Two key players on the New England Patriots roster last season did not live up to expectations.
And that was rookie wide receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
However, one key Patriots player has high hopes for the two as they enter a new era with Mike Vrabel leading the charge.
During an appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, quarterback Drake Maye showed confidence in Polk and Baker when asked who the "next guy" to step up will be.
“We brought in two rookie receivers, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, that were feeling it out this year,” Maye explained. “They both battled some injuries. Hopefully expecting one of them — if not both — to make a splash this year.”
The Patriots selected Polk in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, followed by Baker in the fourth round. However, throughout the entire season, the two combined for 13 receptions for 99 yards.
But, despite the slow start, Maye has complete faith in his teammates.
And as a leader on the team, he is putting the responsibility on himself to help the two "make a splash" next season.
“I’m really taking it upon myself,” Maye said. “The guys came up with me. They’re receivers, and quarterback-receivers, it’s my job to get them the football. But also, I think it’s their job, and they know, to get their stuff together. Get to lifting hard, and running hard, and practicing hard. There’s a different way to practice in the NFL. It takes something off your body, but you’re still expected to be full speed, expected to be in the right spot, expected to line up right.
“So I think getting in the groove of that and getting in the groove of NFL life was different for all of us rookies. Especially in the NIL space, we all think we’re rich coming into the league, and really that money goes by fast.”
