The landscape of college football is shifting as players increasingly delay their entry into the NFL, a trend that has raised concerns among team executives. For decades, top college football players would leave school after three years to join the NFL as soon as they were eligible. However, recent changes in NCAA policies have altered this trajectory.
The NCAA now permits athletes to profit from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and has also become more lenient in granting players additional years of eligibility. These changes have incentivized players to remain in college longer, waiting to turn professional. Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has expressed reservations about this development, noting that older players entering the NFL may have less potential for growth and could face increased injury risks due to extended college careers.
DeCosta highlighted that the average age of players in the draft has not significantly increased, but there is a noticeable rise in the number of 24 and 25-year-old players. This shift, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been reinforced by NIL opportunities, poses challenges for NFL teams. Older players are often seen as less likely to be “three-contract players,” meaning they may have shorter professional careers and potentially more accumulated injuries.
The Ravens, under DeCosta’s leadership, have observed a significant increase in the proportion of players over 24 years old on their draft board. This figure has risen from 4 percent to 18 percent over recent years, marking a 14 percent increase. This trend is prompting teams to reassess their draft strategies and player evaluations.
The evolving dynamics in college football, driven by NIL deals and extended eligibility, are reshaping the NFL draft landscape. As players gain more control over their careers and financial opportunities, teams must adapt to a new era where the traditional path from college to professional football is no longer as straightforward. This transformation underscores the broader changes occurring in college athletics, where athletes are increasingly viewed and treated as professionals.
