Patriots' Drake Maye: Why Playing With Stefon Diggs Feels "Different" Now

When the New England Patriots Picked quarterback Drake Maye at third overall in 2024, they struggled with an underperforming offensive line and didn't have reliable playmakers. One year later, circumstances have improved for Maye as he moves into 2025 with his second head coach, Mike Vrabel, and a completely revamped offensive system.

The most significant off-season acquisition for Maye was seasoned wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who brings much-needed experience to a young squad.

As training camp gets underway, Maye and Diggs are starting to build a strong connection. Maye is experiencing what it's like to pass to a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and he has observed a noticeable difference from when he was a rookie.

The Patriots' Robert Kraft remembers the "magical moment" when he realized Mike Vrabel had what it takes to become New England's head coach.

Austin Nivison

I believe it's simply different," Maye stated on Wednesday during an appearance on Up & Adams. "It's different being here with someone who has accomplished things for a long period, was a top-tier wide receiver in this league, participated in playoff games, performed at a high standard, and encountered nearly all types of defensive coverages and executed every possible route you can imagine. Therefore, he brings a wealth of experience.

In 2024, the Patriots recorded the least amount of passing yards (3,343), shared the fourth-lowest average yards per pass attempt (6.3), ranked second in the fewest passing touchdowns (18), and were part of a group that had the smallest number of completions over 20 yards. The team's leading receiver through the air was tight end Hunter Henry (674 yards), while DeMario Douglas topped all wide receivers with 621 receiving yards for the season.

Douglas and Kayshon Boutte led the Patriots in receiving yards last season. As they head into 2024, both have only accumulated two seasons of NFL experience between them. Diggs brings significantly more seasoning compared to the majority of the team’s wideout group, making him an appealing asset for Maye, who aims to make progress during his second year. By 2025, Diggs and Douglas are expected to be the primary targets. The development of the remaining players at the position is still uncertain.

Maye mentioned that it's not only the performance on the field that stands out, but also how Diggs carries himself within the team environment.

He has done an excellent job guiding the group... and he's steering this football team," Maye stated. "He's taking charge each day, directing this team, and I believe you can observe his growth and development further as a Patriot. Excited about throwing to him when it matters most.

At age 31, Diggs is beginning his 11th season and claims he still believes he has "a lot more football left in him." He recorded 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games during the previous season with the team. Houston Texans all record low points. Prior to that, he played for five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and four with the Buffalo Bills He has reached the 100-reception milestone in five different seasons and accumulated over 1,000 yards on six occasions.

"I'm really thrilled. I feel like I've regained my youth," Diggs said Wednesday.

Diggs has mentioned that he has heard Diggs stated that he has received information about Diggs claimed he has been made aware of Diggs indicated that he has come across reports regarding Diggs noted that he has learned about comparisons of Maye with his previous team member contrasts between Maye and his ex-teammate differences between Maye and his former colleague on the team how Maye stacks up against his old team companion a comparison of Maye's performance with that of his prior teammate similarities and differences between Maye and his past teammate Maye versus his former squad mate an analysis of Maye compared to his earlier team partner the relationship between Maye and his previous teammate how Maye compares to his former playing partner Josh Allen has had some time to play alongside Maye, and he's been pleased with what he's observed. Diggs notes that Maye's composure is particularly notable, especially considering his age of 22.