Thoughts about older draft eligible players?

[OldTimer1960]

Does being an older draft eligible player affect their draft position in your view?  In my eyes I think it should be at least a bit of a negative.  My reasoning is that 1. An older player may have a physical/mental advantage vs younger college players that makes them appear better than they really are, 2. Older draftees may have less upside as they’ve had longer to build muscle and learn their position and techniques, and 3. those older draftees will be near 30 when their rookie contract is up - so do you want a second contract for a guy near 30 y.o.?  To me it is a bit like RBs being downgraded because wear and tear leads you to not want to sign them to a second contract.

 

Darius Alexander has done a good job of hiding his birthday, but he will be a 25 y.o. rookie.  Darien Porter is also a 6th year player who will be at least 24 as a rookie.

 

Thoghts?

[Big Blitz]

Yep.  
 

I love the metric - age of “breakout season.”  
 

Which is why I think there is very little room for growth for Nix, Penix, and even Daniels. 
 

Not saying they won’t be good players.  Or can’t improve.  
 

It’s more likely imo that Daniels and Nix take steps back.  Could be wrong.  They can absolutely still maintain what they’re doing.

 

And I think Stroud can still significantly improve.  
 

 

Any draft eligible 23 year old no matter the position - I’m immediately skeptical.  
 

It’s why I’m still high on Keon.  
 

 

[BuffaloBillyG]

6 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Does being an older draft eligible player affect their draft position in your view?  In my eyes I think it should be at least a bit of a negative.  My reasoning is that 1. An older player may have a physical/mental advantage vs younger college players that makes them appear better than they really are, 2. Older draftees may have less upside as they’ve had longer to build muscle and learn their position and techniques, and 3. those older draftees will be near 30 when their rookie contract is up - so do you want a second contract for a guy near 30 y.o.?  To me it is a bit like RBs being downgraded because wear and tear leads you to not want to sign them to a second contract.

 

Darius Alexander has done a good job of hiding his birthday, but he will be a 25 y.o. rookie.  Darien Porter is also a 6th year player who will be at least 24 as a rookie.

 

Thoghts?

Depends on the player/position. 

 

I would think an older prospect would be a little more mature and able to handle himself a bit better. 

 

Also for a player like Ray Davis who came in a bit older...unless you're planning on signing them to a second contract the age wouldn't be an issue for me as much. But a RB with some age? As a 4 year one contract guy? Sure.

[LEBills]

9 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Does being an older draft eligible player affect their draft position in your view?  In my eyes I think it should be at least a bit of a negative.  My reasoning is that 1. An older player may have a physical/mental advantage vs younger college players that makes them appear better than they really are, 2. Older draftees may have less upside as they’ve had longer to build muscle and learn their position and techniques, and 3. those older draftees will be near 30 when their rookie contract is up - so do you want a second contract for a guy near 30 y.o.?  To me it is a bit like RBs being downgraded because wear and tear leads you to not want to sign them to a second contract.

 

Darius Alexander has done a good job of hiding his birthday, but he will be a 25 y.o. rookie.  Darien Porter is also a 6th year player who will be at least 24 as a rookie.

 

Thoghts?

It depends. Alexander didn’t start at Toledo until his fifth year. That’s a concern to me because he couldn’t excel in the MAC until he was much older than most players.

 

Porter is a little different because he was a converted WR so the move from O to D explains a little. Combine that with his top athleticism and I think it’s someone who may be able to be good in the NFL. So context matters, but generally, if a player couldn’t make an impact until he is older than his peers its a concern for me. 

[The Cincinnati Kid]

I’ve entered my information, but at 39 years old in May, despite a legendary college career (in my mind), I do not expect a call on draft weekend. Again. For the 15th straight year. But without hope, what do we have, right?

[Albany,n.y.]

While you can hope the player will be a 10 year or more franchise guy, the bottom line is you draft a player for 4-5 years and with free agency, you can't count on him playing for you more than 5 seasons.  Since you cannot guarantee the guy will even make it to a 2nd contract with your team, age shouldn't be a factor.  Remember when we drafted Edmunds, he'd still be so young after 5 years?  How did that work out? 5 years of mediocre play & gone via FA. 

 

Draft a player who can contribute for 5 years & don't look ahead to a 2nd contract, because odds are he won't be getting a 2nd contract with your team.  

[gonzo1105]

Yes and No. Covid and new NCAA rules have affected the pool. You’ll see more and more guys staying because they can guarantee themselves cash before the NFL or before they have to go into a non football career. 
 

Id prefer the younger prospect with upside for sure but you’ll get quicker to contribute NFL guys in year 1 that can be role players in the mid rounds if you chose the right guys 
 

 

[GETTOTHE50]

Nothing older than Tremaine is allowed 

[uticaclub]

Older players just have a smaller chance for an extended career. I'd prefer to have a reliable player for 8 years rather than a player who might excel for 15 years or may never develop and turn out to be a bust.

2 minutes ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

Nothing older than Tremaine is allowed 

If he can buy beer, I DON’T WANT HIM!

Edited 10 hours ago by uticaclub

[Simon]

8 minutes ago, The Cincinnati Kid said:

I’ve entered my information, but at 39 years old in May, despite a legendary college career (in my mind), I do not expect a call on draft weekend. Again. For the 15th straight year. But without hope, what do we have, right?

 

Don't you dare give in at the tender age of 39!

[OldTimer1960]

12 minutes ago, The Cincinnati Kid said:

I’ve entered my information, but at 39 years old in May, despite a legendary college career (in my mind), I do not expect a call on draft weekend. Again. For the 15th straight year. But without hope, what do we have, right?

I think it’s age discrimination!

[rajinka]

39 minutes ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

Nothing older than Tremaine is allowed 

Still waiting for him to be able to legally drink

[RyanC883]

not worried about older college players.  It's more common now, and if it's the right guy, no worries.  I think an older guy may be able to step in right away (Bo Nix).  Given our need at CB and DT for an "instant" player, I'd have no problem with Porter or Alexander in the 2/3rd.  

[The Jokeman]

1 hour ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Does being an older draft eligible player affect their draft position in your view?  In my eyes I think it should be at least a bit of a negative.  My reasoning is that 1. An older player may have a physical/mental advantage vs younger college players that makes them appear better than they really are, 2. Older draftees may have less upside as they’ve had longer to build muscle and learn their position and techniques, and 3. those older draftees will be near 30 when their rookie contract is up - so do you want a second contract for a guy near 30 y.o.?  To me it is a bit like RBs being downgraded because wear and tear leads you to not want to sign them to a second contract.

 

Darius Alexander has done a good job of hiding his birthday, but he will be a 25 y.o. rookie.  Darien Porter is also a 6th year player who will be at least 24 as a rookie.

 

Thoghts?

It depends on the position tbh. I can see doing it on RBs or LBs as traditionally these positions not vital to sign to second contracts. Or if looking to fill short term depth and okay going for an older guy. Yet if looking for impact and/long term solution ideally want someone 22 or younger. 

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, gonzo1105 said:

Yes and No. Covid and new NCAA rules have affected the pool. You’ll see more and more guys staying because they can guarantee themselves cash before the NFL or before they have to go into a non football career. 
 

Id prefer the younger prospect with upside for sure but you’ll get quicker to contribute NFL guys in year 1 that can be role players in the mid rounds if you chose the right guys 
 

 

 

To develop the point I think the other factor linked to NIL is if you had a 3rd round grade previously from the advisory committee you came out because 3rd round rookie money was better than no money (I know was never really no money). Now if you think stay in college I could be a first round guy next year and get NIL money in the meantime that becomes a more attractive long term play.

[Bongo]

Alright, is it coincidence that Oldtimer1960 is asking the question? You plan on surprising us at the draft? 😁

[OldTimer1960]

19 minutes ago, Bongo said:

Alright, is it coincidence that Oldtimer1960 is asking the question? You plan on surprising us at the draft? 😁

Yep - 64 and 5 weeks off knee replacement - I should be ready for camp!

[Bongo]

2 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Yep - 64 and 5 weeks off knee replacement - I should be ready for camp!

I’ll be at the same camp. 57 with both knees reconstructed. Let’s show ‘em how it’s done.

[mannc]

2 hours ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Does being an older draft eligible player affect their draft position in your view?  In my eyes I think it should be at least a bit of a negative.  My reasoning is that 1. An older player may have a physical/mental advantage vs younger college players that makes them appear better than they really are, 2. Older draftees may have less upside as they’ve had longer to build muscle and learn their position and techniques, and 3. those older draftees will be near 30 when their rookie contract is up - so do you want a second contract for a guy near 30 y.o.?  To me it is a bit like RBs being downgraded because wear and tear leads you to not want to sign them to a second contract.

 

Darius Alexander has done a good job of hiding his birthday, but he will be a 25 y.o. rookie.  Darien Porter is also a 6th year player who will be at least 24 as a rookie.

 

Thoghts?

I think it depends on the position…I’d have no issue using a high pick on an older, more experienced QB…more of an issue at edge, CB or WR, where you’re really looking for someone you’re going to want to sign to a second contract and their age will work against them by the time the rookie deal expires…for the same reason, I’d not hesitate to draft an older RB (like Ray Davis) because you’re probably not giving him a second contract anyway.

Edited 7 hours ago by mannc

[JP51]

I think everything including hand size and personality effect draft position.. but no I would not be opposed to drafting a red shirted player who was 23 or 24