FOXBORO The final Patriots practice of the spring ended with offensive and defensive players huddled around NFL referees, called on by head coach Jerod Mayo to officiate practice. With the raise of an officials' arms, offensive players celebrated and defensive players were forced to do pushups. Quarterback Drake Maye had tossed a fade to fellow wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, a fellow rookie, who had to extend to catch the pass as he fell to the ground with undrafted rookie cornerback Mikey Victor in coverage.
Elsewhere on a trying offensive day, Jacoby Brissett took several sacks, young corners caused disruption in the secondary, the defense dominated in the red zone and a young receiver missed practice after stretching.
After taking just one defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots must count on last year's picks to take a leap in Year 2 under new head coach Jerod Mayo.