The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about Drake Maye, the young receivers, and more.
As the offseason rolls on, the New England Patriots have wrapped up their first week of OTAs which included a session open to the media on Tuesday.
So let’s talk about it all and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Saw drake maye threw four interceptions at practice the other day. Should there be any concern with that at this point on the calendar? – Mike W.
Short story: no. It’s one practice during the first week of OTAs where a young quarterback is learning a new offense. Media was also not on hand Monday or Thursday where Maye could have dominated for all we know.
Also, all interceptions are not the same which was seen during that one period. One of Maye’s picks was just a better play by Christian Gonzalez and one was a tipped ball where Maye and intended target Hunter Henry were signaling for defensive pass interference.
But if you take a step back, it’s worth monitoring to see if the struggles continue in the future for two reasons.
First off, turnovers were the main issue for Maye last season. Besides fumbling nine times and losing six, Maye tossed 10 interceptions in 12 starts. That helped result in 16 turnover worthy plays and a 3.5 percent turnover worthy play rate, which both ranked in the top half of all qualified quarterbacks. Protecting the football is key for Maye in year two and Tuesday’s session looked more like last season.
Secondly, this could be a sign of the expected learning curve that comes when learning Josh McDaniels’ offense. Instead of hitting the ground running with a similar offense in year two, the language and responsibilities for Maye pre-snap are completely different. That’s one of the risks when it comes to changing offenses on a young quarterback (and Maye now has four coordinators in his last four years dating back to college).
We will also reiterate that it was just one OTA practice in the first week of practices (and the only one open to media). Maye also started last year slow and ended strong making a push for the starting job, so we’ll see how things look at training camp when Maye has more on field experience in the system.
Plus, it’s fair to point out that Maye already rebounded nicely on Tuesday and ended the competitive periods with three perfectly placed and timed throws — ending with a back shoulder ball to Javon Baker down the right sideline working against Christian Gonzalez.
I know some receivers were out of practcie so how did the rookie receivers look? – MM12
Third-round pick Kyle Williams and UDFA Efton Chism III were impressive on Tuesday. Starting with Williams, the top rookie hauled in just one catch and was a target on one of Maye’s interceptions. While the numbers do not pop off the screen, Williams’ speed and ability to get open was on display throughout the sessions.
It was also encouraging that he was heavily involved from the start and primarily aligned at the X spot where Josh McDaniels found the way to get the ball in his hands.
As for Chism, the popular UDFA was more active on the stat sheet hauling in four catches during competitive team drills (three from Joshua Dobbs, one from Ben Wooldrige). Chism looked exactly as expected with his quickness and ability to suddenly change direction. He also was featured in some two wide receiver sets perhaps signaling New England doesn’t view him only as a slot receiver. I remain a fan.
There were no splashes but several small trades made or rejected during the draft. Don’t know if it was quiet front office great job, lost opportunities, or something in between. Looking back and at their present roster, how would you rate the front office, including Vrabal, and their trade and no trade choices? – maxiedp
I was also a fan of how the Patriots moved around the board during the draft — specifically in the third-round where they netted a future fourth-round pick in a pair of trades downs and still landed Jared Wilson at pick No. 95.
The big rejected trade came atop the second round as two teams offered to move up. In addition to the Bears looking to send New England a seventh to flip picks (and presumably draft TreVeyon Henderson), the Patriots were offered picks No. 58, No. 79 and a 2026 third-rounder for No. 38.
From how the rest of their draft unfolded, I am in favor of sticking to pick Henderson over the additional draft capital (especially as they went to trade down in the third). They still landed their WR in Kyle Williams and found some intriguing defensive line talent later on in Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson.
With recent reports that the patriots have hosted potential CB depth options, why haven’t they brought in someone like Asante Samuel Jr.? An established vet coming off injury who should be motivated to sign a one year prove it deal before getting back into FA next year. He could be a solid slot CB with the talent we have at the top of the roster. – HMB77
I do think the nickel corner spot remains one that could be upgraded at some point here. Marcus Jones may not be the future at that spot due to his injury history as he enters the final year of his contract while options behind him remain largely unproven. I’m not sure if Samuel, who has spent the majority of his career out wide, is that guy due to his concerns as a tackler, especially now coming off neck surgery.
Training camps are coming – whom do you see as potential training cuts from other teams that would interest Vrabes? – Arschloch
It’s too early to predict training camp cuts from others teams. But familiarity is also key so I’d keep an eye on any player who has ties to Mike Vrabel, McDaniels, Terrell Williams, etc.
Given the new coaching staff, internal development, the offseason additions, and the favorable schedule, I’m expecting a jump to the middle of the pack this year. But what are the most important boxes to check over the next few years to become a legit contender? – Matt1102
I am really looking forward to this season – even if they don’t win every game, it feels like they should have professional looking offense again . – am I too optimistic? – 75franklin68871
They should be professional as they’ve improve on paper in terms of the roster and coaches. But the ceiling of this group comes back to Drake Maye. Is he throwing interceptions or taking that step into the franchise quarterback category? If it’s the latter, that’s their best bet to getting back to a true contender.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.