At this time of year, it’s always good to see players working hard and trying to hone their craft, especially rookies who need to establish themselves as they start their NFL careers.
According to New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, he’s seen a fair amount of that already. First round pick Drake Maye has been putting in the hours as he hit the ground running, and his fellow draft picks have apparently been following his lead.
Both rookie wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker were already spotted working together before the rookies arrived in Foxboro, and they’ve apparently kept that bond going.
Mayo talked about the two on Monday, noting that the duo are often at Gillette Stadium working hard and trying to improve, which he said has been the case since they were selected back in April.
“From the first day that those guys were here, they connected at a deeper level,” said Mayo. “I would hear the jug machines going off, and I look in there, and it’s those two guys. They have a great bond, great friendship, and hopefully it pays dividends on the field.”
When it comes to playing in the NFL, that type of self-motivation is key to the success of any player. While coaches can help players hone their skills, it still comes down to that player being someone who has the desire to improve and get better.
So far, that’s been the case for both rookies, with their quarterback also being someone who has set a similar tone. Maye himself has been seen staying late and working to get better, with the rookie also doing the right things in practice where he’s been locked in even on reps during practice that he’s not involved in.
He’s been vocal and engaged on the field. Off the field, he’s watching film and looking at ways to continue getting himself to the level that’s going to be expected of him in the coming years.
But most importantly, he’s been building a bond with two players who may see both of their names called quite a bit in the passing game in the coming months. Maye has been spotted with the duo on multiple occasions as being among the last guys off the field, and it certainly sounds like they’re among the players who are also working late behind the scenes at the facility.
The work ethic of all three of those players has stood out to Mayo, which is obviously something you can’t coach. At the same time, to see it from players who are expected to be the future of his football team is something he’s been pleased with.
“It means a lot,” said Mayo of both Maye and his young wideouts. “You have to be a self-starter if you want to be a starter in this league. And those guys are self starters, and they’re going to put the extra work in. So it’s very encouraging.”
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
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This has to be the most encouraging article I’ve had the pleasure to read and enjoy regarding all our futures most important pieces in years! After the best draft I’ve witnessed!looking forward to seeing mayo build this team from the ground up!! I’m telling you right now,this cat is built different and has a vision due to his experience on the field being a true world champion and knows what it takes to sustain that statis as a coach and as a player at the highest level..PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!!
Appreciate it, Shawn. Obviously, there’s still a long way to go and these kids will need to show up during camp, but so far, they’re putting in the work and things certainly seem promising. Looking forward to seeing how these next couple of months play out, along with however this season ultimately unfolds. As long as there’s progress, I think that’s something most of us can live with and I’m curious to see how Maye develops and who emerges, which is always a fun side note that goes along with any season. Excited to see how it goes, and thanks… Read more »