Why do teams reach for players with potential at positions that they lack talent at rather than picking the best athlete available? Jeff D. Miami Beach, Fl

The NFL decision makers have become very short sighted in recent years related to personnel decisions. Veteran free agency has been a key factor in that thinking with the salary cap dictating many decisions both short and long term. NFL club’s decisions on college personnel in April have been strongly influenced by the free agent additions and losses over the prior two months. With the success of teams like New England and Philadelphia who have managed their salary cap well, clubs have learned to part with aging veterans sooner rather than retaining them through their high priced low production years. Consequently, this has created clear needs on units with the NFL Draft used to fill positions quickly especially with their top 2-3 selections.

When you consult with college players and agents what are the key priorities you emphasize to them about underclassmen? Ted S. San Diego, Ca.

For an athlete to make the jump from college football to the NFL, maturity in all ways is critical to success. Many underclassmen call our services over the course of the year and we usually take a hard line with underclassmen for many reasons. The key reason is that most players are not ready for the NFL either physically or mentally. The decision is two folded though – one is the readiness for the NFL and the other is the business decision to decide to turn pro. They work against each other in most situations with the $$$ very difficult to ignore but the players level of development is usually behind other prospects simply because of their limited playing experience. Most draft classes produce 30-40 underclassmen with only half being selected over the 7 rounds. Usually 15-20 will be in the top 120 prospects with the remaining prospects rookie free agents who made a mistake entering the pro ranks early. Those players can sign with any NFL club but face a difficult task winning a roster spot. They also lose any remaining college eligibility when they declare in January prior to the NFL Draft.