What is a Drafted Rookie?

A drafted rookie refers to a player who has been selected by a professional sports team during the draft process, and despite being a newcomer to the league, the rights to that player are held by the team that chose them. This means that until the team either releases the player or they complete their contractual obligations, they are considered part of that team's roster.

When a player is drafted, they usually sign a rookie contract with the team that selected them, which gives that team the exclusive rights to the player for a set period. This setup is essential for maintaining competitive balance within the league, as it allows teams with lower performance in the previous season to have the opportunity to strengthen their rosters through the addition of new talent.

The other options described do not accurately capture the definition of a drafted rookie. For instance, a player selected by the league to join a team does not clarify the drafted aspect, while a player who enters as a free agent or a veteran entering the draft do not fit within the established definition of a drafted rookie.