Rookies have reported to Foxboro for the start of training camp. All eyes of course will be on Quarterback Mac Jones but the 2021 rookie class is talented and the expectation is that they will make a difference.

When evaluating rookies from a coaching lense, there are different things each of them need to do at their respective position in order to gain playing time.

Bill Belichick will NOT play a rookie if he and his staff don’t think they are ready. We have seen it before. If this year’s class wants to make an impact on a talented roster, they will have to prove it in camp and in the pre-season.

Here’s what each member of the Patriots rookie will have to do at their respective position in order to get on the field this season.

Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama

1. Master the terminology. Remembering and running the plays is the easy part. Understanding the verbiage and being able to communicate it to your teammates is paramount.

2. Leadership. Lead by example. Take charge of the huddle. Lead with your play.

3. Decision making. Understand your reads, manage the pocket. Work through your progression. Don’t force the ball where it doesn’t belong.

4. Accuracy. Understand route concepts and how to add and subtract on throws. Develop timing with the receivers. Get on the same page!

5. Take care of the ball. Plain and simple.

Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

1. Alignment and assignment. Barmore needs to learn all of the fronts he will play in and know the alignment techniques and adjustments. If you can’t line up, you can’t play.

2. Gap responsibility and technique. Whether it’s a shade technique or head up, Barmore needs to understand what his gap responsibility is.

3. Head and hand placement. You can’t control a gap or gaps if your head and hand placement isn’t what it should be.

4. Defeat blocks. Barmore must prove beyond what he did in college that he can control and defeat single blocks and split double teams.

5. Master pass technique. Understand the importance of getting off on the snap. How to use your hands in the pass rush. single move pass rush vs. double move pass rush. Rushing from a shade or head up. Defensive tackles must use their power and hands and leverage more because they are aligned inside.

Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma

1. Gap responsibility. Play under control. Perkins cannot freelance like he did at times in college.

2. Learn to play with your hands and leverage. In the NFL, you cannot win with just get off and speed.

3. Perkins will need to master the various alignments and adjustment calls. Pre-snap alignments and post snap movement on blitzes and twists.

4. Coverage responsibility. Perkins will need to understand the various responsibilities in man coverage, zone coverage and match coverage. This is especially important when zone blitzing.

5. Know your role. Perkins will more than likely be just a sub package pass rusher this season. He needs to embrace that role and produce.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma

1. Patriots running backs are expected to have an understand of blocking schemes so that they can fit their path after receiving the hand off.

2. Footwork and paths. It will be important to master the footwork and paths so you can execute the running path. Bad footwork making the blocking scheme ineffective and it doesn’t the back to play to their strengths.

3. Effort, effort and more effort. Belichick will expect Stevenson to want the ball on every series. That’s why you need to be ready for when your name is called.

4. Pass protection. Stevenson will not get on the field if he can’t consistently pass block. Every team emphasizes pass protection but with the Patriots, it’s a barometer of playing time.

5. Versatility. The Patriots want running backs that can fit their system stylistically but they also like running back who can contribute on all three downs.

Cameron McGone, LB, Michigan (Will miss camp)

Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri

1. Alignment and assignment applies to every position but more so in the secondary. Understanding formations and where to line up when the offense breaks the huddle is key.

2. Communication. Constantly communicating and relying calls is a big part of playing in the secondary. Belichick places a premium on being vocal at all times.

3. Being a three level player is a necessity in the Patriots defense as a safety. Bledsoe has shown he can cover down on slot receivers and tight ends which is good because he will be asked to do it here.

4. Versatile. The Patriots play with three safeties more than any other team in the league. In order to do that, they need versatile players at those positions. Bledsoe offers that type of versatility. That’s why he was such a good scheme fit.

5. Football I.Q. Bledsoe has the reputation of being a smart player. Belichick values that on the back end. He will have to prove it once he gets on the field.

William Sherman, OT, Colorado

1. Versatility. The Patriots drafted Sherman for many of the same reasons they drafted Michael Onwenu. He can play tackle or guard. The ability to master both positions and play them effectively is important to the Patriots.

2. Technically sound. Sounds redundant but it’s even more important along the offensive line. Playing with proper bend and taking good angles is vitally important to the success of an offensive lineman. That is why the Patriots place an emphasis on athleticism upfront. Sherman needs to prove he can do this consistently.

3. The Patriots utilize both man-gap and zone run blocking schemes. Mastering both schemes will be vital for Sherman because it will determine how quickly he gets on the field.

4. Pass protection is the number one barometer in the NFL of whether or not a guy can play along the offensive line. Sherman was a solid pass blocker at Colorado but he did struggle at times with speed rushers. That is why his best shot at contributing as a rookie is to play inside.

5. Intelligence. The Patriots value high I.Q players more than most teams. Understanding blocking schemes and protections is paramount up front. Sherman is a smart player who understands the mental and physical part of the game. That bodes well for him in terms of playing time.

Tre Nixon, WR, Central Florida

1. Route running and route adjustments are the two things the Patriots emphasize with their receivers. Nixon needs to be able to do both well if he wants to make this team out of camp.

2. Communication with the quarterback. The Patriots offense is similar to the Run and Shoot in that there are multiple break options in a route. It is imperative that the quarterback and receivers see the same thing.

3. Consistent hands. Every team in the league values this. Catching the ball every time it’s thrown to you is your job. One of the reasons Ernie Adams liked Nixon at Central Florida is because he has strong hands and caught the ball consistently.

4. Stalk block. Belichick believes that one of the ways you earn his trust as a receiver is to prove you can play in any situation. That means being a good run blocker. Nixon will have to compete as a stalk blocker to prove he belongs on this team.

5. Compete for every ball. Like any team or player, playing every snap like the ball is coming to you and competing for it when it does is paramount to your success. Nixon has to play like he is the primary target every time he breaks the huddle.

Playing as a rookie in the NFL is not easy. Even the most talented first round pick will tell you that. Having an understanding of what the coaching staff wants and fitting the system is key. If you do those things, you will play. If this year’s class meets Belichick’s requirements for playing their respective position, they will get on the field.