Rookies performance during Patriots first day of OTAs has people talking

The Patriots' OTAs began on Monday, and although it's a voluntary event for players, there was a lot of excitement about getting an early peek at how the team would look overall. There's an increased interest in the offense, of course, especially from the additions through the draft, and fortunately, they made quite an impression on day one.

Aside from the concerns that some onlookers had about the receivers in particular, the rookies dedication to getting all that they could from practice was noteworthy.

ESPN's Mike Reiss and countless other reporters in attendance noted that Javon Baker, Drake Maye, and Ja'Lynn Polk remained on the practice field after practice concluded to do some extra work before calling it a day.

Rookies performance during Patriots first day of OTAs has people talking

Although it isn't a totally unexpected sight, given how much the trio has trained individually throughout the offseason, it was an early indication of just how good these guys can be for the Patriots' offense moving forward.

It proves they're determined to do all they can to be the best and build chemistry when they eventually become starters. Because the offense will likely dictate the team's fate this season, it's good they're trying to get in more work early on.

It could become even more critical for Maye, who some argue shouldn't start a single game during his rookie season due to the tough schedule. If he can develop some continuity with his fellow rookies, it might give him a better shot at earning the starter role at some point during the season, if not for Week 1.

How this all pans out this summer will be fascinating, and seeing if Baker, Maye, and Polk continue to stay long at practices will make it even more so. It brings an excitement that has been lacking for quite some time and adds even more hype to the new era under Mayo.

More Patriots coverage: