As the Lions wrapped up rookie orientation today, the players did a little running. The message was clear.
“For the most part, it’s not stay in shape,” coach Jim Schwartz said, “it’s get in shape.”
It’s one thing to train for the scouting combine, pro days and private workouts. It’s another to be ready for an NFL practice. And what the rookies did over the past three days wasn’t even close to what they will do when they join the veterans.
“These guys thought they were practicing hard,” Schwartz said. “Our pace is generally three times as fast as what these guys were going through. … They didn’t really have a feeling of where they need to be to be in shape. They think they’re in good shape, and they have no idea once they get here.”
One exception might be defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the second overall pick in the draft. He wasn’t the first one down and back during the running, but he seemed chiseled and unconcerned about the conditioning.
“I think I’m in pretty good shape,” Suh said. “They gave us a little test of what the conditioning test will be like. I don’t find it too hard to my eyes. …
“You can go back and ask our strength coach at Nebraska. I don’t miss runs. I don’t miss times. So I’m that type of guy that if I’m down, I’m going to push myself through.”
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