In the NFL, can players simply "get better"?

Question

Like I remember back in about 2001, Tom Brady was a backup qb and wasn't that good. Now look at him.

So can players just get better? Players like Rex Grossman or Ryan Leaf or the players on the Dolphins.

So can players get better? or does it have a lot to do with coaching, talent, etc.?

Answer 1

Theres a lot said for personal drive. Brady practiced in his garage long after team practice. Players like Fletcher, Pierce, etc. were undrafted, and yet are now the upper eschalons of players.  I'd say it's 70% personal drive, 20% coaching, and 10% luck.  

Answer 2

I think that there are a lot of factors.  Sometimes, a player needs experience and real time action on the field to get better.  Once they adjust and relax, then their real skills can come out.  Also, it could be a mental thing in that if you know that the coaching staff and the rest of the team believe in you, it could give you confidence.  A player could also be more of a student of the game including watching film of opponents and honing their skills with other players or coaches.  Lastly, it could just be a strength or conditioning issue where they just get into the gym and improve.

Answer 3

yes they could if they train harder

Answer 4

they sure can, after coaching with a friend of mine i can see how he  an undrafted player out of college became a part of a superbowl winner and lasted for 13 yr's in the nfl. the drills he is incorporating in practices are definitely keyed to improve individual skills and it shows with the young players we are coaching. i'm sure that was the secret to his success.

Answer 5

No it all comes down to coaching

Brady has always been good but the coaches just didn't think he was

Answer 6

Of course players can get better. It's all in how they handle it, along with the proper coaching. If you work hard enough, you can get better. You just need to have the drive. Many mediocre players have become great players in the NFL. Talent also plays a role in it. You need to have at least some talent to improve.

Answer 7

Everybody in the NFL has physical talent.  What makes the difference between good and bad is practice and knowledge.  The best players are usually the ones who put the most work into it.

Brady has always had the physical talent.  In college he didn't work as hard which is why he was a backup or sharing starts most of his college career.

When he went pro he was a low pick because he had never been a full time starter.  He put in the hours staying after practice and watching film and became a much better all around player.  He was backing up a very good QB in Drew Bledsoe.  Almost all players need time to adjust to the higher skills when they move up.