that ultimately the players can hold each other accountable to play to our standard, play to our identity and know what to do and perform.”
In coming off a 4-13 season, Maye was the biggest bright spot on the team. Often, he was in position to try to do it all with both his arm and legs. Again, with more talent and playmakers around him Maye’s talent on the field should shine especially if he can limit the turnovers and learn how to take hits when he does scramble out of the pocket. Improving in those two areas will make him a more impactful quarterback in Year 2 and will also etch his role even more as a vocal leader.
With acknowledgement that the opportunity is there, Maye is embracing the next step of his trajectory towards stardom.
“It's an opportunity for me to take a jump,” Maye said. “I think from last year being a rookie, trying to come in here and earn my stripes, earn my keep through hard work. I think this year is the same approach. You got new guys in here, new staff, got to keep on getting to know everybody, show my work ethic. From there, as the season comes around, try to take the next step in leadership and leading the offense and hopefully leading this football team.”
Hopefully for Patriots fans, Maye will be leading a more explosive and exciting offense.