Chapter 163 Attention from all directions
Rookie training camp has begun.
On the first day, they were grouped according to position, with quarterbacks and quarterbacks in a group, running backs and running backs in a group, and so on, and then conducted basic tests separately.
After grouping, the position ratio of this year's rookies will be clear at a glance.
The position with the largest number of people is cornerback, with a total of forty people; followed by linebackers, with thirty-six people; plus the fourth-largest number of defensive ends, a total of twenty-nine people. No wonder it is said that this year is the year of defense. In 2016, quality aside, quantity already had an overwhelming advantage.
For running backs, there are the same number as defensive ends, twenty-nine——
The competition is very fierce, incredibly fierce.
Imagine that among these twenty-nine running backs, there may only be one or two positions in the first round, and almost only two or three positions in the second round. All other players will have to be squeezed into the third round or later, and maybe even Unable to be drafted, and ending up as an undrafted rookie, the intensity was beyond imagination.
After entering the group, the group received jersey numbers. McCaffrey was No. 22 and Levi was No. 23. Can this be regarded as a coincidence?
In the morning, the running back team first conducted basic physical parameter tests, and then conducted the Cybex test——
This is a professional test specifically used to judge a player's physical flexibility and joint movement. It is particularly critical for evaluating players with injuries or injury history. The coaching staff and evaluators are very concerned about the data of this test. .
Next, comes injury evaluation, which complements Cybex testing.
If the Cybex test detects the current state after an injury, then the injury assessment is a judgment on the injury history, recovery status, and the possibility of potential future injuries.
NFL teams attach great importance to the injuries of players they are interested in, and no team is willing to sign an injured or injury-prone glass player.
Especially running backs.
Originally, the running back was a position full of confrontation. It can be said that the body is burned to compete, and injuries are almost inevitable; but now the running back is in a disadvantageous position in the league. Any team chooses a running back or signs a contract. Running backs often have more to consider.
Levi, once again stands in the spotlight.
From a factual analysis, as a former mixed martial arts player, Levi's body should have suffered a lot of overt and covert injuries, leaving hidden dangers; this past season, he carried the offensive banner of the Crimson Tide Storm throughout the entire season, and faced the collision of rugby for the first time. , and became the target of intense attack by all NCAA teams.
Naturally, Cybex testing and injury evaluation need to be treated with caution.
Who knows, underneath the seemingly beautiful appearance, might it be riddled with holes?
However——
surprise!
Immediately, Brand obtained Levi's test data.
In the rookie training camp, there are no secrets, everything is open and transparent. The NFL even sold the live broadcast rights, and the entire United States can watch it in real time. From the team to the scouts and even interested fans, everyone can watch it in real time. See the training camp situation, including all test data.
The difference is that Brand is at the Lucas Oil Arena, so he can be a little bit ahead of the game and see the on-site test results for the first time.
"Healthy, completely healthy."
Brand's confirmation made Hubble on the other end of the phone unable to control his surprise and exclaimed.
Of course, Brand himself is about the same, once again read the test report carefully.
"The injury resistance index is eighty-eight."
"I'm not sure, I need to adjust the numbers, but if I remember correctly, I'm the No. 1 running back that's tested so far today."
Hubble's clenched fist and cheering voice came from the phone receiver, "I'm going to Indianapolis. I'll fly there right away on the afternoon flight." After hanging up the phone, Brand noticed a chubby figure beside him chirping slowly. Moving slowly, the white and chubby cheeks were like freshly baked white-faced steamed buns. You didn't need to turn your head to see the floppy chin dangling in the corner of your sight, and you subconsciously turned your head to look over.
"Coach Reed."
The person who came was none other than Kansas Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Reed has a kind face and always has a slight smile. His mustache trembles slightly in the wind like butterfly wings on his chubby cheeks.
Hubble studied under Reed.
In 1998, Harper, who had been coaching in the NCAA, got his first NFL job and went to the Philadelphia Eagles as a special teams coach.
However, after just one season, Harbaugh had just adapted to the professional arena and was not completely on the right track. Ray Rodes, the head coach who hired Harbaugh, lost his job, and Harbaugh's career became more promising. It’s not clear yet.
Unexpectedly, Reid, the new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, was willing to give them a chance to re-apply, and retained four coaches, including Hubble.
Since then, Harper has studied under Reid for nine full years until 2008, when he became the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
At that time, Harbaugh was not Baltimore's first choice because he had no experience as an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator, and he did not even have experience as a head coach in college. Although Harbaugh was forty-six years old at the time, he was still A rookie coach without much experience.
However, Harper got the job thanks to recommendations from Andy Reid and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Despite evolving from master and apprentice to rival, Reed and Hubble have always had a good relationship.
As Hubble's most trusted scout, Brand and Reed also know each other.
"Hey, Joshua, good morning." Reed took a seat next to him and gently and slowly began to deflate, just like Baymax in "Super Marines."
Brand showed a smile and said, "Just in time, John and I just talked on the phone, and he is planning to come over tomorrow."
Reed took out a bag of candy from his pocket, held it with both hands, placed it on his chest, and slowly opened the package, "So, did you find anything here?"
Friends are friends, and business is business.
Brand will naturally not reveal the Baltimore Ravens' draft strategy easily, but there is no need to hide it. Being too deliberate can easily reveal the details. At this time, it was the running back group's turn to appear in front, and Brand said calmly, “This year’s running back group seems a little interesting.”
Reed chuckled, "Oh, really? Tell me specifically?"
Brand was not fooled, "Coach Reed, your Jamal Charles is the first-tier running back in the league. Why are you interested in running back? Wait, Charles' injury is really that serious. Is it possible next season? Can’t play either?”
Reed could hear the probing in Brand's words right away, but he didn't show any signs of it and said calmly, "There's no need to be so nervous. I'm just asking casually. Who is behind the running back group?" Quarterback group?"
Brand couldn't help but murmur in his heart. The Kansas Chiefs are not short of quarterbacks, and this is still the quarterback's junior year. What's going on with Reid's smoke bomb?
Here, Brand and Reed are keeping each other in check.
However, this scene fell in the eyes of Reeves not far away. He was holding Levi's freshly released test report in his hand. He couldn't pay attention to it for the time being and couldn't help but secretly guess:
What trade is going on between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs? Are you planning to trade your draft pick?
Second update today.
(End of this chapter)