NFL: Why Fans Would Be Wise to Downplay OTA Hype

We finally get to see our favorite players back on the practice field with their helmets on, but please, do not fall victim to the OTA hype. 

I'm feeling the same level of excitement as you are about the opening of NFL offseason training activities, and that level of excitement shouldn't be high at all. 

I just wrote an aggregation column on news from the 13 clubs that began their offseason training activities today, but that doesn't mean we need to get high hopes when the head coach proclaims his team looks "impressive" going half-speed in shorts and T-shirts. 

Because, after all, that's what we're dealing with here. 

Teams getting "organized" for the first time, methodically installing game plans and base schemes while running through plays slowly to make sure everyone's in the right spot. 

Sure, your team's first-round pick, if signed, is probably going to be good.

No pads. No pressure. 

Our country's love for the NFL is deeply embedded in our society, so we crave anything NFL every day of the year. 

Hype machines like ESPN and NFL Network attempt to "do their job" by satisfying our hunger on a daily basis, but really, there's not much newsworthy information that comes from at least the first OTAs. 

Did I mention they're voluntary? 

If you love your team and need the latest info on your team, so be it. You're not a nerd. You just need something to pass the time until training camp kicks off.

I get that. 

With Twitter, beat reporters and team bloggers with media access can keep you up to speed on everything happening from these run-throughs. 

However, don't be roped into any underlying story lines or the fact that a veteran didn't take as many first-team reps as expected. Jobs are not won and lost in May. 

Everything, for every club is at its infancy stages right now. New players and rookies are being brought up to speed on schematic nuances and playbook terminology. 

So please, take the OTAs for what they truly are—optional field work for guys nearly four months away from the NFL's first regular season game. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso