But when their number is called, they are asked to perform.

The Patriots have 10 rookies on their active roster, and at least five have earned regular playing time on a team that is 6-3 and leading the AFC East entering today’s matchup against the visiting Jets.

Eight players who were drafted in April are active. Safety Patrick Chung (Oregon), defensive lineman Ron Brace (Boston College), cornerback Darius Butler (Connecticut), and offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer (Houston) all were selected in the second round. Offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger (Penn State) was taken in the fourth round. Long snapper Jake Ingram (Hawaii) and defensive lineman Myron Pryor (Kentucky) were picked in the sixth round, and wide receiver Julian Edelman (Kent State) was taken in the seventh.

Third-round pick Brandon Tate, a wide receiver, is on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Free agent rookie quarterback Brian Hoyer out of Michigan State, the backup to Tom Brady, and defensive back Bret Lockett (UCLA), who was claimed off of waivers in September, round out the rookie class.

Several of the first-year players are giving the kind of performances that make them the best value in the league, according to NFL Network analyst and draft expert Mike Mayock.

“They don’t have as many dollars tied up with their draft picks, so the value that they’re getting with the production they’re getting on the field is tremendous,’’ Mayock said. “They may be getting the best value in the entire league.’’

Injuries and various team needs have meant more chances for the rookies.

Vollmer has attracted the most attention of late, as he has filled in at left tackle for Matt Light, who was injured against Denver. Vollmer has started every game since then and garnered praise for how he handled Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney last week.

Edelman has 23 catches for 202 yards, his best production coming in his NFL debut against the Jets in Week 2 when he caught eight passes for 98 yards.

Butler has 16 tackles and two interceptions, while Chung has one interception and two sacks along with 19 tackles. Pryor has been in the mix on the defensive line.

The impact of the rookie class comes as no surprise to Mayock.

“When you look at the way that Bill [Belichick] has drafted over the years, there’s a method to the way he drafts, and he expects certain players to step in and play right away when he drafts them,’’ Mayock said.

“The Patriots have consistently been among the top of drafting because I believe Bill Belichick understands what players fit into his scheme better than anyone I’ve ever met, and he’s able to target that type of player in the draft.’’

The last time Patriots rookies saw so much playing time was 2003, when players like center Dan Koppen, linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, and defensive end Ty Warren were getting their first chances to show what they could do. The Patriots won the Super Bowl that season.

“We had a lot of experienced veterans that year that did a good job of bringing the young guys along,’’ said Banta-Cain, who primarily played on special teams that season. “We went all the way to the Super Bowl that year and won it [in part] because of us as rookies knowing that we had to play like veterans.

“We couldn’t use the excuse of being young guys that can make the mistake.’’

Banta-Cain played nine games that season after being drafted in the seventh round. Koppen started the last 15 games in 2003, including all of the games in the postseason.

“We had a few guys playing, and it felt like everyone was contributing and it certainly was a bond there,’’ Koppen said. “You had different jobs but you still had to do them.’’

When they aren’t in rookie meetings, this season’s group spends its free time playing video games and getting together.

“We have a pretty good group for a rookie class,’’ Ingram said. “They’re all really nice guys and real friendly, which makes it easier with all the stuff you go through as a rookie.

“Having those guys in there makes it that much easier.’’

With such a large group, Belichick said their common bond can help them settle into the new environment.

“I think each rookie class has a little bit of its own camaraderie and attachment to each other just because they go through the whole process, the whole indoctrination, learning process and everything together,’’ Belichick said. “A lot of things we do we do as an entire rookie class. All the extra meetings, whether it be football, off-field things, or personal things, they all do those together.

“I think there’s a natural kind of support for each other and there’s a little bit of a learning thing, too, where they’re sometimes more comfortable talking to each other than they are talking to a veteran.’’

Every opportunity becomes a learning experience for a rookie. When Edelman was out with a broken forearm for two games, he said he was in the film room and working with his teammates, preparing mentally.

“I’m still a rookie,’’ Edelman said. “I’m like a sponge. I’m trying to pick up everything that I can.’’

The rookies are keeping an eye out for each other on the field.

“It’s awesome seeing a guy from your class like Darius Butler getting a pick or Patrick Chung hitting the quarterback,’’ Edelman said. “It’s always nice to see that you came in with that guy, so you have that little bond.’’

Said Butler, “You root for everybody on the team, but especially a rookie like you. When you get on the field, you try to maximize your opportunities.’’

Cornerback Leigh Bodden, who is in his seventh season, said the veterans can help the younger players learn the intricacies of the game.

“They’re definitely getting their chance and they deserve it,’’ Bodden said. “They’ve been working hard and playing hard.

“I think they’ve come a long way. I’ve been around a lot of rookies and I think these guys are ready to step in and help and they’ve been doing that and that’s just going to help us in the long run.’’

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.