FOXBORO >> The first time new Patriots quarterback Joshua Dobbs met Drake Maye, they were about as far from Gillette Stadium as possible.

Try 3,000 miles away in Cancun.

Back in March, Dobbs saw Maye’s physical gifts in-person during an NFLPA golf tournament where they convened shortly after Dobbs signed a two-year contract with the Patriots in free agency.

“He can hit the crap out of it with a driver,” the 30-year-old backup said with a smile Tuesday. “It was good to get a chance to meet each other outside of a football environment and put a face with the name and just start talking ball.”

Since then, most of what Dobbs and Maye have been doing is talking ball in Foxboro. Both have participated in the team’s offseason program, where players just entered their fifth week of workouts and meetings. On-field work is ramping up, too, where Patriots players and coaches can finally begin taking plays from the white board to practice.

Dobbs, now on his ninth NFL team, has experience running a variety of NFL systems. He noted Tuesday that the Patriots’ offense, again orchestrated by Josh McDaniels, is unique because of how much responsibility the quarterbacks carry at the line of scrimmage: changing protections, routes and even entire plays. Dobbs is confident he and Maye can handle that mental load, partially because of how the second-year gunslinger has embraced learning the offense so far.

“For a young guy, I think curiosity is always very interesting, and (Maye)’s very curious,” Dobbs said. “This is obviously his second scheme that he’s had, and to see the questions that he’s asked, his engagement each day within the QB room, and his preparation coming into the room. … We go on the field, and as we go out there and lead a new offense, you always tell who loves football and loves the learning aspect of it. (Maye) definitely does.”

Dobbs also noted the importance of a “healthy” quarterbacks room. He backed up 49ers starter Brock Purdy last season, and the year before that started eight games in Arizona, then four more for the Vikings after an emergency midseason trade. Several of Dobbs’ teammates in Minnesota complimented his leadership and presence, even after he was sent to the bench down the stretch of that season.

Dobbs credited his predecessor in New England, Jacoby Brissett, for helping instill a mentality that once a starter is decided, the backup quarterback’s job is to help him however possibly leading up to kickoff.

“Whoever the guy is out there on Sunday, it’s everyone’s job in that room to make sure they’re supported and ready to go, ready to play,” Dobbs said. “And obviously, for my role, it’s ensuring that as we’re (learning) the offense together, that Drake feels comfortable and can go out there and play at a high level.”

For now, that means learning together in the classroom and on the practice field.

“We all want to be the best versions of ourselves every time we step into the building, every time we step on the field,” Dobbs said. “And so that’s the goal: how can we come together as a team during this time period? We’re getting extra reps and extra time together so that we know each other, we vibe well, and we have productive work and productive conversations.”

Dugger feeling better

It’s been an offseason of change under new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

After Vrabel and the Patriots spent the offseason moving on from players who had won a Super Bowl with the franchise — like cornerback Jonathan Jones, defensive end Deatrich Wise, center David Andrews and long snapper Joe Cardona — safety Kyle Dugger, drafted in 2020, became the longest-tenured player on the roster.

“It happened fast. From my rookie year to now, it’s been a flash,” Dugger told reporters Tuesday. “It makes me feel good to be with the organization for that long and it just lets me know as a leader, my role.”

Dugger signed a four-year, $58 million contract with the Patriots last offseason, but his first year under the new deal was a disappointment. Dugger ranked last among qualified safeties with a 44.3 defensive PFF grade. He was also last in PFF’s coverage grade.

It didn’t help that the 29-year-old safety suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 and tried to play through it for most of the season. When asked for an update on the bone bruise and high ankle sprain, the 2024 captain said the injury is doing “well.”

“Not really looking back to last year,” Dugger said. “Kinda put it in the back of my mind and looking forward to moving on.”

Dugger feels he’s a good fit in Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams’ new scheme. It’s unclear what role he’ll play in a suddenly crowded safety room. Veteran Marcus Epps and fourth-round pick Craig Woodson joined a group that included Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler and Marte Mapu.

“I want to be violent and aggressive, just like they want to be. So, I would say that fits my play style pretty good,” he said.

The veteran defensive back said the new regime has a “high emphasis on connectivity” with coaches learning about the roster as individuals.

If Dugger can rediscover his level of play from early in his career, it would give the Patriots’ defense the boost it needs to be a strength this season.

Rookie numbers

The Patriots announced which numbers their 2025 NFL Draft class will be wearing.

Of course, these numbers could change at the end of the summer after roster cuts, but here’s an initial look at the rookie jersey numbers: OT Will Campbell: 66, RB TreVeyon Henderson: 32, WR Kyle Williams: 18, C Jared Wilson: 58, S Craig Woodson: 31, DT Joshua Farmer: 92, OLB Bradyn Swinson: 43, K Andres Borregales: 36, OT Marcus Bryant: 52, LS Julian Ashby: 47, CB Kobee Minor: 19.

Campbell, Henderson and Bryant are lucky enough to wear the numbers they donned in college.

Williams will take Matthew Slater’s old No. 18 jersey for now, while Woodson will wear No. 31, which was held by Jonathan Jones since 2016. Jones signed with the Commanders this offseason.

No. 92 was last worn by Davon Godchaux, who was traded to the Saints this offseason. No. 19 was last worn by Joe Milton III, who was traded to the Cowboys.

The Patriots’ undrafted free agent class has yet to be announced. The Patriots will hold rookie minicamp on Friday at Gillette Stadium.