The NFL minicamp for rookies opened today. Now that the draft is complete so is the partying. Over the course of the next couple weeks the rookies are going to be pushed to the brink. Rookies will be forced to run plays at a rapid pace and will have to make adjustments on the fly. It's time to see which individuals can rise to the challenge, whether it's physical or mental.
The mental aspect of playing in the NFL and learning the playbook has been referred to as "almost like learning a new language" said Jared Goff. Goff was the top pick of this years draft. The players will be given entire textbooks with all new schemes and terminology. The coaching staff is going to expect the players to comprehend all of this information in a very short time period. They will be examining these rookies intensely. Will the rookies be able to retain the knowledge gained in meeting and apply it accurately on the field? Anytime you incorporate something new there will be missed assignments. The coaches really want to see which rookies can adapt to the new playing style the fastest. However, the physical aspect of this game is another animal entirely.
For months now rookies have been training for the combine. There are pros and cons that come with preparing for the combine. Every player wants to have a lightning 40 yard dash or an impressive 225 bench max reps. Excelling in these areas are great for improving you draft stock. This leads to rookies being drafted earlier and signing deals for more money. The flip side is most of these rookies normal training routines have declined or changed. This means most rookies aren't in top football playing shape. Ultimately, certain players will struggle during minicamps. These rookies will need to get back in the weight room and on a proper nutrition plan. When rookies get tired the first thing to suffer is technique. Tired players are prone to making more mistakes with their bodies and mind. It's easy to lose focus with so many new adjustments being taught to you by coaches. The fact that you're so fatigued you may puke your guts up and collapse at any moment doesn't help the situation.
There aren't any breaks in NFL practice. Rookies move from one drill to the next until practice is complete. The pace of practice is extremely intense. The rookies that are able to overcome these huge obstacles will improve exponentially before the first game. That is if they make it through all of the roster cuts. It's no longer fun and games for the rookies. If rookie's are going to succeed at the pro level, they'll need to push their body past its normal limits.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15492105/inside-nfl-rookie-minicamps-where-sloppy-football-puking-norm
http://www.sbnation.com/2016/4/29/11536190/recruiting-draft-florida-ohio-state-miami-alabama
