How Rookies Selected in the 2025 Draft Enter the Teams' Training Camps

However, unlike other sports like soccer, new signings don’t join the team immediately. Instead, they go through several camps lasting up to nine weeks.

This structured league-wide process allows teams to avoid the chaos that the pre-2011 NFL contracts were known for. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide that covers how rookies enter the team’s training camp.

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Travel to Team Facilities

Teams fly their rookies to their headquarters within days of the draft. The invitees take physical tours of the facilities and meet the coaches and staff. They sometimes join introductory press conferences.

Rookie Minicamp (May 2025) – Phase 1

According to Article 21 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each NFL club must participate in a nine-week offseason program. This program consists of three phases: Rookie Minicamp, Offseason Workouts & OTAs, and Mandatory Minicamp.

The rookie minicamp is held during the first two weeks of the offseason program. It is short, often lasting 2-3 days, and it provides an opportunity for the coach to look at the new players. Attendees include drafted rookies, undrafted free agents, and invitees or tryout players.

The minicamp introduces rookies to the playbook and team culture. It also allows the team to evaluate on-field skills and physical condition. More importantly, it represents the start of team practices and basic drills.

Contract Signing

Rookies sign contracts during the rookie minicamp, before joining the offseason workouts and training camps. The NFL offers a four-year contract with a signing bonus and preset salary for non-first picks. In contrast, first-round picks have a fully guaranteed contract. Although most teams present a well-made contract, the agent can still negotiate full or partial guarantees for future contracts. Likewise, they can negotiate signing bonus timing – whether to spread it over months, years, or as an upfront payment.

Drafted rookies don’t need to sign contracts before participating in the minicamp. However, they must sign an injury waiver. This waiver ensures they receive their full contract in the case of an injury. For example, Dante Fowler tore his ACL in the 2015 draft while in the minicamp, and the Jaguars still signed him.

Minicamp activities include non-contact live practices with no pads. Likewise, walk-throughs, basic position drills, and classroom sessions (team policies, terminology, and playbook). In the end, the front office and coaching staff will evaluate the rookies.

Offseason Workouts & OTAs (May – June 2025) – Phase 2

The next three weeks after phase 1 are phase 2. During this period, rookies join veterans in what is known as Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Here, individuals or groups conduct drills. They play defensive or offensive players, lining up with defensive or offensive players. However, the OTAs are conducted at a walk-through pace. In other words, no team offence vs team defence or live contact is allowed.

Offseason workouts are voluntary. The OTAs help rookies develop good relations with veterans. At the same time, it lays the season’s foundation. Participants learn how to practice at an NFL pace, earn the respect of coaches and teammates, and absorb the playbook.

Training Camp (Late July – August 2025) – Phase 3

The third phase takes place over four weeks. During this stage, teams conduct 10 days of organized team activities. Here, 11-on-11, 9-on-7, and 7-on-7 drills are allowed.

Training camps usually start around July 24 and end on August 27 after the final preseason game. Players rest for the first few days and go through light practices and conditioning tests. In the second and third weeks, they advance to intense team drills, full pad practices, and joint practices with other teams. Preseason games begin in the third and fourth week, with practices in between.

During the final days, the team cuts the roster from 90 to 53 players. Each club in the NFL is free to set its program calendar. Explore the tentative offseason workout schedule of the AFC North and AFC East clubs in the table below:

Check the NFL’s website for more information on the workout dates of all 32 teams.

Final Roster Decision and Transition Support

Teams reduce their rosters from 90 to 53 players. At this stage, rookies can make the 53-man active roster, sign to the 16-man practice squad, or be released and claimed by another team. The NFL teams provide the following transition support to help rookies adjust:

• Onboarding programs focus on team rules, culture, and expectations.
• Film study techniques and playbook comprehension.
• Professional conduct and media training.
• Nutrition, strength, and injury prevention.
• Financial literacy (taxes, budgeting, and investing).
• Policies on conduct and substance use.
• Social media management.
• Legal issues and bad advisors.
• Mental health counselling.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL draft rookie journey does not end when their name is called on the draft night. In contrast, it is only the beginning. Rookies must withstand the intensity of training camps and the mental challenges of transitioning into professional life. Thankfully, NFL teams have structured programs and league-wide resources to help rookies adapt, grow, and compete at the highest level.