Pro days scuttled. Rookie minicamps wiped out. The NFL's traditional offseason, obliterated.
The coronavirus pandemic has made it harder this year for long shots to make their mark and earn an NFL roster spot.
“Honestly, I probably wouldn’t be in the NFL if this would’ve happened my rookie year,” said Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, among an impressive group of stars who have wiggled their way from undrafted afterthoughts to Pro Bowl mainstays.
The time-honored concept of prospects essentially auditioning for all 32 teams at training camp was wiped out by reduced rosters, no preseason games and the need for established starters to get more snaps at practice.