2. Full pads: Vrabel said his most exciting day of camp is when the team is in full pads for the first time, because there's always an under-the-radar player who emerges. The Patriots' first full-pads practice is scheduled for Monday.

The Patriots’ rookie class is off to a hot start in training camp. The group has been more involved than most of the team’s sophomore players early in the summer practice sessions. The team has 11 draft picks and 16 more undrafted free agents competing in training camp, with rookies making up almost 30% of the 91-man roster.