FOXBOROUGH – When the Patriots started their first competitive period in Monday’s minicamp, it didn’t take Drake Maye long to seek out danger.

After completing his first pass, the Patriots quarterback intentionally targeted All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, connecting with Kayshon Boutte. Three plays later, Maye sought out another veteran cornerback and this time, threw to receiver DeMario Douglas, who was covered by Carlton Davis.

This offseason, the second-year quarterback said he told Gonzalez that he was going to test him every day in practice. The goal for both players is to better themselves by the time the regular season comes and this spring, Maye’s made it a point to throw at the Patriots No. 1 cornerback – as opposed to avoiding him.

“Just getting them work because I know there’s going to be quarterbacks in this league with big-time receivers that are going to go at Gonzo, go at CD,” Maye said. “If we were playing our defense, get those guys excited in the receiver room to play such a good cornerback duo who gets a lot of hype. Playing someone like that, you want to prove them wrong and prove, ‘Hey, this guy is making a ton of money, let’s go out and show them what we can do.’ That’s our mindset if we were playing someone like our duo.”

As he was last week, Maye was dialed in during Monday’s practice. The quarterback completed his first eight passes of the day in 11-on-11 drills. Overall, he completed 77.8% of his passes (14-of-18).

After a tough start to OTAs, Maye said that he feels like he’s hit a good stride this spring. That’s been seen in the last two practices as the quarterback has completed 82.3% of his passes (28-of-34) in competitive 11-on-11 drills with no interceptions.

Maye ended Monday’s practice with a touchdown to Douglas. Before that play, however, Davis deflected one of the quarterback’s pass attempts in the end zone.

“I’m kind of bummed out we’re about to leave,” said Maye. “Any time we go against a great defense – they’ve got two great corners, I told Gonzo, I’m going to test him. I’m not going to not throw at him or CD (Davis). I think two of the best corners and one of the best duos in the league. What an opportunity for us to go out every day and throw against those guys.”

Drake Maye dialed in

What was most impressive about Maye’s day was that the team focused on red zone drills. After the first two 11-on-11 periods, the last two were close to the end zone. It’s here where the margin for error is smaller as the field gets smaller.

Maye went 4-of-5 in the first red zone period. He threw touchdowns to TreVeyon Henderson and Kendrick Bourne. Maye nearly had another touchdown to Bourne on the fifth rep, but the receiver didn’t get both feet in bounds in the back of the end zone.

In the final red zone period, Maye went 2-of-4, but there was some controversy. After hitting Hunter Henry, Maye tried to throw the ball to Douglas. When the ball fell incomplete, most of the offense complained about defensive holding. Davis deflected the next pass attempt, covering Henry. Maye ended the day with a touchdown throw to Douglas.

Overall, the Patriots offense had a solid day. Joshua Dobbs finished 9-of-13 with an interception. Ben Wooldridge went 1-of-4 on the afternoon.

Stefon Diggs

It hasn’t taken Stefon Diggs long to make an impact.

The Patriots receiver wasn’t at the first two OTA sessions but has already taken a vocal role on the practice field for the offense. Monday marked the second time Diggs has practiced in front of the media.

Although he’s still limited, it’s noteworthy how much the veteran speaks to the younger receivers around him. Diggs has been seen speaking with the likes of Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and others throughout each session.

He’s also super vocal and animated – often running on the field during a big play. For example, Diggs was one of the first players to run on the field after undrafted rookie Lan Larison caught a touchdown pass. The receiver was also vocal and upset when it looked like Douglas was interfered with in the end zone.

“He’ trying to figure out where everything is and what his role is and making sure that as we add those situations – the third down, the no-huddle and red zone – that he’s staying up on it, working hard in his rehab,” Mike Vrabel said. “Certain drills he can be out there and there’s certain drills that he won’t be, but I think he’s engaged and I like his energy.”

Rookies shine

It hasn’t taken long for the Patriots rookies to make their mark this spring

First-round pick Will Campbell has consistently been the left tackle for Maye’s offensive line. On Monday, the Patriots also had big impacts from their second and third-round picks.

The play of the day came from Kyle Williams. The wide receiver caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Dobbs during the first 11-on-11 period. Williams blew through the Patriots secondary and split safeties Dell Pettus and Marcus Epps en route to catching the ball and running in the end zone.

During the first red zone drill, Maye’s first touchdown pass went to TreVeyon Henderson. The rookie running back has constantly rotated with Rhamondre Stevenson on offense. His burst of speed continues to be eye-opening.

While praising both Williams and Henderson, Maye also noted that undrafted rookie receiver Efton Chism III continues to impress.

“I think you just saw it, they’re making plays all day,” Maye said when asked about Williams and Henderson. “We got to find a way to get them involved. Looking forward to seeing kind of how they shape their role in training camp. I think they’re shaping it out here. You saw plays from everyone – TreVeyon caught a touchdown, Kyle caught a deep ball. Chism has had about 50 catches I feel like in OTAs. Those guys are coming to work and showing up.”

Isaiah Bolden stands out

The Patriots have their top cornerback set with Gonzalez, Davis, and Marcus Jones in the slot. After that, the defense has had good competition with their backup cornerbacks.

On Monday, Isaiah Bolden stood out among his peers. The cornerback intercepted Dobbs during the final red zone period. Then, he deflected a pass thrown from Wooldridge.

Rookie kicker excels

Andy Borregales has been as advertised.

The rookie kicker was a perfect 4-of-4 in field goal attempts on Monday. Borregales has hit 15-of-16 kicks in front of the media in four open practices this spring.

His main competition, Parker Romo, is 11-of-16 this offseason.

Attendance

Considering the time of year, the Patriots are relatively healthy.

On Monday, the team had five players not practicing – receiver Mack Hollins, offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer, guard Tyrese Robinson, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, and cornerback Myles Battle.

The team also had a handful of veteran players limited on the day and did not participate in full team drills. That group included Diggs, Polk, Vederian Lowe, Kyle Dugger, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Jaquelin Roy, and Austin Hooper.