New England Patriots QB Drake Maye Outperformed by Former Tennessee Vol at OTAs

The 2025 offseason has been one of transformation for the New England Patriots, particularly under center. After years of relying on veteran starters, the Patriots invested in rookie Drake Maye — a promising talent drafted to be the franchise’s future. But with veteran Jacoby Brissett still in the fold, competition has been fierce, and the team’s leadership remains undecided about who will start the season.

Maye, a first-round pick out of North Carolina, is known for his strong arm, mobility, and football IQ. Brissett, a seasoned NFL journeyman and former Tennessee Volunteer, brings experience, steady hands, and a deep understanding of NFL defenses. Their battle in the offseason OTAs (Organized Team Activities) has drawn national attention.

—

### OTAs Breakdown: Rookie Potential vs. Veteran Consistency

During the May 2025 OTAs, both quarterbacks had ample opportunity to showcase their skills. Here’s how the sessions unfolded:

* **Drake Maye:** Completing 73% of his passes during drills, Maye impressed coaches with his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses quickly. In 7-on-7 drills, he completed 12 of 14 passes, showing poise and decisiveness.

* **Jacoby Brissett:** While his completion rate was slightly lower at 59%, Brissett maintained perfect ball security, not throwing any interceptions. His 7-on-7 completion rate was flawless — 7 for 7 — demonstrating reliability and precision.

The clear takeaway: Maye displayed flashes of high upside and raw talent, while Brissett’s experience translated to fewer mistakes and steadiness under pressure.

—

### What Coaches Are Saying

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, known for his methodical and cautious approach to quarterback evaluation, hasn’t made any public declarations about the starter yet.

“We’re evaluating all our players, especially at quarterback,” Belichick said during a press conference. “Drake has shown promise and a lot of growth potential, but Jacoby’s experience and command of the offense are invaluable. It’s a good competition, and we’ll go with whoever gives us the best chance to win.”

Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien also praised both players: “Drake’s arm talent and athleticism are exciting. Jacoby’s been in the league and knows how to manage games. It’s going to come down to who’s more consistent during training camp.”

—

### Maye’s Rookie Challenges and Growth

While Maye has the physical tools and intangibles to succeed, his rookie status means there’s a learning curve. Adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game often trips up rookies, and Maye is no exception.

* **Reading NFL Defenses:** While Maye has shown good pre-snap recognition, identifying disguised coverages and blitzes remains a work in progress.

* **Timing and Chemistry:** Developing timing with receivers and syncing with the offensive line’s protection schemes takes time. OTAs are a start, but preseason games will be crucial.

* **Pocket Presence:** Maye’s mobility is a strength, but his pocket awareness can improve to avoid sacks and negative plays.

—

### Brissett’s Role: Mentor and Contender

Jacoby Brissett’s role goes beyond just competing for the starting job. As a veteran presence, he is mentoring Maye and helping younger players learn the playbook and NFL nuances. His steady leadership is vital in a room undergoing transition.

Brissett has experience starting in multiple offenses, including stints with the Colts, Patriots, Dolphins, and Texans. His NFL savvy and ability to execute under pressure provide the Patriots with a safety net as Maye develops.

—

### What This Means for Patriots Fans

Patriots fans are eager for a new franchise quarterback after the Tom Brady era. Drake Maye represents the future, but the team and its supporters recognize the importance of patience.

* **If Maye wins the job:** Fans can expect some rookie growing pains but also exciting plays and the potential for the offense to become more dynamic with his dual-threat abilities.

* **If Brissett starts:** The team will likely play more conservatively, focusing on ball control and limiting mistakes while Maye continues to learn.

* **Possible Quarterback Rotation:** Some analysts speculate the Patriots may utilize a QB-by-committee approach early in the season, giving Maye and Brissett snaps based on game situations.

—

### Looking Ahead: Training Camp and Beyond

The true decision will come during training camp and preseason. Maye’s progress in mastering the playbook, handling pressure, and avoiding turnovers will be scrutinized. Brissett will need to show he can still perform at a high level and manage games efficiently.

The Patriots’ offense will need to provide both quarterbacks with solid protection and weapons to succeed. Key offensive players — such as wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs — will play a role in how smoothly the transition unfolds.

The quarterback competition between rookie Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett at the New England Patriots is a compelling storyline heading into the 2025 NFL season. Maye’s promising arm talent and athleticism have impressed, but Brissett’s consistency and experience have given him an edge during OTAs.

Head coach Bill Belichick faces a critical choice between potential and reliability. Whichever quarterback emerges victorious will lead the Patriots into a new era, with hopes of returning the franchise to its championship pedigree.

For now, the battle continues — and Patriots fans watch closely as Maye and Brissett push each other toward greatness.