New England quarterback Drake Maye’s day at rookie minicamp was not a success.
The No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft was just getting off to practice Saturday. Ultimately, Patriots coach Jerrod Mayo said Maye was at the team facility “all night” on Friday.
“We’re going to be here until 7, 8, 9, take the elevator in and have a meeting,” Maye said after practice at Gillette Stadium. “The best thing about minicamp is being with the guys for the first time. We’re in a hotel together. We’re across the hall, so we’ll watch film and look at scripts for our next project. Just a day together.
“We have nothing more to do here. Why not focus on football?”
The laser focus has already rubbed off on fellow rookies, including wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who was drafted next to Maye.
“He can sling. He’s very confident and vocal. He’s a leader,” Polk said. “He’s really trying to set the tone and get people moving and operating at a high level. This is something new for all of us. We’re still trying to learn and get to know each other so we can all get on the same page.”
At one point Saturday, Maye had Polk lined up to his left and two rookie receivers lined up to his right. One was a drafted player (Javon Baker) and the other was an undrafted player (David Wallis). There was no predictable live contact or pass rush. But for Maye, it’s important to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
At times during practice, Maye would chat with Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. He also spoke with quarterbacks coach TC McCartney and offensive assistant coach Ben McAdoo. They have taken on top quarterbacks like Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
“TC has been talking to us during meetings. Coach Van Pelt will help us when we need it. Coach (McAdoo) is amazing.” Maye said. “All three of them know a lot about football.”
Focusing on the fundamentals, namely footwork, has been Maye’s top priority since arriving in New England.
“I’m trying a couple of new positions that I’m getting used to, just trying more reps,” Maye said. “The footwork is incredible. It’s not easy.”
The learning curve after studying at the University of North Carolina includes becoming familiar with local weather patterns. The practice was a blast, providing a preview of the attractions to come in November and December.
“He has a lot of work to do, but there is no doubt he will put in the time,” Mayo said.
Belichick’s replacement
The Patriots will have Eliot Wolf on their roster for the first time in 20 years under Bill Belichick.
The team on Saturday named Wolf, 42, senior vice president of player personnel, giving him the official title he has primarily held since Belichick was fired. Wolff will control the 53-man roster and manage the salary cap.
Owner Robert Kraft said he wanted to observe the relationship between Wolff and Coach Mayo before making it official.
Wolf is the son of Hall of Famer Ron Wolf, former Packers general manager. Eliot Wolf spent 20 seasons with Green Bay, Cleveland and the Patriots. He spent his last two seasons as New England’s director of scouting.
The Associated Press reported.
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