4 new Patriots not named Drake Maye fans should be most excited about
4 new Patriots not named Drake Maye fans should be most excited about
Things are looking a bit different for the New England Patriots in 2024, as they won't have Bill Belichick putting together the roster or coaching the team up for the first time since the turn of the century.
With this new era in New England, the Patriots used their third overall pick in this year's draft on North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, who is inspiring hope in the fan base after some poor performances at the position in recent years from Bailey Zappe, Mac Jones and Cam Newton.
It's unknown when Maye will take the field for New England for the first time, as Jacoby Brissett is expected to be the Week 1 starter, but the first-round rookie isn't the only new player fans should be excited about suiting up for the Patriots in 2024. Here are four others:
WR Ja'Lynn Polk
Polk was New England's second-round selection out of Washington this year. In 41 collegiate games between Washington and Texas Tech, Polk recorded 143 receptions for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Patriots came into this offseason with a big need at the position, and while they may have added multiple players to the room, after Polk's strong showing this spring, he has the best chances of being the team's top option as a rookie.
WR Javon Baker
Baker was one of New England's two fourth-round picks this year along with Layden Robinson. Baker began his collegiate career at Alabama (2020-21) before transferring to UCF for his final two seasons (2022-23). In 45 games, he recorded 117 receptions for 2,051 yards and 13 touchdowns with his final year being his best (52 catches for 1,139 yards and seven scores).
Between Baker's electric tape and eye-catching interviews since he was drafted, he has the personality of a top receiver in this league. If he can limit the drops he could be up there with Polk among Maye's best targets.
LB Sione Takitaki
Takitaki was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 NFL draft out of BYU. In his five seasons with Cleveland, he appeared in 72 games and recorded 268 tackles (14 for a loss), eight quarterback hits, four sacks, four passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
The Patriots have a strong front, but with Adrian Phillips, who played a box-safety role, leaving this offseason, they could use the athleticism that Takitaki provides. Now, New England could take the slower Ja'Whaun Bentley off the field in obvious passing situations if needed and slide the newcomer in.
K Joey Slye
Slye went undrafted in 2018 after a collegiate career at Virginia Tech that included a Third-team All-ACC season in 2016. Since then, he's spent time with the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Football Team/Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars. He's made 121 of his 147 career field goal attempts (82.3%) and 138 of his 156 extra point attempts (88.5%).
Watching Chad Ryland kick last year was one of the most infuriating things about the season, and that's saying something when the team finished with just four wins. The rookie was statistically the worst kicker in the league, making just 64% of his field goals. Having a competent NFL kicker should make fans feel much better about their chances if their offense can't convert a third down inside their opponent's 35-yard line.