The Patriots have begun organized team activities (OTAs). They're getting the preliminaries out of the way as Mike Vrabel and his staff evaluate players and see who stays and who doesn't, even before summer camp begins in a couple of months. It's all part of the process.
With a great offseason under his belt, Vrabel can now see what he has at his disposal and then make the necessary adjustments, especially after June 1st, when salary cap dead money can be spread over two years and veteran players may be available to fill holes or bolster depth. Meanwhile, some players who are locks to make the roster will be looking to establish themselves as team leaders, aka captains of the newly reconstructed Patriots team.
Obvious candidates on defense include linebacker Robert Spillane, whose influence is already being felt by his teammates. Others include defensive tackle Christian Barmore and cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. On offense, look to tight end Hunter Henry and tackle Morgan Moses. A great source has also raised the name of another possible candidate: Drake Maye.
ESPN's Mike Reiss floats Drake Maye's name as a possible captain
No one is a more connected Patriots insider than ESPN's Mike Reiss. In a recent article, Reiss offers Drake Maye's name as a possible 2025 Patriots' captain in only his second season.
It's to be expected that a quarterback may be in contention, but that honor still has to be earned where it counts, with his coaches and teammates.
"Drake Maye is entrenched as the starter and primed to have the "C" on his jersey as a first-time Patriots captain in his second season. Joshua Dobbs was signed to a two-year, $8 million deal as a free agent to serve as his veteran mentor/support system."
Reiss inserts a very poignant note in an almost throw-away line, saying Maye is "primed" to be a captain. There's a lot of substance in that "throw-away" line that's worth exploring. It connotes a status one hopes to see in a young quarterback (Maye won't be 23 until August!), but it isn't always warranted. In this case, it is.
Drake Maye is a leader of the new Patriots, and should wear a "C"
It's not clear whether Mike Vrabel's captains will wear a "C" on their jerseys, but whether it's there or not, being named a captain is an honor earned and a responsibility to be observed. Even at his tender age, Maye is ready to assume that role, and it makes perfect sense, and Reiss's note makes it almost inevitable.
The quarterback is the de facto leader of the offense, and he should be a captain. But he has to demonstrate the capabilities of a leader to earn it. Maye's unflagging confidence, his dogged determination to excel and succeed, and his example to his teammates make a strong case for the young emerging star to carry that responsibility for Mike Vrabel and his team.
Captains are usually good players. The fact that Maye's already earned a Pro Bowl invite, and the likelihood that his performance will progress substantially in 2025, makes that case. In addition, the privilege of being a captain will further spur him to rise to the leadership challenge.
If you hold the title of captain, you're expected to be an example to your teammates, on and off the field. Additionally, you are now a central franchise representative and must carry that duty exemplarily. With Reiss's comment, expect Maye to be named a captain.
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