The Patriots are counting on the second-year quarterback taking his next step on as well as off the field.
Drake Maye showed plenty of promise during his rookie season, but there is one area he specifically needs to work on. According to head coach Mike Vrabel, the New England Patriots’ second-year quarterback has room for growth in the leadership department.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the first practice of this year’s mandatory minicamp, Maye’s development as a leader was one of the big topics.
“I think we’re always trying to evolve in what we do, whether that’s leadership, whether that’s learning the other side of the football, whether that’s learning each other,” Vrabel said on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. “Drake, I think, it’s a unique position being 22 — it’s kind of unique in that sense.
“There is a lot of room to grow. There are a lot of natural leadership qualities. I have to encourage him, continue to encourage him and to put him in those positions to do that so that the players understand that there’s a different version of all of us. There’s one that’s maybe off the field, that there’s one in the meeting room, and then there’s a version on the field, which we all have to understand is somewhat different than what it may be off the field.”
After starting 12 games in his first NFL season last year, the Patriots under a new coaching staff want to see Maye take the next step in his development. His performance on the field is naturally a big part of that after he went 225-of-338 as a passer for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
In addition, the team also wants Maye to take ownership of the Patriots offense and emerge as a tone-setter off the field as well.
However, Vrabel pointed out that leadership is not exclusive to the quarterback position.
“I don’t think it matters if you’re a quarterback, offensive lineman, running back or defensive back. It’s about your ability to reach certain players,” he explained. “We don’t want to have any gaps. Hopefully, you know what to do, you’re prepared, you do things the right way, you’re a good listener.
“I think you can adapt to what happens and adapt to the people you’re talking to maybe based on what they need. Sometimes people need a little different encouraging, and sometimes you need a little bit of a firmer hand and maybe a little bit of a firmer stance. I think that’s all important of understanding and getting to know each person before you can start to lead them.”
For Maye, that process is ongoing. Not only is he still one of the youngest players on the team even with one season already under his belt, he also saw the Patriots undergo considerable change since the end of his rookie campaign.
Nonetheless, he is optimistic in his development as a potential future leader.
“I’ll take a jump from last year, being a rookie,” Maye said following Monday’s practice. “Trying to come in here and kind of earn my stripe, earn my keep through hard work. This year, same approach. You have new guys, new staff. You have to get to know everybody, show my work ethic, and then from there, as the season comes around, try to take the next step of leadership and leading the offense, and hopefully leading this football team.”