FOXBORO — Count Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne among those ready for the start of the Drake Maye era.

Bourne has been impressed with the rookie quarterback’s growth, poise and confidence through the first five weeks of the season. Now it’s time for Maye to show it on the field in his first career start Sunday against the Texans.

“Everybody’s just excited to see what he can do and just believing in him, helping him be the best he can be,” Bourne said. “He’s top three for a reason, so there’s something there.”

Maye was the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Another aspect of the QB’s game that’s impressed Bourne is his overall athleticism. The UNC product rushed for 16 touchdowns in his last two college seasons.

“His athleticism is actually impressive. I didn’t think he was that fast. I think his 40 might be faster than mine, which is kind of bad,” Bourne said laughing before correcting himself. “The old me, the old me. When I got here, I got faster, but he’s just impressive, what he can do and escape the pocket. And I think he has a good pocket presence feel also.”

Bourne wasn’t the only Patriots wide receiver with high hopes for Maye.

“Of course, it’s a great opportunity for this team just to build off of, go out there and win some games,” rookie wideout Ja’Lynn Polk said.

DeMario Douglas has seen Maye playing well in practice while the rookie split reps with Jacoby Brissett over the first five weeks.

“Been doing good,” Douglas said. “Just got to start with this practice, this practice this week and then preparation.”

The Patriots are last in the league, averaging just 119 passing yards per game. Tight end Hunter Henry leads receivers with 180 yards through five weeks. Douglas is second on the team with 153 yards. Other pass catchers Antonio Gibson, Austin Hooper, Kayshon Boutte, K.J. Osborn, Rhamondre Stevenson, Tyquan Thornton and Polk all have less than 100 receiving yards each.