Training camp season just dropped in Foxborough, and the first crew of New England Patriots players are already on site. We’re talking drafted guys, undrafted rookies, and some key vets, including all the quarterbacks, all rolling into Gillette Stadium starting Tuesday. It’s headlined by starting QB Drake Maye and first-round pick Caleb Lomu, with over two dozen players set to report.
The Drafted Guys: Who’s In, Who’s Not?
The Pats brought in nine players from the 2026 NFL Draft back in late April. We got offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, edge rusher Gabe Jacas, tight end Eli Raridon, cornerback Karon Prunt, offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover, linebacker Namdi Obiazor, quarterback Behren Morton, running back Jam Miller, and edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins. Here’s the kicker, though: everyone but second-rounder Gabe Jacas has signed their rookie deals. That means the other eight are cleared to jump straight into camp with zero restrictions. Jacas, on the other hand, is gonna be under the microscope these next few days. Historically, these contract holdouts usually get sorted out pretty fast, kinda like what happened with TreVeyon Henderson last year. Still, it’s never a great look to start camp with a key pick not locked in.
The Underdogs Fighting for a Spot
But it ain’t just the draft picks making waves. The Patriots are known for giving undrafted free agents a real shot, and this year is no different. Fourteen UDFAs from after the draft are still on the 90-man roster, ready to prove they belong. We’re talking running back Myles Montgomery, receivers Nick DeGennaro, Cameron Dorner, Kyle Dixon, and Jimmy Kibble. Then there’s tight end Tanner Arkin, offensive linemen JonDarius Morgan and Jacob Rizy, defensive tackle David Blay Jr., edge rusher Xavier Holmes, linebacker Khalil Jacobs, corners Channing Canada and Kenneth Harris, and safety Peter Manuma. Last year, two UDFAs, Efton Chism and Elijah Ponder, straight up made the team. This year, guys like Montgomery, Arkin, Morgan, Rizy, and Jacobs are looking like the strongest candidates to pull off that same feat. It’s a brutal grind, but these guys are out there trying to write their own story. Overall, the Pats have four fewer rookies in camp this year than last.
Maye’s Back and the Gauntlet Begins
And then there’s the main man: Drake Maye. He’s the undisputed QB1, coming off what they’re calling an MVP-caliber season. He’s joined by Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton in the QB room. This initial wave of players won’t be hitting the practice fields until Saturday. First up? Physicals and classroom training. It’s all business right away. For these rookies and UDFAs, every single rep, every single meeting, is a chance to show they belong on that final roster. This is where seasons are built, plain and simple.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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