Christian Gonzalez made life hard for Patriots second-year QB Drake Maye in latest OTAs practice but it's already paying dividends
The New England Patriots took the field on Tuesday, offering an early glimpse of the team working together for the first time since all the offseason signings. While things started well for the defense, quarterback Drake Maye didn't begin the team period in the way he would have hoped. But he did end up turning […]
The New England Patriots took the field on Tuesday, offering an early glimpse of the team working together for the first time since all the offseason signings.
While things started well for the defense, quarterback Drake Maye didn't begin the team period in the way he would have hoped. But he did end up turning things around.
Here are A to Z Sports' Observations from OTAs:
How Did Drake Maye Do?
It was a rough start to the 11-vs-11 drills for Maye, who ended up throwing four interceptions. The first went directly to Dell Pettus, and then the next was by Christian Gonzalez, who got right in front of the ball. Then, Gonzalez snagged another on an overthrown ball to rookie receiver Kyle Williams, followed by rookie safety Craig Wilson getting one of his own on a pass to Hunter Henry.
“It was two different coverages, both where I got to see the quarterback, so that helps as a DB,” Gonzalez told reporters after practice. “Saw the ball and then went and got it.”
However, Maye was able to finish better, going seven-for-eight on his final attempts. It's clear that, while no quarterback likes to get intercepted, his ability to adjust and finish strong proves that Gonzalez's abilities are also helping Maye improve.
Here are the final QB numbers:
Drake Maye: 10-for-16, 4 INTS
Josh Dobbs: 8-for-14
Ben Wooldridge: 3-for-8
Christian Barmore's Participation
Barmore, who was sidelined for the majority of the 2024 season after being diagnosed with blood clots, has been working hard to return. And on Tuesday, it certainly seems that he's on the right track.
The defensive tackle was a full participant.
Attendance
Five players were missing from the team's first open OTAs. As expected Stefon Diggs was not on the field, but he has been focused on rehabbing and ensuring he will be ready to return from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 of the 2024 season.
Along with Diggs, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, OL Sidy Sow, and DT Joshua Farmer were also missing. Receiver Mack Hollins, safety Marte Mapu, and tackle Vederian Lowe were present for the entire practice, but didn't participate.
However, Stevenson's absence is due to a personal reason, as his father, Robert, died in March
“I’ve been in constant communication with him. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers with him and his family as they heal and they grieve,” Vrabel said.” I want to be a part of that to help them and get to know him. I met him early on and then he went back, and now those conversations have just been over the telephone.”
Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jared Wilson, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jaquelin Roy, Kyle Dugger, and Jabrill Peppers were also present, but appeared to participate in a limited capacity.
Will Campbell placed among 'starting' offensive line
In the early minutes of Tuesday's session, Will Campbell was grouped in with the presumed 'starting' offensive line. They did switch things up as time went on, but in one particular drill where Maye was under center, here's how things looked:
RT – Morgan Moses
RG – Mike Onwenu
C – Garrett Bradbury
LG – Cole Strange
LT – Will Campbell
Kicking Competition
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer made it clear that the team intended to have another kicking competition this summer, and things have already gotten started.
However, if Tuesday was any indication, sixth-round pick Andy Borregales is the clear favorite. Borregales made all four of his attempts, while John Parker Romo missed two of his four attempts.
Rookies putting in the work
After practice finished, a few players remained on the field to get some additional work.
Off to the side, Campbell was working with veteran tackle Morgan Moses, with Caedan Wallace and Demontrey Jacobs also getting in on the action. And then rookie receiver Kyle Williams along with undrafted free agent WR Efton Chism III were both catching footballs from the JUGS machine.
Chism is a UDFA to keep an eye on this summer, with his abilities having already caught the eye of reporters.
