Why doesn't the draft take place earlier in the off-season?

You do know NFLPA try to protect NFL players. Right?

This is a business....a tough business to survive let alone strive.

However, the draft has become so big, the discussions so intense and the process so long, that it gives rise to a culture all its own. It keeps the spotlight on the NFL long after the season ends

In comment 14779831 Big Blue '56 said:

Quote:

However, the draft has become so big, the discussions so intense and the process so long, that it gives rise to a culture all its own. It keeps the spotlight on the NFL long after the season ends

Totally agree but, they could reverse it and do the Draft in Early March and then open the flood gates for FA. Would make for a more interesting FA period. Imagine some guys protected or signed in FA that might have been available for other teams if the draft already happened or guys who would be released (cap dump) to now add to the FA pool.

I can see why they do it this way and the Draft has become a revenue stream unto itself.

The Giants are desperate for a pass rusher. They will pay BIG in FA to get one....

If they can drafter Chase Young or some other up and comer ....the draft hurts the FA market.

It's about ratings and $$... they won't put it up against March Madness.

They found a sweet spot with noting else going on that weekend, and are maximizing it.

NFL players want to know where they are playing next year and not wait. Teams also want to know what they have before the draft starts. Say they want to sign a OT in free agency and they lose out on that. They then can think about what player in the draft will fit that spot. To going into a draft and not take the OT and think your signing one is really not a good idea.

In comment 14779850 George from PA said:

Quote:

The Giants are desperate for a pass rusher. They will pay BIG in FA to get one.... If they can drafter Chase Young or some other up and comer ....the draft hurts the FA market.

I don't think that is true. All you do is change your focus in FA. Besides, a lot of the top guys never see FA anyway with Franchise tags etc. Draft earlier would give teams leeway to fill desires now and needs in FA.

but I believe the draft is later in the year, so the students can focus on graduation. Sounds silly, but I guess in years past it mattered.

1. Prep - it takes a long time to evaluate the players, the season is still going on into Feb for some teams and they are concentrating on winning a Superbowl, the focus needs to be on the actual game.

2. FA - The NFLPA protects the current players. If you draft 1st it limits the opportunities for the current players. While contracts are not fully guaranteed there are signing bonuses and other incentives. If you draft 1st a lot of those opportunities for vets may dry up.

3. The kids are in school. While we know many are not really getting an education, there are still kids getting degrees and the NFL has to allow for that process as most of these guys will be out of the NFL quickly.

4. It builds the hype of the NFL. Once the draft happens the offseason programs start. Rookie camps, mini camps then training camp. It keeps the NFL relevant the entire year. The draft is one of the biggest events for the NFL.

5> If its not broke dont fix it. Fix the officiating dont worry about offseason crap.

Those were the days.

it should happen before UFA ...

In comment 14780623 JonC said:

Quote:

it should happen before UFA ...

The last time that happened, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, and Christian Ponder went in the first twelve picks.

I think that angered the Football Gods.