Virtual world does no favors
Virtual offseason makes landing roster spot harder, especially for undrafted rookies
John McClain expects tough road to roster for undrafted free agents.
When the Texans have their rookie minicamp this week, they’ll do it on computers and not have the luxury of getting coached on the practice field because of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
The offseason program is the first time for rookies, especially those who went undrafted, to impress their coaches on the field and in the classroom. It’s going to be tough enough on draft choices, so imagine how challenging it’s going to be for undrafted rookies competing for what could be one or two roster spots.
The best undrafted free agents in Texans’ history — running back Arian Foster, cornerback A.J. Bouye, outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett, center Greg Mancz, snapper Jon Weeks, inside linebacker Dylan Cole and outside linebacker Bryan Braman — might not have made the team under the current circumstances.
Foster, the best undrafted free agent in team history, started to draw attention when he got on the field for the first time shortly after the 2009 draft. The coaches thought he might be able to contribute as a backup running back and special teams player if he made the team.
It’s hard to believe now, but Foster was waived and re-signed to the practice squad. Any team could have claimed him or signed him.
Would Foster have made the practice squad and put together an eight-year career, including seven with the Texans, if his only chance to impress his
coaches would have been in a virtual offseason program?
The same goes for Bouye, Scarlett, Mancz, Cole, Braman and Weeks.
Weeks, the senior member of the Texans who’s going into his 10th season, couldn’t have displayed his outstanding snapping ability on the computer. The Texans’ draft choices — defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, offensive tackle Charlie Heck, cornerback John Reid and receiver Isaiah Coulter — won’t be in danger of not making the team. But it might be a while before they contribute on the field without on-field coaching.
Undrafted free agents like receiver Tyler Simmons, guard Cordel Iwuagwu and nose tackle Auzoyah Alufohai must impress their coaches in Zoom and Discord conference calls and hope they’ll do well enough to impress them on the field, no matter how late that time might be.
Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus,
who’s entering his ninth season, recently was asked about the rookies’ transition into the NFL, especially those who weren’t drafted.
“It’s going to be very challenging for them as far as how they learn,” Mercilus said. “They’re going to have to learn pretty quickly. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We don’t know if the league’s going to start on time, if training camp’s going to start on time or get pushed back.
“It’s going to be a very challenging time for the undrafted guys to pick up the offense, defense and special teams and then to translate that immediately to the field. That’s when they have to lean on a lot of their teammates, especially the seasoned veterans, to help them learn how to play the (NFL) game.”
In the Texans’ virtual offseason program, it’s going to be a while before the rookies join the veterans’ teleconferences. Having a rookie participate in the veterans’ meetings now would be like a first-year resident performing heart surgery.
The veterans have been participating in the offseason program with the coaches, and they’re far ahead of the rookies because they know the systems, their coaches and teammates and what’s expected of them.
“With the unique position we’re in, I truly believe this is a veteran type of year,” coach Bill O’Brien said before the draft. “I think it’s going to be difficult for rookies without offseason practicing on the field and being able to do all the things you do during that five-week stretch after the draft and then training camp.”
Through the years, some rookies, including undrafted free agents, impressed their coaches in meetings but couldn’t do it on the field. Others didn’t impress their coaches in the meetings but did on the field.
Under the unprecedented circumstances that exist today, working with assistants, especially the position coaches, is essential for a rookie’s adjustment.
“Over the years, the assistant coaches have done a great job of developing players,” O’Brien said. “You think through the years of some of the guys we’ve been able to develop. A lot of that had to do with the offseason program (and being able to) work with rookies for five or six weeks before training camp and really indoctrinate them into the culture of our organization.
“I think it’s going to be a very difficult season for rookies to just jump right in and be ready to go.”