"I think it's really helpful. When I was hurt, not being able to be out there with the guys, I was able to get mental reps by putting the film on the big screen," Henderson said. "When I got (to the Patriots), that was my first time using it."
With the lion's share of game reps going to the starters during the regular season, players further down the depth chart are also utilizing the mobile classroom, as Vrabel calls it. For instance, rookie QB Behren Morton, who is familiar with the VR concept from his days at Texas Tech, finds himself in the virtual room often.
"We use the virtual rooms a lot, especially being a rookie: rookie minicamp, OTAs and leading up to fall camp. We were using those every day," Morton said. "It's convenient because it's right outside the meeting room. If guys have a question and we want to walk through it, you can just step outside your position room."
At Texas Tech, Morton had a virtual room inside the Red Raiders football facility, one of the first of its kind at the college level. The rookie said they're similar, but the Patriots virtual room has the convenience of being attached to the meeting rooms, which differs from the Texas Tech facility.
"This one is more convenient. The Texas Tech one is just a little bit further away. It's pretty cool because you have the position room, team meeting room, and stuff like that right there. You can't beat it," Morton added. "We put (the film) up on a huge TV screen and it's like getting a live rep. We use it a lot and it's a big help."
With coaches chasing edges to stay a step ahead of opponents, the Patriots are using the mobile classroom to enhance how they teach their players while keeping up with technological advancements in the football space. Whether it's walkthroughs, integrating new players, or keeping injured players mentally sharp, New England's virtual room is a great resource inside the New Balance Athletics Center.