Will Lack of a CBA Deal Affect GM’s Approach to the Combine?
The title of this post is something I’ve been wondering for awhile, but if the N.F.L. and NFLPA doesn’t come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Generally, I think teams go into the combine with a focus on getting talented players that fit their system, especially for successful drafting teams like the Steelers, Giants, Packers, Cowboys, and Patriots who almost always go with the best player available (which is why they succeed so often!).
But what about teams like this who are expecting to compete for a Superbowl Title next year, but have some holes they need to fill?
Free agency always comes before the draft which allows teams to fill holes on their roster before the draft, so that they can focus on getting talent in the draft instead of filling out their roster. With the rules currently in place, if the two sides fail to reach an agreement it is conceivable that free agency will happen after the draft?
What would that do? Well the effect, I believe would be tremendous. Instead of focusing on getting good players with a plan on attacking needs in Free agency teams could very well be forced to address needs instead of sticking to their board because they won’t be able to predict who they can get in free agency. I think this could have a tremendous impact on the draft, and make it a year where we witness a lot more reaches then normal in the draft for many teams looking to fill holes to compete.
I wonder if it will effect the way teams approach the combine at the end of the month. Will they spend even a more concenrated effort interviewing players who fit their needs instead of taking a more complete view of their team and draft process?
I shudder to think that could be true.
What do you guys think?
Will a lack of a C.B.A. Deal alter the way teams prepare for the combine?
Also check out our first two seven round team mock drafts
The Denver Broncos and the
As well as our video of the day:
the top 25 Small school draft prospects
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