Sam Madison thinks Raekwon McMillan will benefit from 2017

Raekwon McMillan was supposed to be an answer at linebacker. Sam Madison believes he will benefit from missing his rookie season.

In a conference call on Thursday, former Miami Dolphins standout corner-back knows a few things about leadership and defensive systems. He was asked about Raekwon McMillan during that call and his response wakes a lot of sense.

Over the three-day OTA sessions Miami held during this past week, McMillan stood out among the players as a leader on the field. He was often seen moving linebackers around to get them into the right position. This coming from a 2nd year player who has never stepped on an NFL field.

Madison believes that McMillan, who won the starting job in camp last season, has the benefit of sitting back and watching how the defense works and how the coaches want it done.

“He has a grasp on the defense,” Madison said. “He didn’t have the pressure of a rookie and got to watch and learn from the other’s mistakes”.

This is true. The pressure of being a rookie is huge, even for a 2nd round draft pick. With the physical pressure on the body, the mental stuff comes at a slower pace for most entering the NFL. Having no pressure as a rookie eliminates the physical stress and allows the mind to absorb the information.