I realize that almost nobody will agree with me on this, especially since the Jets have one of the biggest crowds (or at least the most vocal) at the draft. And seriously, I think that's great. It's awesome and fun to watch the fans react to the picks. It's usually a Sportscenter moment. But here's my problem and where most of you will probably disagree. The thing I keep hearing from everyone (fans, commentators and everyone else) is how LONG and BORING it has become. So the fans and ESPN have come to dictate how long the draft will be. This is totally NUTS. The draft is what it is. It is NOT a made-for-tv event. It's a freaking draft! Take it for what it is. I'd be willing to bet that most owners, GM's, coaches and scouts would prefer the draft to be held behind closed doors. And I for one wouldn't argue with them. There are jobs and livlihoods on the line. Would you rather Mangini and Tannenbaum have time to make a blockbuster deal or just rush the pick or make a bad trade? Unless they change the rules and make it a full contact draft, it will always be boring after the first round or two. Maybe to spruce it up, they can do like the XFL did and roll a football down the aisle. The designated person from each team would pounce on the ball for the first draft pick. And then do it again for the next pick. Sorry to make this so long. It's just something I wanted to get off my chest. I'm not "anti-draft" by any means. But it's just ridiculous how commercial we've made it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Its not ESPN... ESPN is actually upset its shorter, since they now have less time to cover the damn thing. The NFL sees that people will watch college names be announced for a few hours, so they shortened the time to retain as many viewers as possible. This is a good move for the league and those who watch it. The later rounds are boring because most people don't follow the names that deep. I could only watch the 1st 4 rounds before 5-7 are too obsucure.
I think the draft is a fascinating event where teams' chances change, fortunes are made, and reputations are busted. I can't think of another off-season event in any sport that had garnered so much interest and passion, when there are no games. What a phenomenon. Those people who are bored by it are easily limited by their imaginations and lack of persistence.
I understand why they're doing it, I just don't agree with it, that's all. Normally I watch the first round and then check the internet intermittantly throughout the day to see who's been picked up.
You're obviously entitled to your opinion, but I completely disagree. For me, the draft is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year outside of football season. I am a huge football (and Jets) fan, and draft day is one of the most important days of the year. It is no exaggeration that the future success of many teams will be made, and lost, next weekend (and not merely in Rounds 1 and 2). I love the intrigue, the wheeling-and-dealing, the second-guessing, and seeing how your team's picks address needs and open new possibilities. Yes, it's a crapshoot, but I think that adds to the entertainment value. There is nothing else like it. The only other draft that gets any coverage is the NBA draft, and the typical NBA draft yields about 20 players per year that will get any real playing time; most likely less than 10 starts; and probably only a handful of real impact players. In recognition of this reality, the draft was cut to two rounds and virtually all second round picks are purely developmental players. The NFL, in contrast, is a full seven-round draft, and history is complete with impact players being found in later rounds. So ... I'll be watching next weekend, and you might not be. To each his own. I know the buildup can seem interminable, but for many football fans, this is what we'll keep us floating until the season starts. Mike
I agree about changing the way the drafting is done due to ratings, I think that is weak. It was never meant to be a media event but so goes the age of unlimited information. Extra points for that XFL reference, that made me laugh.
I agree and as I said, it's great to see the Jets fans' reactions. I think the draft is news-worthy, but I can't afford to sit at home all afternoon/early evening to watch the entire thing. And I don't watch the second day at all. But I'm not complaining about how long it takes, and that was my point. It could last 2 weeks and I wouldn't complain. I want to see the Jets make the best pick or deal possible.
This was why I really debated about posting this. I AGREE with you. My complaint is those who think it takes too long. I'm not complaining about the draft. SERIOUSLY
To the original poster you have a fair point that you have made. Here is the thing though: The NFL is a business and it knows that there is money to be made in airing the NFL draft. People care. Just look at this board and how we continue to talk about this upcoming weekends draft. It's the most exciting part of the offseason and people want to watch it, but they don't want to have to watch it over the entire weekend. This is why the NFL changed the time from 15 to 10 and if they need to adjust the timing in the future they will do that as well. Bottom line is they aren't going to go away from any possible revenue. Now lets get ready to enjoy this weekends (shorter) draft :snicker:
My problem with it is how limiting time during the draft affects how teams draft players. They are making decisions that affect millions of dollars of cap room in a 15 minute span, including trade negotiations. Doing so to make the draft more of a viewer event doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
Thanks man. You said it better in 3 sentences than I did with all my posts. The draft is great, and I love it. I don't care how long it takes, and that's all I was trying to say. Appreciate the assist, Abyzmul.
There are enough good graphics and scrolls available so that you don't have to stare at the tube for 12 hours a day to keep track of what happens in the draft. Last year I watched pretty much the entire first round in real time. Afterwards, I kept checking back -- either by ESPN or via the computer. I didn't miss anything I was looking to see. This is the way it works for me.
I love the draft the way it was will prob love the way it will be this year as well. If I was to make any changes I would suggest 1st round on Friday Night. 2nd thru 4th rounds on Saturday, and the rest on Sunday. Give a half hour in between rounds for teams to adjust their boards make phone calls regarding trades and such.
