Unless Bill Belichick has changed his approach, don’t expect to see the New England Patriots announcing what numbers their rookies will wear as other NFL teams have done since the 2023 NFL Draft.

Since 2018, the Patriots have made their rookies wear numbers starting in the 50s during OTAs, minicamp and training camp. New England’s rookies don’t get traditional numbers until their first preseason game. That’s led to some odd optics in practice with quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver N’Keal Harry wearing No. 50 and running back Sony Michel and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton in No. 51.

The Patriots receive their uniform numbers, starting at 50, based on the order in which they were drafted. Undrafted rookie numbers have been given out alphabetically in the past.

So, here’s what numbers Patriots rookies will likely wear when we first see them in a practice uniform:

50: CB Christian Gonzalez
51: DL Keion White
52: LB Marte Mapu
53: C Jake Andrews
54: K Chad Ryland
55: OL Sidy Sow
58: G Atonio Mafi
59: WR Kayshon Boutte
60: P Bryce Baringer
61: WR Demario Dougas
62: CB Ameer Speed
63: CB Isaiah Bolden
64: QB Malik Cunningham
65: LB Jourdan Heilig
66: TE Johnny Lumpkin

New England hasn’t given out Nos. 56 or 57 because they’re retired for linebackers Andre Tippett and Steve Nelson and out of circulation.

Expect Gonzalez, Ryland, Boutte, Baringer, Douglas, Speed, Bolden and Cunningham to look ridiculous in the coming weeks wearing bizarre numbers and swimming in too-large jerseys meant for linemen.

They probably won't know what number they're actually wearing until mid-August.

It's the Patriot Way.