The New England Patriots’ offseason quiet period continues following training camp preparations, but attention remains on player development and insights from the recent minicamp. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has spotlighted quarterback Drake Maye as a determined and passionate player who shows promise for the upcoming season.

Stefon Diggs’ Early Impressions of Drake Maye

Before officially joining the Patriots, Stefon Diggs researched quarterback Drake Maye and found encouraging reports. Diggs noted similarities between Maye and Josh Allen, his former teammate known for his grit and dual-threat abilities.

“It’s crazy because when you ask around, he has a lot of similarities — well, people say through the grapevine he acts a lot like Josh [Allen]. And you know, that was my guy,”

Diggs stated during his introductory press event with New England.

Reflecting on Maye’s performance in their previous matchup, Diggs praised the young quarterback’s competitive nature and fighting spirit.

“We played [Maye] last year. He shows a lot of fight. He got that fiery quarterback. I want to win myself so that’s something I get excited about and love to be around.”

After three months working alongside Maye during offseason activities, Diggs’ positive outlook has only grown stronger. While limited by injury recovery, he has observed Maye’s dedication firsthand.

“I like [Maye]. I can’t say too much because I haven’t been out there much, but as far as like personality-wise, he a dawg. You can tell he’s a dawg from the get-go,”

Diggs said at minicamp’s end.

“I can see he’s committed to the process. He wants to play well. I know he’s been here all spring. … He’s been real helpful, too.”

Diggs’ experience playing with Josh Allen offers a natural connection, especially given Maye’s similar playing style as a mobile and aggressive quarterback. In addition, Diggs’ past familiarity with offensive strategies under Brian Daboll, who overlaps with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system, gives him an edge in integrating with New England’s offense.

“100 percent. A lot of similarities,”

Diggs explained.

“The intricacies of it is definitely a little different. They might call something different or have a different name. I always say these are the same routes I’ve been running.”

Throughout the spring, Diggs’ participation was limited due to his recovery from a torn ACL suffered the previous October. Despite his restricted physical ability, he remained deeply engaged in preparation and mental reps.

“I’m as engaged as I can be,”

Diggs shared.

“I can’t run a route, but I can take mental reps. I can have those conversations on what I’m thinking about. If I’ve got a question about a route, if I don’t know the play, I want to hear it. You know, just hearing it as much as I can, I think it would be good for me and spending a lot of time here.”

“That’s why I look forward to training camp. You know, training camp is when you put the pedal to the metal. But I’m going to do a lot, a lot of homework prior to getting there.”

New England hopes Diggs will emerge as Maye’s top receiving option once he is cleared to return, especially since Diggs had been on track for another 1,000-yard season before his injury. Diggs remains confident in his ability to reach that level.

“100 percent,” he confirmed with a smile.

Anticipation Builds for Physical Play in Full Pads

The non-contact nature of spring practices limits certain types of physical play, particularly for defensive pass rushers who are restricted from using power moves. This has left some defensive players eager for the return of full-contact sessions in training camp.

Defensive lineman Milton Williams is among those looking forward to the increased physicality and intensity that padded practices will allow.

“I’m ready to use some of this physicality. We’ve got to rush and then stop. We’ve got to let the quarterback throw the ball. I’ll come around and be ready for sure,”

Williams said.

“Training camp, we’ll be able to show what we can really do.”

Strengthening the Patriots’ Analytics Capabilities

Since Mike Vrabel joined the Patriots, the team has expanded their focus on analytics, inspired by Vrabel’s previous experience with the Cleveland Browns and their forward-thinking data department. The Patriots recently added Max Mulitz as personnel analytics coordinator to further enhance their analytical efforts.

Mulitz, a Brown University graduate, brings extensive experience from the Miami Dolphins, where he served in roles including director of coaching analytics and football analyst since 2018. His addition strengthens an already growing analytics team that includes Ekene Olekanma, director of coaching analytics.

“We want to use technology to the best of our ability and what we can do to help us be more efficient, to help us make better decisions, informed decisions,”

Vrabel explained.

“I don’t think you can rely and base every decision off the numbers, but I also think that those are important to ask questions and then be able to follow up and come to a sound decision on everything that we do.”

“Personnel, coaching decisions, player health and safety, strength and conditioning, every aspect of our program. Hopefully, we’ll have some analytical background and data that we can rely on that they can ask questions. When you look at coaching, self-scout, and opponent breakdown, how we become more efficient with that system.”

Patriots Rookies Bond Through Community and Team Activities

The Patriots’ rookie class continues to bond during orientation in Foxboro with activities beyond the practice fields. After visiting Fenway Park earlier, the rookies recently toured the Boston Celtics’ Auerbach Center and took part in a skills and drills clinic benefitting local children.

“This rookie rookie group is really close. We do a lot of things together,”

TreyVeyon Henderson said, highlighting the camaraderie among the newcomers.

Positive Reviews Highlight Patriots’ Recent Moves

Across the league, the Patriots’ offseason efforts have been met with favorable remarks. An AFC scout featured the team in ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler’s compilation of notable 2025 offseason moves. The scout acknowledged improvements despite not being impressed with the previous year’s draft.

“I didn’t love their [2024] draft, but I thought they did great this year. Kyle Williams has a chance to be a real player. They haven’t had an impact receiver there in a while. A lot of teams loved (running back) TreVeyon Henderson. And we were really high on [No. 4 pick] Will Campbell. I don’t think they are that far away.”

— AFC scout.

Kyle Williams Focuses on Reliable Catching

Rookie receiver Kyle Williams had a productive spring, punctuated by impressive deep-ball connections with backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. However, Williams also experienced a couple of passes deflected at the catch point during minicamp’s final practice.

Williams approaches each catch opportunity with a strong mindset to secure the ball and prove his competitiveness.

“My mindset is don’t drop the money,”

Williams said during a youth football clinic.

“Every time the ball is there, that’s a bag of money, we can’t let that hit the floor because [then] that’s somebody else’s. So, just being able to make those plays, showing I can compete against those top-tier guys in the league.”

— WEEI’s Meghan Ottolini.

Looking Ahead as the Offseason Quietly Progresses

With the Patriots’ offseason program wrapped up, most team activities will slow until training camp menus ramp up. Rookies will continue to train in smaller groups, and announcements regarding free agency workouts or staff additions may surface soon.

Fans and observers are encouraged to stay alert for further developments as New England builds toward the regular season with hopes pinned on emerging talents like Drake Maye and the continued growth of veterans such as Stefon Diggs.