The New England Patriots officially kicked off the 2026 season this past Friday as 32 rookies reported for mini-camp. While there are no shoulder pads just yet, the weekend serves as a crucial syllabus week—players are spending around ten hours a day at the facilities, getting their feet under them and taking the first steps toward earning a spot on the 53-man roster.

First-round draft pick Caleb Lomu doesn't have to sweat the small stuff, but he's far from the only Patriot in attendance. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf's staff has invited a total of 32 players to camp, including New England's nine draft picks and 12 undrafted free agents. The UDFA class is heavy on offensive weapons, featuring four wide receivers, two cornerbacks, two offensive linemen, a linebacker, a defensive tackle, a tight end, and a running back.

In addition, 13 players have been invited to try out at mini-camp. This group is defense-heavy, with a handful of special teamers as well—including a National Champion punter and a long snapper from the University of Alabama.

The Patriots also used Friday to officially sign five late-round draft picks to four-year deals with an average annual value of about $1.1 million, with half a million guaranteed at signing. The new signings include cornerback Karon Prunty, tackle Dametrious Crownover, linebacker Namdi Obiazor, quarterback Behren Morton, and running back Jam Miller.

As the rookies settle in, it's a reminder that every season starts with a clean slate—and for these 32 players, the path to the Patriots' active roster begins now. Whether you're a first-rounder or a tryout hopeful, the grind is the same. And for fans, it's the perfect time to gear up for the season ahead with fresh Patriots apparel.