The rookie training camp had officially started.
On the first day, players were divided into groups by position: quarterbacks with quarterbacks, running backs with running backs, and so forth, each undergoing basic tests accordingly.
After the grouping, this year's rookie position distribution became clear.
The cornerbacks had the largest number at forty players, followed by linebackers with thirty-six. Defensive ends had twenty-nine, making them the fourth-largest group, highlighting that this year's focus leaned heavily on defense—not necessarily in quality but certainly in quantity.
Running backs, too, matched the defensive ends with twenty-nine players.
The competition was fierce—unbelievably fierce.
Imagine: of these twenty-nine running backs, only one or two would likely go in the first round, with another two or three in the second round. The rest would have to contend for positions in the third round or later, some potentially going undrafted altogether. The level of competition was simply astonishing.
After grouping, each group received their jersey numbers. McCaffrey got #22, and Lance got #23. Was that just a coincidence?
In the morning, the running backs began with basic physical assessments, followed by the Cybex test.
This professional test evaluates players' flexibility and joint mobility, crucial for assessing players with a history of injuries. Coaches and evaluators paid close attention to these results.
Right after, the injury assessments followed, complementing the Cybex test.
While the Cybex test assessed the current state after injuries, the injury assessment reviewed players' injury history, recovery progress, and potential for future injuries.
NFL teams are keenly aware of their players' health, and no team wants to sign someone prone to injuries.
Especially running backs.
Running back is a high-contact position that arguably demands players burn through their physical limits, where injuries are almost inevitable. Now that running backs are undervalued in the league, any team considering signing a running back must carefully weigh all options.
Lance was once again in the spotlight.
Analyzing the facts, given his background as a former MMA fighter, Lance likely had several visible and hidden injuries. Recently, he had carried the Crimson Tide's offense through the entire season, enduring his first encounters with the brutal physicality of football and becoming the focal point of every defense in the NCAA.
It went without saying that the Cybex and injury assessments were something he needed to approach cautiously.
Who knows? Beneath that successful exterior, was he already battered beyond repair?
Yet—
Surprisingly!
Brand received Lance's test results immediately.
There were no secrets at the rookie training camp; everything was open and transparent. NFL even sold the broadcasting rights, allowing all of America—from teams and scouts to fans—to watch the camp's progress live, including every test result.
But Brand, being present at Lucas Oil Stadium, had the advantage of seeing the results first-hand.
"Healthy. Completely healthy."
Brand's confirmation made Hubble gasp on the other end of the call.
Brand himself was a bit shocked, double-checking the test report.
"Injury-resistance score: eighty-eight."
"I'm not entirely sure. I'll need to double-check, but if I'm right, that's currently the highest score among all running backs tested so far today."
The sound of Hubble's fist-pump cheer came through the phone. "I'm flying to Indianapolis. I'll catch an afternoon flight and be there soon." The call ended, and Brand noticed a chubby figure slowly moving nearby. The person's round, white face looked like a freshly steamed bun, and even from his peripheral vision, Brand could see the double chin wobbling. He turned his head instinctively.
"Coach Reid."
It was none other than Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
With a kindly expression, Reid always had a gentle smile, and his small mustache quivered on his round cheeks like butterfly wings.
Hubble had learned under Reid.
In 1998, Hubble had his first NFL job after years of coaching in the NCAA, joining the Philadelphia Eagles as the special teams coach.
However, just one season later, before Hubble could fully acclimate to professional football, head coach Ray Rhodes, who had hired him, was let go, throwing Hubble's career into uncertainty.
To his surprise, the new head coach, Andy Reid, gave Hubble and three others a chance to reapply, ultimately deciding to keep them on.
From then on, Hubble studied under Reid for nine years until 2008, when he became head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
At the time, Hubble wasn't Baltimore's first choice due to his lack of experience as an offensive or defensive coordinator, nor had he been a head coach in college. Though he was already forty-six, he was still a relatively green coach.
But with recommendations from Andy Reid and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Hubble got the job.
Despite now being rivals, Reid and Hubble remained close.
And as Hubble's trusted scout, Brand knew Reid as well.
"Hey, Joshua, good morning." Reid took a seat, settling down slowly and quietly, like Baymax from "Big Hero 6."
Brand smiled. "I was just on the phone with John; he's flying over tomorrow."
Reid pulled a pack of candy from his pocket, carefully unwrapping it and holding it to his chest. "So, have you discovered anything interesting here?"
Friends were friends, but business was business.
Brand wasn't about to give away the Ravens' draft plans. Being too guarded, however, could also seem suspicious. Since the running back group was right in front of them, Brand decided to respond naturally, "The running backs this year seem interesting."
Reid chuckled, "Oh, really? Care to elaborate?"
Brand deflected, "Coach Reid, you already have Jamaal Charles, one of the league's top running backs. Why the sudden interest in running backs? Wait—could Charles' injury be more severe than reported? Is he out next season?"
Reid caught on to Brand's probing, but he didn't take the bait. Calmly, he replied, "No need to be tense; I'm just making conversation. Who's coming up next after the running backs? Quarterbacks?"
Brand wondered. The Kansas City Chiefs didn't lack a quarterback, and this year's draft was lean on quarterback talent. What was Reid's intention with that misdirection?
Brand and Reid continued to test each other subtly.
Meanwhile, Reeves, not far away, watched this scene unfold. He held Lance's freshly printed test report, too curious to look away, speculating:
What kind of dealings could the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs have? Were they negotiating a draft pick trade?
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Powerstones?
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