Philadelphia Eagles first-round Draft pick linebacker Marcus Smith has admitted that there is a steep learning curve as he tries to get to grips with the speed of the NFL.
Smith said that the main difference between college level and professional is that the players must be able to react much faster to defensive changes.
"Everything is really, really fast," he told the Eagles' official website. "It's all business. They throw you in the fire and they want you to learn fast. Fortunately, I came from a great programme where learning came easy to me. The coaches are sticking with me, teaching me. It's been a great ride so far.
"It's not the verbiage or anything like that with me. The speed of the game is different and you have to make sure you know your checks a lot faster than in college. Coach Chip Kelly likes to have the music loud like it will be with a crowd, so you have to get the signals in and understand them and communicate with each other."
Smith was the 26th overall pick in May's Draft.
Matt Domm
