The Patriots' second-year quarterback, Drake Maye, is making converts all over the lot. From big-time Boston analysts to top national observers, people are noticing just how massive this young quarterback's potential is. Drake Maye is on the way to the top of the NFL's quarterback list.
Maye made the Pro Bowl after his rookie season, such as that was. Players have a habit of making that "game" sometimes by chance. Regardless, Maye's rookie season was superb, especially in light of the substandard supporting cast he had to accompany him. Expect the Mike Vrabel-revamped offense to afford the still 22-year-old the wherewithal to take the top off NFL defenses.
After his coaches, the players Maye has to get buy-in from are his teammates, especially on offense. The 2024 Patriots struggled to block, catch, run, and score effectively. Vrabel has changed the potential there dramatically. But it will be up to Maye to take those tools and fashion them into a winner.
One teammate who'll be a key to that transformation is former multiple Pro Bowler and star receiver Stefon Diggs.
Stefon Diggs has nice words to say about his young quarterback
Stefon Diggs has been a top NFL receiver for 10 seasons, playing in and starting most of the games during that time. Last season was different, as he sustained a serious knee injury in Week 8 and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Now he's signed as a free agent with the Patriots, and expectations for the four-time former Pro Bowl player are high.
The Patriots had no No. 1 receiver nor even a No. 2 in 2024. That didn't help Maye's ability to put points on the board. Yet, he still completed over 66 percent of his passes with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It was no small feat. However, with the addition of Diggs and rookie sensation Kyle Williams, the potential is encouraging. They are both playmakers.
So Diggs' relationship with Maye will be an essential component of the Patriots' passing game, especially since, as a veteran, he'll be expected to show the young receivers how success is achieved in the NFL, and being snubbed by Pro Football Focus could provide added motivation.
Diggs has already spoken highly of Maye.
Stefon Diggs on Drake Maye:
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) June 10, 2025
“I like him…personality wise, he a dog. You can tell he’s a dog from the get-go. I can see he’s committed to the process. He wants to play well. I know he’s been here all spring. So just to see him out there, he’s been real helpful, too.”#patriots… pic.twitter.com/co75Vk6ppE
Stefon Diggs has to be Drake Maye's most reliable receiver
Diggs' comments about Maye are a good beginning. While the receiver's availability early on is still in question due to his knee rehab, his stated affinity and respect for his quarterback can't help but reinforce his fellow receivers' confidence in their young quarterback.
The Patriots will rely on Diggs to provide them a No. 1 receiver for the first time since Julian Edelman retired after 2020. Since then, it's been catch as catch can for the Patriots receivers, as they've fumbled and bumbled their receiver room acquisitions to a fare-thee-well. Now, with Vrabel in command, everything has changed.
Vrabel not only signed Diggs, but he also drafted a top receiver in Kyle Williams, who could surprise. Additionally, he has the solid Pop Douglas returning, and, hopefully, veteran big-play receiver Mack Hollins will also be available. Top undrafted free agent, Efton Chism III, will also make the 53-man roster. He caught 120 passes in 2024 and has starred in the OTAs. Expect him to rock.
Regardless, Diggs is the Alpha dog in the Patriots' receiver room. If he's healthy, he'll rack up his 80 or more receptions for 1000 yards and 7-10 TDs and will provide Maye with the best receiver he's had in the NFL thus far. The hope is he'll be ready to go by Week One or shortly thereafter to anchor the Patriots' receiving corps. It could make all the difference.