re: What gets a guy to the NFL? (Nature vs Nurture)

I think we need to define what we mean by development. To me it is teaching the game and strategy, what responsibilities each position has on different plays, formations, techniques, that sort of stuff and also S&C. Along with that I would add the general mentoring coaches and teachers do.

With that said, it is still mostly natural athletic ability along and the player's willingness to work hard and learn. No matter how much natural talent a player has, he still has to work hard and be willing to accept coaching. He can't just role out of bed and play at the SEC level, let alone the NFL.