Edelman says he’s ‘excited’ to see McDaniels work with Maye

“He’ll be loads higher at that as effectively. If he places the work in, if he places the time in.”

Julian Edelman is glad to see Josh McDaniels again in New England. (Globe Workers Photograph/Jim Davis)

Former Patriots vast receiver Julian Edelman has already provided up his endorsement for Mike Vrabel as New England’s subsequent head coach.

However the three-time Tremendous Bowl champion additionally believes that Josh McDaniels — set to start his third stint as Patriots’ offensive coordinator — is the suitable man for the job on the subject of getting probably the most out of second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

Talking with NBC Sports activities Boston’s Tom E. Curran on the “Patriots Discuss Podcast”, Edelman pointed to McDaniels’ expertise — particularly on the subject of creating quarterbacks — as the principle purpose why he ought to spur Maye’s growth.

“I believe with Josh — we all know his resume,” Edelman advised Curran. “He helped develop Tom. He developed Mac Jones to a Professional Bowl quarterback. Say what you need about Mac Jones and the place he’s at in his profession now, however he went to the Professional Bowl with Josh. I believe there might be good communication (between Josh and Drake).

“Josh is absolutely good at getting on these pages with the quarterback, these conferences earlier than (video games). Saturday conferences that often the OC, the play-caller and the quarterback must get on that very same web page, ending one another’s sentences, doing issues that the quarterback’s comfy doing, but in addition difficult him with issues that can make the unit higher. I believe he’ll try this, and I believe he’s going to be engaged on his fundamentals higher.”

Maye was one of many few positives for the Patriots in what was a depressing 2024 season in New England, with the No. 3 decide within the 2024 NFL Draft showcasing loads of potential as a dynamic playmaker on the gridiron.

Over 13 video games with the Patriots, Maye threw for two,276 yards and 15 touchdowns — finishing 66.6 p.c of his passes whereas additionally speeding for 421 yards and one other pair of scores.

“He outperformed what I believed he was going to do final yr,” Edelman stated of Maye. “He made some actually nice performs, powerful performs. I really like his angle. I really like his physique language. I really like his engagement. These are chief qualities.”

It was a formidable displaying from Maye, particularly when contemplating that the younger QB additionally didn’t have loads of assist when it got here to confirmed playmakers or strong safety from a porous O-line.

Nonetheless, there have been a couple of warts in Maye’s sport final season, particularly when it got here to decision-making and turnovers.

However with McDaniels overseeing New England’s offense, Edelman believes that Maye might be put in positions to succeed.

“The one factor you could take away from Drake Maye this yr was a whole lot of instances he didn’t have his toes set when he was throwing the ball,” Edelman stated. “And I believe with extra time within the offense after which with Josh McDaniels, when you already know the place to go along with the soccer, the faster your toes are going to observe. Generally that could possibly be a hesitation on understanding ideas and stuff.

“So I believe he’ll be loads higher at that as effectively. If he places the work in, if he places the time in. All of us assume that it’s going to occur as a result of that’s the man he confirmed he was this yr. So I’m excited for it. I’m excited for it.”

Echoing the feelings that Vrabel himself shared with Patriots.com, Edelman hopes that New England tailors its schemes to Maye’s strengths — particularly on the subject of his potential to achieve yardage on the bottom.

“Do I believe Josh will make the most of Drake’s potential to maneuver? Most likely in some type or vogue,” Edelman stated. “It in all probability gained’t be Lamar Jackson’s offense as a result of we don’t wish to get him damage. However a sprinkle in right here or there. I’m positive Josh will try this, in accordance with how the workforce shapes out, and what they do the perfect.”