Are The Patriots Doing Enough For Drake Maye?

After the Patriots’ 2024 season, one thing was clear. The roster needed major upgrades. Watching rookie QB Drake Maye, you saw the flashes of a potential star. The Patriots ended up taking a different path than many were expecting. The Patriots spent large amounts of money on the defensive side of the ball with the signings of Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane. All players will mix into an already talented group. Notably, they did not spend much on the offensive side of the ball. This has raised concerns about whether they are helping Drake Maye reach his true potential. 

There is no way around how bad the Patriots’ roster was in 2024. Terrible offensive line play, poor pass-catching at the receiver position, and subpar running backs. All these things created an environment where Drake Maye had a lot on his plate. Players that were expected to be relied upon, like fellow rookies Jevon Baker and Ja’lynn Polk, both underwhelmed. Combined, the rookies accounted for 13 catches and 99 yards. For a team that has such a high number of opportunities available, this is borderline unacceptable. One bright spot was the tight end group led by Hunter Henry. He and others provided a level of consistency for his young QB as his security blanket.

Receiver Additions

Going into the 2025 offseason, it was expected that the Patriots would be big spenders in free agency. They were expected to attack the market for big-name pass catchers. I do give credit to the Patriots. Nearly every wide receiver that has become available, they were in contact with. DK Metcalf was a possibility, given they were willing to meet his contract demands. But he turned them down. Tee Higgins, after being franchised, was not an option. Cooper Kupp and Devante Adams both wanted to stay on the West Coast. Many other trade options didn’t seem too thrilled at the possibility of playing in New England.

Finally, the Patriots landed on Stefon Diggs. Unfortunately, he is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee. However, in years prior, he was regarded as one of the best separators in the league. Diggs may be on the downswing of his career. But he did show last year while in Houston that he still is great in the short and intermediate parts of the field. The Patriots also brought in veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins. Hollins provided a spark last year in Buffalo, becoming a very trusted member of the receiving core. Hollins also adds leadership and willingness to block and play special teams. The question remains with a room full of unknowns. Even if they raised the floor, by how much?

Offensive Line Help

The biggest need for the Patriots heading into the offseason was the offensive line. It was the worst unit in football last year. Looking at the 2024 Patriots offensive line, only one player should be penciled in as a starter: Michael Owenu. Owenu has been a mainstay on the team for the past few years. He provided versatility across the offensive line, jumping around to wherever he was needed.

The Patriots added some veterans to the group to at least help give some stability. Morgan Moses and Garret Bradbury were among the additions. Morgan Moses has been a solid starter for the past few years. He should slot in nicely at right tackle. Bradbury is a cause for concern. He has been an okay starter for his career but does not deal well with interior pass rushers.

With so many holes on the offensive line, I did believe the Patriots would be more willing to shell out money. They could have targeted veteran options on the market like Cam Robinson, James Daniels, Patrick Mekari, and Mekhi Becton. All players got modest deals. They have been, at a minimum, middle-of-the-road players that could raise the floor of the group. Currently, the Patriots have a canyon-sized hole at left tackle and left guard that they will attempt to fill in the draft. 

Stevenson Bounce Back?

Rahmondre Stevenson has been a solid running back his first few years in the NFL. However, 2024 will be a season he’d like to forget. Stevenson felt the woes of the offensive line the worst this year. He averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. He has always had a problem with holding on to the ball. This year was his worst as he had 6 fumbles. Stevenson was benched by then-coach Jerod Mayo for Antonio Gibson, who also struggled this year. Many believe that due to the pieces around him in 2024, Stevenson should bounce back to the productive player he was when they extended him. Head Coach Mike Vrabel recently revealed to the media that he and the front office are open to adding another running back to the room during the draft. 

While I do believe the Patriots have added good pieces this offseason and overall have raised the floor of the team, they have set up their draft plan to attack offense relentlessly with 9 picks throughout. It will be up to the front office to add the right talent. With so many missteps the past few years, it’s hard for me to believe they will pick players that can have a positive impact in year one. Hopefully, the front office will support Maye and give him what he needs to reach his potential.