Three big takeaways from Patriots rookie minicamp with Drake Maye

The New England Patriots welcomed all the rookies to Gillette Stadium this weekend, included the team's first-round draft pick Drake Maye. 

The quarterback was joined by the seven other draft picks along with nine undrafted free agents the Patriots signed. Only tackle Zuri Henry was not on the field with the team. 23 players were also in attendance for a tryout. 

Saturday was the first day there was some competition between the offense and the defense, and it certainly gave reporters something to talk about. 

Here are three main observations from Saturday's Rookie minicamp session that was open to reporters:

Drake Maye and Joe Milton III can throw the ball

When the Patriots drafted both Maye and Milton in the 2024 NFL Draft, they were known for their arm strength. And that was on full display despite only having a short time on the field in front of reporters. 

Maye had better accuracy during the drills, which included a 7-on-7 drill. However, Milton's ability to release the ball so quickly and fire it with so much power was quite impressive. 

While it's still early, they proved one thing in just a short period of time: it's going to be a fun to see them develop. 

Caedan Wallace starting the move to left tackle

When Caedan Wallace's name was called out, it appeared the Patriots had found their new tackle. However, he has spent his career at right tackle instead of left, raising some questions. 

The Patriots had Mike Onwenu on the right side, so after losing Trent Brown, the need was clearly on the left. Eliot Wolf explained that they thought Wallace could make the move and it's already started. During Saturday's session, Wallace was on the left side, and spoke about the transition with reporters. 

“It’s been good. It’s been cool,” Wallace said. “I’ve been working it throughout the combine and draft prep process. So coming out here and being able to just put on for the coaches has been pretty cool... I don’t find it all too hard to switch over.”

Jerod Mayo's Development

Taking over as head coach for the Patriots this year, Jerod Mayo had a big learning curve. And he is willing to do whatever it takes to grow and become the best coach he can be. 

His background is on the defensive side of the ball, so he's working on improving his knowledge on offense. 

“I have been over with the offense more than I have been with the defense,” Mayo said. “And that just goes back to continuing to grow and continuing to learn, like I said in those offensive meetings as well. I am learning right alongside those guys. As far as practice is concerned, I am going to bounce around, offense, defense, special teams. I mean, they all play a huge part in winning football games, but that is the benefit of having a bigger staff, or a larger staff, so I am able to do that.”