I always wondered why the NFL draft happens a month after free agency gets underway. You always hear GMs and football analysts saying that the best way to build a team is through the draft. If that's the case, then why not have the draft occur prior to free agency starting so that it becomes the primary roster building tool.
This is a business....a tough business to survive let alone strive.
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.
If they can drafter Chase Young or some other up and comer ....the draft hurts the FA market.
They found a sweet spot with noting else going on that weekend, and are maximizing it.
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.
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.
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.