The New England Patriots don’t abide by their “no days off” policy as it relates to rookie minicamp.

The Patriots are one of 23 teams who will hold rookie minicamp this week, ESPN’s Mike Reiss pointed out in his Sunday notes column. Eight teams had their rookie minicamp last week, and the Los Angeles Rams don’t have their rookies partake in one.

Patriots linebackers coach/defensive playcaller Steve Belichick explained the reasoning behind New England’s timing.

“It used to be rookie minicamp would start [right after the draft], so you’d go home for three to four days and come back that Thursday. Now they have 10 days, which I think is good,” Belichick said, via Reiss.

“You’re a first-round draft pick — go home, enjoy it, then get yourself ready to be here through the spring and play some football.”

The Patriots put together a promising rookie class that could include some immediate contributors like first-round cornerback Christian Gonzalez, kicker Chad Ryland and punter Bryce Baringer. Day 2 picks defensive lineman Keion White and linebacker Marte Mapu will need to beat out some incumbents for roles, and Day 3 picks center Jake Andrews, guard/tackle Sidy Sow, guard Atonio Mafi, wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas and cornerbacks Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden project as backups/special-teamers right off the bat.

Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports