FOXBORO, Mass. — Drake Maye actually seemed the half.
The Patriots rookie quarterback seemed higher throughout the first day of obligatory minicamp than he did throughout rookie minicamp or organized crew actions (open-to-media periods).
Maye served as New England’s backup quarterback behind veteran Jacoby Brissett, persevering with a development that was first showcased throughout an OTA final week. Maye (29) was neck-and-neck in reps with Brissett (30). He greater than doubled the reps of third-stringer Bailey Zappe (13) and greater than quadrupled fellow rookie Joe Milton III (six).
Maye is the clear backup quarterback, however for the primary time this spring he saved up with the starter.
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When requested what he’s seen from Maye, Brissett stated he’s observed an amazing enchancment.
“Daily he’s gotten higher,” Brissett stated after apply. “And the benefit of it’s it’s not like ‘Oh, I acquired it proper now and I’m not fascinated by it.’ He’s simply continuously looking for methods to get higher.
“He’s making some good throws on the market and also you’re seeing his development come alive.”
That was the case throughout New England’s first of two scheduled minicamp periods. Apparent disclaimer: The Patriots weren’t in pads so you need to take Maye’s mid-June apply for what it’s value.
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Maye was at his finest throughout 7-on-7s. He accomplished six of his seven passes throughout two mix intervals, together with a red-zone stretch when he went 3-for-3 with three touchdowns. Maye linked with depth receiver Jalen Reagor, rookie tight finish Jaheim Bell and receiver Kayshon Boutte on these three passes. Maye’s nicest move of the 7-on-7 interval, although, was his solely incompletion (6-for-7). Maye lofted a perfectly-placed deep ball to La’Michael Pettway, which hit the tight finish’s fingers and fell to the bottom.
Pettway and Maye, nonetheless, linked on one of many nicest performs of the day throughout the preliminary 11-on-11 interval. Pettway climbed the ladder and hauled in a landing after Maye led the crew down the sector. Earlier in that sequence, Maye saved a snap himself and took it up the center for a giant acquire. It was one of many first instances this spring media noticed Maye make the learn and instantly take off as quickly as he had the ball in his fingers.
“He’s made large strides,” Brissett stated. “Not solely calling the performs, footwork, throwing the ball and his total understanding of the offense.”
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Maye accomplished 4 of his 5 passes with one landing (six reps) throughout his first 11-on-11 interval. He obtained essentially the most reps of any quarterback throughout the second 11-on-11 interval (eight) and accomplished 5 of his eight passes.
Each throughout the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11, Maye confirmed poise and improved decision-making. He took the test down if that was the best choice quite than forcing it. Maye didn’t throw an interception after he threw two within the final open-to-media apply.
“He’s dialed in each rep, even the reps that he’s not in,” Mayo stated of Maye on Monday.
Brissett has not solely obtained first-team reps however has been the clear-cut finest quarterback within the prior open-to-media practices. Maye got here a lot nearer to that Monday. And in doing so, he separated himself from Zappe, who was pulled from 11-on-11 work after he threw a pick-six to Kyle Dugger, and Milton, who noticed simply six snaps throughout crew intervals.
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Maye and the Patriots are scheduled to be again on the apply subject at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. The Patriots will host the in-stadium jersey retirement for Tom Brady on Wednesday evening.
