Story perspectives

Drake Maye Throws Perfect 11-of-11, Five TDs in Practice

8/1/2026

Summary

Maye Perfect Practice

On July 31, 2026, quarterback Drake Maye completed 11 of 11 passes, threw five touchdowns and recorded two sacks in practice.
Maye beat star cornerback Christian Gonzalez three times, although Gonzalez intercepted a red-zone pass.
Maye hit A.J. Brown four times on Friday, including a deep touchdown, for a two-day total of eight of nine receptions.
Five pressures or sacks hit the three quarterbacks during the 1:45 practice, including two on Maye.

Summary

Raridon Steps Up

Raridon, the No. 95 overall pick, steps up after Julian Hill’s IR placement and CJ Dippre’s PUP status.
Coach Mike Vrabel said Raridon’s size and athleticism could be a safety blanket for quarterback Drake Maye.
Raridon noted his playbook knowledge has gone from “night and day” since spring OTAs.
Hunter Henry stays the starting tight end, leaving Raridon as the primary backup.

History

Historical Context

In the 1999 NFL Draft, Tom Brady was chosen 199th overall by the New England Patriots, later guiding the team to six Super Bowl titles. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who drafted Brady, emphasized depth, noting the 2007 offense set a record with 48 passing touchdowns. Similarly, 2026 rookie safety Raridon, the 95th overall pick, provides a protective blanket for quarterback Drake Maye amid intense practice pressure. This focus on depth mirrors past strategies, suggesting teams will continue leveraging late-round talent to sustain quarterback development and game-day resilience.

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Maye Perfect Practice

On July 31, 2026, quarterback Drake Maye completed 11 of 11 passes, threw five touchdowns and recorded two sacks in practice.
Maye beat star cornerback Christian Gonzalez three times, although Gonzalez intercepted a red-zone pass.
Maye hit A.J. Brown four times on Friday, including a deep touchdown, for a two-day total of eight of nine receptions.
Five pressures or sacks hit the three quarterbacks during the 1:45 practice, including two on Maye.

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