After an eventful offseason centered around off-field drama, all that will be put aside as the Patriots take to the field to open training camp Thursday morning on the grass fields behind Gillette Stadium.
Unlike last year when some were projecting the team to go 16-0, it's a much different vibe. With a number of question marks on the roster, there will be a few competitive position battles, which should create some good internal competition.
As always, training camp sessions are free and open to the public.
Here's everything there is to know heading into the next month all leading up to Week 1's matchup with the Texans.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS
Will any offseason drama linger?
It's hard to imagine any disagreements between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick carrying over onto the field, but after nothing was decided this offseason it's worth bringing up. Ultimately, the two care most about winning games and can put their differences aside in order to achieve that. Nevertheless, cameras will be focused on any interaction between the two on the field as it didn't appear they spoke during mandatory minicamp. It's also worth pointing out Rob Gronkowski still hasn't had his contract reworked and was rather forthcoming during the spring about wanting a new deal. It potentially could get announced this week, but if it lingers into training camp and preseason games, perhaps it could become a distraction.
What will happen at wide receiver?
Over the last few weeks this has turned into one of the most interesting positions on the entire roster. Julian Edelman is returning from a torn ACL, but has been suspended the first four games and then it doesn't appear Malcolm Mitchell will be part of the plans as he continues to battle knee issues and even reportedly had a procedure Monday. Add in the fact Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks are gone, that leaves only Chris Hogan with any real experience working with Brady for the first four games. There are a number of new players — Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jordan Matthews, Braxton Berrios — who will be given the chance to contribute and it starts with performing in practices.
How does quarterback position look?
It will be interesting to watch Brady and how he looks with his receivers, particularly the newcomers as the quarterback didn't work with them much at all during the spring since he missed all of the voluntary offseason workout program. It will also be worth monitoring rookie Danny Etling and how he looks. If the Patriots feel he's capable of being a backup, Brian Hoyer could potentially be released. If not, then the team may be forced to carry three quarterbacks on the roster like they did with Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett.
POSITIONAL BATTLES
Left tackle
This is the biggest one on the entire team, as it is the most important. For the first time in nearly 18 years, Brady doesn't know who will be protecting his blindside as he's only ever known Matt Light and Nate Solder. New England didn't add someone as the definitive Solder replacement and as of now it looks to be between rookie Isaiah Wynn and veteran Trent Brown. Wynn has some question marks when it comes to if he's big enough to play tackle at the NFL level and Brown has had most of his experience on the right side.
Cornerback
Who will replace Malcolm Butler as the No. 2 cornerback behind Stephon Gilmore? Eric Rowe has the edge, but there are several solid players also on the depth chart including Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Cyrus Jones and rookies Duke Dawson and J.C. Jackson. This is a very important preseason for Cyrus Jones, as being a second-round selection, he needs to prove he can be a contributor in the league. Of course after a difficult rookie season he suffered a torn ACL last year in the preseason. It's going to be a battle that forces the team to make a tough decision or two because all these players cannot make the 53-man roster.
Running back
Although it's not as competitive as the other two positions, there still will be a veteran player or two cut. James White, Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel are viewed as locks, and then there's Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden competing for one or maybe two spots. It likely will come down to Hill or Gillislee for the final spot and what they do during training camp will ultimately decide who gets the nod.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cordarrelle Patterson
Patterson may be the fastest, most athletic player on the roster, the only question is how will he be used? The former Raiders and Vikings wide out didn't show the greatest of hands during the spring and may be best used as a gadget-type player. He certainly will be the primary kick returner, but other than that it will be interesting to see what Josh McDaniels and Co. have planned.
Sony Michel
The rookie running back was one of the most electric backs in the college game last season and it will be interesting to see how it translates to the NFL. Not only can the Georgia product rack up yards on the ground, but he can catch the ball out of the backfield. We wouldn't be surprised if by the end of the season Michel is the one getting the most touches out of all the Patriots running backs.
Jason McCourty
He was a man of mystery during the spring as he never stepped on the field for team drills. It didn't seem like he was injured, so it was puzzling. If he can show he knows the defense well, he could be one of the primary players to take Butler's place. But, if he can't get on the field or doesn't seem to pick up the defense, it wouldn't be a total shock to see him being cut.
POTENTIAL SLEEPERS
Braxton Berrios
The Miami product could be a beneficiary of Edelman's four-game suspension since the team will get an extra roster spot. Berrios has the ability to line up in the slot and if he has a good training came and preseason, he could be a dark horse to sneak on to the 53-man roster. Also, he returned 47 punts during his college days, which could also give the team another reason to keep him around.
Corey Bojorquez
The left-footed punter out of New Mexico showed off a tremendous leg during the spring and there appears to be a real competition brewing between he and Ryan Allen. Allen is entering a contract year, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team move on from him. This feels like a battle that will go right up until the end of the summer.
J.C. Jackson
The undrafted rookie cornerback was given the chance to play with the starters during the spring, so clearly the coaching staff sees something in him. If the trend continues then maybe there's something there. The Maryland product is very competitive and could be similar to another undrafted cornerback who made a name for himself, but is no longer with the organization (Malcolm Butler).
COULD BE SURPRISE CUT
Jordan Richards
This may not be a complete surprise as it's been talked about for seemingly the last couple of summers, but if Richards doesn't have a good few weeks the end of the road could come for the Stanford product in New England. There are only so many strictly special teams players the Patriots can carry every year.
Mike Gillislee
Gillislee didn't have the best first year in New England, playing in just nine games, and with the team bringing in Hill this offseason, his time with the team could come to an end. It will be worth watching how he embraces the competition over the next few weeks.
Vincent Valentine
The defensive tackle missed all of last season due to injury and the team saw players like Adam Butler emerge as solid contributors on the defensive line. This offseason Danny Shelton was added, so it would not be a complete shock to see Valentine get cut at some point. Also, the same could happen to Shelton if the Patriots don't like what they see right away.
