It's a challenge for even the highest of draft picks when you enter the NFL. It's a whole new world, and it's populated by the best of the best. You need every edge you can get, and the smart players are the ones who get it, whether they have to seek it out or it finds them.
One who has and it's been noted, is Patriots rookie center/guard, Jared Wilson. Wilson had the opportunity to take advantage of some sage advice from one of Mike Vrabel's former players who happened to play the center position. It's Ben Jones.
Now, new reports suggest another of the Patriots' rookie linemen is doing the same. This time, it's fourth overall pick, and the designated left tackle, Will Campbell, has been getting counseling. And the source is a terrific one. Let's see who's doing the teaching this time.
Former NFL great left tackle, Andrew Whitworth is helping Will Campbell
The connection between Campbell and the NFL All-Pro was revealed in more detail since Whitworth spoke with NESN, seeing just how beneficial talking to one of the best of all time can be for a rookie in Campbell's position.
"Whitworth learned about Campbell when the latter was attending Neville High School (Monroe, La.), some three miles away from where Whitworth himself grew up. When Campbell started playing left tackle at LSU, Whitworth reached out via text. He played the same position at the same school, after all. They built a connection."
Those kinds of connections are made of gold. Whitworth played in the NFL for 16 years as a starting tackle. Whitworth was a four-time Pro Bowl player and a two-time All-Pro during his career. The former is solid recognition. The latter means you're the best of the best.
Campbell couldn't have fallen into a better situation than working with Whitworth, who has a claim on being a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and it shows. That's where you want to get your advice from when you're building up to an NFL career, and then follow it up with solid coaching from your O-line coach.
Whitworth credits Campbell with seeking out the right advisors
McGuire further explained how Whitworth sees Campbell's build-up to playing in the NFL and comments on his new coach.
"Whitworth credited Campbell for working with the right people, specifically Duke Manyweather. Manyweather helps some of the top offensive linemen in the NFL and was lauded by Whitworth for his teachings.
Building those relationships, and his work ethic, are a few reasons why Whitworth believes Campbell will excel in Foxboro. Whitworth also believes Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is the perfect coach for Campbell, and New England provides an environment where the northern Louisiana native will thrive."
Having the right teachers and listening to their advice indicates that the young rookie has his head on straight. Rather than making brash comments on how good he'll be, it's especially nice to see a monstrously high draft pick like Campbell being open to learning from those who know the NFL, something he does not.
Campbell's case is an object lesson for every Patriots rookie player. Rookies should be seeking advice, not dishing out brash comments that they have no idea if they'll be able to back up on the field, and which few Patriots' rookies of late have been able to. The best advice for rookies is to be seen, not heard - and to look for advice, not think you can provide it. You can't.