Rookies Could Skip Draft Day

In another turn in what has become an increasingly nasty fight, the NFLPA has indicated to the incoming rookie class that they are recommending the prospects refuse to attend April’s draft. The NFLPA has apparently contacted 17 of the top prospects and informed them to refuse invitation to the Draft. This is yet another sign that things are spiraling between the players and the owners, and neither side is blinking right now. If the rookies do boycott the Draft, I have to admit that it will make the day a little less enjoyable. It might not seem like a big deal, but I really enjoy seeing the players at Radio City Music Hall. There’s nothing like seeing your team’s first pick walk on stage and get his brand new jersey. I find that when I see our top pick hold up our colors, it fills me with hope. It will be a major disappointment if we don’t get that this season.

As much as I want the players to show up, you can’t argue with their reasoning for not being there. The NFLPA is obviously putting pressure on the rookies, and the last thing those rookies want to do is get on the bad side of the union. Obviously there is still plenty of time between now and the Draft, and I’m sure we will hear plenty more about this before the end of April. I think this speaks more to the state of negotiations between the two sides than anything else, and it is telling me loud and clear that we shouldn’t expect any kind of resolution any time soon.