Draft Experience

The NFL draft is a tradition in which players leaving college find out what team they will play for, most realizing a lifetime dream.  A handful of the players are invited to the draft in New York each year and go up to the podium and shake hands with the commissioner.  This year, because of the NFL’s lockout, it was in question if players would attend.

If you think about it, the young men motivation not to attend.  The NFL (owners and players) want to implement a rookie wage scale.  This would most likely significantly decrease the amount of rookie contracts, especially for the top picks.  Also, these players could possibly be locked out or not allowed to play for the teams that will be drafting them in April.  It also may be the case that there won’t be contract negotiations for as many or any of the players that’ll be drafted.

However, the players will accept invites to the draft.  Many sources say because of the issues sited that it will be a less warm embrace by players with the commissioner.  Roger Godell has received criticism from players like Kevin Burnett of the Chargers who called him a “blatant liar.”  There is no doubt that it is a volatile situation between players and the league, but I’m glad that last year’s best collegiate athletes will still get to enjoy the experience.