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Rookie minicamps give first year players the opportunity to come into town and show the coaches what they are made of. Many of the rookies that attend the minicamp are not expected to contribute as a rookie or even make the team. Fourth round tight end Orson Charles is expected to come in and contribute right away out of the University of Georgia.
Charles reportedly spent a lot of time with tight ends coach Jonathon Hayes during the minicamp. Charles thinks that he has a lot to learn:
""I feel like I have a lot to prove," Charles said. "In order to be one of the great ones, you have to take strides every day."
Charles is approximately six foot three and weighs 241 pounds and though that is not a huge size for a tight end, many see him an an in-line type of player at the position in the league. As for whom Charles looks up to and compares himself to, Cleveland Browns tight end Ben Watson is that guy. Watson, also a University of Georgia alum, would be the type of player who Charles would excited to have a career similar to:
"I ask him a lot of questions," Charles said of Watson, entering his ninth year. "Similar size. Grateful to have him in my corner."
Not a bad role model there. Watson is a former world champion and understands what it takes to be successful in the league. Even though they are now on rival squads, it's great to see that the veteran has reached out to help the youngster.
It is also good to hear that Charles understands how hard he has to work to contribute in the National Football League. He has his work cut out for him when it comes to seeing playing time during his rookie season, and it looks as if he will have to beat out the newly re-signed Donald Lee and second year tight end Colin Cochart to receive significant playing time. However, as mentioned earlier, Charles is a different type of tight end. It may be safe to assume that offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will attempt to find a way to incorporate the talented rookie into the offense at some point this season.