Drake Maye impresses Edelman as Patriots surge in 2025

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Drake Maye is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names in American football, and now one of New England’s most respected former stars has explained why.

Julian Edelman believes it is not the Patriots quarterback’s arm or athleticism that stands out most, but his attitude.

For UK readers less familiar with the NFL, Maye is the young quarterback leading the New England Patriots’ dramatic turnaround in the 2025 season, a revival few saw coming just a year ago.

Who is Drake Maye, and why is he suddenly everywhere?

Drake Maye is a 23-year-old NFL quarterback and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After a difficult debut season for the Patriots, New England has surged from four wins last year to 14 wins in 2025, making them one of the league’s strongest teams.

Maye is now being mentioned alongside Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford as a serious NFL MVP contender, an extraordinary leap in only his second professional season.

For context, the NFL MVP is similar in prestige to being named Premier League Player of the Season; it marks you as the best performer in the sport that year.

What has impressed Julian Edelman the most about Drake Maye?

Speaking on the US sports show The Herd, former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman made it clear that Maye’s mindset sets him apart.

“I think it’s his attitude. Just talking to people over there, everyone talks about how he’s so hungry to be coached, he’s so hungry to learn, and it translates into how he looks when he’s playing,” Edelman said.

Edelman highlighted Maye’s calm presence under pressure, adding: “He looks so confident, he makes it look so easy, and I think his relationship with Josh McDaniels has been awesome.”

Josh McDaniels is the Patriots’ offensive coach, known across the NFL for developing quarterbacks, a factor many analysts believe has accelerated Maye’s growth.

How good has Drake Maye actually been this season?

The numbers back up the hype.

During the 2025 NFL season so far, Drake Maye has recorded:

72.0% completion rate (elite by NFL standards)
One of the most efficient passing seasons in modern NFL history
Consistent success on deep throws downfield
Strong decision-making in red-zone situations

In simple terms, Maye is not just throwing accurately; he is choosing when and where to take risks, something many young quarterbacks struggle with.

Why do former Patriots say Maye’s mentality matters more than talent?

Edelman explained that physical talent alone no longer separates quarterbacks in the modern NFL.

“All these guys can throw the ball, all these guys can run the ball now, especially at that position. It’s the guys who are really wanting to dive into the academics of football.”

Drake Maye’s final 2025 stat line

4,394 passing yards
31 passing TDs
8 INTs
450 rushing yards
4 rushing TDs pic.twitter.com/kGgv0FqzQQ

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026

He praised Maye’s situational awareness, such as knowing when to avoid risky throws and settle for points, the American football equivalent of protecting a 1–0 lead rather than chasing unnecessary goals.

Is Julian Edelman the only ex-Patriot praising Drake Maye?

No. Praise has come from across the Patriots’ alumni. While Tom Brady, the most famous player in Patriots history, believes Matthew Stafford currently has a slight edge in the MVP race, former New England running back Damien Harris argues Maye has done more with fewer star players.

Speaking on CBS, Harris said: “There’s no real superstar pass-catcher for this team, but Drake Maye still gets the ball to everybody.”

Harris pointed out that, unlike rivals with elite receiving talent, Maye has spread the ball across ageing receivers, running backs, and tight ends, maximising the entire squad rather than relying on one headline star.