NIL and the NFL

As I plan to volunteer at the NFL draft this year, I was reading about the impact NIL has had on this year’s draft class.  The landscape of the NFL Draft is undergoing a significant shift this year, marked by a notable decrease in the number of underclassmen declaring for the draft compared to previous years. This decline, from 130 players in 2021 to just 58 this year, is seen as a direct result of several key factors that have emerged in recent times.

The newfound earning potential of NIL has influenced some players to delay their entry into the NFL, as they have been able to capitalize on their college careers.  The impact of the pandemic cannot be overlooked. The disruptions caused by the shortened season in 2020 prompted the NCAA to grant players an additional year of eligibility. This extension has provided players with more time to hone their skills, further contributing to the reduced number of early draft entrants.

Another contributing factor to the decline in underclassmen declaring for the NFL Draft is the recent change in NCAA transfer rules. Allowing players to transfer without having to sit out a year has provided student-athletes with increased flexibility in their collegiate careers. This rule change has given players more opportunities to explore their options and potentially improve their draft stock by staying in school longer.

As the NFL Draft unfolds this year, the impact of these developments will become increasingly apparent, especially as the draft progresses into its later rounds on Day 3. The evolving dynamics of college athletics, driven by NIL opportunities, extended eligibility, and transfer regulations, are reshaping the traditional path from college to the professional ranks for many talented football players.