The New England Patriots held their first open practice for voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, and it represented the first real taste of football with both rookies and veterans taking the field for the first time together.

There were several major absences, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Diggs is still working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last season, while Stevenson is currently away from the team due to personal tragedies with the passing of his father and close friend.

The Patriots worked in helmets and shorts in a practice that included competitive 11-on-11s. It was a tough day for the offense, especially for quarterback Drake Maye, who was picked off four times. That's nothing to sound the panic alarm over considering the generally laid back setting.

Returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' new offense is being installed in real time, and there are multiple new pieces at receiver, running back and along the offensive front. It's going to take time before the offense is in rhythm. The defense, on the other hand, looked to be in midseason form.

Here were five standout players for the Patriots at practice:

CB Christian Gonzalez

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Christian Gonzalez looked like the best player on the field for the Patriots at practice. He picked up exactly where he left off from his All-Pro season last year by snatching two interceptions from quarterback Drake Maye. His suffocating coverage was also on full display as he blanketed Patriots' receivers in competitive drills.

Pro Football Focus recently snubbed Gonzalez in their top 25 players under 25 list, and Gonzalez's response was that he would let his play do the talking. That's exactly what he did in this practice setting.

K Andres Borregales

May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Andres Borregales (36) practices during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Patriots rookie kicker Andres Borregales is off to a strong start after going a perfect 4-of-4 in field goal kicks. He is already favored to win the starting job over John Parker Romo, who went 2-of-4 kicking. New England has been searching for a franchise kicker ever since the departure of former longtime kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Is Borregales the kicker to finally fill that void?

WR Efton Chism III

Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; East wide receiver Efton Chism of Eastern Washington (81) runs with the ball during the first half against the West at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

A potential dark horse to make the team is wide receiver Efton Chism III, who flashed elite quickness and separation abilities on the field. He was heavily involved on offense in this practice setting, catching four out of the five passes thrown in his direction. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has found success in the past with a Wes Welker or Julian Edelman type on offense.

Could Chism, who broke Cooper Kupp's receptions record at Eastern Washington, be the next great slot find for New England? It'll be something to keep an eye on throughout the summer.

DT Christian Barmore

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Christian Barmore was a full participant at practice, which is a great sign that he's on the right track to being ready by the start of the season. His 2024 season was cut short after he was diagnosed with blood clots in training camp and then suffered recurring symptoms later in the year.

It has been a long journey back for Barmore, who is one of the Patriots' best defensive players when healthy. Seeing him back on the field had to be a huge morale boost for the defense.

WR Javon Baker

Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (6) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Javon Baker could be on the roster bubble in only his second year with the Patriots. With that in mind, he had arguably the best play of the day on a deep sideline reception over All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Baker made an adjustment on an underthrown ball from Drake Maye and went up in the air to snag the catch. Don't count Baker out of the mix just yet.