faba Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Colts president Polian says NFL draft needs updating By Cliff Brunt Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian isn't sure if having a top 10 draft pick would be worth it. His Colts don't have a selection until late in the second round. He explained Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine why his team might be better off that way. Polian said good teams like the Colts are less likely than in the past to trade up for an early pick because of the required financial commitment. Last year's top pick, JaMarcus Russell, missed all of training camp in a contract dispute before getting $29 million in guarantees. "Trades are a unique thing in the first round anymore because of the cost of the top 10 picks financially," he said. "To take on that cost ... is almost counterintuitive." Polian said agents have driven up the cost of the early picks, making it more difficult than ever for struggling franchises to improve. He said that cost can hamper teams for years, especially if they make a mistake on a pick or the player gets injured. "The draft was designed to either allow the weakest teams, based on record, to choose the best players, or if they chose not to take a particular player, to gather a bunch of picks to further accelerate their growth and competitiveness," he said. "That's now been skewed by the cost of the picks in the first round. "When that's skewed and changed because of the agents, that isn't a good thing for the game." Polian said the system also makes it difficult for a team drafting early to acquire pieces to put around the high pick. He said making the right pick is possible, but difficult. "What it can do, if you're fortunate enough to get a Peyton Manning, is it can change your franchise," he said. "It gives you a guy who can lead you to the promised land, can help you be a good team for a long time. If you miss on that pick, economics aside, you still set yourself back." Polian said he expects the system to change eventually. He said the league could change the pay scale or create a slotting system like the NBA has, creating a fixed rate for draft positions. But the current system, he feels, needs to be updated so the league can remain balanced. "Our game is based on competitive balance and the fact that every year, every franchise believes they can win, unlike other sports. You can go from worst to first in a year. "It's not about money, it's about the integrity of the game on the field." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I've posted about this numerous times. The top picks are often a curse not a blessing. There are always busts in the draft, but these particular busts make more than probably 90% of the league's pro-bowlers do. But then Polian spouting off about integrity made me laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 that man would have 3 rings if not for certain cheaters located in foxboro who shall remain nameless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tparich Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Wow. I forgot that Russell got 29 Mil guaranteed. I am the camp that thinks that Asante wants way to much money and I still think that but a proven corner as opposed to an unproven QB makes me question it some more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 [quote name='Blackout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 And to think even he said the punishment laid down was fair and everything else was being overblown. Interesting. Kinda puts all of you guys' insanity in perspective I suppose. lol whatever floats your boat Eli the Giant Slayer shut you guys up for the summer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 I've posted about this numerous times. The top picks are often a curse not a blessing. There are always busts in the draft, but these particular busts make more than probably 90% of the league's pro-bowlers do. But then Polian spouting off about integrity made me laugh. Give Sperm credit he has been harping on this for awhile. You really do not want to be positioned real high in the draft- the cost factor to performance in most of the cases in not worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Give Sperm credit he has been harping on this for awhile. You really do not want to be positioned real high in the draft- the cost factor to performance in most of the cases in not worth it. the difference between a 8-9-10 seed and a #1 or 2 is HUGe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 [quote name='Blackout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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