http://bleacherreport.com/articles/367489-should-the-nfl-use-a-farm-system?just_published=1 I don't know why this isn't debated more often. There is obviously a huge importance with evaluating players and this would help that evaluation process. Take a look
The reason they don't have a farm system for the NFL, IMO, is simple; it's a violent game. The average NFL career is what, 3 years? Teams would be silly to let any player they value play in such a league where the injury risk would be so high. This is what Practice Squads are for.
My problem is, if a player is riding the pine pony anyway, then why not let him get playing time? If a team valued this player so much then they would find a way to get them into an actual NFL game instead of sticking them on the practice squad or as a 3rd string quarterback. Players want to go to the NFL to play football, and it has to be a morale crusher to make it there and not see playing time besides in the pre-season. IMO, the benefits outweigh the risks.
I disagree. Most colleges want to win games, not develop the talent for the NFL level. That is why so many 'top' talents come to the NFL completely unprepared, especially at the QB position.
Some do and some don'et. The spread has not been around llong enough to have a great QB. Its not like every pro style QB lights it up. College is great for developing talent and there is no room for another league. The NFL tried this with NFL europe and it worked for a few player but never had ratings nor attdndance.
You Sir, are hardcore. That hole in my football fandom is going to be filled via the CFL this year. A farm league really won't work for the NFL, they play August-January, meaning prospects have to wash out in Training Camp and then go to the "farm league' and then be ready to be called up into the complex NFL system of offense or defense and it would require teams to have more than 59 players they feel can make their roster. Now there is the UFL, "But" they play during the NFL season, and teams typically like to work out players they plan on signing..or not..and they just don't have the Staff to fly out to California to take a look at a guy who could be a backup player. INOW, the UFL would have to play from April to July to have player ready to make a team in August.
There is always the CFL and Arena League where guys can prove themselves. The NFL is not watered down like MLB and the NBA, and I think a minor league system would water things down.
I was discussing this with a few friends of mine, one from Daytona Beach, where the Cubs minor league team plays. He says that he loves going to those games because it is a scene that the casual fan can enjoy. I saw somebody above talk about practice squads costing the NFL nothing. It isn't like a minor league wouldn't make the NFL any money. You could have this league go on during the off-season so the players aren't away from their respective teams. And I know how all of you feel in the off-season...depressed about no football. Well, would you not go to one of these games if they were being held in your city during the LONG NFL off-season? I think it could be a great thing.
