Robert Saleh has a memory that still stings like a fresh wound. Back in 2015, as the Jaguars' linebackers coach, he watched helplessly as No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler tore his ACL on the very first drill of rookie minicamp. That moment ended Fowler's entire rookie season before it could even begin—and it left a lasting lesson for Saleh.

Now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Saleh is taking no chances with his newest draft class. He's implementing a deliberate, cautious approach to rookie minicamp, prioritizing player health over rushing onto the field. The philosophy is simple: these young players have been through a grueling pre-draft process, flying across the country for visits, workouts, and medical checks. Their bodies need time to reset.

"When they're going through the draft prospects, they've been through a lot of traveling," Saleh explained. "So over the weekend, with our draft picks, we're going to be doing more baseline checking with them. They'll be with the strength and conditioning coaches. They're meeting with all of us throughout the day, but as far as practice goes, they'll be with the strength and conditioning staff, creating a baseline to see where they're at."

This means undrafted rookies who didn't face the same pre-draft travel grind will likely see more on-field action early. Meanwhile, the drafted players will focus on strength assessments and conditioning work, ensuring they're physically ready before joining veterans for full practices.

Saleh doesn't shy away from why he's so careful. "Call it a scar," he said. "I was on the staff that saw Dante Fowler tear his ACL on the first rep of rookie minicamp. So I've just taken the philosophy of these guys have had a lot of stress over the last month. Their bodies aren't ready for football, so we're trying to see where they're at so we can get them properly acclimated when they're here with the veterans."

For Titans fans, this measured approach is a welcome sign. In a league where every rep counts, Saleh is betting that smart, gradual preparation will keep his top picks healthy and ready to contribute when it really matters. After all, a rookie's first season should be about building a career—not recovering from an injury that could have been avoided.