Charles Robinson, senior NFL reporter for Yahoo Sports, is on the road covering training camp. Today’s stop: the New England Patriots.
About the QB
Put aside the fear of Drake Maye and let him have a normal training camp where he can learn. The organization’s opinion of him hasn’t changed, other than his starting horizon is flexible while he learns the offense. The staff sees him making progress. Every rookie quarterback is different and no one cares how much control Mac Jones had when he started as a rookie. Look at how much that made a difference at the end of his New England career.
Rookie to keep an eye on
The entire class is essential for a team that needs as much young talent as possible right now. But second-round wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk could be the immediate first choice in this offense and could catch a ton of passes this season. He played only a few snaps in the preseason opener but caught all three passes for a modest 14 yards. Expect that to improve.
I keep an eye on
I’m curious to see what happens with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who was targeted six times against the Panthers and caught an impressive 28-yard pass. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in 2023, had some high NFL expectations during his time at LSU before his draft value plummeted. It feels like it’s an open competition among WRs, and he certainly drew attention in his first tryout.
Fantasy thought
Given this team’s current situation with the young receivers and the learning curve with Drake Maye, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jacoby Brissett play quarterback for most of the season. On offense, I’m not sure the Patriots have many fantasy options that will make a significant impact in 2024. If you’re playing in a dynasty league, Ja’Lynn Polk is very bullish.
What I saw was interesting
It’s risky to draft two rookie quarterbacks in one class — especially when the latter pick, like Joe Milton III, has the kind of raw material that generates attention and hype on social media. The Patriots invited a running comparison on social media between their rookie quarterbacks and young 20-year-olds. Drake Maye and Milton both see what’s being discussed publicly between them. I don’t think that’s a positive.
joker
Of the dozens of NFL teams I’ve seen in recent weeks, Jerod Mayo is the first head coach I’ve picked for the job. Here’s why: He may have as much to deal with in 2024 as any coach out there. There are unknowns everywhere on the roster and a major quarterback decision looming. That’s a steep climb on top of the task of replacing Bill Belichick.
