6 reasons to be excited for Patriots training camp

2. The rookies

There is no shortage of Patriots rookies entering their first NFL training camp experience this week. A total of 17 rookies will have butterflies occupying the depths of their stomachs as they suit up in the locker room on Thursday morning.

Eight of those 17 are draft picks. Of course, we’re probably most excited to see how Cyrus Jones fares in his first live action. He projects as the starting slot corner in the Patriots’ oft-used nickel package, but we will also be keeping an eye on Jones’ performance on punt returns. If Jones can handle NFL punts, then the Patriots could use him more in the regular season to ensure that Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman stay out of harm’s way.

32 offseason additions, 32 interesting facts

There are nine undrafted free agents trying out for the team as well, including recently signed offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson, who filled C.J. Johnson’s spot on the 90-man roster last week. D.J. Foster is the most intriguing prospect out of the group with his receiving skills out of the backfield, but also keep an eye on the trio of undrafted rookie corners: V’Angelo Bentley, Jonathan Jones and Cre’von Leblanc.

Next: 1. Real football