New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo didn't mince words when discussing rookie quarterback Drake Maye's rookie camp performance, hinting that fans eager to see Maye start might have to temper their expectations.
After a session at rookie minicamp, Mayo shared with assembled journalists: "He has a lot to work on. A lot to work on. But I have no doubt that he will put the time in. He was here all night trying to get on the same page as everyone else."
The Patriots picked Maye third overall, passing up several trade proposals to make him the successor to Mac Jones. Maye was taken right after Jayden Daniels went to the Washington Commanders and Caleb Williams went to the Chicago Bears.
Maye's final season at UNC raised some eyebrows due to his erratic play, despite previously being touted as the second-best QB option in his class. Mayo's comments seem to reflect the concerns that have been circulating about Maye's readiness.
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It's reported that the Patriots declined trade offers from the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, both of whom appeared interested in drafting Maye, choosing instead to secure him quickly for their roster.
Mayo's remarks hint that the team might have reservations about starting him immediately. The quarterback was spotted honing his footwork with coaches, a skill considered his Achilles' heel during his last college year and heavily scrutinised by draft experts.
Maye is set to compete with seasoned pro Jacoby Brissett for the top spot, who has circled back to the squad that initially drafted him. After leaving post-rookie season in 2016 to lead the Indianapolis Colts, Brissett now seems to have an edge for the Patriots' starting role this year, especially since the team brought on Alex Van Pelt, the former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo made some worrying comments about Drake Maye (Patriots/YouTube)Interestingly, at the Patriots' rookie minicamp, Maye wasn't the outright starter, sharing snaps with ex-Tennessee college quarterback Joe Milton, picked by New England in the sixth round. Milton boasts an arm strength comparable to power throwers like Josh Allen but has been plagued by accuracy issues throughout his college career and at the Senior Bowl.
Discussing Milton, Maye acknowledged their rivalry but also their budding friendship, stating: "Joe is my guy. I got to know him throughout college and saw him down at the [Peyton] Manning Camp. We're just competing, two rookies in here trying to learn it. I think we both have strong arms, so just out here trying to let it rip."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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