TrueBeliever

In an article I read today about the possibility of an 18-game season, it was stated the league is considering forming a developmental league to make up for the loss of the two preseason games. This is something I've been wondering about ever since NFL Europe folded a few years ago - should the league start another minor league to get experience for players who don't get it outside of preseason games?

Any NFL coach will tell you the best way to really see what a guy's got is to see him in a real game situation. Not a scrimmage, not a practice, etc. Even though most fans couldn't tell you the names of more than one or two of its teams, the NFL coaches loved having NFL Europe to evaluate players. Heck, they even liked it when the XFL was going because they could see guys play. (Makes me wonder how many of the 18 or so fans in the stands at each XFL game were NFL scouts. )

The problem, though, is the same as it is in preseason games - most of the time you're only seeing guys play against subpar talent. I was at a preseason game between the Packers and the Saints in 1998, and there was this back-up RB for Green Bay named Travis Jervey. That night this guy looked like the next Barry Sanders. Needless to say, that didn't translate into the regular season, which is why 99% of you reading this have probably never even heard of the guy.

Likewise, when Kurt Warner exploded onto the scene in '99, the NFL promoted the heck out of the fact that he had played in NFL Europe. Problem is for every Kurt Warner, there's dozens of guys who played well in NFLE who never did anything in the real league. I remember an NFLE game that same year where the QB for my favorite team from that league, the Scottish Claymores, a guy by the name of Dameyune (sp?) Craig, set a record for the most passing yards in a pro football game in history. Ever heard of him? No. The game ball from that game is in Canton, the guy who threw it is selling insurance somewhere.

Then there's another issue - would this league be successful enough to stay in business? NFL Europe started out as the World League of American Football with teams in America, Canada and Europe; but the American and Canadian teams only lasted a few years because no one went to the games or watched them on TV. Would it be any different today?

The Arena League doesn't really count, because most NFL scouts don't feel success in the Arena game translates to traditional football. Yeah, there was Kurt Warner... but we've already discussed this.

And yes, there are those who say "That's what college is for." But look at the numbers - how many guys play college football and never even get invited to an NFL training camp? If college ball is enough, why is there such a shortage of truly good quarterbacks, O-linemen, etc.?

Oh and before I forget, yes, there is the United Football League, which is trying to set itself up as the "go-to" minor league for the NFL, but they've only played one season, so the jury's still out on that one.

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sbpatfan

I love college football, and I love the NFL. I don't want to watch guys that are past college but not good enough for the NFL.

RayClay

That's how we found our future quarterback, Rohan Davey. When he won players of the year and the World Bowl, it was obvious he had the stuff to be a star in the NFL.

Guess I agree with the second part of your post.

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RayClay

A minor league is fine, if people pay to see it. Teams have trouble evaluating players against real NFL 2nd stringers, playing a bunch of part timers doesn't tell you much IMO.

Preseason games have a purpose, 18 games are to much, we need a commissioner that understands it's a tough game with some superior players who are made of bones and ligaments and are competing at the highest level quite enough presently.

Cut the excess travel crap, leave the schedule and the rules alone and let us watch quality football with relatively healthy players.

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Angry Man

Honestly I think it would be a good idea since it would give chances for players coming out of college that don't get drafted a chance to play even if its a minor league team. Plus the NFL can place the minor league teams into smaller markets as well which would be a big benefit for those areas. The only down side would be more than likely the league would have to run during the spring/summer since I can't imagine the NFL wanting to run a minor league the same time the real NFL is going on.

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It will never happen because of the risk of injuries.

SammyBlueCat

I agree 100%.

TheComeback

It's a good idea. I think it would speed the development of younger players, especially if they could do it like baseball, where every team has a minor league counterpart. That way you could get young players acclimated to your system without having to use a roster spot on them in the NFL.

Plus, they might develop faster because they'll get more reps, and playing experience, on a minor league team. A competent team, such as the Patriots, could take great advantage of a farm system.

smg93

You don't have to, just like most people who watch MLB don't watch the minor leagues.

For me, the bigger question is whether there's a need to have a league to develop NFL players who aren't quite ready yet right after college. It's like getting the teams' practice squads to play games instead of just being active during practice.

patsfan-1982

i don't see any reason to watch summer football played by undrafted rookies and JAGS it would cost the NFL more money then it would make.



just to see maybe one player each year. make a real NFL roster