Juniors and NFL Draft

Along with the realistic possibility of a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL owners and players' association containing a "rookie salary cap," some juniors who would otherwise remain in college for their final year might declare themselves eligible for the 2010 NFL draft. Because of the action of the owners in opting out of the existing CBA, I understand that there will be no salary cap in effect for the 2010 NFL season.

There is commentary suggesting that many juniors who are "on the fence" might forego their senior seasons because of the salary limitations on rookies that the owners, as well as the NFL, are advocating. The players association appears to be vehemently opposed to a rookie salary cap.

The website nfldraftscout.com lists Terrance Toliver as the 6th best wide receiver and projects him as a 2nd round draft choice. It also makes the following comments about him:

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However, one guy I would strongly discourage from coming out early is LSU’s Terrance Toliver, a big 6-4, 206-pound wideout who displays some natural athleticism for his size. However, when watching and comparing him to fellow LSU wideout Brandon LaFell, it’s simply no contest. Toliver lacks any kind of lateral quickness or wiggle off the line and really struggles to get into routes vs. press coverage. Plus, he lacks burst out of his breaks and gets too leggy when trying to break down and change directions. He’s a big kid with some natural hand/eye coordination when asked to go up and pluck the football. But from the standpoint of creating separation and beating press coverage in the NFL, he isn’t anywhere close to being ready….

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Personally, I believe Toliver will improve his draft position and benefit by playing for LSU his senior year. If the NFLPA agrees to a cap (in addition to what is currently in place), I would be somewhat surprised considering that, historically, Gene Upshaw has strongly opposed such measures. However, it will be interesting to see what effect, if any, a possible new "cap" on rookies will have on the decision of juniors whether to enter the NFL draft.