The 2017 rookie camp was nearing its end. Although this draft class was considered less promising than the explosive 2012 class, plenty of intriguing prospects had emerged, keeping scouts and teams busily assessing talent.
After the physical tests, only one step remained: interviews.
All 32 NFL teams sent representatives to Lucas Oil Stadium to create a shortlist based on rookie camp results and scouting reports.
The interview list was limited—after all, with so many players at the camp, teams couldn't interview everyone. They focused on players who had piqued their interest and whose potential warranted a closer look. These players were invited to the team's hotel for brief, straightforward meetings, typically lasting only 10 to 15 minutes, sometimes even less.
Some might wonder if such a brief interview could truly influence draft decisions.
The answer is yes.
In the 2005 draft, California quarterback Aaron Rodgers was widely viewed as a top candidate for the first overall pick, with the talent, skills, and leadership potential to become the league's next star.
But in a shocking turn of events, Rodgers was passed over for the first three picks, and with each announcement, live cameras focused on him, capturing the suspense.
It wasn't until the 24th pick that the Green Bay Packers finally ended Rodgers' wait, selecting him after a grueling three hours.
Rumors followed, and only much later did team managers admit that Rodgers' interview had left a poor impression—he came off as arrogant, aloof, and difficult to work with. They doubted he had the qualities of a true leader.
Of course, history would prove them wrong.
Now widely regarded as one of the league's elite quarterbacks, Rodgers has won four MVP awards and is a recognized leader on the field.
While this is hindsight, the rookie camp interview can indeed impact a team's draft strategy.
In fact, it's often the final chance for teams to assess players and for players to get a feel for the teams.
The 2016 season had fully wrapped up.
In late January's Super Bowl, the New England Patriots faced the Atlanta Falcons in a game that defied expectations.
At halftime, the "underdog" Falcons led with a staggering 28-3, crushing the Patriots and seeming to put the game out of reach. But in a stunning comeback, the Patriots staged the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, winning in overtime 34-28.
This game instantly became legendary.
Meanwhile, the race for the top draft pick was… equally intense.
Incredibly, the Cleveland Browns had won a game! In Week 15, they hosted and defeated the San Diego Chargers, ending a 17-game losing streak. This unexpected win meant the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, who'd also had dismal seasons, saw a glimmer of hope for the top draft pick.
Even more astonishing, the Browns didn't seem interested in tanking anymore.
In the final regular-season game, they battled the Pittsburgh Steelers right down to the wire, only losing in overtime.
With that loss, the Steelers clinched their playoff berth while the Browns secured the first overall pick. Though the Browns' season ended disastrously, those final two games showed a rare spark of competitiveness. This prompted speculation that maybe, just maybe, the Browns were ready to turn things around—perhaps joining the Browns wouldn't be the worst choice after all.
Who knows? This year's number-one pick might even become a savior, like LeBron James, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an epic NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors the previous season.
With the Browns locked in for the first pick, the rest of the draft order fell into place, with the 49ers, Bears, and Jaguars taking the second through fourth picks.
It's worth noting that Derrick Henry's team, the Tennessee Titans, holds the fifth pick. However, since they signed a free-agent running back last year and drafted one as well, it's unlikely they'll pick another running back, so a reunion with Lance isn't likely.
There are advantages to being drafted by a strong team, but joining a struggling team has its benefits too.
The biggest factor: the NFL has a hard salary cap.
Unlike other leagues, the NFL's salary cap leaves no wiggle room, flexibility, or exceptions.
Rookies and veterans alike fall under this cap, with fixed salary limits and signing bonuses for each draft round.
Typically, rookie contracts last four years, with an option to extend starting in year three. For example, the first overall pick's salary cap is set at $35 million over four years, while the 32nd pick's cap is $10 million over four years.
Even within the first round, the gap is significant, and it only widens in the second and third rounds.
Naturally, while teams assess players, players also consider their preferred destinations when attending interviews. Everyone has a dream team.
As expected, defensive end Myles Garrett, running back Leonard Fournette, and quarterback Deshaun Watson all received numerous interview invitations—at least five each—indicating strong draft potential and giving them some choice over their future teams.
Christian McCaffrey, who excelled at camp and defied typical expectations for a running back, was also invited to six interviews.
But the biggest surprise was Patrick Mahomes.
It was assumed this was a weak quarterback class, with only ten QBs at camp, with Clemson's Watson and North Carolina's Mitchell Trubisky seen as the best of a limited selection.
But Mahomes, initially considered a third-round talent at best, impressed with his remarkable athleticism and combine results, catching everyone's attention.
The Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears all extended interview invitations.
This list included top-three teams like the Browns and Bears, as well as the Saints and Steelers, who already had established quarterbacks, highlighting how sought-after quarterbacks are and teams' eagerness to secure a franchise QB.
And what about Lance, another standout from this year's camp?
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Powerstones?
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