In many ways, the practices can be considered almost more important than the game itself. Much of the NFL has descended on the southern Alabama city of Mobile, with scouts, general managers, and coaches coming in to watch some of the nation’s best in a practice situation.
These sessions are physical, with players donning full pads. That’s part of the reason why NFL personnel watches the practices so intently — it’s where the players will perform drills that more or less translate to wherever they may end up around the league.
Unlike last year on Day 1, both the North and South squads practiced at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, where the game will be held on Saturday.