You're expected to learn quick': three draft picks on stepping up to the NFL
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You're expected to learn quick': three draft picks on stepping up to the NFL
David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper describe their first week with the New York Jets as a shift from college routines to NFL expectations. Sadiq notes practice is more controlled and slower in tempo, with shorter meetings and highly efficient sessions, and that certain physical drills differ from college. Cooper highlights the way coaches communicate with everyone, increased vocal interaction, and the sense that someone is always watching. Bailey says the playbook is large but the initial install is manageable and similar to college concepts with different names. Sadiq emphasizes the need to know information quickly and to transition to pro-style preparation by reviewing installs before meetings. The rookies also navigate learning many new people.
"My biggest shocker has been the practice style. In college, we're hitting head to head, but here it's a bit more controlled, slower tempo. I'm just getting used to it. Today I dove for a ball and they were like: We're not gonna do that in practice.' That was definitely different. Everything's a bit shorter meetings, practice but very efficient. In college, they walk through general detail, but in the NFL you're expected to pick it up and learn quick."
"I would say the way every coach talks to everybody, being more vocal, and how there's always somebody watching you. That would be the biggest difference. When you open up the Jets playbook, does it make sense to you? Are they similar to college, just with different names?"
"The playbook is huge and I hear it's going to be a lot but learning the first install [basic positions and plays] wasn't too bad. They're about the same as college. No, it is definitely different. As a freshman at Oregon, it's expected you're going to pick up things a bit slower they give you a bit of leniency. But here you're expected to know. So I'm transitioning to that pro style, going over installs before we do them so I have an idea what's going on before we get into the actual meetings."
"The Jets have 36 players on trial alongside all the rookies. With dozens of coaching staff too, how are you coping with meeting about 100 new people? Cooper: It's reminded me of my freshman year at college. You just smile, be yourself and get to know the"
Read at www.theguardian.com
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