The Bucs’ youngest rookie says the NFL “is nothing different.”

Back in March at the NFL Owners meetings, minutes before Joe had breakfast with Lovie Smith, Joe chatted with the head coach about rookies in at corridor at the swanky Phoenix resort.

Lovie made the point that rookies are different than they used to be.

It’s a theme Lovie has repeated in different ways since. His underlying point is that rookies are more prepared physically and mentally than ever. That’s why he’s got no worries about starting a 21-year-old quarterback, America’s Quarterback. Lovie even said left tackles usually enter the NFL and sink or swim, rather than need a lot of time to develop.

Take Mike Evans, he was 20 years old at this time last year. Age didn’t matter. Evans managed a standout season despite inferior quarterback play and an offense in disarray.

That brings Joe to Bucs fourth-round pick Kwon Alexander out of Louisiana State University. The 20-year-old impressed in spring practices and was described to Joe as “outstanding” by an important Buccaneer.

Alexander is in an interesting boat. He’s the only drafted rookie on defense in 2014 and 2015. The Bucs are loaded with veterans on defense.

Joe talked to Alexander 1-on-1 at minicamp and asked what it was like to see all the offensive rookies sticking together and bonding while he’s by far the youngest guy in the mix for defensive snaps.

Joe found Alexander oozing with confidence and undaunted.

“I’m just out there with the team, man. This rookie and draft stuff is over with,” Alexander said. “I’m out here trying to get better. I got the teammates picking me up. We’re all supporting each other.

“It’s nothing different [than college]. I’ve been playing this all my life, man. It’s nothing different. You just go out there and ball and do the best you can do and stay confident. My veterans are right beside me and help me with whatever I need. I’m just enjoying myself.”

Pretty impressive attitude right there. And Joe could see in Alexander’s eyes that he wasn’t being lighthearted at all.

Alexander has spent plenty of time practicing at “Mike” linebacker, learning all the Bucs’ defensive calls, in addition to the strongside LB position.

Despite Alexander’s swagger, he’s still treated like a rookie and seeks veteran guidance. It was easy for him to pick the top lesson he’s learned.

“They biggest thing I’ve been told is, ‘Stay in your playbook. That’s what you gotta do. If you ain’t in your playbook, you’re going to be left behind,'” Alexander said.