The Patriots will be in pads for the first time in training camp and for the first time, we will get a glimpse of what this team may look like in 2020.

It has been an unprecedented pre-season thus far and with no pre-season games, these padded practices will give us the best insight into what Bill Belichick and his staff are thinking.

Of course quarterback will be the position that will be mostly observed and scrutinized during the padded practices. By all accounts, it is an open competition between Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Hoyer even said in an interview this morning that Belichick has told the quarterbacks as much.

It will be interesting to see what the offense looks when the three quarterbacks take reps today.

Of course there will be other positions to watch offensively as well. Specifically wide receiver and tight end. The Patriots upgraded both positions this off-season. I am curious to see how the new faces get acclimated.

The rookies will also be in the spotlight now that the pads are on. Safety Kyle Duggar, tight ends Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene and linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings are all expected to contribute right away. The Patriots will be relying heavily on this rookie class to plug some holes.

Of course all eyes will also be on the Patriots test results now that the team is in full pads and hitting. In many ways, the whole football world will be watching the NFL to see how they make out with practice and testing in the coming days.

Regardless, it finally feels like football season is here now that the team is practicing in full pads.