Prior to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire world, NFL coaches could evaluate players on the roster bubble through nine weeks of the offseason program, training camp, and preseason games.
In 2020, there is one, big training camp in August with no preseason games. There is a paucity of reps as practices have to be geared towards getting the team ready to compete, and down-roster players are taking the brunt.
Houston Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien told reporters the evaluation of players on the bubble has to start immediately.
“I think you’ve got to try to evaluate them right from the start, see how they learn, see how they improve from day to day of what you’re asking them to do,” O’Brien said. “When they get their opportunities in practice, like a real practice where we’re going 11-on-11 or seven-on-seven, how do they perform when the play is presented to them? Can they go out on the field and take it from the meeting to the walkthrough to the field and perform at a high level? I think that’s the best way for us to evaluate them.”
The problem is there aren’t many chances to look at undrafted free agents or regular practice squad players eager for promotions.
“That’s this year and hopefully those guys will do the best job they can with their opportunities, and we will try to make as good as decisions as we can,” said O’Brien.
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