FOXBORO — Garrett Bradbury is an outspoken member of the Drake Maye fan club.

The new Patriots center raved about Maye’s maturity and approach after Friday’s training camp practice.

“I can’t believe how mature he is at such a young age,” Bradbury said. “I spent a lot of time with him this spring, and I have to remind myself he’s 22, right? I mean, he’s light years ahead of where I was as a rookie, where most rookies I’ve seen (are). In terms of his approach, his mentality, he doesn’t act like a 22-year-old. He understands the weight of the position he plays.”

Bradbury, 30, spent six seasons as Minnesota’s starting center before being released this offseason and landing in New England. He said Maye often asks him questions about former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.

“He’s always picking my brain,” Bradbury said. “I got to play with Kirk Cousins for a long time, who is phenomenal. He’s a pro’s pro, did everything the right way. So (Maye) is saying, ‘What would Kirk think of this? What were his preparations like with this?’ So any way I can help him, that’s why I’m here, because I think everyone knows he’s got a bright future.”

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Maye’s leadership and tact as a second-year pro have impressed Bradbury.

“From a leadership standpoint, (I’ve noticed) the way he’s commanding the huddle, the way he’s calling the team up, getting on guys in the offense in the right way,” he said. “Like I said, he’s 22, he has a few games under his belt, so you can’t go around barking at guys, telling them what to do. So he toes that line perfectly. He understands that just by the nature of that position, you have a voice, you have control, so use that in the right ways to get everybody on the same page, and we can move this thing forward.”

Bradbury is the favorite to start at center for the Patriots after signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract, but he’ll need to beat out third-round draft pick Jared Wilson. Wilson, whom head coach Mike Vrabel called “a quick learner,” has seen prominent reps at center and guard in his first NFL training camp.

“I think what Vrabel loves most is competition,” Bradbury said. “It’s the best thing you could have as a football team. It’s going to make me better, it’s going to make him better, it’s going to make everyone better. I think on the other hand, I don’t know if I’ve ever played on a line where all five guys played every snap that whole year, so you need to build depth, too. The more good football players you have, the more games you’re going to win, so that’s what training camp’s about. Everyone needs to earn a role. Whatever that role is, you’ve got to earn it.”