Patriots Minicamp: Six offensive players not named Drake Maye to watch on offense

The New England Patriots kick off mandatory minicamp on Monday, with players set to report to Gillette Stadium.  While OTAs have been optional, this time, players are required to attend.  Heading into minicamp, A to Z Sports compiled a list of the top six offensive players to watch that aren't named Drake Maye. Let's get […]

Sophie Weller NFL Trending News Writer
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Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett and the offensive line at OTAs - May 29, 2024
Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports

The New England Patriots kick off mandatory minicamp on Monday, with players set to report to Gillette Stadium. 

While OTAs have been optional, this time, players are required to attend. 

Heading into minicamp, A to Z Sports compiled a list of the top six offensive players to watch that aren't named Drake Maye. Let's get into it. 

QB Joe Milton vs. QB Bailey Zappe

I'm combining this into one because head coach Jerod Mayo has expressed that he plans to only carry three quarterbacks on the roster when the season starts. So that third spot is between Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe. 

Along with picking up Maye, the Patriots also selected Milton, the former Tennessee quarterback, in the sixth round. The quarterback is known for having incredible arm talent, which New England can certainly utilize.  

As for Zappe, he is the only returning Patriots quarterback from last season, and it has been a tough offseason for him. The team brought in three others, and he went from the starter to now competing for the third spot. While Maye and Brissett clearly have a spot locked down, it means Zappe is going against Milton. And the quarterback will have to rely on his experience because Milton has the upper hand when it comes to arm strength. 

WR Javon Baker

Baker showed flashes of brilliance during OTAs, but was limited in the final practice before minicamp. Because of that, he was picked as the Patriots' standout player during Phase 3 of the offseason program. 

Here's why: 

After getting drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round, new Patriots receiver Javon Baker made sure to let everyone know that he thought it took too long and that he was going to prove every other team wrong. So far, he is off to a good start and had a stellar day in front of the media at OTAs at the end of May. He reminded me of DeMario Douglas at this time last year, showing his quickness and ability to make contested catches. Hopefully, he keeps this up. – Sophie Weller

Let's see what else he has in store. 

WR Ja'Lynn Polk

Along with Baker, Polk is another rookie receiver that everyone has their eyes on. He was selected by the Patriots in the second round, and has been working hard to improve. Maye, Polk, and Baker have been seen on the field after OTA practice ends, putting in extra work and trying to get acclimated to the NFL. This is the mindset that the Patriots needed from their rookies and it seems they got it right in the draft. With all players set to report, Polk will now have to compete against some more veterans, so let's see how he does. 

OT Caedan Wallace vs. OT Chukwuma Okorafor

This is another one I am combining because of the current opening at left tackle. According to numerous offensive coaches, OT Chukwuma Okorafor currently is on track to start at that position. And he was also taking reps with the first team all throughout OTAs. However, Okorafor hasn't played left tackle since college, having spent his NFL career on the right side. 

The Patriots also selected OT Caedan Wallace in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has also spent much of his time on the right side. As of right now, the team has him along with Okorafor taking reps on the left side. So let's see if it's a smooth transition for the two players.