It didn’t take long for rookie quarterback Drake Maye to put together a highlight reel play at his first New England Patriots training camp.
Camp practices began Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, and during one of the 7-on-7 drills, Maye dropped back and threw a deep pass down the right sideline intended for wide receiver Jalen Reagor. The 25-year-old wideout made a fantastic one-handed grab, drawing applause from the fans in attendance.
NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots insider Phil Perry gave his analysis of the Maye-Reagor connection, along with reaction from safety Jabrill Peppers. Perry states, “Maye is a very good deep ball passer, and that was evident on the above play with Reagor. He throws a tight spiral and is quite accurate”, told NBC Sports.
Reagor is a player worth watching in camp. He was a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 but hasn’t yet lived up to expectations. He played 11 games for the Patriots last season and tallied seven receptions for 138 yards on 23 targets.
The Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart is pretty crowded. It remains to be seen whether Reagor will make the final 53-man roster, but Wednesday’s session was definitely a step in the right direction for him.
Reagor’s performance could be pivotal for his career. His catch, showcasing athleticism and focus, is a promising sign as he fights for a spot on the roster. The Patriots have several wideouts competing for limited positions, making every standout moment crucial. Reagor’s ability to make plays like the one on Wednesday may help him secure a place on the team.
As for Maye, his ability to connect on deep passes is already garnering attention. The rookie quarterback’s performance in practice is closely watched, and his connection with Reagor could signal a productive partnership. Maye’s accurate deep throws and command of the offense are encouraging signs for Patriots fans.
The training camp has only just begun, and the competition is fierce. Maye and Reagor’s connection is a highlight early in the process, but both players will need to continue performing at a high level to solidify their roles on the team. The upcoming practices and preseason games will be critical in determining their futures with the Patriots.
With Maye showing promise and Reagor making significant strides, the Patriots’ training camp is off to an exciting start. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team prepares for the upcoming season, hoping that this early highlight is a sign of more to come.
Drake Maye with the effortless deep shot 🎯
— NFL (@NFL) July 24, 2024
(via @patriots)
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Jabrill Peppers on Reagor’s big play today: “That’s what he does. Every practice since he’s been here… We definitely have to do something about that, though.” https://t.co/ZWfGSe3dXt
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) July 24, 2024
Jalen Reagor had a really nice practice, finishing with three catches and a highlight 1-handed grab
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) July 24, 2024