Daily news and links for Thursday
TEAM TALK
- Patriots will celebrate the career of David Andrews on Monday, June 2.
- Mike Dussault reports how Mike Vrabel set the tone as the Patriots conducted another high-energy OTA practice on Wednesday.
- Highlight: Drake Maye throws deep to Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas from Wednesday OTA.
- Photos: Patriots OTAs from May 27.
- Alexandra Francisco reports Pats dietitian Ted Harper earned a prestigious award for excellence in sports nutrition
- Press Conference: Mike Vrabel (11 min. video) – Kayshon Boutte, Christian Elliss, Jabrill Peppers, and Robert Spillane (16 min. video)
- Patriots Catch-22: Wednesday OTA takeaways, player observations, David Andrews retirement. (2 hours)
LOCAL LINKS
- Doug Kyed’s Patriots OTAs observations: Drake Maye dodged the turnover bug; The offense continues to sputter early in camp; Play of the Day: Rookie 3rd-round WR Kyle Williams hauled in a 35-yard pass from backup QB Joshua Dobbs with an over-the-shoulder catch over CB Miles Battle, who had an eventful day. More!
- Alex Barth’s Patriots OTA Notebook: Drake Maye’s accuracy was a bit erratic with multiple missed throws, mainly missing high. When Maye did get in a rhythm is was mainly through finding his favorite target from last year in tight end Hunter Henry. That turned into a high-volume day for Henry; Defensive line causing havoc; O-line progressions; Highlight plays; More.
- Taylor Kyles’ Patriots OTAs Day 2: Shaky day for Drake Maye; Mike Vrabel’s quotes of note; Craig Woodson has a knack for being around the ball; Javon Baker had a productive practice; Efton Chism continues to look like one of the team’s most consistent receivers; More.
- Mark Daniels gives us 8 takeaways from OTAs: Defense stifles Drake Maye. Learning a new offensive system isn’t easy. Through two open practices, the second-year quarterback is 20-of-33 (61%) with four interceptions. Last year, in five spring practices, Maye finished 29-of-44 (66%) with three interceptions. Is this cause for concern?
- Phil Perry shares his takeaways from Wednesday’s OTA session: Better day for Maye, but still a slog for the offense; Stefon Diggs drama; Teaching moment with Javon Baker.
- Karen Guregian details how Mike Vrabel’s hands-on approach is a hit with Patriots.
- Mark Daniels relays Drake Maye getting off to a slow start to OTAs this spring.
- Mark Daniels says it’s easy to see the potential with Javon Baker, but the young receiver still needs to mature.
- Zack Cox highlights Kayshon Boutte reacting to offseason trade rumors and his battle for a roster spot in the crowded receiver room.
- Karen Guregian hears from Patriots defenders explaining why they’re expecting a ‘good year’.
- Mark Daniels spotlights veteran LB Christian Elliss who is off to a good start in Vrabel’s defense.
- Zack Cox hears from veteran safety Jabrill Peppers addressing his acquittal: ‘Just happy it’s over with.’
- Mark Daniels notes defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is still absent due to ‘health scare.’
- Mike D’Abate reports David Andrews is retiring. Andrews was the ‘steady man in the middle’ for 10 seasons.
- Karen Guregian weighs the implications of Stefon Diggs’ viral video. Diggs must have missed Mike Vrabel’s memo.
- Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick discuss what to make of the viral boat video involving Stefon Diggs. (4 min. video)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman (PFF) 2025 NFL Roster Rankings: Strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for every starting lineup. Patriots 26th. /Click for commentary and 2025 projected starting lineup.
- John Kosko (PFF) QB Rankings: All 32 starters ahead of 2025 NFL season. Drake Maye 22nd. /Click for commentary.
- Trevor Sikkema (PFF) Running Back rankings: Top 32 ahead of 2025 season. TreVeyon Henderson 28th. Rhamondre Stevenson 29th. /’Eesh… I’m assuming better production in reality. Click for commentary.
- John Kosko (PFF) Tight End Rankings: Top 32 ahead of 2025 season. Hunter Henry 16th. /Click for commentary.
- Myles Simmons (ProFootballTalk) Mike Vrabel has noticed “great improvement” from Drake Maye.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) David Andrews to hold retirement press conference on Monday.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Mike Vrabel on Stefon Diggs: We want to make great decisions on and off the field
- Jeff Kerr (CBS Sports) 2025 NFL OTA observations: Shedeur Sanders puts on show at Browns practice; Colts QB battle underway.
- Dalton Wasserman (PFF) One bounce-back candidate for all 32 NFL teams in 2025. Patriots: DL Christian Barmore.
- Thomas Valentine (PFF) Predicting the NFL’s most improved player at every position. No Pats.
- Andrew Brandt (SI) Business of Football: Making sense of Roger Goodell’s comments about the salary cap; Plus, the root of rookie contract disputes, Brock Purdy’s contract and more.
- Matt Verderame (SI) Ranking the NFL’s 32 Coach-Quarterback duos in 2025. Patriots No 17 Mike Vrabel-Drake Maye
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) “Exceptionally high demand” crashes NFL’s London ticketing system.