REQUIRED READING

Stewart Mandel (whose book Bowls, Polls and Tattered Souls is one of the greatest literary achievements since Homer was writing) has another outstanding article here.

Essentially, Mandel argues that NFL scouts are idiots. The NFL consistently ignores college production for "measurables" (i.e. 40-yard dash, cone drill, bench press, etc.). The NFL takes so much time picking apart a college player's film that they forgot to take the 30,000 foot view. For instance, if a player was solid in college, had good stats, and consistently outperformed his opponent, that is only a minor factor in the NFL's eyes. On the other hand, if a guy started one year and had good stats (Akili Smith), he will be drafted higher than he should be. Similarly, if someone is fast and strong, his impact on ACTUAL FOOTBALL GAMES will be ignored (Vernon Gholston). While I have some disagreements with Mandel's list (Chad Henne still makes crappy decisions despite being a four year starter for the Wolverines), his overall point is well taken. In summary, don't get too excited when your favorite NFL team gets a really fast cornerback because he probably can't catch the ball and gets burned deep on a regular basis.