Jerod Mayo Used One Word To Describe Drake Maye’s Preseason

Drake Maye’s progress in training camp was slower than Patriots fans would prefer, but it’s on the right path for the coaching staff.

The 2024 third-overall pick played seven snaps in his first preseason game. Bailey Zappe was booed when he replaced Maye, whose short stint prompted doubt and concern among New England fans.

Head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters last week that Maye is following the plan set up by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Mayo teased the signal-caller would receive more reps at the joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday and the preseason matchup Thursday. But the first-year head coach has liked what he’s seen from the 21-year-old.

“He’s been steady. I think if I was to say one word, it’s steady,” Mayo told reporters, per the Patriots. “He’s always in the building, always studying. He’s out here trying to get better each and every day. He’ll get more reps this week. If that’s the underlying question, he’ll get more reps this week.”

Fans at Gillette Stadium left the first preseason game disappointed despite Joe Milton III’s electrifying performance in the win over the Carolina Panthers. The only takeaway they could take from Maye’s first game action was little things, and that’s exactly the message Mayo sent to his players.

“When he wasn’t in the game, he was still listening to the calls, still taking those mental reps, which are very important,” Mayo said. “I always talk to all of the players. If you’re not in there, you should be getting mental reps, and going through the checks in your head and he definitely did that.”

Fans still had plenty of optimism for Maye after last Thursday’s preseason game, but they’ll hope to see more to alleviate any concerns this week.