'It's Surreal': Rams Rookies Adjusting To NFL Life As OTAs Begin
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Monday marked a key part of the NFL offseason as teams across the league kicked off their OTAs. It's a big time for the veterans, but even more so for rookies beginning their fledgling careers.
The newcomers have already gone through rookie minicamp, but OTAs give them their first chance to practice alongside the returning players. It's a time that's both exciting and daunting. As Los Angeles Rams rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila pointed out, learning from the veterans is a big part of adjusting to life in the NFL.
"It's surreal, you're playing with grown men now," Avila said on Tuesday. "As for college, you're playing with people that are almost four years older than you. But with that, it also comes with a lot of wisdom from a lot of the older guys. So, I feel like that's where a lot of the transition comes from being a college player to an NFL player."
The Rams are welcoming in a massive rookie class featuring nearly 40 players in total. L.A. had the league's biggest draft class with 14 players, then signed 23 more as undrafted free agents. With greenhorns making up such a large chunk of the roster, the Rams will be counting on them to adjust quickly.
"We've got a big rookie class and we're all just trying to work through the playbook together," rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett said. "We'll get it down. There's a bunch to it but it's been fun so far."
At the same time, it's also important for the veteran players to show the youngsters the ropes. For the Rams, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is already stepping into that role as OTAs begin.
"I enjoy being around them because they bring great energy," Stafford said. "I mean this is such an exciting thing for them to be out here on a practice field in May, and, you know, it's my 15th time doing it. I love feeding off their energy and just trying to lead the way anyway I can."
With strong leadership from Stafford and others, the Rams' rookies should only get more comfortable as the offseason progresses.
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