NIL deals give NFL teams another tool to evaluate draft prospects
(AP / 4-9-26)
The NIL deals that are transforming college sports are also allowing NFL teams to gain insight into how a young player will react to having money before they get a big pro contract.
For many evaluators, it has become an important tool in the draft process.
“The cool thing about college scouting that we always had to answer when we were going to schools, how’s a guy going to be when he has money? Now we have that answer,” Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said recently. “Some guys get the money and change the way they are. Other guys get the money and you hear stories about taking guys out for dinner, taking his teammates (out) and he works hard, is a leader. You kind of get the answer. It’s a great thing and it’s great for players in college to have that opportunity.”
Spending habits can also help determine a player’s level of maturity, revealing whether they’re disciplined or become distracted. A prospect who stays focused despite lucrative deals is more likely to make a smoother transition to the pros. Scouts want to see if a player’s performance dips after making a lot of money or if he maintains the same work ethic and consistency. How they interact with teammates is also a key dynamic.
More: https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-nil-09450324869f55ea160b8cf5c382a027
Quote (from the link): “I think it paints a clearer picture in terms of makeup,” Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles said.
Ego can make or break athletic careers, IMO. Especially in pro football. There's good, productive ego that can elevate an entire team, and there's bad ego that can create distrust and chaos. Probably most helpful with high-profile positions like QB and WR.