Drake Maye already has connection with one Patriots receiver
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 02: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels warms up before their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Drake Maye will see at least one familiar face in the New England Patriots locker room in his rookie year.
Rookie wide receiver Javon Baker, who was drafted in the fourth round from UCF, doesn’t just know Maye, but he has also caught passes from him, when the two were together at the University of Alabama.
Maye initially committed to Alabama before choosing North Carolina in 2020. Baker spent his first two seasons at Alabama before transferring to UCF, but he does remember having a connection with Maye on the field from the beginning.
“People don’t know this, but when Drake Maye was committed to Bama at first, we were already practicing, throwing around,” said Baker. “So me and Drake Maye got a connection going on. Drake Maye was probably, in my opinion, I think the best quarterback in this draft. So when we connect again, it’s going to be a good connection.”
Javon Baker on his relationship with #Patriots QB Drake Maye:
“… when Drake Maye was committed to ‘Bama at first, we always used to practice and throw around. Me and Drake Maye got a connection going on.
Drake Maye… in my opinion, the best quarterback in this draft.”
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) April 27, 2024
With more opportunities, Baker saw a dramatic improvement in his game during his run at UCF. It shouldn’t come as any surprise considering he was a freshman on the same roster as other explosive playmakers, like Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith.
Baker’s ceiling could have him projecting as the new No. 1 receiver for the Patriots at some point. That’s obviously the best case scenario, and he has plenty of work to do to get there. But there’s no questioning the talent and potential of the rookie receiver.
The Patriots are hopeful Maye can get in sync with his new teammates right out of the gates. It’s good news that he at least has experience with one, even if their time together was cut short.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Drake Maye already has connection with one Patriots receiver