Connection between Drake Maye and A.J. Brown is growing fast, and other observations at Patriots camp

FOXBOROUGH — The connection between Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and new wide receiver A.J. Brown has been picking up steam over the past couple of days.

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Since the pads came on, Brown has popped during practice with multiple impressive catches. During a seven-on-seven period on Friday, he wowed the crowd with a seemingly effortless one-handed touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone. During an 11-on-11 period, he beat cornerback Christian Gonzalez on a deep ball for a touchdown.

After a slower start to training camp, with the two sometimes not on the same page, Maye and Brown have made noticeable progress in a short period. Both have acknowledged the need to communicate their preferences, emphasizing the importance of voicing what they’re seeing and feeling on the field.

“It’s great for us to talk and pull up some old things that he has run, how he liked to run them, what he liked to do, and the routes for his different looks,” Maye said after Friday’s practice. “Just trying to feel the connectivity building now. I think that is the biggest thing with a player like him and a lot of players that we have. It’s my job to try to get him the ball when they want and when I feel like they are open.”

Throughout the first week of camp, Maye’s chemistry with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte had been the standout connection — dating to their extensive second-team reps together in 2024. The two regularly combined for highlight reel-worthy plays.

But Brown is starting to command more of the spotlight. On back-to-back days, he has flashed during team drills and individual work.

Maye said the pair are in “constant conversation,” whether that be reviewing plays during practice, carving out time in the locker room after, or texting each other outside of the building. Maye noted there are some throws he’s made during camp that he wouldn’t necessarily make in a game, but he wants to increase the number of “chances” to Brown in order to help the duo get a better feel for each other.

“We’re trying to build a relationship, me and him,” Maye said. “I think you’re seeing it get better every day. That’s the best thing about training camp; that’s what you use it for. I’m blessed to play with a player like him. Looking forward to giving him the rock and seeing him do his thing.”

The Patriots have a crowded wide receiver room, with seven players vying for only five or six roster spots. They signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million deal. Boutte, who acknowledged he has extra motivation headed into a contract year, has consistently stepped up. There were high hopes for 2025 third-round draft pick Kyle Williams in Year 2. DeMario Douglas, also entering a contract year, has been a popular slot target. Big-bodied Mack Hollins can make contested catches in addition to blocks. Efton Chism is trying to earn an offensive role.

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Maye believes the competition should only improve the group, downplaying any concern about needing to manage egos or appropriately divvying up targets.

“I think part of the times you get into trouble are when you’re trying to sit back there and are like, ‘Oh, I haven’t thrown one to him in a while,’ ” Maye said. “I’ll do that in the walkthrough when nobody is on defense and give everybody a touch. But when we’re out here and you’re playing in the National Football League, it’s hard to pick and choose and try to get it to a guy on a certain play.”

Even though Brown alone is expected to elevate the passing attack, not only because of his talent but also because of what his presence opens up for others, Maye knows the rest of the offense won’t be neglected.

“He’s a force in this league, he’s been a force in this league, and I know we have a lot of players that make plays,” Maye said. “That is the best thing about offense, like coach [Josh] McDaniels says, ‘It can be anybody any given day.’ That’s what the story was last year. I feel like that’s what we’re trying to repeat and just have a little bit more juice, a little bit more swagger to us.”

Other notes and observations from Day 6 of training camp . . .

⋅ Cornerback Carlton Davis missed his second straight day of practice. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was the lone new absence. Barmore did not leave Thursday’s practice early or appear to suffer an injury, so the reason for his absence is unclear. Other veterans, such as fullback Reggie Gilliam, have received rest days earlier this summer.

⋅ Once veteran tight end Julian Hill suffered a season-ending injury, the question became, is third-round pick Eli Raridon ready for a larger role as a rookie? Coach Mike Vrabel previously indicated the Patriots wanted to add to that position, but they never made a major move. Raridon, and undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin, have fared well with their reps, with Raridon being more of a pass catcher and Arkin more of a blocker. Both have the opportunity to earn meaningful snaps.

⋅ The battle for kickoff returner is ongoing, with Williams and running back Lan Larison leading off the first live drill of camp. Chism, Jam Miller, Myles Montgomery, and Cameron Dorner were also in the mix.

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