While coach Jim Schwartz readily admits that the rookies — draft picks and unsigned free agents — were quick to blend in with the veterans during OTAs, he also knows that they are just getting started.

Because there are so many things on their plates, Schwartz said it is tough being an NFL rookie. He doesn’t expect the physical and mental aspects to intersect during the first season.

“I think the first thing that comes is physical. Those guys are great athletes, they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. ... A big part of it is mental, it’s not just the mental part of knowing what to do, it’s the mental part of being resilient and being able to go through the grind that is training camp. Unless you’ve gone through it before, it’s tough to describe,’’ Schwartz said.

The veterans and rookies will have a pair of OTAs next Monday and Tuesday followed by three days of minicamp. It’s an effort to get them prepared for training camp which begins the end of July.

(If you had one question to ask Jim Schwartz about the 2010 season what would it be? Please comment or send an e-mail to Paula.Pasche@oakpress.com. Also, follow me on Twitter.com @PaulaPasche.)