NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the evolution of NIL continues to create issues and debate in the college ranks and alter football at that level, there is a trickle-down effect for the NFL.
With transfer portal possibilities on top of the ability to make money off name, image and likeness available on campuses, fewer underclassmen are declaring themselves eligible for the draft.
One hundred thirty players did so as recently in 2021. This year it’s less than half that -- 54. With 76 fewer players on draft boards – though not all necessarily draftable – good scouting takes on an even bigger premium.
Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker acknowledged that on a recent episode of the team's podcast.
“We’re seeing because of NIL, some of these players who could potentially be your third, fourth-round type player, still premium picks, deciding to go back to school,” he said. “They are making pretty good money playing college football.”
But he also hit a couple of times on another interesting point:
