NFL: Planning For A Development League
“MLB gets a minor league, NHL gets a minor league, soccer has like a 1,000 leagues, and even the NBA gets a summer and D-league. What does that leaves the NFL?”
In 2015 draft, the New York jets selected QB Bryce Petty in the 4th round with two quarterbacks already in line for the starting position in Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick. So where does this leaves the young QB to stand among the team? In limbo that’s what it means.
There’s a high chance that he doesn’t hit the field except for four games during the pre-season which he’ll probably get about two quarters a game. That’s eight quarters to prove he’s worth being a NFL quarterback. Simple. He can’t have bad days or get sick. That doesn’t happen in the NFL, many low-profile players don’t have that luxury.
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What could help them assert themselves amongst the league’s’ best? What can help teams find that next guy to solve their puzzle? A development league for the NFL could be the answer. Not a separate league on it’s own but more a league for the coaches to get one last look at a player and for players to get one last shot at being a pro. Still, many will ask questions that I intend to answer.
Who would be the players?:
Of course if they’re going to be a league there needs to be players. These players would be assorted from newly acquired rookies to veterans with that still have enough talent to offer. They are players who haven’t lived up to expectations, who didn’t get a chance to showcase their talents as they wanted, team’s projects, veterans who got one last shot, or even players who have played in Arena football or in the Canadian league.
The point is that this is league for teams to find the diamond in the rough that was overlooked. The players contracts would all be 8-games length. Rosters would only consists of 44 players to ensure that every player gets a chance to compete. Salaries will vary depending on what each team is willing to pay.
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Numbers of players for each position would consist of the following; Offense: 2 Quarterbacks, 3 Running backs, 2 Fullbacks, 5 Wide Receivers, 3 Tight Ends, 4 Offensive Tackles, 3 Offensive Guards, and 2 Centers. Defense: 3 Defensive Ends, 4 Defensive Tackles, 5 Linebackers, and 5 Defensive Backs. Special Teams: 1 Kicker, 1 Punter, and 1 Long Snapper. Each player would already be signed by a team and sent to that team’s designated team.
Players would be divided evenly for all but many would have to show teams that they are versatile by playing more than one position on their side of the ball. For instance a Guard would probably play a little tackle throughout the season and a cornerback would play a little safety throughout the season. Maximizing player’s time to showcase their talents is going to be the biggest emphasis of the league.