The New England Patriots concluded their offseason program on Thursday after the third and final day of mandatory minicamp. The three practices featured two highly competitive sessions which gave us a good look at the roster ahead of summer break.
Here are six things we learned throughout the week.
Drake Maye can reach another level
Drake Maye established himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks last season, finishing as the MVP runner-up. Those inside the building believe he can reach another level in 2026, and he showed signs of doing just that during two competitive practices this week.
Back in the same offensive system for the first time in several years, the Patriots spent the spring challenging Maye at the line of scrimmage, often sending him to the line without a play call and forcing him to get the offense into the right look based on the defense.
We already know the physical tools Maye brings to the position. But continuing to develop the mental side of his game — and learning to play a step ahead of opposing defenses — should unlock an even better version of the 23-year-old quarterback.
A.J. Brown is as advertised
It did not take long for A.J. Brown to make an impact on the practice field. After getting his feet wet during the final week of OTAs, Brown looked every bit the Pro Bowl receiver in minicamp, hauling in a back-shoulder fade for a touchdown before making an impressive adjustment on another pass in the end zone for a second score.
The chemistry between Brown and Maye has been impressive considering the duo has spent less than two weeks together, and it should only continue to improve with time — while Brown will likely also begin to be moved around the formation more often, after spending this last week largely repping in the outside role.
Kayshon Boutte has questionable fit in deep WR room
It was an interesting first week back for Kayshon Boutte, who was away from the team during the voluntary part of the offseason program. Boutte was surprisingly a full participant in Tuesday’s competitive practice before not taking any full-team reps on Thursday.
While we saw flashes of Boutte working alongside A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs on Tuesday, the 24-year-old’s fit in the offense still seems questionable following the new additions. Add in the fact that Boutte remains in search of a new contract, and a trade still feels like the most logical outcome — something he appears open to.
“I wouldn’t mind being here,” Boutte said before quickly adding, “I do want to be here.”
Boutte has improved in each of his three seasons in New England, but the depth behind him could allow the Patriots to move on and allocate his potential extension money elsewhere. Veteran Mack Hollins is part of that group, while DeMario Douglas put together another impressive spring. Second-year receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III also had a strong week and continue to push for larger roles.
Christian Gonzalez is holding in
With no contract extension in hand, star cornerback Christian Gonzalez did not take any competitive reps this week, limiting his participation to individual drills and walkthrough work. Gonzalez reiterated his desire to reach a long-term extension with the Patriots, and the fact that he was in attendance and participating at some level could be viewed as a positive sign.
The Patriots and Gonzalez now have until the start of training camp on July 25 to reach an agreement. If not, it will be worth watching whether his limited participation level continues into the summer.
Caleb Lomu was a wise pick
Even with last year’s fourth-overall pick Will Campbell and veteran Morgan Moses on the roster, the Patriots selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round of this year’s draft. While Lomu does not have a clear path to a starting role, investing in the position made sense given the likelihood that the rookie would see valuable reps during the offseason and provide key depth in the event of an injury.
That immediately proved true this spring, as Lomu spent all of OTAs and minicamp repping with the top offensive line at right tackle while the Patriots managed the workload of the 35-year-old Moses. Lomu also continued to work at left tackle with the backup offensive line as he projects as the team’s top swing tackle, and even took snaps at left guard to close out the week.
It would not be surprising if Lomu is called upon at some point during the regular season, making the selection look like a logical investment.
More questions than answers at edge
Mike Vrabel sounded rather confident in his group of edge rushers when asked about the unit this week. Free-agent addition Dre’Mont Jones has made a strong first impression, while the coaching staff has praised second-year rushers Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson for their work this spring.
Still, plenty of questions remain with this group as veteran Harold Landry III and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas have not practiced this spring. Landry’s workload is being managed as he returns from the knee injury that slowed him down last season, while Jacas has not been in the facility after undergoing a “procedure” and remains the NFL’s lone second-round pick yet to sign his contract.
With uncertainty surrounding two players expected to play significant roles at the position this season, edge rusher feels like the biggest hole currently on the Patriots roster.
