The very first rep in full team drills at the Patriots first training camp practice of the 2025 season: a completion from QB Drake Maye to prized free-agent addition Stefon Diggs.
After signing the four-time Pro Bowler in March, New England fans, many of whom were in attendance for the opening day of training camp, have been waiting to see and hear about the Maye-to-Diggs connection, and the duo didn't waste any time getting on the board in camp.
Less than nine months removed from tearing his ACL last October, Diggs's availability was a major headline to kick off camp on a positive note. Although it was only one practice, Maye was mostly sharp as he continues integrating into OC Josh McDaniels's offense. Along with connecting with Diggs twice, the second-year QB completed passes to rookie Kyle Williams (two), and trusty TE Hunter Henry, among others – a solid start to the summer for the offense.
Following the Patriots first training camp practice, Maye gave his thoughts on where the offense stands, throwing to his new star wideout, and where he's trying to improve individually heading into his second season.
"It's good to have [Stefon Diggs] out there. He's a good player who has made a lot of plays in this league," Maye told reporters. "He made some plays out here today. It's awesome being able to throw to a guy like that. Even when he's not open, he's going to make a play for you."
The practice script for the 90-minute non-padded practice was a refresher course on the Patriots early-down base plays that the team drilled during the spring. With the Pats young quarterback learning his second offense in as many seasons, Maye was asked where his comfort level is with McDaniels's scheme in the early days of camp.
"It takes a while to master something at the level that some of the guys played at [in the past]. I have a long way to go, but I like where I'm at. I have some more stuff to improve on, but I think it all comes with facing defenses," Maye said. "I'm excited about where this team is going."
To further reinforce the Patriots new playbook, Maye hosted teammates in Charlotte, North Carolina for an offseason throwing session during the break between minicamp and training camp. A large contingent of pass-catchers met up with their quarterback, with Maye explaining why it was important to him to organize the meet-up while the players were away from the facility over the last month or so.
"You just want to get back and get a refresher for them, whether it's route-wise or play-wise," Maye explained. "The most important thing is just bonding together: getting the guys together, going out to eat, having some fun, getting some work in. I was glad those guys came out."
As the offseason workouts can attest, Maye is trying to take on a bigger leadership role heading into his second season. Although he's only 22 years old, leading the team comes with the territory as a quarterback, with head coach Mike Vrabel challenging Maye to find his voice as well.
"That was something that he wanted to do. It was something that he approached me with early on. Something that he was thinking about," Vrabel said of Maye organizing the offseason workouts. "My job is to figure out what we need and what each player needs and do everything that I can to help them physically, or mentally, or emotionally. And I try to recreate these practices the same way the game is."
Maye's comfort level as a second-year player continues to grow. Rookies don't often take on leadership roles in the NFL, but Maye emphasized that it's "a lot different" in year two.
"You come in here and know what to expect," Maye said. "I'm trying to be [a leader]. That's something you have to earn. You have to come in every day, work hard, and play well in practice. I think that's a big part, you know, taking practice seriously. Practice translates to the games."
One rookie that Maye is helping bring along in the offense is third-round draft choice Kyle Williams. New England drafted the first-year receiver with the 69th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the hope here is that Williams's dynamic play speed will translate to big plays for an offense that could use an infusion of explosiveness.

"[Williams] was backside 1-on-1 with Gonzo. He made a big-time catch, strong hands. He's coming along, he's looking good," Maye said of Williams's catch on a back-shoulder fade in Wednesday's session. "I told Gonzo, I'm going to come at Gonzo. I'm not going to leave [Christian Gonzalez] out here bored at practice, so good for a rookie to make a play like that."
Individually, Maye also pointed to one element of his game that he's trying to amplify more this season. The Pats quarterback's mobility was a standout trait in his first season. Despite only starting 12 games, Maye ranked sixth in scramble yards last season (407). Maye wants to throw more when he extends plays this season, rather than scrambling.
"Remaining a passer longer when I scramble to open up some big plays, scramble plays," Maye said. "I had good times last year where I may have missed them, or I took off running instead. So, just trying to remain a passer."
With training camp officially underway, there's a lot of optimism around the team in Vrabel's first season as head coach. New England hired a proven head coach and offensive coordinator while they were considered among the winners in free agency and the NFL Draft this offseason. Now, it's about translating that off-season momentum into tangible results.
"We have guys around here who are tired of losing. We have guys that want to win. That's what excites me most," Maye added. "The past two or three years around here, and last year for me, I can only speak for myself, there are guys around here who are tired of losing and want to win."
The Patriots have a ways to go before they play meaningful games, but Maye and the offense are taking steps in the right direction.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer