11/5/09 - Sooner or Later?

[Iamcanadian]

Originally Posted by Shane P. Hallam

Risk outweighs the reward. Going back to school doesn't guarantee that you improve and have a better shot at being a better Pro. All it does is increase likelihood of injury, playing worse, etc. Sure, in most cases, you can improve your stock by going back and thus making you more money, this year is not the case.

Here is the thinking of a player:

I have pro level talent, I feel like I can succeed in the NFL right now. What would help my development more? playing with NFL coaches or back in college? Probably thinking the former. Add in that it means more money, and you have a surefire, "time to leave" mentality.

There is no guarantee these players are good enough to make that second contract, so the plan is to make the most on the first and be set in case they fail.

I agree, going back can possibly get you drafted higher as you will have more experience and with more experience can come better performance. However for football players the risk of injury is just too great to take the chance. I also agree that in the long run, working with pro coaches far exceeds the value of continuing to work with college coaches.
As for a player's second contract which in a high picks case is likely 7 years later, a NFL player's career average in the NFL is 4 and a half years so thinking that your second contract is worth waiting for isn't even thought about as worth the risk. In football you strike while the iron is hot and your
1st contract is absolutely crucial if you want to guarantee and maximize your earnings.

[Halsey]

23-30, 405 yards, 5 TD's, 1 int yesterday

Mallett is now 3rd in the nation in passer rating and close to a 60% completion percentage while leading the nation in yards per attempt.