Did the New England Patriots do enough to build around second-year quarterback Drake Maye?
After a solid rookie season, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft showed he has both the arm and athleticism to be the man in Foxborough. That was despite a pour offensive line, a lack of dynamic playmakers and subpar coaching, which led to an offseason of change and redirection for the Patriots.
An offseason of change and redirection will help Drake Maye shine
The first step in building around Maye was bringing in Mike Vrabel as the head coach of the team. Then came the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Next, the team signed key free agents in Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury to help the offensive line and added Stefon Diggs to the receiving group. With 2025 NFL Draft picks Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, the Patriots gave further indications that the focus was building a strong team around Maye.
Will it all come together?
In listing the top second-year breakout candidates, NFL.Com analyst Marc Ross has Maye amongst a list of players who are in position to shine in the 2025 NFL season. Although roster buiding and revamping is a key factor, Ross noted coaching stability as the main factor.
He writes:
“Back in January New England hired head coach Mike Vrabel, who took the Titans to the playoffs in three of his six seasons in Tennessee and was inducted into the Patriots' Ring of Honor in 2023. Vrabel brings some stability to the coaching staff. In addition, the return of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator should help Maye take more ownership at the line of scrimmage and play to his strengths.”
There is no doubt a coach like Vrabel will benefit Maye. He’s not only a coach who gets the best out of his players, he is a game planner who finds ways to put his teams in position to succeed. He also has the type of personality that that sparks a winning attitude which will fuel Maye’s approach to the game.
As much as Vrabel will contribute to the maturity of Maye, the return of McDaniels may be even more valuable in how he can utilize the offense to suit Maye’s talent. With the selection of Henderson, the Patriots will look to lean on the running game to set up more down-the-field play-action. The addition of Diggs will help the receiving group be more effective and impactful and give Maye a veteran receiver he can trust. Obviously, it will all depend on the offensive line play. Campbell at left tackle helps secure the line to at the very least be more formidable then it was the last couple of seasons.
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Coaching, an improved offensive line and the addition of explosive players are the top reasons Maye will be in position to leap to stardom in 2025. The biggest factor will be his own execution and limiting the turnovers. He also must be smarter when he does decide to use his legs to create plays. Health will also be a factor in how Year 2 goes for the North Carolina product.