Drake Maye labeled amongst NFL's top storylines as Training Camp begins

The North Carolina Tar Heels are extremely lucky Drake Maye chose to play college football in Chapel Hill, with the former star quarterback initially committing to Alabama.

Maye, who threw for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns at UNC , went third overall to the New England Patriots in last year's NFL Draft. New England decided to roll with Jacoby Brissett as its initial 2024 starter, but after repeat ineffective play, Maye took over as the full-time guy in Week 6.

With NFL Training Camp officially here, the Patriots need Maye to thrive in Year Two for a shot at success. In NFL Nation's Training Camp preview, Maye – to no one's surprise – is New England's greatest storyline for the 2025 season.

"Nearly 50% of the roster has been turned over in Mike Vrabel's first season as head coach, but it's a returning player – Drake Maye – who holds the ultimate key to a successful training camp," ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote. "Vrabel referred to Maye as a "young dynamic quarterback" in his introductory news conference, saying Maye was a significant part of what made the Patriots' head coaching job so appealing to him. How Maye adapts to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme, and elevates those around him, will be critical in Vrabel's plan to return New England to being a playoff contender."

Maye didn't post all-star numbers in his rookie season, throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdown and 10 interceptions, but played well considering the Patriots' lack of offensive weapons. Maye threw for three touchdowns in Week 6 , a single-game high for his rookie season, then set a career-high with 282 passing yards against the Los Angeles Rams five weeks later.

Thanks to adding 4-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs and former Tar Heel Mack Hollins through free agency, plus drafting LSU standout offensive tackle Will Campbell in April, Maye will be set up for plentiful success in Year Two.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Drake Maye is New England Patriots' top storyline entering NFL season