Here's a "what if" question for y'all...

[Rams43]

Everybody knows that the current CBA greatly restricts coaching time with players. This is especially critical for the younger players as they struggle to adapt to NFL speed and strength requirements. Particularly second year players.

What if enlightened agents recommended to their players that it would be in their best interest to enroll in some kind of serious offseason tutoring to help jump start their careers?

Something along the lines of GRob with LeCharles Bentley, for example? Wouldn't that make a ton of sense?

Brockers has worked with Randy White in the offseason. He's reportedly doing some more offseason tutoring work this year. Mannion, too.

I mean, promising rookies coming out have been prepping for the combine, pro days, and interviews since forever. So why not take the next logical step?

Can you imagine how it might elevate and accelerate player career trajectories?

Battle
Williams
Wichmann
Brown

Had these 4 OL been tutored this offseason, I think it's fair to say that GRob, Hav, Saffold, and Reynolds might find their starting jobs more seriously challenged this year. Much more.

It would be a win-win-win scenario. Starters, backups, and overall team are all better off, don't you think?

Or is this just too danged obvious?

 

[Mikey Ram]

Stop lt, just stop..You've invoked way too much common sense...

 

[OldSchool]

I think I read the problem with getting everybody in with Bentley is he takes a limited number of people each off season. He actually invited GRob to come down having watched him a couple games. Not sure he would take our whole OLine for his camp. He probably also makes more money doing this than being an assistant coach.

 

[snackdaddy]

In order to play at this level it takes a certain level of commitment to their craft. The better players will likely look to improve their skills on their own without anyone reminding them. If someone needs to remind them I gotta wonder about their commitment.

 

[Akrasian]

While it takes commitment - I would think the better agents overall (not just at getting the contract, but taking care of their clients) would have a vetted list of people the players can work with in the offseason, for all sorts of needs, including general conditioning, and particular skills. It needn't be all offseason - indeed, as mentioned above better if it isn't. But a couple of weeks with a specialist should be affordable even to a player on a league minimum contract. And would have a chance of paying off very well.

 

[Rams43]

Gotta disagree, flv.

Where to start?

1) I think a good agent is a bit of a father figure to the player and both could and should strongly encourage his client to invest his time and money in himself.

2) The cost of the tutoring may not be cheap, exactly, but it could well be repaid a hundred fold if the player becomes or replaces a starter. And that second contract as a result could be a doozy.

3) You say "mercenary training" as if it's a bad thing. You got a thing against tutors or teachers? Lol. Just consider it "continuing education", which is now the norm for many professionals from doctors to real estate professionals.

4) And players do keep themselves at near 100% year round, anymore. Besides, I'm not talking about conditioning, per se. I'm talking about learning NFL techniques for 2nd and 3rd year players. For example, GRob's difficulties have not been strength issues, they've been technique and recognition issues.

If 1st round starters like Brockers and GRob see the wisdom in self paid tutoring, why the hell shouldn't others?

Quick
Tavon
Marquez
Battle
Williams

Just to name a few that could stand to turbocharge their careers.

 

[Warner4Prez]

Is it too conspiratorial of me to think it's partly because Agents and the CBA also take into account vets that are in line to make more money, and therefore might be looking to offer a bit of career protection against younger upstarts in need of some grooming.

Sure teams and fans get a better product on field, but agents and player union types would have to 'rehome' a bunch of devalued veteran players.

Just a thought.

 

[Legatron4]

That's why they need to bring back NFL Europe or some type of farm team. Players that are on the practice squad or 3rd string could be put in a spring league to help mold their craft and technique.

 

[Gandalf]

You mean like, someone in the L.A. area, unattached to the Rams opens a training center. Then it is suggested that some of the younger players that need training or are rehabbing attend this new facility.

 

[OldSchool]

You mean like, someone in the L.A. area, unattached to the Rams opens a training center. Then it is suggested that some of the younger players that need training or are rehabbing attend this new facility.

The Jackie Slater camp for wayward young Offensive Linemen!

 

[bubbaramfan]

I like the way Johnny Manziel trains.:cheers:

 

[Mojo Ram]

I like the way Johnny Manziel trains.:cheers:

 

[Mackeyser]

What was that salute? Canadian? Parade? What the hell was that?

 

[DaveFan'51]

Stop lt, just stop..You've invoked way too much common sense...

Your right too much common sense. Next thing someone will get the bright idea to "FIRE" Goodell!!

 

[shaunpinney]

That's why they need to bring back NFL Europe or some type of farm team. Players that are on the practice squad or 3rd string could be put in a spring league to help mold their craft and technique.

I'm all for that!

 

[shaunpinney]

I think ALL players, no matter how young / old / experienced can benefit from some specialist one-to-one tutoring, sometimes it just needs someone to point out certain errors etc to turn a great athlete into an elite athlete.

It's why people like Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt etc still have coaches. What makes an NFL player any different?

 

[Dieter the Brock]

1) I think a good agent is a bit of a father figure to the player and both could and should strongly encourage his client to invest his time and money in himself.

A good agents job is not to be a father figure - ever - the agents job is SALES. I know this for a fact which is why at 24 I stopped delivering mail for William Morris and get the bleep out of there

Managers are the ones that play that role - not agents (unless agent is actually daddy)

Other than that I like your points