NFL Insider Explains Why Drake Maye Looks Poised For ‘Year Two Jump’

Drake Maye aims to build on a promising start to his career. The New England Patriots quarterback could be positioned to take a lofty second-year leap.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler relayed on Sunday’s “SportsCenter” that he spoke to a source within the organization who said Maye “looks like an NFL quarterback now. The Patriots anticipate a more comfortable Maye progressing in 2025.

“And not that he didn’t last year, but when you’re a rookie, your head’s spinning,” Fowler explained. “You got a hundred different things you’re trying to worry about as you’re getting started. Now, everything is calm and collected. He looks composed, so they are ready for a Year 2 jump.”

Along with additional reps and familiarity, Maye could also benefit from a bolstered supporting cast. The Patriots drafted wide receiver Kyle Williams in the third round and signed four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs to improve last season’s bottom-ranked passing offense.

“They feel like they have more around him now,” Fowler added. “The Patriots have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. They’re hoping rookie Kyle Williams — he’s been really impressive, he’s hit it off with Maye — they’re hoping he can make a jump. Stefon Diggs, still coming back from that ACL, but he was a positive influence this spring for sure.”

Maye didn’t light up the box score as a rookie. The No. 3 pick amassed a modest 2,276 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in 13 games and led the Patriots to victories in just three of his starts.

However, Maye also completed two-thirds of his passes and posted an 88.1 quarterback rating. He even received an improbable Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement.

New England also helped Maye by drafting offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick and running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round. A new-look roster and coaching regime have inspired optimism for Maye and Co. to flourish this season.