Patriots' Drake Maye puts two teammates on notice after disappointing rookie seasons

The New England Patriots made quarterback Drake Maye the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft before the club landed wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round and wideout Javon Baker in the fourth round. Of the three of them, Maye seemingly is the only one who is currently guaranteed a long-term spot on the roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

During a recent appearance on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast, Maye explained how he is "really taking it upon myself" to help Polk and Baker improve this offseason. 

"The guys came up with me," Maye said, as shared by Chris Mason of MassLive. "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."

Polk and Baker were both expected to be important contributors as rookies for a Patriots team in the middle of a roster rebuild. However, Polk recorded just 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns over 15 games. Meanwhile, Baker finished the campaign with one catch for 12 yards across 11 contests. 

Maye stuck up for his teammates and noted that they "were feeling it out" as rookies under previous head coach Jerod Mayo. 

"They both battled some injuries," Maye added. "Hopefully expecting one of them — if not both — to make a splash this year."

It remains to be seen if Vrabel and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will let either Polk or Baker make much of a splash come September. The Patriots are already being linked with big-name offensive weapons such as Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers. Mark Daniels of MassLive named a handful of to-be free agents who could take targets away from both Polk and Baker later this year. 

Neither Vrabel nor McDaniels has direct ties to the young New England offensive players who flopped this past season. In short, Polk and Baker could both realistically be on the chopping block this summer if they disappoint during upcoming workouts.