Jerod Mayo will probably get a starting assignment at linebacker for the Patriots.

The Providence Journal / Mary Murphy

Jerod Mayo was the first linebacker the Patriots have taken higher than the fifth round in the Bill Belichick era when he was chosen 10th overall in April, and the rookie will more than likely be starting alongside Tedy Bruschi at inside linebacker on Sunday in the opener against Kansas City.

That probably wouldn’t have been possible if Mayo didn’t have the work ethic he does, Belichick said Monday.

“I think it has helped a lot. Jerod has had a terrific attitude since he’s gotten here,” Belichick said. “(He’s) very studious and attentive. He really tries to ask a lot of good questions and pay attention. On things that he makes a mistake on or is not quite sure about, he is quick to ask about it — he wants to make sure he gets it right. He very seldom makes the same mistake twice. He might miss something that he hasn’t seen. But then, after he’s seen it when it comes up again, he usually does the right thing.”

Belichick has often said of Mike Vrabel that he rarely makes the same mistake twice, so for Belichick to say that about Mayo puts him in good stead.

Quick kicks

Belichick said it was a “luxury” for the team to have an extra day of preparation for Kansas City (due to the timing of the preseason finale). With the Pats having not faced the Chiefs since 2005, they’re looking at a team with a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey. But there is a familiarity. Gailey was offensive coordinator in Miami in 2000-01. The Chiefs’ defense has been the same for several seasons. … As is typical, New England players had the day off yesterday and return to the practice field today.

smanza@projo.com