As the 2026 NFL Draft draws near, a wave of advice is rolling in from the league’s newest class of players. Thirty-six rookies from the 2025 drafts shared their hard-earned insights with the next wave of prospects gathered for this year’s NFL Combine.
A recurring theme was the importance of mental and emotional preparation. Several veterans emphasized having a trusted “no person” — someone outside football who can help set boundaries and keep the inevitable noise of professional sports from becoming overwhelming. Alongside that, confidence was a key talking point: prospects were encouraged to trust the traits that made them draftable and not to let early struggles shake their belief.
Rookies also urged young players to pay attention to the tiny details that set elite players apart. “Find the small 1 or 2 percent advantages,” one standout said, noting how marginal gains are often the difference in pro success. Along the same lines was advice to avoid comparing oneself to peers, a trap that can sap joy and focus.
Approach and preparation were also front and center. Prospects were told to work at a relentless pace, take development one day at a time, and listen closely to experienced teammates. Balance and self-care made the list as well, reminding the next class that physical conditioning and off-field recovery are essential parts of a long NFL career.
Meanwhile, teams and analysts continue to prepare for draft day. Mock drafts and trackers are shaping expectations, particularly around premium prospects like edge rushers and positional fits that could reshape franchise plans. And back in the clubs, evaluators are watching how the first crop of 2025 rookies finished their debut seasons, measuring progress and projecting future impact.
With the Combine serving as a crossroads between collegiate achievement and the pro ranks, the shared wisdom of recent rookies adds a human element to the metrics, tapes, and projections. For those prospects on the cusp of NFL weather, the message is clear: prepare hard, stay grounded, and embrace both the grind and longer journey ahead.