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DECLARING FOR THE DRAFT

by Jay Matthews

It was interesting to see which college football players decided to forgo their final years as a college student and those who wanted to stay. I always wonder just what advice they are getting, and what is going on in their minds when they decide to stay or throw their hat in the ring and try for the pros.

Tim Tebow was part of the Gators’ second national championship, and a Heisman candidate once more, but he still wanted to stay for one more year. Draft Pundits said that he would not be a viable quarterback in the NFL despite putting up a 66% completion percentage, 6390 yards, 67 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 2037 rushing yards, and 43 rushing touchdowns in just a mere 3 years. No doubt if he can continue these gaudy numbers someone will be able to utilize his athletic ability as a multi-talented player a la Kordell “Slash” Stewart. I seriously do not see how Tebow could do any worse than Michael Vick who not only started as a quarterback, but also appeared in an NFC Championship game in 2004.

Sam Bradford also decided that he wanted to take one more shot at winning the national championship despite the fact that he won a Heisman this year and was projected to be a top pick in the NFL Draft. I don’t know what made him stay other than the competitive drive to stay and win a bowl for his Sooners. So far it’s been an uphill battle. However, while he is potentially turning down millions of dollars, historic indicators show that Bradford will actually be a better NFL quarterback by staying in one more year to hone his craft.

By contrast Mark Sanchez has run counter to Pete Carroll’s advice to stay and take another year to learn the system and improve. Sanchez would have done well to heed his coach’s advice. I don’t know how well he will do with only a single year as a starter. His predecessor at USC, John David Booty, is buried behind Jackson and Frerrote on the Vikings roster, and he had two full years as a starter. Then again, look at how Matt Cassel broke out this year with the Patriots despite being a career college and pro backup quarterback. Considering the buzz that Sanchez has garnered from his Rose Bowl performance, it looks as if many draftniks such as ESPN’s Todd McShay are ranking him as the top QB prospect. No doubt he should strike while the iron is hot and earn his paycheck now while Tebow and Bradford stay. However, if the Lions or another struggling team draft him, chances are that he could flame out like Joey Harrington, David Carr, or Akili Smith.

The least advised choice I found was Brandon Williams, a defensive end from Texas Tech. He had a very good year. He was tied for fourth overall in the NCAA (and first in the Big XII) with 13 sacks. Not too bad, but reportedly scouting advisors told him he could go in the third round. This must have been a financial decision for his family... because there is no guarantee that he could go in the first day alone, much less be drafted at all. Odder things have happened. But if he gets to the combine or has a good pro day in Lubbock , TX , then there is always the chance he could go higher. At 6′ 5″ and 246 pounds, it’s quite possible that he will be drafted as a 3-4 OLB. So anything can go, but Williams is taking a huge gamble with his future.

But then again, whether players stay in school or opt to enter into the NFL draft, there is always a gamble that their “stock” will rise or fall depending upon their performance or even the incidental injury that could hinder their career. Life is always about taking chances and making the best decisions possible with the information you have. Here’s hoping that all the athletes do well whether they are playing college football or have moved on to the NFL. Best wishes to them all.

Submitted 1/13/2009

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