For one thing, this is the rookies' very first chance to show that they belong. Every one of these players was either selected in the draft, signed to the team as an undrafted free agent or invited to try out and show what they can do.

Rookie Minicamp is brief – running from Saturday through Monday – but every moment counts.

And, of course, ensuring success this weekend begins with learning the playbook.

"Looking at the playbook, the first thought is just to get it down and [find ways] to simplify it for yourself. The quicker you can learn it, the quicker you can play, and the more you play, the more confident you'll be," Hardman said. "It's been coming to me easily so far, and hopefully, I can get it down to where I can play fast and confident."

That progress will be put to the test on the field this weekend as the rookies meet many of their coaches for the very first time.