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CBS News
21 minutes ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Drake Maye ready for a bigger leadership role on Patriots, even if he has to get a little mean
Drake Maye knows the expectations for himself and the New England Patriots are sky high heading into the 2025 NFL season. But the second-year quarterback isn't worried about living up to all the hype. The 22-year-old is embracing the many challenges being thrown his way this summer. Maye is learning a new offense under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and he's getting to know a whole host of new players on the offense. More pre-snap play-calling responsibility have been put on Maye's shoulders, as head coach Mike Vrabel and McDaniels have tasked him with running the show in drills. "I think it's been good. I think I'm starting to find a stride. I'm bummed out we're about to leave, but it's fun," Maye said Monday after the New England's first practice of mandatory minicamp. He's doing all of this while competing against Vrabel's stout defense every day in practice, and Maye isn't backing down when going up against his teammates. He doesn't care star cornerback Christian Gonzalez and free-agent addition Carlton Davis are looking to pick him off every play -- he's going to test that talented duo in the secondary every chance he gets. "Anytime we're going against a great defense, you got good players, two great corners. I tell Gonzo every day, 'I'm going to test them.' I'm not going to not throw at him or CD, two of the best corners and one of the best duos in the league," said Maye. "What an opportunity for us to go out there every day and throw against those guys." More important than how he looks on the field is how he acts in the huddle, on the sideline, and in the locker room. On top of his responsibilities in the offense, Maye is working hard at becoming a better leader as he looks to make the Patriots his team. It's almost a certainty Maye will be elected a captain by his teammates later this summer, and the quarterback sounds determined to thrive in that role. The Patriots need a new influx of young leadership, and who better to lead the way than their franchise quarterback? Drake Maye's evolution as a leader While the Patriots are counting on Maye leading the franchise for years to come, his leadership is a work in progress. Ahead of Monday's practice, Vrabel was asked if Maye is a natural leader or if it's a role the quarterback has had to evolve into. Vrabel said there's a lot of natural leadership in the quarterback, but he does have to be pushed to show off those qualities from time to time. "We're always trying to evolve in what we do, whether that's in leadership or learning the other side of the football or learning each other. Drake, it's a unique position being 22. It's kind of unique in that sense," said Vrabel. "There's a lot of room to grow. [He has] a lot of natural leadership qualities and I have to continue to encourage him and put him into positions to do that, so players understand there is a different version to all of us. "There's the version off the field, one in the meeting room, and the version on the field, which we all have to understand is different than the version off the football field," added Vrabel. "It's about your ability to reach certain players. We don't want to have any gaps and hopefully you know what you do and you're prepared, you think the right way and are a good listener." Vrabel is essentially saying that at times, Maye needs needs to shed that Mr. Nice Guy persona and get a little mean. Maye is almost always rocking a smile, but there are going to be times when he has to call out a teammate and get them in line. "This is pro football. I don't think everybody's going to like you," said Vrabel. "I don't think that's something that is possible. We have to do our job. We have to make sure that we're prepared and that ultimately the players can hold each other accountable to play to our standard, play to our identity and know what to do and perform." Maye said his evolution as a leader is a process, but one he's making strides in. "It's something that me, growing up with three older brothers and being around older people my whole life, I've kind of been comfortable, once I got acclimated, which I feel like I definitely am now, to kind of step into that zone," said Maye. "Especially offensively, if somebody's not doing their job -- and it starts with me, I've got to do mine first -- but if somebody's not doing their job and repeating mistakes, I think there's got to be a consequence. I think at some point it hurts the football team, and I think it hurts everybody in that building." It means Maye will probably have to have some uncomfortable conversations with his teammates at points this summer and throughout the season. But those are part of the process of becoming the true leader of a team. "I think it's an opportunity for me to take a jump. I think from last year being a rookie, trying to come in here and earn my stripes, earn my keep through hard work. I think this year is the same approach," he said. "You got new guys in here, new staff, got to keep on getting to know everybody, show my work ethic. From there, as the season comes around, try to take the next step in leadership and leading the offense and hopefully leading this football team." The expectations are sky high for Maye entering his second NFL season. He'll be expected to make a huge leap as a player, making more positive plays while cutting down on his turnovers. Now there's also the expectation he'll take over the locker room. But even with his 23rd birthday over two months away, Maye isn't shying away from those lofty expectations. They'll provide him with a lot of fuel and motivation for the 2025 season and beyond. "You want high expectations. I think that's what you want. I think this city, the Patriots are used to winning, and that's what we're trying to get back to," Maye said Monday. "I think you want people to expect you to play well. I think that pressure is what fuels you to be out here, what fuels you to get the rep right in practice. It's what fuels you to work hard in the meetings, the weight room, or not what happened last year happen again."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carlton Davis III shows up at Pats' OTAs
Nothing provides cover for missing OTAs like having a teammate whose absence from the voluntary practices gets all the attention. In New England, free-agent receiver Stefon Diggs had been the focal point until he showed up on Monday. That kept the absences of cornerback Carlton Davis III from being noticed. Advertisement Via Mike Reiss of Davis had not been present for any of the OTA sessions that had been open to reporters until Thursday. In March, the Patriots signed Davis to a three-year, $54 million contract, with $34.5 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old arrived in the NFL as a second-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2018. After six years in Tampa, he was traded to the Lions last year. Davis appeared in 13 games for Detroit. A fractured jaw suffered against the Bills in Week 15 sidelined him for the rest of the season. In New England, he's expected to join Christian Gonzalez as the starting cornerbacks.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
7 takeaways as Drake Maye struggles in Patriots OTAs
FOXBOROUGH – Drake Maye dropped back and threw the ball looking for rookie Kyle Williams. Instead, the quarterback's pass went right to Patriots safety Dell Pellus. On the next play, Maye attempted to connect with DeMario Douglas. That's when Christian Gonzalez jumped in front of the pass for another interception. Advertisement After a rough first period of 11-on-11 drills in Tuesday's Patriots OTAs session, Maye returned to the field for the next period where he promptly threw two more interceptions. Gonzalez made the young quarterback pay on a deep overthrow to Williams for his second pick of the practice. On the next play, rookie safety Craig Woodson intercepted Maye on a pass to Hunter Henry. The Patriots first open practice of 2025 didn't start on a positive note for Maye. As the afternoon went on, however, the 22-year-old settled down and finished strong. After starting 4-of-8 with four interceptions, Maye completed 7-of-8 passes to end Wednesday's practice. The quarterback finished 11-of-16 overall with four turnovers. Tuesday marked the second OTA practice for the Patriots and the first open to the media. Advertisement Here are the other main takeaways from Tuesday's practice: Drake Maye struggled but finished strong Maye's tough start was unusual. Last spring, Maye threw three total interceptions during five open practices between OTAs and minicamp. In his first training camp, he threw five total interceptions in competitive drills. On Tuesday, he threw more interceptions in two 11-on-11 series than he did all last offseason. There is going to be a learning curve for Maye as he learns Josh McDaniels' system. After the four picks, Maye was automatic in the final two series. His final period ended with two highlight throws – a deep ball to Kyle Williams with Craig Woodson in coverage and another deep ball to Javon Baker with Christian Gonzalez in coverage. Advertisement The other two Patriots quarterbacks also struggled on Tuesday. Joshua Dobbs finished 7-of-13 and Ben Wooldridge completed 3-of-8 passes in full-team drills. Attendance For optional practices, the Patriots had a solid showing of attendance. The team missed five players from practice – Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Sidy Sow, and Joshua Farmer. Hollins was present in street clothes while Diggs is rehabbing his knee injury. Before practice, Vrabel said Stevenson was home due to personal reasons after his father, Robert, died in March. 'I've been in constant communication with him. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers with him and his family as they heal and they grieve,' Vrabel said.' I want to be a part of that to help them and get to know him. I met him early on and then he went back, and now those conversations have just been over the telephone.' Advertisement The Patriots had several players limited on Tuesday: Ja'Lynn Polk, Morgan Moses, Michael Onwenu, Vederian Lowe, Jared Wilson, and Jahvaree Ritzie. Javon Baker made a statement After the Patriots drafted Williams in the third round, the pressure increased for Javon Baker. Last year's fourth-round pick struggled to get on the field and finished with one catch as a rookie. That's why it was notable that Baker made the best catch of the day. In the final 11-on-11 period, Maye threw him a deep ball on the right sideline. Gonzalez was draped all over Baker, but somehow, the wide receiver caught the ball in an extremely tight window. It was an impressive catch. Will Campbell is a Day 1 starter This isn't a surprise, but Will Campbell spent all of Tuesday's practice as the Patriots top left tackle. Drafted fourth overall, the LSU product is being thrust into the Patriots projected top lineup from the get-go. Advertisement The Patriots mixed and matched their offensive line on Tuesday, but only Campbell and center Garrett Bradbury were the constants when Maye was under center. The first offensive line, with Maye on the field, had Campbell (left tackle), Cole Strange (left guard), Bradbury (center), Michael Onwenu (right guard), and Morgan Moses (right tackle). With several players limited, that lineup chanted to Campbell (left tackle), Wes Schweitzer (left guard), Bradbury (center), Strange (right guard), and Caedan Wallace (right tackle) to start 11-on-11s. Undrafted free-agent receiver stands out Keep an eye on Efton Chism III. An undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, Chism stuck out multiple times on Tuesday. In college, he broke several Cooper Kupp school records, and it was easy to see why. Advertisement Chism hauled in three of Dobbs' seven completions. He also caught two passes from Wooldridge. A slot receiver, his speed sticks out – and he was also in the kickoff return rotation. His five catches on Tuesday led all Patriots pass catchers. Two offensive rookies look the part There are no pads on, or contact allowed, so historically, it's hard to evaluate running backs. On Tuesday, however, it was easy to notice TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots second-round pick is extremely fast with the ball in his hands. With Rhamondre Stevenson out due to personal reasons, Henderson worked with Maye's offensive group. The rookie caught two passes in a row from Maye in 11-on-11s. Advertisement Williams' day wasn't perfect as he was targeted on two of Maye's interceptions. However, the third-round pick made one of the best plays of the day when he caught a Maye deep pass on the left sideline with Woodson in tight coverage. Rookie kicker makes good impression The Patriots enter this offseason looking for a new kicker for the third straight season. On Tuesday, sixth-round pick Andy Borregales looked like the real deal. The kicker from Miami connected on all four of his attempts – ranging between 35 and 55 yards. He's competing with Parker Romo, who misses two of his four field goal attempts. Advertisement Borregales was the first kicker drafted in April. We saw why on Tuesday. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
USA Today
6 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez snubbed, again, in latest rankings
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez snubbed, again, in latest rankings New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was snubbed in another Pro Football Focus rankings list. This time, he was not listed in the top 10 of the top-32 cornerbacks rankings compiled on the site. Gonzalez did make the list, coming in at No. 13. However, one would think he should have cracked the top 10 after making the All-Pro Second-Team last season. He was also recently left off PFF's top 25 players under the age of 25 list. "Let the play talk," Gonzalez responded, when asked about being left off the previous PFF list. Gonzalez had a stellar season in 2024, recording 59 tackles, 11 past deflections, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Although he earned an All-Pro nod, he was snubbed in the Pro Bowl voting. So people overlooking Gonzalez isn't anything new. PFF's John Kosko wrote: "After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, Gonzalez started the 2024 campaign slowly before catching fire in Week 4 against the 49ers. He played man coverage at a 50.1% rate last season and earned a 78.2 PFF coverage grade, which ranked ninth among cornerbacks." Gonzalez will undoubtedly let his play do the talking. He could be even more dominant in Year 3 with an improved Patriots defense and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III lining up on the other side. The duo could formulate one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Patriots Predicted to Make Christian Gonzalez Highest-Paid CB in NFL History
Patriots Predicted to Make Christian Gonzalez Highest-Paid CB in NFL History originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New England Patriots have the pedal to the floor on a rebuild under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year signal caller Drake Maye, which includes legitimate playoff hopes in 2025 due to an exceedingly easy schedule -- or, at least, what appears to be one on paper during the preseason. Advertisement Drafting left tackle Will Campbell out of LSU with the No. 4 overall pick in April and inking four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a $63.5 million deal earlier in the offseason were both major pieces of that initiative. However, locking up the high-end talent already on the roster is also part of the equation. Enter defensive back Christian Gonzalez. New England Patriots cornerback Christian J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Gonzalez, a former first-round pick in 2023 (No. 17 overall) is entering the third year of his $15.1 million rookie contract. The Patriots will have the right next summer to exercise a team option on a fifth season for Gonzalez in 2027 at an as of yet undetermined price, which is all but a lock to happen considering the cornerback's production in the 20 games he's started through two seasons. Advertisement However, Gonzalez will also be extension eligible next summer. History suggests that it would behoove New England to ink him to a new contract as soon as possible, as annual average salaries at all premier positions tend to increase with each passing year, coinciding with spikes in the league-wide salary cap and new contracts on other teams consistently resetting the high financial watermarks for elite players. NFL analysts and salary cap gurus are already projecting that Gonzalez will become the next highest-paid defensive back in league history next summer, though general terms are now starting to take the form of actual numbers -- and those numbers are substantial. "PREDICT: What #Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez' contract extension will be next offseason...?" MLFootball posted to its X account on Monday, June 2. "[Four] years, $130 million dollar deal ... $32.5 per year. ✍️ ✍️ ✍️" Advertisement That specific contract would render Gonzalez the richest cornerback ever in the NFL based on both total value and annual average salary. Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans is currently the leader in AAV at $30 million annually over three years, per Over The Cap, while Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers owns the highest total contract value at $100 million across a four-year deal. Gonzalez earned Second-Team All-Pro honors last season with 11 passes defensed, two interceptions and a fumble return for a touchdown across 16 starts following a rookie season cut short by injury to just four games played. Related: Patriots' Stefon Diggs sends five-word message upon arrival to OTAs amid latest drama. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
