During rookie minicamp a couple of weeks ago, I noticed something interesting about Detroit Lions sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez and his relationship with his linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.
“Sheppard spent almost no time with Rodriguez, who appeared to answer all of his questions correctly and quickly gain Sheppard’s trust,” I wrote.
Well, it turns out that was not me projecting anything hopeful about the former Oklahoma State linebacker. In his short month with the rookie linebacker, Sheppard has come away extremely impressed with the mental fortitude of Rodriguez.
“Malcolm Rodriguez is one of the smarter young players I’ve ever been around,” Sheppard told Detroit Lions beat reporter Tim Twentyman on the Twentyman in the Huddle podcast.