The first preseason game for the New England Patriots is finally here, and the team looks a lot different than last season. So there will be plenty to see. 

Head coach Jerod Mayo made it clear to reporters that as long as the players are healthy, they will get some time on the field on Thursday. So that will include all the rookies, beginning with quarterback Drake Maye. 

And while Mayo placed an emphasis on the run game going into the 2024 season, training camp has been focused on the passing game. So that's what we're looking at heading into the game. 

Here are the top five players to keep an eye on during the Patriots preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. 

QB Drake Maye 

This one is a no-brainer. Everyone is excited to see the quarterback make his debut in a game and show what he's capable of. 

Maye has made some impressive throws during training camp, but he has also made mistakes (which is okay since he is a rookie).  

Right now, Jacoby Brissett has the starting role and will also get the first reps on Thursday. So if Maye wants to steal that starting position, he will have to have a preseason performance to remember. 

Maye has only shown glimpses of what he's capable of during practices, but now he can showcase some longer throws along with what he can do when under pressure. 

WR Javon Baker 

Baker told everyone that he was going to show them why he should have been drafted before the fourth round, and he's gotten off to a solid start. 

He has made highlight catch after highlight catch, so let's see if he can do that in a real game situation. 

WR Ja'Lynn Polk 

The connection between Maye and Polk this preseason has been very apparent and has people very excited about the future. 

He's been reliable which is what the Patriots needed out of a receiver. He hasn't had the same highlight plays that Baker has, but it's the consistency that stands out and he's someone that the team can go to at any moment, even if it's just for a few yards. 

At least that's how it seemed during training camp, but the game will be the real test. 

OT Vederian Lowe

The offensive line has been some what of a question throughout training camp. At first, they were plugging in players at different positions, but it appears they have four out of the five spots figured out. It's just that left tackle spot that is a bit of a question. 

Lowe started camp at right tackle, but that spot quickly went to Chukwuma Okorafor. Onwenu has been at right guard the entire time, with Sidy Sow at left guard. And of course David Andrews in the middle. 

The coaching staff tried different players on the left side, including rookie Caedan Wallace. However, it's Lowe who has spent the most time there with the presumed "starting" line. 

QB Joe Milton III

Everyone just wants to see Joe Milton fire the ball all the way down the field. 

Enough said.