The New England Patriots will begin reporting to training camp later this week.
Those summer practices will run through the preseason and end with the team selecting their final 53-man roster.
Patriots rookies are slated to report to training camp on July 19, while the veterans will report on July 23. Gates will open to the public for the team’s first practice on July 24.
The Patriots will officially begin embarking on their first regular season run without Bill Belichick as the head coach. First-year coach Jerod Mayo will have an opportunity to shape and mold the team how he sees fit.
Their success could ultimately come down to the rookie class.
Jacoby Brissett is a capable enough bridge option at quarterback, but it’s hard to envision the Patriots getting back to perennial contender status if rookie Drake Maye ends up being a bust.
The team is also putting their faith in rookie receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker to spark the skilled positions, while tackle Caedan Wallace could be thrown into the fire right away as an offensive line starter.
After months of guesswork, the time has finally arrived for the Mayo era to take flight.