NFL Network commentators = "NFL teams want younger players"

[blion72]

during Rd 3 heard interesting discussion around the age of players. They said teams generally want the younger players 20/21 - 3 year wonders., which there were quite a few in Rd 1, but then this year a lot more of of the 24/25 year old players that many of the teams do not want. Bill B and the Pats did seem to go after the older guys. Until the NFL commentators mentioned this, I never knew age was much of an issue to the NFL teams. I thought injury history was their big item - i.e. don't want guys with a history of joint injuries and muscle tears.

If you were in the drivers seat selecting would you consider age a plus or minus?

 

[PSUJam]

during Rd 3 heard interesting discussion around the age of players. They said teams generally want the younger players 20/21 - 3 year wonders., which there were quite a few in Rd 1, but then this year a lot more of of the 24/25 year old players that many of the teams do not want. Bill B and the Pats did seem to go after the older guys. Until the NFL commentators mentioned this, I never knew age was much of an issue to the NFL teams. I thought injury history was their big item - i.e. don't want guys with a history of joint injuries and muscle tears.

If you were in the drivers seat selecting would you consider age a plus or minus?

One thing to consider that I heard on Steelers Nation Radio yesterday was that the 23/24 year old players have graduated and are probably only taking 2 classes to stay eligible. Their other time is free to concentrate 100% on conditioning, playbook, and all other things football. Along with being more physically and mentally mature, these kids should stand out much more than the younger kids on the college field because of all the advantages they enjoy.

 

[LionJim]

It's definitely a thing in the NBA.

 

[nittanyfan333]

I think that the younger players offer cheaper contracts as well.

As far as Belichek, I read an interesting article on his choices this year and how he seemingly chose based on relative athletic scores. Interesting metric when you look at it.

Could New England Patriots' top draft picks be a referendum on relative athletic score?

New England's draft showed a focus on speed in the early rounds as the NFL game trends toward being played more in space.

es.pn

 

[WestSideLion]

Analytics favor younger players because they’re still developing and offer greater upside than 4-5 year graduates.

I think it’s Pro Football Focus that had a model that heavily weights younger players with top college production for this reason.

 

[s1uggo72]

I still think they want older OL guys.