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mlmpetert · 03-16-2011, 10:37 AM

I guess I thought more people would think this is a great idea….

The NFL only invites 15-20 people, so I guess ive always felt that its not in a rookies best interest to show up in the first place unless a big priority for them is to make a name or brand themselves, in which case I lose respect for the player as a person. Besides the number 1 pick and the player your favorite team drafts the things I always remember most about the “top tier” players invited to the draft are awkward moments. Like when Brady Quinn “slipped” or when Eli Manning didn’t wear San Diego’s hat and forced through a smile. Or when the Texans made a “mistake” not taking Bush. Or when the Eagles drafted McNabb and Eagle fans flipped out. Or when you see the look of embarrassment or uncomfortableness when a player isn’t drafted as high as his agent told him he would be.

To me the NFL is merely using these really young adults who don’t really know a whole lot yet to grow their brand. I enjoy watching the draft its fun but I like watching the highlight film and hearing the commentary from Kipper and all the other guys as time ticks down for the next selection. Imagine if you were going to be one of the top 15 drafted and Mr. Goodell invites you to NY. Would you go? Or would throw a party with all your friends and family, the ones who helped you get to this point in your life, like Sean Taylor (5th overall). Or maybe say no thank you and go fishing with your dad and check the news later like Joe Thomas (3rd overall). I guess you could go to NYC and start selling out before you even sign a contract, I mean you have your brand to work on…..

I don’t think you have to conform to what the NFL or the NFLPA wants from you but I think a player needs to consider that being a top 15 pick creates a lot of issues in the locker room. There’s a good chance he may hold out. He will be one of the highest paid players on the team without proving anything at the pro level. He will have a jersey available for sale and will get a lot more attention than most other players on the team. And if he goes to the NFL sponsored draft he will likely hug and shake hands with a man most players associate with taking away their livelihoods. In my opinion its nice the NFLPA is offering an alternative to the players that have to have the cameras on them from day one.

03-16-2011, 10:37 AM	#11
mlmpetert Playmaker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Richmond Posts: 3,261	Re: Alternate NFLPA draft event I guess I thought more people would think this is a great idea…. The NFL only invites 15-20 people, so I guess ive always felt that its not in a rookies best interest to show up in the first place unless a big priority for them is to make a name or brand themselves, in which case I lose respect for the player as a person. Besides the number 1 pick and the player your favorite team drafts the things I always remember most about the “top tier” players invited to the draft are awkward moments. Like when Brady Quinn “slipped” or when Eli Manning didn’t wear San Diego’s hat and forced through a smile. Or when the Texans made a “mistake” not taking Bush. Or when the Eagles drafted McNabb and Eagle fans flipped out. Or when you see the look of embarrassment or uncomfortableness when a player isn’t drafted as high as his agent told him he would be. To me the NFL is merely using these really young adults who don’t really know a whole lot yet to grow their brand. I enjoy watching the draft its fun but I like watching the highlight film and hearing the commentary from Kipper and all the other guys as time ticks down for the next selection. Imagine if you were going to be one of the top 15 drafted and Mr. Goodell invites you to NY. Would you go? Or would throw a party with all your friends and family, the ones who helped you get to this point in your life, like Sean Taylor (5th overall). Or maybe say no thank you and go fishing with your dad and check the news later like Joe Thomas (3rd overall). I guess you could go to NYC and start selling out before you even sign a contract, I mean you have your brand to work on….. I don’t think you have to conform to what the NFL or the NFLPA wants from you but I think a player needs to consider that being a top 15 pick creates a lot of issues in the locker room. There’s a good chance he may hold out. He will be one of the highest paid players on the team without proving anything at the pro level. He will have a jersey available for sale and will get a lot more attention than most other players on the team. And if he goes to the NFL sponsored draft he will likely hug and shake hands with a man most players associate with taking away their livelihoods. In my opinion its nice the NFLPA is offering an alternative to the players that have to have the cameras on them from day one.