Drake Maye continues to grow as a leader, and other observations from the Patriots’ training camp

Five takeaways after one week of Patriots training camp . . .

1. Starting quarterback Drake Maye is continuing to grow as a leader — and the Patriots are emboldening him to take on even more.

Read more Ja’Lynn Polk, former Patriots wide receiver who didn’t pan out, retires from the NFL

In 2024, when Maye was a rookie, he didn’t want to overstep as a leader because he felt as though he should defer to veteran (and then-captain) Jacoby Brissett. In 2025, his first as a full-time starter, Maye took steps forward as a leader but initially remained hesitant to assert himself because he felt he hadn’t yet accomplished anything in the NFL.

Now, headed into Year 3, Maye has become more comfortable with his leadership role — in part because of repeated encouragement from coach Mike Vrabel. Maye has stressed the importance of speaking up and taking charge.

“The biggest thing I kept on saying last year was like, ‘I feel like I need to do something in this league,’ ” Maye said. “[The coaching staff] kept on pushing me and said, ‘You got to expect that to happen.’ So, I definitely got some more comfort in that area of pushing the guys. I think I need to do it more — celebrating, being louder, and showing my personality more.”

The Patriots are also empowering the 23-year-old Maye with more latitude at the line of scrimmage, giving him the opportunity to diagnose defenses on his own and then get the offense into a play. That increase in responsibility not only speaks to his development as a quarterback, but also goes hand in hand with his development as a leader.

2. The Patriots will have a tough decision to make on wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.

One of the biggest question marks is whether the Patriots will trade Boutte, a 2023 sixth-round pick who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The offense currently features seven receivers competing for five or six roster spots, so Vrabel has left the door open for movement at the position.

“I love having depth, but I would say that we’re always going to try to look to improve, whether that’s by adding draft capital, obtaining a player, or keeping the guys we have,” he said.

Read more Shiho Kuwaki wins the Women’s British Open on second playoff hole

Moving on from Boutte might make sense, especially if the Patriots do not plan on signing him to a second contract. A trade would allow them to receive something in return for a player that would be free to walk next offseason, in addition to creating opportunities for 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams. A trade could also be desirable for Boutte, who is looking to put forth his best year ahead of his first chance at a lucrative payday.

Retaining Boutte might also make sense, given his production and proven chemistry with Maye. Through a week of practice, Boutte and Maye have regularly connected for impressive gains.

If a deal doesn’t materialize, and the Patriots end up keeping Boutte, would he be OK with potentially limited targets in such an important season? And who would then become the odd man out?

Barring an injury, the Patriots will have some tough decisions ahead.

3. The youngsters at tight end are coming along.

After Julian Hill suffered a season-ending injury, concerns emerged about depth at tight end. It’s possible the Patriots will end up signing an experienced free agent to fill that role, but rookies Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin are certainly making the most of their opportunities. Teammates have praised Raridon for his athleticism as a pass catcher, Arkin for his physicality as a blocker, and both players for their work ethic.

4. The depth at linebacker could be concerning.

The Patriots have Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss returning as starters, though the team elected to part ways with most of their reserves (Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu, and Jahlani Tavai). They kept Chad Muma off the practice squad, but he played just 24 defensive snaps last season and has more experience on special teams. They also signed K.J. Britt, but he, too, projects more as a core special teamer. Rookies Namdi Obiazor, drafted in the sixth round, and undrafted free agent Khalil Jacobs could be in the mix, but have repped with the third unit. Perhaps the Patriots would prefer to instead stack their secondary, but this group feels thin.

5. Left tackle Will Campbell is trending in the right direction.

It might be too early to evaluate the offensive line, as the Patriots didn’t put on pads until Thursday, but Campbell is off to a strong start. Coming off a disappointing postseason, which could have been affected by lingering effects of his Week 12 knee injury, Campbell has won the vast majority of his one-on-one reps (despite an 0-for-2 showing Saturday). He has also held his ground in team drills, moving well and looking aggressive.

Read more Trump’s polling numbers hit a new low. Don’t expect him to change course.