Learning Under Vets? Coaching Up?

[Kope]

I would say there are multiple facets of veteran leadership - some more critical than others

1. How to live and act of the field - this is not critical and mostly on the kid to act in accordance w/ the rules

2. How to prepare and become a Professional this is more critical and falls hand and glove w/ #1; if the kid is preparing he will have less time to find trouble

Both 1 and 2 fall into the overated category for me. As stated in this thread, at some point the kid has to step up and make the commitment to the NFL over the glamour that goes with it.

3. How to play like a champion when things look bad in a game. This is where a good veteran can be critical. I would say London Fletcher and chris Cooley fall into this category - high standards and ability to make plays when it matters forces the rest of the team play better. I chose Fletcher / Cooley over Ray Lewis / Tom Brady types to focus on their leadership on the field over the power of their pure talent, however, I think both Brady and Lewis have alot of field leadership as well.

My 2c