Patriots
“He’s taking advantage of the opportunities that he gets.”
FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots returned to the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium for yet another voluntary OTA session as the team begins to set down the foundation for the 2024 season.
Here are eight takeaways from Wednesday’s two-hour practice:
Maye remains third in QB order
The Patriots are holding out hope that Drake Maye is their franchise savior at quarterback. But based on the limited reps we’ve seen so far in May, it’s clear that New England intends to ease the No. 3 pick into reps.
During full 11-on-11 sessions, it was Jacoby Brissett who logged the first snaps with the top unit — far from a surprise for the veteran signal-caller.
But after Brissett, it was Bailey Zappe who was called on next, even though the 2022 fourth-round pick’s days in New England might be numbered.
Maye was eventually the next QB to take part in 11-on-11s, but it was not until Brissett earned another look with the offense.
It’s clear that Jerod Mayo and the Patriots are making a concerted effort to take it slow and steady with Maye — although giving featured reps to a QB like Zappe who may not even be on the roster in late July is an interesting move.
“I mean, look, he’s taking advantage of the opportunities that he gets,” Mayo said of Maye’s reps. “But we’re all being evaluated — I’m being evaluated, the players are being evaluated. And hopefully everyone’s open to feedback. … It’s a case-by-case basis. But I would also say it’s not only what’s going on here on the football field.
“I know when we talk about meetings, we usually talk about like sitting at a desk and taking notes. But we have spaces inside the building where you can actually go out there and get real-life looks at the defenses. … He’ll get his reps.”
Maye did have a few impressive throws during 7-on-7s, including a heave down the right sideline that was reeled in by Tyquan Thornton.
Zappe taking murky future in stride
Brissett acknowledged that there is an “elephant in the room” when it comes to New England’s QB grouping and Zappe’s uncertain future.
“This is a tough situation for him, and he’s accepted that,” Brissett said of Zappe. “He’s going out there every day, and competed, and is doing a really good job, and making a lot of plays. I’m excited for his growth.”
With Maye standing as New England’s future No. 1 option at QB, Brissett capable of serving as a bridge starter, and New England also adding rocket-armed Joe Milton III in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft — Zappe seems to be the odd man out.
But Zappe isn’t dwelling over the fact that he could be on a different roster by the time training camp officially begins — instead focusing on the task at hand.
“They’ve told all of us, this is going to be a competition,” Zappe said. Everyone is going to have an opportunity to go out there and prove they can be that guy.”
Iffy attendance
OTAs are an entirely voluntary program for players, with several veterans not taking part in New England’s latest practice. Most of those absences were on defense, although it was interesting to note that rookie QB Joe Milton III was not spotted on the field.
Here are all of the absences from Wednesday’s session: Matthew Judon, Jonathan Jones, Josh Uche, Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Jahlani Tavai, Sam Roberts, Sione Takitaki, Cole Strange, Kendrick Bourne, Zuri Henry, Jake Andrews, Joe Milton III.
Rookie, second-year wideouts shine
Several wideouts had strong showings during Wednesday’s session, with rookie Javon Baker making the play of the day by high-pointing a ball from Brissett down the left sideline with Marco Wilson in coverage.
The former UCF pass-catcher jumped above Wilson, reeled in the 50-50 ball, and tapped both of his feet in bounds for a pick-up of nearly 30 yards.
“He’s getting better. Obviously somebody that we are looking forward to seeing what he can become,” Brissett said of Baker. “That’s how you build the trust right there is going out there and trying things and seeing what guys can do and seeing what plays guys can make. Things like that. It was good to see him go up and do that.”
DeMario Douglas continues to put together a route-running clinic whenever he’s on the field, with the second-round wideout sprawling for a big pick-up from Brissett off a slot fade.
Beyond his sideline snag off that throw from Maye, Thornton also had several other catches on Wednesday. Thornton is likely on the roster bubble and needs a productive camp and preseason to remain in New England long-term.
Early standouts
The true evaluation of New England’s roster will come in July once training camp begins. But Jerod Mayo already identified one player who has made significant strides this offseason in defensive lineman Keion White.
“I would say Keion is kind of taking that step forward as far as being a leader,” Mayo said. “Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well with others. … He’s always been a strong guy. But I would say he’s even stronger now.
“And he’s doing a good job each and every day. And in the meeting rooms, he’s actually kind of talking and leading those conversations.”
Mayo also singled out Brenden Schooler as another key contributor who has made an immediate impact this offseason — especially on a revamped special-teams unit moving ahead without its established leader in Matthew Slater.
“We know he plays hard each and every down and he’s out there each and every time … I think that’s the most important thing,” Mayo said of Schooler. “It’s hard to lead when you’re not out there on the field.
“I was a captain for seven years, I had a couple of IR years and it’s very difficult to lead if you’re not there on the field. … He’s a great athlete in the weight room, always pushing guys and then really just helping with the younger guys..”
Chad Ryland looking to turn the page
Chad Ryland had a rookie season to forget in 2023, with the kicker only connecting on 64% of his field-goal attempts during an up-and-down campaign. The 2023 fourth-round pick will need a strong camp and preseason to re-establish himself, especially with Joey Slye also vying for a starting spot.
Ryland connected on four of his five field goal attempts during Wednesday’s session.
“His mentality is that it’s a new year,” Mayo said of Ryland. “We always talk about changing the page … I think he’s done a good job of that. Look, we have new coaches as well. So they’re working with him, not only about his technique, but just building that confidence.”
Special guests
The Patriots had several visitors at OTAs on Wednesday, with former Patriots linebackers coach and current University of Washington defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, retired Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears, and retired safety and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Chung taking in the action from the bleachers.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft also made an appearance once 11-on-11s began, chatting with both Steve and Brian Belichick along the sideline.
‘Go Celtics’
With the NBA Finals set to tip off from TD Garden on June 6, Mayo closed out his media availability with a shoutout to Joe Mazzulla and his team as they await their upcoming opponent with Banner 18 on the line.
“I root for all Boston teams. … I’ve known Joe before he was the head coach of the Celtics, and that kind of happened a little bit of a non-traditional way,” Mayo said. “But he was out here, two summers when he was just an assistant coach — so we had that relationship and always stayed in contact.
“We talked ball, we talked about how to deal with the people. I think at the end of the day, it’s all about the people and he’s been a great resource for me. Go Celtics.”
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