Mike Vrabel took the Patriots’ job in ‘large part’ because of Drake Maye

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel's media tour continued as he joined OutKick.com's “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" to discuss his return to New England and to coaching. During his appearance, Vrabel had some quite high praise for quarterback Drake Maye, who according to Vrabel was "a large part of the reason" he decided to take the Patriots' job.

Maye, who has one career NFL victory, is entering his sophomore season in the league, with many outside expectations to have a standout year.

"I see a young, athletic, talented, full-of-potential player," Vrabel said (transcription via Boston.com). "Excited to build this team around [him] and a large part of the reason why I wanted to be here. And just that talent level, to be able to build around him and to be able to grow and help him and lead and run an offense and run a football team, is something that I’m excited about."

Not for nothing, Maye showed some considerable promise in his rookie year, despite dealing with sub-par talent and lackluster coaching around him. So, with the combination of: An improved coaching staff, a roster that saw nearly 25 percent turnover in free agency, a top-five draft pick that theoretically will result in an impact piece, and upgraded receiving talent, Maye should take a step forward.

Will he develop? That is still yet to be seen, but the organization has put their young signal caller in an excellent position to succeed in his second year.

Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University studying communications and media studies. Read all his articles here, and follow him on X @LukeGraham05.