The 2020 NFL Draft class for all 32 teams has had a difficult time getting acclimated to life as a professional. Outside of virtual meetings and interview requests, it pretty much has been life as usual. Since the coronavirus pandemic took its grip on society, all sports leagues have been put on hold until re-opening policies are put in place.
Fortunately for the NFL, they are in their offseason and are in no rush to make sweeping decisions on how they will return. Unfortunately for rookies, there have been no rookie minicamps, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) or mandatory minicamp.
In other words, they will be heading into training camps, whenever that is, as green as can be. Think about the whirlwind of information, meetings and responsibilities which will be taking place in late July when these rookies are finally permitted to join their new teammates.
Every year a select group of NFL rookies receive invitations to the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event, and the Steelers had two of their 2020 class invited. Those players would be wide receiver Chase Claypool and running back Anthony McFarland Jr.
Introducing our 2020 Rookie Premiere class!
These players have been identified by @PaniniAmerica as some of the most promising young prospects based on position, college performance and marketability: https://t.co/Iit2nXMTh1#NFLPARookiePremiere pic.twitter.com/aFVUx3xhPc
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 18, 2020
This event usually takes place in Los Angeles and is when fans get the first glimpse of their newest players wearing their team uniforms. Companies like Panini America produce players' first trading cards and more, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event was unfortunately cancelled.
"For more than 25 years, the annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere, presented by Panini five straight years, has represented a rite of passage for many of the game’s marketable rookie stars. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NFLPA’s marketing and licensing arm NFL Players Inc. was forced to cancel this year’s traditional event in Los Angeles.
"Known as the first major business and marketing event for the players since becoming professionals, the NFLPA Rookie Premiere will be different in this unprecedented year as partners, including presenting sponsor Panini America, look for innovative ways to work with the newest class of rising NFL stars."
Although the players weren't in attendance this year, Panini still put together artwork featuring all the players who received invitations. Take a look at the Rookie Premiere 2020 class:
Proudly presenting, in its entirety, the 2020 @NFLPA Rookie Premiere Class . . .#RatedRookie | #NFLPARookiePremiere |#Classof2020 pic.twitter.com/EVfuVw4uoR
— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) June 18, 2020
Last year the Steelers had two representatives at this NFLPA event, and they were Diontae Johnson and Benny Snell Jr.
For a full list of players who were invited to this event, see their names below:
QUARTERBACKS:
Joe Burrow (Bengals), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Justin Herbert (Chargers), Jordan Love (Packers), Jacob Eason (Colts), Jake Fromm (Bills), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), James Morgan (Jets)
RUNNING BACKS:
D’Andre Swift (Lions), J.K. Dobbins (Ravens), Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs), Cam Akers (Rams), A.J. Dillon (Packers), Zack Moss (Bills), Ke’Shawn Vaughn (Buccaneers), Darrynton Evans (Titans), Joshua Kelley (Chargers), La'Mical Perine (Jets), Anthony McFarland Jr. (Steelers)
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Jerry Jeudy (Broncos), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Henry Ruggs III (Raiders), Laviska Shenault Jr. (Jaguars), Tee Higgins (Bengals), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts), Denzel Mims (Jets), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), K.J. Hamler (Broncos), Jalen Reagor (Eagles), Chase Claypool (Steelers), Van Jefferson (Rams), Antonio Gibson (Redskins), Lynn Bowden Jr. (Raiders), Bryan Edwards (Raiders), Devin Duvernay (Ravens), Gabriel Davis (Bills), Antonio Gandy-Golden (Redskins), Tyler Johnson (Buccaneers)
DEFENSE:
Chase Young (Redskins)
TIGHT END:
Cole Kmet (Bears)
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