The New England Patriots made a handful of significant additions this offseason by bringing in a new head coach, new offensive coordinator, new go-to wide receiver, and new left tackle to help accelerate the development of QB Drake Maye entering his second season in the league.
Well, one NFL analyst believes these changes could give the Patriots franchise quarterback to enter elite status in 2025.
Drake Maye Predicted to be Most Improved Second Year QB in NFL in 2025
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently ranked the six first round quarterback selections from the 2024 NFL Draft detailing which signal caller is likely to improve from the most from his rookie year. Fortunately for Patriots’ fans, Drake Maye ranked atop that list.
“Drake Maye looked like a veteran carrying the New England Patriots offense at points during his first season. Imagine how good he can be if the Patriots had significantly more talent around him. Well, they will this season,” Sobleski wrote. “As long as Maye doesn’t revert to Captain Checkdown, while also looking to pass a little longer when he breaks the pocket, he has the potential to enter elite status during the upcoming season.”
Maye simply didn’t have the offensive line or pass-catching weapons last season required to succeed at a high level. Yet, Maye still flashed a ton of potential upside with his 2,276 passing yards and 421 rushing yards to go which led to 17 total touchdowns in his 13 games in 2024.
Maye’s 7.8 yards per rushing attempt is one of the highest marks in NFL history from the QB position for players with 50+ rushing attempts in a season.
This per carry efficiency suggests Maye could be an elite dual threat weapon under center if the passing production takes a big leap forward in 2025.
Did the Patriots Do Enough This Offseason to Maximize Drake Maye’s Development in 2025?
Sobleski touched on some of the changes in coaching and personnel that could help Maye succeed in 2025.
“From a roster standpoint, the Patriots fielded the league’s worst roster in 2024, particularly at the skill positions. A significant overhaul ensued this offseason,” added Sobleski. “At wide receiver and running back, New England added Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, as well as second- and third-round rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams. Up front, this year’s fourth overall draft pick, left tackle Will Campbell, will anchor a new-look unit that now features veteran right tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury.”
These additions to every position group on the offense shouldn’t be overlooked. The additions along the offensive line alone should help raise the floor of the rushing attack and provide Maye with more time to push the ball down the field.
Stefon Diggs is coming off of a torn ACL and is past the age of 30, but is a former All-Pro at the WR position. His presence alone should help improve a receiver room that was completely missing a go-to option for Maye to rely on.
The upgrade from a rookie head coach in Jerod Mayo to a former NFL Coach of Year in Mike Vrabel shouldn’t be overlooked either.
If the new additions along the offensive gel quickly and Diggs anchors the receiver room… then the table could be set for Maye to exceed expectations in 2025.
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