How new Patriots QB coach could help Drake Maye learn Josh McDaniels' offense

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye improved aspects of his game, such as his footwork, while working with former New England quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney and former offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. 

A new coaching staff that includes longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and current quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant is now tasked with helping Maye reach what's believed to be a high ceiling. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Grant seemed confident he could assist Maye in learning what's been referred to as a "wordy" and complicated system.

"As soon as I got the job, [Van Pelt and McCartney] both reached out to me and were super excited," Grant explained, per Chris Mason of MassLive. "I just tried to get as much insight as I can. They said Drake’s awesome. Loved to work with him. I actually stayed at AVP’s house for about a week when I first moved out, so it’s been great." 

As ESPN's Mike Reiss noted, Grant was an assistant with the Cleveland Browns when Van Pelt was their offensive coordinator and when new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was a consultant in 2024. 

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Chad Graff mentioned how McDaniels spent portions of offseason meetings with New England coaches "explaining his verbiage for various formations and concepts" and discussing "ways to teach the various concepts" to Maye and others inside the locker room. 

"Our language has been refined a little bit between last year with the time that I had and then this spring with the coaches," McDaniels said on Thursday. "I think that’s really getting streamlined. It’s been great to have their perspective on it. Just being in the same type of language for my entire career has been good, and probably in some ways, it’s been a little different than most coaches."

Vrabel almost certainly won't become a one-and-done head coach with New England as Jerod Mayo. While Mayo had never held such a role until he was hired in January 2024, Vrabel is a former Associated Press Coach of the Year Award winner. 

Getting the most out of Maye over the next couple of years could determine if Vrabel either finds success quickly or has to hit a figurative reset button as soon as 2027.

"In terms of the talent, I think he can do everything you would want out of the quarterback position," Grant added about Maye. "I’ve had a couple conversations with him just trying to get to know him. He seems like a super smart kid."

Mason called Grant a "bridge" who could ensure that Maye builds upon his achievements under Van Pelt and grows while working with McDaniels. That's a lot of pressure for an assistant, but Grant is up to the task.