Even though Tuesday’s practice was billed as a rookies-only event, there were a few veterans sprinkled in the mix. Offensive linemen Joe Reitz and Bryan Mattison, cornerback Anwar Phillips and wide receiver Justin Harper took a generous number of reps.

Although Reitz, Mattison and Harper are technically second-year players, their first seasons went unaccredited with all three spending time on either the practice squad or injured reserve. So the opportunity to get extra snaps and tutoring was appealing.

“The whole thought was, ‘Well, do I have to be out here?’ but then I looked at it and thought about it and was like, ‘They didn’t say anything to me about being here, so I’m going to be here,’ ” said Harper, a Virginia Tech product drafted in the seventh round last year. “So I looked at it like, ‘Hey, being a rookie last year and not getting to play, I still feel like a rookie.’ So until I get some games under my belt, I’m still a rookie.”

Reitz said he jumped at the chance to refine his technique under the watchful eyes of offensive line coach John Matsko and assistant offensive line coach Andy Moeller without having to elbow his way past his other linemates.

“It’s a chance to come in and get more individual attention because during full teams and stuff, the coaches are coaching everybody,” Reitz said. “But instead of 15 O-linemen, there are now five. So you really get that individual attention. Our O-line coaches are given a lot of time for us to ask questions and really get everything cleared up before you go to training camp:’

Phillips acknowledged considering staying home rather than attending Tuesday’s practice.

“That’s always an option, but another day you can work is always a good day,” he said. “It’s another chance to get better and work on stuff. I actually learn more details about coverages, and that helps. Some of this may be all new to me, but I’m getting better. It’s another day that maybe guys who are in the same position as me don’t have. It’s another day for me to broadcast my talents.”