http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3764404 A perfect storm is bearing down on college football's NFL talent pool, and it's due to hit Jan. 15, the deadline for draft-eligible underclassmen to declare whether they are entering the draft or staying in school. Underclass Entries The number of underclassmen entering the NFL draft has increased steadily since 2000. Year Entered Drafted 2000 31 20 2001 54 31 2002 43 26 2003 54 32 2004 44 35 2005 57 38 2006 62 34 2007 40 29 2008 53 39 Remember, the trend in recent years has seen the number of underclassmen entering the draft increase significantly. The 2000 draft saw 31 underclassmen declare; there were 53 in 2008; and there hasn't been a draft with fewer than 40 underclassmen available since that 2000 crop. That trend is being accelerated by two factors. The first is uncertainty about a possible rookie wage scale. Rumors of a changes to the NFL collective bargaining agreement and a potential pay scale for rookies are spreading like wildfire. Many underclassmen and their families are being told that the pay scale could come into play as early as 2010, which means the upcoming draft could be the last time for rookies to break the bank the way Matt Ryan did in getting $34 million guaranteed from the Falcons. The second factor is a marginally talented senior class. Most underclassmen are aware of the competition at their respective positions and have some idea where they stack up in relation. Unfortunately, many are being fed misinformation about where they stand, and that will only increase the size of the group. Draft Buzz Extra Which underclass prospects warrant attention on the defensive side of the ball? Todd McShay has the answers. Draft Buzz Extra Insider Sources on both the college and the NFL sides -- including agents, scouts and other talent evaluators -- have told Scouts Inc. that this year's crop of underclassmen could shatter the record of 62 set in 2006. In fact, nearly all agree that there will be at least 70 underclassmen in the mix in 2009, and many think the final number will be north of 80. With all that in mind, here's a brief breakdown of the offensive players among the top 40 underclassman prospects who could declare for the 2009 NFL draft: (snip)
I've been saying this for a while, this might be the best first round ever due to fear of a rookie salary cap. I think the Jets should trade up for a second 1st round pick, the extra QB stars coming out will push down some of the defensive players we need to the mid or late first round. Someone will take Tebow before Taylor Mays or Laurinatis just for the star factor, that pushes people we need one slot down. If there was ever a year to trade up it will be this year, its going to be a rich first round. And at least one website has already said it might be the best year for LBers ever. We obviously need that, it won't be an elite defense as long BT is a starter. Or even David Bowens, guy has one INT in 10 years.
