The same can be said about NFL rookies. As we read the superlatives of many of the rookies, based on their first practices, remind yourself not to fall into the trap of believing many of them will have an impact. The ratio of admittance to BUD/S training and becoming a Navy Seal (about 15%) and rookies making an impact are the same. Few will help their team this year. Rookies are just not ready, and despite the positivity, we must remind ourselves the season is long, the work is hard, and most players are not prepared for what lies ahead.
One of the first things you notice at most rookie mini-camps is how out of shape the players are in relation to the veteran team. Rookies have spent the month of April being wined and dined; they have not been dedicated to their craft nor do they understand the level of fitness required. (Let’s face it, Philadelphia 76ers center and NBA MVP Joel Embiid hasn’t figured this out, and he is going to be 30 years old). Rookies are stunned to learn what occurs to prepare for the Sunday game, and all the hard work they were doing for the Saturday games pales in comparison. Because most players are not in top condition, they don’t look as effective. Once they get into great physical condition and can handle the volume of work, their talents begin to shine. This usually doesn’t occur until mid-season or later.
Rookie minicamp is a scaled-down version—Football 101 of the schemes on both sides of the ball. It’s the basics, with nothing advanced or challenging. Once the rookies join the veterans of the Phase 2 program and then the OTA days, the learning challenges become harder. The game is moving rapidly, and when players have to think before reacting, they don’t play well. They look sluggish. It takes time to develop the confidence needed to play without thinking, to allow your natural instincts to take over.