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Drake Maye Already Attracting Young WRs to Patriots After Rookie Season

Patriots QB Drake Maye's rookie season was impressive to the point that it has already attracted an upcoming WR prospect to New England.

By Devon Platana

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) on the field before the start of the game at Gillette Stadium.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) on the field before the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. / David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Drake Maye was one of the New England Patriots' few bright spots amid a 2024 NFL campaign marred by disappointment.

Although he wasn't always perfect, Maye met (and exceeded) expectations throughout his rookie season. The former 2024 third overall selection completed 66.6% of passes for 2,276 passing yards and 15 touchdowns while also amassing 421 rushing yards and two more scores in 12 starts, leading the Patriots to three of their four victories along the way.

Maye's impressive performance garnered well-deserved attention, culminating in his first Pro Bowl nod. In fact, the former UNC QB's debut season was good enough that it has potentially attracted an upcoming draft prospect to New England.

Patriots News: Drake Maye Impresses Maryland WR Tai Felton

The annual Senior Bowl is taking place this weekend, and the Patriots have already made their presence felt in Mobile, AL.

Maryland wideout Tai Felton is the latest prospect to meet with Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. According to beat writer Andrew Guindon, Felton told Wolf that he "loves the idea of catching passes from Drake Maye."

As for what he could potentially bring to the Patriots organization, the Terrapins playmaker made it clear he won't take his foot off the gas pedal.

"I'm an all-time competitor," Felton said. "No matter who I'm going against, I'm going to compete."

Finding a clear-cut No. 1 receiver this offseason is one of the Patriots' top priorities. While pass-catchers like Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte were solid last year, they rarely showed game-changing potential.

That's why the Patriots could be interested in drafting Felton, who's improved with each passing year and is coming off his best collegiate campaign to date. The Maryland wideout set new career highs across the board in 2024, ranking fourth in the nation with 96 receptions while converting those opportunities into 1,124 receiving yards and nine TDs.

Felton's physicality combined with his reliable route-running makes him the type of yards-after-catch threat the Patriots could use. He was also used as a rusher and returner a handful of times, meaning head coach Mike Vrabel could find some interesting ways to use the Ashburn, VA native.

Felton is often projected to be a Day 3 selection or to go undrafted in April, meaning the Patriots — who hold nine 2025 picks — will have plenty of opportunities to target him.

In the meantime, curious New England fans can watch Felton compete during Saturday's Senior Bowl, which will air on NFL Network at 2:30 p.m. ET.

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