Patriots minicamp takeaways, Day 1: Drake Maye making ‘tremendous strides,’ Matt Judon returns, RB extension?

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – When we last saw the Patriots, there was a notable increase in first-round rookie Drake Maye’s usage. During the final OTA session last week, Maye apparently made a jump on the depth chart as the second quarterback to participate in reps behind Jacoby Brissett and ahead of veteran Bailey Zappe. When New England opened minicamp on Monday, that continued to be the case.

Maye was the second-string quarterback during Monday’s mandatory session and continues to boast his third-place finish overall NFL Draft choose potential. The opening day of minicamp was largely situational, with the Patriots emphasizing the red zone and no-crowd scenarios. During competitive practices (combined 11-on-11 and 7-on-7), Maye completed 18 of his 23 passes with some dazzling plays in the process.

Specifically, Maye shined during 7-on-7 when, during one period, he completed all three pass attempts for touchdowns. The highlight of the day also came during this period when Maye was able to hit tight end La’Michael Pettway, who climbed the ladder to make a touchdown reception.

“Every day he gets better,” Brissett said of Maye after the session. “He’s constantly trying to find ways to improve, he was making some cool throws.”

Added Brissett: “He’s been here for what? Three and a half weeks, a month? He’s made tremendous strides, not just in his play calling, but his footwork, his throwing the ball and his overall understanding of this offense.”

Maye will likely continue to serve as the second option in reps until training camp begins, but Monday’s practice was a reminder that it’s only a matter of time before he takes the reins as a starter. And if he continues to rack up days like he did to start minicamp, that could happen sooner rather than later.

Here are some other nuggets from Monday’s minicamp opener:

• Welcome back, Matthew Judon: Given the mandatory nature of the minicamp, participation would naturally be a key topic. This was particularly true with star pass rusher Matt Judon, as he was absent from the team for most (if not all) of the voluntary portion as he was believed to be seeking a new contract. Judon was present and active on Monday, with coach Jerod Mayo adding before practice that “it’s great to have Judon and his energy in action.” The 31-year-old pass rusher is entering the final year of his contract.
• Attendance: Mayo said New England had a packed crowd to start minicamp, but that didn’t mean everyone was off the field. I didn’t spot Josh Uche, Kendrick Bourne, Cole Strange, Jake Andrews, Jahlani Tavai, or Sione Takitaki.
• Tough day for Bailey Zappe: It wasn’t exactly a banner day for the third-year quarterback. He continued to be the third man during replays and didn’t see much action. When he entered the fray, Zappe didn’t do much to earn a spot on the roster until late in the summer. I had Zappe complete 6 of his 11 passes with an interception. That pick came during 11-on-11 when the team was specifically focused on working in a two-minute situation. Zappe’s first attempt was a flat throw that Kyle Dugger intercepted. That sent Zappe to the sideline with Joe Milton III coming in for some reps.
• How Jacoby Brissett and Joe Milton III fared: Brissett has continued to get the lion’s share of reps and has been as steady as you might expect from the veteran. I had him complete 14 of his 23 passes during competitive sessions, but that also included drops from Austin Hooper and Pop Douglas. Milton completed 3 of his 5 shots.
• Employees: The Patriots opted to bring referees to Monday’s practice, which was an unexpected problem. Normally, officials show up in Foxborough during training camp, so they’re here a little early, under Mayo, in 2024. By my count, they threw five flags in the afternoon.
• Onwenu showing versatility: One thing I noticed on Monday was the use of Mike Onwenu across the entire offensive line. Although he recently played right tackle and signed a three-year, $57 million contract this offseason, Onwenu was viewed as a right guard during the session. Whether this is simply flexing his versatility and allowing others to work on the right offense is worth monitoring.
• Two-minute offense: A large emphasis of the day was placed on red zone offense and two-minute drills. Specifically, when it comes to the rushing offense, it appears to be a work in progress. Of all the quarterbacks combined, the offense was content with just one field goal attempt and was unable to find the end zone.
• Good practices for two WRs: I liked what I saw from rookie Ja’Lynn Polk and veteran Jalen Reagor on Monday. Both were active and created several important techniques.
• Extent of Mayo and Stevenson’s conversation: The Patriots have spent most of their offense locking up some of their own talent with contract extensions, and it looks like Rhamondre Stevenson could be next. Mayo praised the veteran before training, and Stevenson added after the session that he believes both sides are “very close” to achieve an extension.
• Javon Baker Limited: We noted in our final OTA article last week that fourth-round pick Javon Baker was not particularly active and may be dealing with some type of injury. On Monday, Baker participated in warmups and went through some catching drills, but unlike other pass catchers, he didn’t have the ball thrown to him.
• Familiar faces: With Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony set to take place later this week, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see some familiar faces in Foxborough. That started on Monday with former wide receiver Julian Edelman and former nose tackle Vince Wilfork watching practice.
• Day off the field on Tuesday: The Patriots will not be on the field practicing during Day 2 of minicamp on Tuesday, Mayo said before practice. The first-year coach said they would do something “special” that “we think is important for the state.”