The Patriots' biggest offseason priority? Undoubtedly, it was assuring that quarterback Drake Maye had some help heading into his second season.
Maye showed a lot of flashes as a rookie, but let's be honest, Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf set him - and the Patriots - up to fail. And it showed when New England finished with a 4-13 record for the second straight season.
But the offseason produced tell-tale signs that things could be on the upswing in Foxboro. Mayo is gone, and Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels are in. Maye has his protector in first-round draft pick Will Campbell. Maye has playmakers in Stefon Diggs, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams. So what does that all lead up to?
Second-year surge looking like a strong possibility for Drake Maye
According to NFL.com analyst Marc Ross, the Patriots did their jobs this offseason in surrounding their quarterback with talent on both sides of the ball. Perhaps lost in that shuffle are the free-agent upgrades New England made on defense, as that unit will likely give the Patriots a chance to win week in and week out.
"The Patriots have made a concerted effort this offseason to build around Maye, who had a highly impressive rookie year despite working behind a leaky offensive line and with minimal firepower around him," Ross said. "Vrabel brings some stability to the coaching staff."
Maye is at the top of Ross's list regarding players poised to enjoy strong sophomore campaigns. And given the combination of Maye's talent and the guys the front office brought in via free agency and the draft, that should come as no surprise.
New England's first four draft picks came on the offensive side of the ball. Henderson provides explosivness out of the backfield the Patriots haven't had in quite some time, and Williams is a fast, athletic receiver who can play inside and stretch the field. Those factors and a potential franchise left tackle in Campbell should take the pressure off Maye.
It will be impossible to see where this offense is until they get on the field together this summer. But we have to remember what a genius play-caller and schemer McDaniels is. He'll find a way to utilize each guy's strengths and exploit defenses.
That will also help Maye play to his strengths, and perhaps lead the Patriots on a playoff run in 2025.