It was being discussed in the recent Jalen Milroe article threads — so I want to bring up an idea I’ve had in the past for a much-needed development system within the NFL.
For far too long players come into the league and exit again without much of a chance to develop and show what they can do. This is particularly problematic for young quarterbacks — who don’t have an opportunity to experience meaningful reps unless they are drafted early and fast-tracked to start quickly.
We’re also going through a situation where we’re running out of attractive coaching prospects with play-calling experience. Wouldn’t it be a great opportunity to set up a system where up-and-coming coaches can call a game?
The idea I have also fills the substantial void we see between now and training camp — although I suspect some in the NFL may wish to protect that and not turn the league into a 12-month marathon where coaches and office staff can never take a break.
So here’s the idea. Create a situation where you have six games per season against your division opponents (three home, three road). So in the case of the Seahawks, they would play the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals home and away.
The teams would be made up of players on your roster you wish to expose to the experience. Extend the roster limit to 100-120 if you want, so that teams have plenty of available players at their disposal. Or simply allow teams to sign players on short-term deals specifically for this opportunity.
Appoint a staff from within — so you give, for example, positional coaches with aspirations to be coordinators the chance to do the job. You can designate a Head Coach too.
Market this properly — perhaps even with a Championship game at the end if desired. Tap into rivalries and the pride of seeing your young players beat the young players within the rest of your division.
It might not work. Fans might not care. They might not want to pay for tickets to three home games to watch young or unproven players play. Give it a chance though. You can always fold the idea if it flops.
The benefits are — live snaps for quarterbacks who are not starters but could really use the reps to enhance their development. It’s not just the quarterbacks — players could really develop and improve playing four quarters of competitive football and having a platform to showcase who they are beyond the current limited opportunities available in camp or pre-season.
Coaches can also be developed and can catch the eye as they build their careers. If someone has two or three impressive years calling plays in this setup — they could be seen as a prime candidate for a coordinator job.
More football for fans — and an opportunity to go and watch your team play heated rivals to see who has the deepest crop of young talent in the division.
The only downside I can see is whether it’s financially viable. Again, fans might not have any active interest in this. Yet they turn out for pre-season games and they’re arguably far less interesting than this arrangement. Why wouldn’t you be intrigued to go and watch three games of Jalen Milroe to see what he can do? And it’s only three home games each — a small commitment.
It could extend careers, provide opportunities and set up a development system that is at least competitive and interesting given the divisional rival aspect.
It might not replace NFL Europe in terms of effectiveness but it might be more sustainable and provide a similar showcasing opportunity.
Isn’t something like this worth a shot?
