Randy Inman
Bruce Bostwick
James Rickard
jesse-podoll
Robin PottratzThe NFL needs a developmental league
April 27th 2009 20:30
Don’t get too excited if you team grabs a bunch of undrafted rookie free agents right after the NFL draft. Of course one or two may make a team but it’s doubtful. Most are hoping just to make the taxi squad (practice squad for you youngins) not the real team.
Undrafted rookie free agents are mostly cannon fodder for training camp. The “real” players need somebody to practice against and beat up in training camp. Some really good football players will get lost in the shuffle.
The NFL needs a developmental league in the worst way and not in freaking Europe either. College football used to serve as a developmental league for the NFL. But too many underclassmen come out now and wacky offenses like the spread are hurting the quarterback play.
If the NFL had a developmental league there would be a better way for undrafted free agents to try to improve their game. And NFL quarterback play would improve quite a bit. Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme wouldn’t be in the NFL if they hadn’t played in NFL Europe. There are other quarterbacks out there that need just a bit more seasoning then they would be good on the pro level.
Baseball has the minor leagues and the NFL could easily afford to have a similar system to develop young players. It would need to be based in America where people actually like pro football, and where the expenses would be less than in Europe. Put the teams in cities that don’t have an NFL franchise and it may even sell some tickets. No matter what the NFL needs a developmental league.
Undrafted rookie free agents are mostly cannon fodder for training camp. The “real” players need somebody to practice against and beat up in training camp. Some really good football players will get lost in the shuffle.
The NFL needs a developmental league in the worst way and not in freaking Europe either. College football used to serve as a developmental league for the NFL. But too many underclassmen come out now and wacky offenses like the spread are hurting the quarterback play.
If the NFL had a developmental league there would be a better way for undrafted free agents to try to improve their game. And NFL quarterback play would improve quite a bit. Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme wouldn’t be in the NFL if they hadn’t played in NFL Europe. There are other quarterbacks out there that need just a bit more seasoning then they would be good on the pro level.
Baseball has the minor leagues and the NFL could easily afford to have a similar system to develop young players. It would need to be based in America where people actually like pro football, and where the expenses would be less than in Europe. Put the teams in cities that don’t have an NFL franchise and it may even sell some tickets. No matter what the NFL needs a developmental league.
Kurt Warner wouldn't be in the NFL without playing in lesser leagues
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