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New England Patriots links 5/30/25 - Drake Maye steady amid OTA learning period

New England Patriots OTAs

Drake Maye at OTAs | Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Daily news and links for Friday

TEAM TALK

  • Evan Lazar shares 17 thoughts through two open OTA sessions. ‘The development of Drake Maye under the guidance of Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels is the team’s biggest storyline. ... From this perspective, Maye is exhibiting some expected indecisiveness in the early stages of installing a new offense.’
  • Patriots Unfiltered: OTA observations, Stand out players, music. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

  • Justin Leger relays Phil Perry on Drake Maye’s demeanor so far at Patriots OTAs [It’s good]. Perry also compares Maye to Mac Jones at OTAs.
  • Matthew Schmidt notes it appears that TE Hunter Henry is Drake Maye’s favorite target.
  • Alex Barth looks at where things stand with New England’s top safeties during spring practices.
  • Conor Ryan highlights NFL analyst Nick Baumgardner on why he believes 5th-round rookie edge Bradyn Swinson could be a ‘real steal’. “The former LSU edge was a Day 2-level talent who fell to the fifth round mainly because of concerns over his coachability.”
  • Karen Guregian highlights Jabrill Peppers on the flip to Mike Vrabel, his third coach in three years. “I definitely think he knows how to get the best out of his players, and I definitely think that everyone has bought in.”
  • Conor Ryan notes Jabrill Peppers says he’s ready for a clean slate after a difficult 2024 season, “I think every year in the league is a fresh start.”
  • Justin Trombino explains why the Patriots can’t afford to cut on-the-bubble safety Marte Mapu despite disappointing OTAs.
  • Seth Quinn says WR Ja’Lynn Polk must show growth during OTAs if he wants to earn a roster spot.
  • Matthew Schmidt identifies three very clear breakout candidates on the Patriots.
  • Matthew Schmidt relays Adam Pellerin who points to Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker as two players on the hot seat.
  • Sara Marshall thinks Mike Vrabel could soon regret taking a chance with signing Stefon Diggs.
  • Efstathios Savvidis explains why LB Anfernee Jennings won’t make the 53-man roster.
  • Jovan Alford makes the case that undrafted rookie RB Lan Larison is quickly becoming a threat to steal Antonio Gibson’s RB3 spot.
  • Matthew Schmidt details why RB Antonio Gibson is the Patriots’ top trade candidate ahead of training camp.
  • Nick Goss tells us what history says about the Patriots’ playoff chances after the team’s last-place finish. Could the Pats make a last-place-to-playoffs jump like the 2024 Commanders and Chargers? Here’s why it’s possible.
  • Ryan McLaughlin notes the Pats are more likely to exceed their projected win total in 2025 than to fall short of it.
  • Jarrett Bailey reports the Patriots have been given a nationally televised pre-season game.
  • Justin Trombino notes Jerod Mayo is still catching strays from Patriots players.
  • Next Pats podcast: Phil Perry tackles all your mailbag questions: Drake Maye’s demeanor at OTAs, the Stefon Diggs situation, will the Pats’ growing pains linger into the season, his latest QB rankings breakdown; More! (1 hour video)
  • Travis Thomas and Adam Pellerin go player-by-player on the Patriots offense and they both want to see more from Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker next season. (8 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/5/3...25-drake-maye-steady-amid-ota-learning-period
 
Sunday Patriots Notes: ‘Passionate’ Jabrill Peppers is back in his element

Safety Jabrill Peppers, back with Patriots at OTAs, calls domestic violence acquittal ‘a learning experience’

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ one-time captain, defensive line investments, trade speculation, and more.

With the second week of organized team activities in the rear-view mirror, the New England Patriots’ offseason keeps rolling along. And even though we find ourselves in what is often referred to as a quiet time on the NFL calendar, there is still plenty going on around One Patriot Place.

With that in mind, let’s clean out the notebook on the week that was. Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Passionate Jabrill Peppers is back in his element​


One of Mike Vrabel’s main goals in his first offseason as Patriots head coach was rebuilding the locker room after some cultural erosion in 2024. A part in that was replacing the previous leadership: of the six original captains from last season, five will not be back in New England this year.

The lone exception is safety Jabrill Peppers. And while his long-term future also is uncertain given his age and lack of previous ties to Vrabel and his staff, it seems the 29-year-old is picking up right where he left off: he remains a tone-setter on the defensive side of the ball, something his new head coach is pleased to see.

“I love Jabrill’s energy,” Vrabel told reporters earlier this week. “I like his passion for the game. I like his energy when he comes in the building. Those things are all very positive.”

Peppers entered the first offseason under Vrabel coming off what might have been the most difficult season of his career. While he was voted a first-time captain and his usual productive self on the field, he also dealt with some off-field issues after an arrest in October and subsequent stint on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list.

He did eventually return to the active roster, but had his captain’s status removed. To make matters even worse, Peppers was done for the year after just two more games; a hamstring injury forced him out of the Patriots’ final three contests.

With the injury and his legal uncertainty both behind him, Peppers is now full-steam ahead toward the 2025 season — and back in his element.

“I love this game, it’s a big passion for me, and I just show that,” he explained. “Trying to lead by example, be a guy. Do what the coaches say every time that I’m supposed to do it, so that the young guys have something to follow and keep the standard. That’s never going to change no matter who comes in here. The standard’s the standard.”

Rookie Craig Woodson already leaving an impression​


Safety Craig Woodson expressed confidence in his ability to transition from college to the NFL after getting selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of this year’s draft. So far, it seems that his optimism was not misplaced.

With projected starting safety Kyle Dugger limited, Woodson has been actively involved in the two organized team activities open to the media so far. The rookie managed to leave a positive impression so far.

“I like him,” said Jabrill Peppers. “Smart. Savvy. He’s done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do. Different techniques. College ball is a little different than the league, especially the Pac-12. He’s definitely doing a good job, though.”

Patriots need bang for their buck along D-line​


In hopes of fixing what was an underwhelming performance in 2024, the Patriots made some big investments along their defensive line. Besides signing Milton Williams to a massive four-year, $104 million contract, they also added Harold Landry on a three-year, $43.5 million deal. Add Christian Barmore’s 2024 contract extension — $84 million over four years — and you get a group that is well compensated, particularly at the top.

In fact, the Patriots’ defensive line is the second most expensive in the entire NFL in terms of combined cap impact. The group is taking up 37.9 percent of New England’s cap at the moment, according to a recent analysis, trailing only the Cleveland Browns’ 39.2 percent.

Eagles Xs and Os

Given the resources used along the D-line, there is a clear expectation heading into 2025: the unit needs to not just bounce back from a subpar season, but become a cornerstone upon which the Patriots are building their team heading into the future.

Kayshon Boutte not worried about trade talk​


Leading up to the NFL Draft, Kayshon Boutte — the Patriots’ most productive pass catcher down the stretch in 2024 — was rumored as a potential trade candidate. No move eventually transpired, but there are still question about the third-year wide receiver’s future in a crowded position room.

Boutte himself, meanwhile, is not worried about any rumblings.

“I heard about it, but I try not to put too much time into that,” he said this week. “There are just a lot of people sitting behind phones just typing. That has nothing really to do with me.”

A sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2023, Boutte finished his sophomore campaign with 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns.

Patriots hire a new scouting intern​


The Patriots have made some major changes in their personnel department so far this offseason, and their latest hire does not fall in the same category. Still, it is worth noting: Trei Close, a former scouting assistant at the College Gridiron Showcase and at Rice University will spend time with the club in the same role this summer.

Finding and developing young talent is a big reason for success in the NFL — something that is true on the field just as well as off it. In that sense, Close might be a name to keep a, well, close eye on in the future.

Offseason of change continues for Drake Maye​


It has been a spring of change for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, in more ways than one. Not only is the sophomore working with a new coaching staff and rebuilt supporting cast, he also has made an equipment change: Maye is using a new helmet and facemask this coming season, as noted by Twitter/X account @HelmetStalker.


Patriots QB Drake Maye is using a Schutt F7 Pro with an F7X-ROPO-SW facemask and a SportStar Victory chinstrap; he used a Schutt F7 UR1 with an F7-ROPO-SW-NB-VC facemask in 2024. pic.twitter.com/WLd2SQfLWe

— Helmet Stalker (@HelmetStalker) May 26, 2025​
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Patriots spending to the UDFA cap​


NFL rookie free agency is not the free-for-all it appears to be. Teams, after all, are only allowed to spend a certain amount on fully-guaranteed signing bonuses on its UDFA class. This year, that number was set at $206,144 per team — one the Patriots came close to.

According to salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, New England handed out a total of $203,000 in signing bonuses.

Upgrade coming to Foxborough train station​


With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Gillette Stadium will see quite a bit of action as well. A total of seven games are scheduled to take place in the Patriots’ home arena, including one of the quarterfinals.

In order to accommodate what will be a fairly large and international crowd, the MBTA is planning to upgrade the Foxborough train station right behind the stadium. According to Christian MilNeil of Streets Blog Mass, “the T is aiming to complete construction in time for the first World Cup match on June 13, 2026.”

During Patriots game days, the T carries about 7 percent of the 65,000 spectators. The expectation is that this number will increase sharply during the World Cup.

“The stadium has been designed such that predominantly it is accessed by cars,” Brittany Gesner of engineering firm VHB said. “With this international fanbase, we do expect a much higher attendance by public transportation.”

The clock starts ticking for David Andrews​


With longtime Patriots starting center David Andrews announcing his retirement earlier this week, the clock for him for induction into the team’s Hall of Fame has started. He will become eligible in four years, and under normal circumstances should be a strong candidate.

The problem for him and a lot of other deserving candidates is a serious backlog of players. Time will tell whether or not Andrews will make it in on first ballot. For projections, please head down to the comment section.

Setting up the week ahead​


The Patriots will hold their final three organized team activities of the spring this coming week. Barring any late changes, they will be on the practice fields Monday (6/2), Tuesday (6/3) and Thursday (6/5), with the first of those sessions open to the media.

As part of that third and final open OTA, the Patriots’ assistant coaches — led by Josh McDaniels, Zak Kuhr and Jeremy Springer — will be made available. The same is true for a group of players after practice.

In addition, the Patriots will celebrate the career of the aforementioned David Andrews on Monday afternoon. The 32-year-old, who was released by the club earlier this offseason, will hold a retirement ceremony at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/1...tes-jabrill-peppers-drake-maye-kayshon-boutte
 
Full press conference: David Andrews announces his retirement from pro football

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The Patriots’ longtime starting center is stepping away from the game after 26 years.

David Andrews announced his retirement from pro football last week. On Monday, the longtime New England Patriots starting center, team captain and two-time Super Bowl champion discussed his decision at a press conference at Gillette Stadium.

Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Andrews made the Patriots’ roster right out of his rookie training camp and saw considerable action from the get-go. He won the center job the following year, and never looked back: over the course of his 10-year career, he started a combined 131 regular season and playoff games for the organization.

However, coming off a season-ending shoulder injury and turning 33 in July, the new-look Patriots decided to release Andrews earlier this offseason. There were initial considerations about continuing his career elsewhere, but ultimately he decided to step away from the game.

You can rewatch the full press conference above or via this link.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/2/24441808/patriots-david-andrews-retirement-press-conference
 
#PostPulpit Mailbag: Submit your questions for this week

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Submit your questions down below.

The New England Patriots will check off another box of the offseason program as they wrap up organized team activities this week. Things will then conclude next week with a three-day mandatory minicamp — with all practices open to the media — beginning Monday, June 9.

So, submit any questions — or whatever else is on your mind — down in the comments below or on Twitter using #PostPulpit.

Stay tuned for Friday’s updated mailbag.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/3/24442483/patriots-mailbag-submit-questions
 
‘Professional’ Will Campbell showing progress in Patriots spring practices

NFL: MAY 20 New England Patriots OTA

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The first-round rookie has been a mainstay at left tackle this spring.

The lack of pads or contact throughout organized team activities led to relatively quiet times for the New England Patriots’ offensive lineman. But that does not mean this time of the year is not important — especially with Mike Vrabel leaning heavy into 11-on-11 work.

That rings particularly true for rookie Will Campbell, who has been a mainstay at left tackle throughout OTAs.

“It’s been good,” Marrone said of the rookie’s spring. “We’re working really a ton on the details and fundamentals. Every rep — he’s gotten a lot of reps — the way Coach Vrabel has the practices set up, we’ve gotten a lot of great work against our defense. All those things are going to help him. I think he’s progressing towards when we get to training camp. So, it’s been great from that standpoint.”

Campbell has often been matched up against third-year defensive lineman Keion White, a strong challenger for the rookie due to his size and explosiveness which again puts Campbell’s well-discussed pre-draft measurements into the discussion.

“[Arm length is] something that you look at and you look to see if it affects the way the player plays,” Marrone said. “We’re just working basically fundamentally, and the details, and seeing all the different looks you can see, and he’s been doing a great job of that.

“He’s continuing work hard every day. He’s been out here. He goes to work every day. Every day you’re learning something, and you’re getting better, and you’re not trying to make the same mistake twice, and that’s how he’s gone about it. He’s gone about his business very professional and that’s a great start.”

White is just one member of what New England is hoping to be a disruptive pass rush this season. Campbell has also seen talented pass rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson along the edge while Milton Williams and Christian Barmore have set the stage to be one of the best interior duos in football.

Working against that unit this spring and summer should only make Campbell and the Patriots offensive line better entering the season.

“I think Will, and the entire group, has really done a nice job of trying to deal with a difficult front,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. “We’re getting a bunch of different looks — this time of the year is so great for that. You just put all those reps on the film, and then we have them to teach off of as we go into training camp in July and August. So he’s really grinding away. He’s getting a lot of looks against a lot of good players, a lot of high-tempo reps.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/5/24443770/will-campbell-progress-patriots-spring-practices
 
The Top 10 Patriots Moments of 2024: No. 4

Syndication: The Enquirer

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Our offseason countdown continues with the No. 4 Best Patriots Moment of 2024.

Time to keep cranking these out. If I can go at my current pace, I’ll have the full Top 10 Best New England Patriots Moments of 2024 done before the 4th of July hits.

Which is fitting, because I personally can’t think of a better way to celebrate American Independence than being free from this list.

The list so far:

10. Jerod Mayo out, Mike Vrabel in.
9. Drake Maye hits Austin Hooper for a 38-yard TD on 4th-and-15 against the Miami Dolphins.
8. Joey Slye nails a 63-yard field goal to close out the half against the San Francisco 49ers.
7. A free play gets DeMario Douglas into the end zone vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.
6. A nine-sack day helps list the Patriots over the Chicago Bears.
5. A late 70-yard touchdown drive hands the Jets their fifth consecutive loss, and the Patriots their second win.

Our Number 4 moment should probably be higher, as in retrospect it was the high point of the entire season, but I wanted to save all three of my top spots for the only genuine positive to come out of last year. So here it is in the 4 slot.

4. The Patriots stun the Bengals on opening weekend​


2024 was set to be a rebuilding year for the Patriots. Everyone was on the same page there. Rookie QB, rookie head coach, a tough schedule, and one of the best teams in the league in the same division. The primary goal of the 2024 league year was to get young Drake Maye some reps, figure out who was part of the long-term plans, maybe win a few games, and look to 2025 and beyond.

There were a few folks who weren’t happy with Jacoby Brissett getting the start over Maye in Week 1 against the Bengals, particularly since Maye outplayed Brissett in camp, but if nothig else the thought process was clear: give Maye a little more time to adjust to the speed of the game, let him master the playbook, and maybe trot him out in a few weeks for a more winnable game. After all, the Cincinnati Bengals were more than one pundit’s pick to represent the AFC in the 2024 Super Bowl. No need to throw Maye to the wolves just yet.

As it would turn out, though, the wolves all lived in New England on September 8th of last year, because the Patriots would eliminate about half of the world from knockout pools everywhere with a 16-10 victory that saw an efficient passing attack, a punishing ground game, and an opportunistic defense that both forced and capitalized on Bengals mistakes. Brissett went 15 of 24 for 121 yards and no picks, while Rhamondre Stevenson racked up a whopping 120 yards on the ground on 25 carries, good for almost five yards a clip. Joey Slye was perfect on his three field goal attempts, and Kyle dugger forced a goal-line Bengals fumble just before halftime that the Patriots would convert into points, representing a 10-point swing in the game. Other than Jamar Chase, who had a 62-yard day, no Bengals receiver had more than 26 yards through the air, and the entire Cincy team combined for only 70 yards rushing.

This was a Patriots team that ran the ball well, was smart in the passing game, and made the opponent earn every single inch on defense. And as Brissett went into victory formation after New England was able to successfully kill the clock, we all had the same thought:

Maybe the Patriots can actually make some noise this year.

They weren’t going to win the Super Bowl. They weren’t going to make the AFC Championship game. But if they could run the ball like this, stay efficient with the QB play, and stiff teams on defense, there was a shot that the 2024 Patriots could sneak into the playoffs. This rebuild could very well be on the fast track.

Yeah, about that. Exactly none of that happened.

It was all downhill from here. New England would lose its next six straight, looking worse and worse each week, and the season was more or less over by the end of September. From coaching to playing to play-calling to basic fundamentals, the 2024 Patriots fell apart.

But we’ll always have that Week 1 victory against the Bengals. It’s easy to forget now in the wake of all the misery that followed, but the feelings of optimism. excitement, and possibility that came after this win is the exact reason why we all love sports.

It’s pretty wild that this game, all the way back in September, ended up completely changing the landscape of the NFL. The win would end up costing the Patriots the Number One overall pick in the 2025 Draft, and it would end up keeping the Bengals out of the playoffs. Who knows what kind of reality we would be living in today if things had gone the way they were supposed to and Cincy had beat the brakes off the Patriots. Would Maye have started earlier? Would the Bengals have made a deep playoff run? Would New England still have secured the first overall draft pick? We’ll never know, so no point speculating. But this was a rare moment of real, genuine joy in an objectively brutal season, so it’s nice to recap it here at Number 4.

Game highlights here.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/6/24443309/the-top-10-patriots-moments-of-2024-no-4
 
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