Which of the following contributes to a rookie's cap number?

The correct answer focuses on the components that contribute to a rookie's salary cap number, which includes the signing bonus proration and workout bonuses. When a rookie is signed, the initial signing bonus is typically spread out (or prorated) over the duration of the contract, affecting the salary cap in each year of that contract. This is a crucial element because it allows teams to manage their cap effectively and provides immediate financial assurance to the player.

Additionally, workout bonuses are also part of the cap calculation because they are considered guaranteed compensation that a player can earn based on their participation in the team’s off-season training activities. These components are directly taken into account when determining a player's hit on the salary cap, making option B the right choice.

Other elements like paragraph 5 salary or performance bonuses may not directly affect the rookie's cap number in the same way, and self-endorsements do not count against the salary cap as they are personal earnings unrelated to team compensation. Understanding how these components interact with the salary cap is essential for both team management and players entering the league.