(06-03-2021, 10:17 AM)The Real Marty Wrote:

(06-03-2021, 09:57 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: I was thinking we added a rookie returner this offseason but we didn't. So - the only guy he'd potentially "teach" would be Claybrooks. 

Uphill battle for him to stick with Agnew and Claybrooks to beat.  Was bested by a rookie in Carolina last year sharing return duty. At least they've got numbers to compete for the returner spot.

Sure, but what I was saying was, I don't think veteran players sign in order to help younger players beat them out.  That doesn't make sense.

Yeah. It's been debated here plenty in other threads, but that doesn't keep coaches from signing vets who may not present a ton of competition, but who WILL demonstrate to young players how to work through an offseason and prepare.  Especially if the position group is young and in need of example. 

And there have been many veterans who were openly outspoken about mentoring younger players while having no plans to concede their position on the depth chart to them. 

Calais Campbell was a great example.  Many of these guys have enough of a team first mentality to mentor. 
Smoot recently revealed that Ngakoue used to help him with pass rush moves every single day after practice. 

As mentioned - Cooper doesn't fit the mold of a mentor signing with only one young player in the room, but now Claybrooks will be taking reps alngside two experienced return guys in camp and that's a benefit to him whether the other players have that desire to mentor or not.

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