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Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season
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- Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season
Drake Maye didn't begin his rookie NFL season as the New England Patriots ' starter, but ended his rookie season as a clear-cut franchise quarterback.
New England continued to struggle in the post Tom-Brady era during its 2024-2025 campaign: missing the playoffs for a third-straight season, plus finishing 4-13 and in the AFC East cellar for a second-straight year. Jacoby Brissett was largely ineffective in five weeks as the Pats starter, forcing Jerod Mayo to start his rookie from UNC.
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Maye finished his rookie season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, plus Maye added 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Maye's passing numbers aren't Pro Bowl-level by any means, but considering New England's Swiss cheese of an offensive line, Maye played fairly well.
The Patriots upgraded their roster big-time in the offseason, highlighted by revamping Maye's receiving corps, adding former Tar Heel Mack Hollins and trading for Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. New England snagged Maye's protector in the NFL Draft, taking LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell fourth overall.
Because of these moves, NFL Network analyst Marc Ross named Maye as one of his Top 10 breakout candidates – amongst second-year players.
"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. "Back in January, New England hired head coach Mike Vrabel, who took the Titans to the playoffs in three of his six seasons in Tennessee – and was inducted into the Patriots' Ring of Honor in 2023. Vrabel brings some stability to the coaching staff. In addition, the return of Josh McDaniels – as offensive coordinator – should help Maye take more ownership at the line of scrimmage and play to his strengths."
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Barring an injury bug in upstate New York, the Buffalo Bills will run the AFC East with Josh Allen once again. Don't be surprised to see Maye's Patriots shock the league, though, winning plenty more games and possibly sneaking into the playoffs.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Drake Maye THE top 2025 NFL breakout candidate according to analyst
