As college football continues to gain prominence, NFL teams are increasingly encouraging quarterbacks to remain in school rather than entering the draft prematurely. The 2023 NFL Draft cycle has highlighted this trend, primarily due to the lackluster performance of eligible quarterbacks.
NFL Teams Advocate for Staying in School
The current crop of quarterbacks has not inspired confidence among NFL franchises. Teams are hoping that players will choose to refine their skills in college, rather than rush into the draft. A key NFL executive emphasized that early entries can be detrimental, stating, “It doesn’t benefit us if all these guys come out early and aren’t ready.”
Key Quarterback Prospects
Several quarterbacks have attracted attention as potential first-round picks, including:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
- Dante Moore (Oregon)
- Ty Simpson (Alabama)
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
- Arch Manning (Texas)
Interestingly, many analysts believe these players could benefit from an additional year in college. Mendoza, for instance, is seen as a strong candidate for the 2026 NFL Draft, and teams are eager for him to develop his leadership skills further. Similarly, Dante Moore’s potential is promising, yet his inconsistency over 17 starts raises concerns about his readiness for the professional league.
The Importance of College Experience
Coaches and evaluators believe that staying another season can provide quarterbacks with essential experience. NFL insiders note that the pressures and challenges in college play are quite different from those in the NFL. The chance to develop in a familiar environment allows young players to improve their skills without the high stakes that come with professional football.
“If you don’t play a good game in college, it’s one thing,” an NFL executive remarked. “But in the NFL, you’re often facing players fighting for their jobs.” This significant difference underlines the advantages of developing in college for longer periods.
Financial Incentives and the NIL Landscape
The financial landscape for college athletes has changed drastically due to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Starting quarterbacks can earn between $1 million and $5 million annually, depending on their school’s prominence. This lucrative opportunity serves as a strong incentive to stay in college, where young athletes can further build their brands and enhance their skills.
| Recent Earnings | Player | Contract Value |
|---|---|---|
| Near $49 million | Cam Ward | 4-year deal |
| $17 million | Jaxson Dart | 4-year deal, No. 25 pick |
| $6.26 million | Jalen Milroe | 3rd round |
Given this new financial reality, the allure of entering the NFL draft can be difficult to resist. However, taking additional time in college can lead to more successful careers and potentially even higher draft positions.
Lessons from Recent NFL Drafts
Recent first-round picks like Trey Lance and Anthony Richardson illustrate the risks associated with leaving college early. Both players faced struggles in their early NFL careers, partially due to insufficient experience. On the other hand, players who have opted to stay longer, such as Jayden Daniels, have shown how an extra season can boost a player’s draft stock significantly.
Results from recent evaluations suggest that the trend of quarterbacks choosing to stay in college may provide long-term benefits for both players and teams. With the pressure to perform at a high level in the NFL, staying in school offers quarterbacks the chance to mature, refine their game, and avoid the pitfalls of premature entry into professional football.
Ultimately, the decision becomes a balancing act between financial gain and career readiness. NFL teams, recognizing the importance of preparation, hope that future quarterbacks will weigh these factors carefully before making their choices.
