I meant to write a long post about the audacity of the NFL and this court case, but I got sidetracked by the ridiculously exciting Mariner and Canuck games. My thoughts can be distilled to this: I don't particularly like Maurice Clarett, I don't know how talented he really is, but his case will be settled in his favor, as it should be. I don't particulary like the idea of 19-year olds in the NFL draft, I think teenagers have hastened the ruin of the NBA, and I'd hate to see the same happen to football. I really feel sorry about Mike Williams though. He played by the rules, wasn't part of the suit, and declared only when the NFL stated they would not be appealing any further. Now he's out of the draft, he's signed with an agent and burned his NCAA eligibilty. The NFL has stated that he will be eligable for a supplemental draft if he is allowed in the draft at all. How much will that cost him? Currently Mike Williams stands anywhere from the 3rd WR picked to about the 8th in an incredibly WR intensive draft. So who is going to need Mike Williams, and be willing to waste NEXT years 1st round pick? The NFL hates Maurice Clarett for challenging them in court, and Mike Williams will probably pay millions for it.
Posted by Frinklin at April 19, 2004 10:37 PMI agree that the NFL is wrong. I think Williams will come out okay, though. I'd "waste" a #1 in the 2005 draft if I thought he was worth a #1 in 2004. Indeed, that would be a steal: A pick in next year's draft is generally devalued one round, so it's the equivalent of a 2nd this year. And Williams could be (if the ruling is overturned) a very high 1st this year, so if you expect to draft middle of the pack or later next year, it's a double steal.
Posted by: James Joyner at April 21, 2004 10:38 AMWell, you're right. "Wasted" was a poor choice of phrase. In fact, on the off chance that Williams will be in a supplemental draft (a very remote possibility at this time) some team is going to be very lucky. What I meant by my post is that Mike Williams isn't going to be. Lets say Mike Williams is the 3rd best WR in this draft. This means he goes as high as #8 to Atlanta or as low as Philadelphia at #28. With him out of the draft, everyone behind him in the pecking order (Lee Evans, Reggie Williams, Michael Clayton and so on) move up a notch, and now those teams don't need a receiver by the time the supplemental draft roles around. Mike Williams goes from a very well paid needed part, to a "might as well pick him up" guy in the supplemental draft. The point is moot right now anyway.
Posted by: frinklin at April 22, 2004 10:45 PM