Patriots reporter lists Drake Maye concerns outside of leadership

It certainly seems to outsiders that people within the New England Patriots, such as first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, want second-year quarterback Drake Maye to grow as a leader before the 2025 season gets underway. 

For a piece published on Wednesday, Patriots insider Chad Graff of The Athletic shared additional concerns regarding Maye's development. 

"Maye ranked 22nd out of 25 qualifying quarterbacks in turnover-worthy throw percentage last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He must be better in that area to reach his potential," Graff wrote. "The Patriots believe he will be, especially if he doesn’t have to force as many throws as he did...but he has to prove it."

The third pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye made 12 starts and played in 13 games as a rookie. He tallied 15 touchdown passes, but StatMuse shows that only three quarterbacks committed more turnovers than Maye (10 interceptions, six lost fumbles) during the 2024 campaign. 

Additionally, questions about Maye's playing style arose after he entered the NFL's concussion protocol during New England's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. In total, he rushed for 421 yards and two scores on 54 carries last season. 

"Maye also needs to improve at protecting himself," Graff added. "It’s admirable that he’s willing to take a hit to pick up extra yards for his team, but at times, he’s too careless."

Much of the Patriots' offseason activities involved attempting to help Maye make a big leap later this year. Vrabel brought longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who played a significant role in Tom Brady becoming the GOAT, back to the organization. New England later added wide receiver Stefon Diggs, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, center Garrett Bradbury, rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell, first-year running back TreVeyon Henderson and promising rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams to the roster.

"Every area should be better: the running backs, offensive line, wide receivers and coaching. All of it," Graff said. "Combine all of that with the natural progression that often comes for NFL quarterbacks between Years 1 and 2, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Maye is a fringe top-10 quarterback this season."

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Patriots at +115 betting odds to make the playoffs for the upcoming campaign. That says plenty about how certain members of the football community feel about the Patriots' offseason after the club went 4-13 under one-and-done head coach Jerod Mayo.