4 things to watch in Patriots' third open practice
Organized team activities should be taken with a grain of salt.
It's an exciting time in the offseason when we get a brief look at the Patriots. Historically, the media views between 3-5 open practices during May and June. Sometimes, the players who stand out make a name for themselves.
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For example, in 2021, Kendrick Bourne led all Patriots receivers in receptions during OTAs and minicamp. That led to a strong training camp followed by a career year where he finished with 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
The next offseason, however, the leading receiver during these spring practices was Nelson Agholor. In 2023, it was tight end Mike Gesicki.
The Patriots will wrap up their last week of OTAs this week. The media will be present at Monday's practice. Next week, the team wraps up their spring practice schedule with a three-day mandatory minicamp. All practices are open to the media.
The only difference between OTAs and minicamp is that OTAs are optional while minicamp is mandatory for players.
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Here are five things to watch in today's final open OTA practice of 2025:
Drake Maye
We shouldn't overreact to a couple of bad practices in the spring. However, it would be nice to see Drake Maye look like the star we all think he can be. So far, the performance has left a lot to be desired.
Through two practices, Maye has completed 61% of his passes (20-of-33) with four interceptions. This marks his first offseason with Josh McDaniels. Last year, he completed 66% (29-of-44) of his attempts with three interceptions – while also learning a new system.
Maye needs to show improvement – and to dominate. The future of the Patriots franchise hinges on his development, so although it's not the time to sound the alarm, it would be nice to see him finish strong this spring.
Wide receivers
When it comes to Maye's development, it would be nice to see his receivers step up.
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Over two practices, his leading receivers in team drills are Hunter Henry (five catches) and Kendrick Bourne (four catches). After that, the numbers fall off – DeMario Douglas (two), Kyle Williams (two), Javon Baker (one), and Austin Hooper (one).
It's noteworthy that Williams is already on the field with Maye while Baker has spent more time with Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge.
One name to keep an eye on is Efton Chism III. The undrafted free agent has a team-high six catches in two practices. All those are from Dobbs and Wooldridge, but he's making the most of his opportunities.
Left guard
Who will start at left guard for the Patriots?
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At this point, that's anyone's guess. Through two practices, the Patriots have rotated several players in at left guard. There doesn't seem to be a clear favorite right now. The leading favorites are Cole Strange, Tyrese Robinson, and Wes Schweitzer.
Layden Robinson could also factor into the equation along with undrafted free agent Jack Conley. Right now, it's hard to evaluate since there is no contact allowed, but this is one of the bigger question marks on the Patriots roster.
Josh McDaniels
Speaking of Maye, it'll be interesting to hear what Josh McDaniels has to say about the young quarterback. On Monday, all Patriots assistant coaches are expected to speak with the media before the start of practice.
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McDaniels hasn't spoken with the media since the start of OTAs. It'll be fascinating to hear what he says about Maye and his recent struggles. In one practice, Maye threw four interceptions. In the next, he completed 53% of his attempts.
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