FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots held their 16th training camp practice on Sunday, and the two-minute session yielded another impressive performance from Drake Maye.
The rookie quarterback outperformed Jacoby Brissett and saw more reps with projected starting offensive linemen. However, Maye didn’t see any time with center David Andrews, so Brissett still is the clear leader of the QB competition — for now. The Patriots also received strong practices from two other members of their rookie class.
Let’s look at the best and worst performances from Sunday’s practice.
Best Players on Day 16 of Patriots Training Camp
TE Jaheim Bell | STUD
This was the rookie tight end’s practice of the summer — by far.
With the Patriots down Austin Hooper, Hunter Henry, and Mitchell Wilcox, Jaheim Bell saw increased opportunities and he made the most of them. The seventh-round pick caught three touchdowns during goal line 11-on-11 periods, one each from Brissett, Maye, and Joe Milton III.
Bell missed time early in camp due to an undisclosed injury, but he’s been impressive since returning. He’s the most athletically gifted tight end in the room and is a decent blocker.
QB Drake Maye | STUD
Here are Maye’s practice stats:
11-on-11s: 5-for-6, one sack
7-on-7s: 5-for-9
Maye appears to be building off his strong preseason performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s more decisive, and pushing the ball downfield with more confidence. The rookie’s lone incompletion in 11-on-11s came on a miscommunication with tight end La’Michael Pettway.
Maye’s stats in 7-on-7s would’ve been better if not for another big Javon Baker drop and an incompletion to Kayshon Boutte, who should’ve made the catch but allowed Marcellas Dial Jr. to break it up. Still, he threw three touchdowns during 7-on-7s, and all were great throws.
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Ignore the stats, though. The important thing is how Maye looks, and there was a night-and-day difference between his performances in the last two practices and how he played in the joint session against the Eagles.
I don’t think the Patriots have a good excuse not to play Maye with the top line on Monday.
KJ Osborn sees Drake Maye progressing pic.twitter.com/DQ12zXEM9I
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 18, 2024
WR Ja’Lynn Polk | STUD
The rookie receiver continues to play well. Ja’Lynn Polk had four catches in team drills, second behind the five from DeMario Douglas. The second-round pick also saw more reps with the first-team offense.
Baker undeniably has more big-play potential than Polk, but Polk has been more consistently productive during training camp. He appears primed for an immediate role.
Players Who Struggled on Day 16 of Patriots Training Camp
CB Alex Austin | DUD
This was a tough day for Alex Austin, who gave up two touchdowns during 7-on-7s (Maye was at quarterback for both). He also should’ve given up a 40-yard bomb to Baker, but the rookie wideout let him off the hook.
Austin’s enjoyed a solid camp, but this wasn’t his best day.
WR Javon Baker | DUD
Baker’s drop on a beautiful 40-yard ball from Maye looked eerily similar to his drop in the Eagles game, except this one was on the sideline. The fourth-round pick has struggled for about a week and could be sliding down the depth chart. His talent is obvious, but his hands still need work.
K Chad Ryland | DUD
Kicking competition update: Joey Slye went 4-for-4 between 44 and 55 yards; Ryland went 3-for-5 with bad misses from 49 and 55 yards. The Patriots again ramped up the music and had the full team heckling both kickers.
Ryland had the edge over Slye early in camp, but there’s been a reversal over the last week. Overall, Slye is 33-of-39 this summer while Ryland is 32-of-39. This competition is close, but Ryland is fading.