For millennia, humans have celebrated rites of spring, embracing renewal and refreshment as we shake off the darkness and cold of winter. Longer days bring spring flowers, animal migrations, and budding trees, reminding us of the promise of new beginnings. Easter symbolizes hope and joy for Christians, offering permission to leave the past behind and embrace a new life. Easter eggs and the Easter bunny represent renewal and rebirth, themes that resonate deeply during this season of change.
Spring also marks a time of transition for football teams. Seniors prepare for graduation and the next chapter of their lives, while coaches focus on the players who will fill the depth chart for the upcoming season. Each new football season offers a clean slate—a chance for teams and players to compete, grow, and achieve new goals.
The NFL Draft, held every April, epitomizes this sense of renewal. Teams seize the opportunity to acquire fresh talent, fill roster gaps, and rebuild for the future. The timing of the draft, coinciding with Easter, underscores the shared themes of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Inspired by this annual ritual, our coaching staff conducts its own draft exercise. After celebrating Easter with their families and enjoying the NFL Draft, each coach receives an alphabetical list of all eligible returning players. They channel their inner Mel Kiper or Todd McShay, ranking players in order of their “Best Available Player.” No criteria are provided—each coach uses their own parameters to create their list.
I then compare their lists to mine and to each other’s, identifying our team’s “Best 11.” This process helps shape personnel packages, position changes, and highlights outliers. When a coach ranks a player significantly higher or lower than the staff average, it sparks valuable conversations to understand differing perspectives. This collaborative exercise ensures alignment as we prepare for Other Team Activities (OTAs) in June, setting the stage for a season of growth and success.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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