rookie symposium- UDFA's not welcome

[tony hipchest]

i find this a bit odd and elitist. (for those who dont know, only the 255 drafted players are "invited (paid for) to attend.

sure its gotta be expensive to put up 250 or so udfa's and feed them for 3 days (an extra $75,000???). still, you'd think the NFL could afford it.

maybe the reasoning is that a practice squad player is less likely to take a trashbag full of $81,000 in ones to a strip joint and "make it rain".

[fansince'76]

Yes, it does seem elitist, especially when a few of the UDFA's have as good a chance (or possibly even better) of sticking on a roster than, say, "Mr. Irrelevant."

[SteelCityMan786]

WOW, they're still Rookies. They should still have to go.

[tony hipchest]

Originally Posted by SteelCityMan786

WOW, they're still Rookies. They should still have to go.

thats what i was thinking.

even the udfa's who dont actually make an active roster (or even a practice squad) receive more cash than they have probably ever seen in their life. you would think the nfl would make the effort to teach these young kids something to help them after life in the nfl.

[SteelCityMan786]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

thats what i was thinking.

even the udfa's who dont actually make an active roster (or even a practice squad) receive more cash than they have probably ever seen in their life. you would think the nfl would make the effort to teach these young kids something to help them after life in the nfl.

Yeah, you would think the NFL would get them ready once an NFL team decides they want to sign him.

[SteelCzar76]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

thats what i was thinking.

even the udfa's who dont actually make an active roster (or even a practice squad) receive more cash than they have probably ever seen in their life. you would think the nfl would make the effort to teach these young kids something to help them after life in the nfl.

Your correct Tone. And i see it as a matter of,...'cutting costs'. (as 'retentive' as that is on the Nfl's behalf especially in light of the considerable profit that it generates)

Meaning i think the league may view most UDFA's (and maybe rightfully so from a strictly financial standpoint),.....as 'expendable'.

Ie:.......,...they may view their (UDFA's) odds of actually contributing to the 'machine' as even less than those of the already highly unlikey odds that the majority of the players actually drafted each year will. And,....henceforth,....the disregard.

Is this 'fair' ?,......not at all. But it is reality unfortunately.

[tony hipchest]

Originally Posted by SteelCzar76

Your correct Tone. And i see it as a matter of,...'cutting costs'. (as 'retentive' as that is on the Nfl's behalf especially in light of the considerable profit that it generates)

Meaning i think the league may view most UDFA's (and maybe rightfully so from a strictly financial standpoint),.....as 'expendable'.

Ie:.......,...they may view their (UDFA's) odds of actually contributing to the 'machine' as even less than those of the already highly unlikey odds that the majority of the players actually drafted each year will. And,....henceforth,....the disregard.

Is this 'fair' ?,......not at all. But it is reality unfortunately.

it sucks they are viewed as "expendable" because udfa's make up a higher percentage of rosters than all but 1st and 2nd round picks.

[SteelCzar76]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

it sucks they are viewed as "expendable" because udfa's make up a higher percentage of rosters than all but 1st and 2nd round picks.

Exactly. But you know how it is Tone,....it's not just Coaches,GM's,Owners and fans that often get caught up with the the higher profile and or "sexy" picks. (in terms of bluechippers),...but the League as well as a whole.
Sometimes the idea of 'profit' can cloud 'common sense' and or logic and instinct.

[SteelCityMan786]

Originally Posted by SteelCzar76

Exactly. But you know how it is Tone,....it's not just Coaches,GM's,Owners and fans that often get caught up with the the higher profile and or "sexy" picks. (in terms of bluechippers),...but the League as well as a whole.
Sometimes the idea of 'profit' can cloud 'common sense' and or logic and instinct.

It happens in ALL industries.

[Livinginthe past]

Out of interest, how many rookies would attend if it were open to everyone who declared themselves eligible for the draft?

Would it cause logistics problems getting them all together?

I agree that it seems a little unfair on the undrafted guys (its often a crap shoot in the 6th/7th round and there is very little difference in the talent levels) - but im guessing it doesn't hurt their chances of succeeding after looking at that stat you quoted regarding how many of them are currently in the league.