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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots' Drake Maye starts OTAs in surprising position

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/20/24

Although he's expected to compete for the starting job this summer, rookie quarterback Drake Maye opened New England Patriots organized team activities (OTAs) as the team's third stringer on Monday.

The third overall pick worked behind veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett and 2022 fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe and in front of fellow rookie Joe Milton.

The QB order in drills thus far has consistently been Brissett-Zappe-Maye-Milton. pic.twitter.com/sRdgxjkX8O
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) May 20, 2024

#Patriots opening 7-on-7 period:
QB reps: Brissett 8, Zappe 4, Maye 4, Milton 4
Brissett 4/8, Zappe 2/4, Maye 4/4, Milton 4/4
Maye and Milton both hit out routes, and Milton ripped a nice comeback around safer throws.
Polk, Baker repped with rookie QBs.
PBU: Dugger… https://t.co/NgEUwbacTC
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) May 20, 2024

Disclaimer: This was not a day for player evaluation in competitive drills, rookies or vets.

No pads. Day 1 playbook installation. Only early-down schemes.

But you can see the bones of the new #Patriots offense coming together: outside zone, bootleg play-action, vertical pass… https://t.co/NudDDk8eKe
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) May 20, 2024

It's far too early to jump to any conclusions, as Monday was the first day of OTAs, which are voluntary.

Among the media members impressed with Maye's performance to begin the week was ESPN's Mike Reiss. The insider noted that first-year head coach's decision to stick Maye behind Brissett and Zappe is likely a "walk before you run type deal."

Drake Maye

2 for his first 2 as OC Alex Van Pelt calls out the color he wants the QBs to throw.

Biggest takeaway from this perspective: Maye worked behind Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe throughout — a walk before you run type deal (e.g. just 3 reps in initial 11-on-11). pic.twitter.com/xteZuVKdML
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 20, 2024

Scene-setter: Practice ended about 15 minutes ago and Drake Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are the last players on the field … extending their work together.

Maye is calling out what route he wants, at half speed, before the WRs run them.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 20, 2024

New England is expected to be among the worst teams in the league in 2024, so while Brissett could open the year as the starter, he'd likely act as a bridge to Maye eventually taking over. The University of North Carolina product could very well supplant Zappe as the No. 2 by training camp this summer as well.

Brissett — who started his career with the Patriots in 2016 as one of Tom Brady's backups — re-joined the organization on a one-year deal in March. He'll turn 32 in December, is on his fifth team in five years and played just three games with the Washington Commanders last season as Sam Howell's backup.

Zappe played in 10 games during the 2023, replacing former Pro Bowler Mac Jones under center and starting the team's final six games. The Western Kentucky product finished last season with a 59.9% completion percentage for 1,272 passing yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions.

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