More at Stake This Year for Underclassmen
Wednesday November 30, 2005
As we start to see reports of underclassmen considering making the jump to the NFL, I think it's worthy noting that this is not just any year for junior prospects faced with the opportunity to turn pro. We could see a larger exodus than usual this year simply because a new collective bargaining agreement is likely to be in place by the 2007 NFL Draft. And with that collective bargaining agreement is likely to come some sort of limitation on the guaranteed money some of these rookies are getting up front.
This could especially affect guys like Brady Quinn or Reggie Bush, who would probably be selected near the top of the draft. Should Bush choose to leave USC early, which almost seems a forgone conclusion at this point, there's a very good chance he could be selected No. 1 overall. From that position, Bush would likely command $20-25 million in guaranteed money.
With solid post-season workouts, Quinn could theoretically find himself in the top five, so he would be looking at comparable loot as well. But if a new CBA is hammered out by '07, that pile of cash could be just a fraction of what the top prospects have been getting in recent years.
So keep that in mind when weighing the possibility that a certain prospect might, or might not, join the 2006 NFL Draft.
Other underclassmen in the news... Quarterback Chris Leak and wide receiver Chad Jackson, who have hooked up for 81 receptions at Florida this season, are expected to gather information from the NFL concerning their potential status in the upcoming draft. Jackson would be an intriguing addition simply because this year’s receiver pool is very thin at the top.
Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs appears to be on the fence at this time, but it is believed he will turn pro if he is projected to be a first-round pick. Right now, he is probably borderline at best, especially if fellow underclassmen Quinn, Vince Young and Marcus Vick decide to skip their final college seasons.
University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Samson Satele also indicated he might forgo his senior season and apply for the 2006 National Football League draft, and is expected to make an announcement sometime in December.
This could especially affect guys like Brady Quinn or Reggie Bush, who would probably be selected near the top of the draft. Should Bush choose to leave USC early, which almost seems a forgone conclusion at this point, there's a very good chance he could be selected No. 1 overall. From that position, Bush would likely command $20-25 million in guaranteed money.
With solid post-season workouts, Quinn could theoretically find himself in the top five, so he would be looking at comparable loot as well. But if a new CBA is hammered out by '07, that pile of cash could be just a fraction of what the top prospects have been getting in recent years.
So keep that in mind when weighing the possibility that a certain prospect might, or might not, join the 2006 NFL Draft.
Other underclassmen in the news... Quarterback Chris Leak and wide receiver Chad Jackson, who have hooked up for 81 receptions at Florida this season, are expected to gather information from the NFL concerning their potential status in the upcoming draft. Jackson would be an intriguing addition simply because this year’s receiver pool is very thin at the top.
Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs appears to be on the fence at this time, but it is believed he will turn pro if he is projected to be a first-round pick. Right now, he is probably borderline at best, especially if fellow underclassmen Quinn, Vince Young and Marcus Vick decide to skip their final college seasons.
University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Samson Satele also indicated he might forgo his senior season and apply for the 2006 National Football League draft, and is expected to make an announcement sometime in December.
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