After Symposium, Rookies Look To Future

At the NFL Rookie Symposium, which wrapped up Wednesday, Commissioner Roger Goodell preached professionalism, accountability and respect.

Apparently, the seven Ravens in attendance got the message.

All 255 draft picks from around the league spent four days in West Palm Beach, Fla. in what is certainly not a beach vacation. From 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., the rookies sat through presentations and participated in breakout sessions, only to be tested on what they retained every evening. After the last "Jeopardy-style" game finished Wednesday morning, the Ravens earned the most points of any team's rookies.

"We've really taken a lot of good stuff out of this," said third-round draftee Marshal Yanda. "I knew that it would be good for us to hear everything as a group. We had some very

informational meetings, especially hearing about life in the NFL first-hand from the veteran players."

According to director of player development O.J. Brigance, who accompanies Baltimore's new crop to the Symposium every year, the top score wasn't a fluke. The young Ravens stood out from the rest with their energy and willingness to interact with the presenters and their fellow rookies from around the league.

"You could tell by just watching them in the breakout meetings," Brigance explained. "You know when you ask a question to a group and everyone just sits there in silence? There were definitely a few times when one of our guys participated in the conversation."

As Yanda previously stated, many veterans spoke of their career paths, including Brigance, who enjoyed a seven-year NFL career, Hall of Fame wide receiver Harold Carmichael and NFL Players Association president Troy Vincent.

Ravens general manager - and Hall of Famer in his own right - Ozzie Newsome also stepped to the microphone to elaborate on what rookies can do to make a roster after training camp's final cuts.

"[Newsome] basically told the players that they need to come in and compete. Just because they are draft picks doesn't mean they're guaranteed anything," said Brigance. "All rookies are fighting for spots with veteran guys that are playing to feed their families. It's not going to be easy."

But, Goodell's briefing on the strict conduct policy that he recently enacted was the focus of the convention. In light of the Chicago's releasing troubled defensive tackle Tank Johnson and the year-long suspension of Tennessee cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, both for multiple infractions with the law, the commissioner's point was certainly driven home.

"It was pretty cool that he talked to us face-to-face," said Yanda. "He welcomed us into the league and talked about the new discipline policy. He said that he was going to be consistent with the way he does things. You have to be aware of what you're doing and the consequences you might face."

Said Goodell: "I think we're making players more aware of the standards of behavior. We're giving them more tools and resources to make sure they can make those decisions."

When asked about one word that summed up the four-day summit, the common response from the Ravens fell in line with the commissioner's thoughts - professionalism.

"We're really charging them with the responsibility over their destiny," Brigance stated. "This league is not about only them; there is more to it. There were some valuable lessons to be learned.

"I hope our players come back to Baltimore and don't waste any moment of their careers."