The New England Patriots have a number of obtrusive wants to handle within the upcoming offseason, none extra essential than surrounding their younger quarterback Drake Maye with expertise.
Whereas they’re anticipated to be energetic on the free-agent wide receiver market or pursue a blockbuster deal for a No. 1 goal, the Patriots additionally must improve their offensive line to guard their prized signal-caller. It might not be smart to pay high greenback for a wideout earlier than discovering linemen who can maintain Maye snug within the pocket.
Forward of Sunday’s sport vs. the Miami Dolphins, our Phil Perry revealed he spoke with a high-level govt concerned in Miami’s blockbuster commerce for star receiver Tyreek Hill. That govt cautioned in opposition to paying an elite wideout earlier than bettering the o-line.
“When he appears to be like on the Patriots’ scenario from afar, he is pumping the brakes on the thought of giving up big-time property and paying a big-time, perhaps market-setting contract to anyone who performs at that place earlier than they’ve the offensive line settled down,” Perry mentioned of the chief concerned within the Hill deal.
“Sure, he acknowledged to me, Drake Maye may make a nasty offensive line look somewhat bit higher — as he has since he grew to become the starter right here in Week 6 — due to his mobility and his skill to create off-script. However relating to the run sport and actually defending your quarterback — not simply from a bodily standpoint, however from an Xs and Os standpoint as nicely — forcing defenses to be a number of in opposition to you in order that they cannot simply pin their ears again and get after you as a quarterback, it’s worthwhile to construct up your offensive line first, work out the receiver scenario later and hope that Drake Maye is sweet sufficient that he can elevate the receivers which can be round him.”
Ideally, the Patriots entrance workplace will discover a solution to get Maye a go-to goal whereas upgrading the offensive line. Perry and the chief concerned within the Hill commerce are merely declaring the Pats could not get the most effective bang for his or her buck in the event that they land an elite wideout whereas the o-line stays in poor form.
Regardless, the Patriots appear to have sometihng particular in Maye. The 22-year-old has already acquired excessive reward from a number of high-profile NFL figures for his play by way of his first six begins. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel raved about Maye earlier this week, and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay waxed poetic about the third-overall draft pick after final Sunday’s sport.
Maye has accomplished 66.7 p.c of his passes for 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions by way of seven video games performed. He additionally has rushed for 260 yards and a TD on 28 carries. If the Patriots can bolster their offensive line and add a weapon or two this offseason, the sky is the restrict for the up-and-coming QB.
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