NFL Draft: Older Prospects, Weaker Class

0:00It's April 21st. This is NFL News today, driven by AI following the league in real time. NFL draft weeks here, but this class feels thin, especially at quarterback. College football's big shifts like name, image, and likeness, money plus that extra COVID eligibility year, have top players hanging around campus. Longer, from 20-year-olds to 25-year-olds. Scouts say it's a weak group overall. Earlier this week, talks with coaches revealed it's bad for quarterbacks, not great for receivers, and the worst defensive tackle draft in at least a decade. Even likely top picks like that, Ohio State linebacker come off raw with huge upside, while the number two quarterback guy has just 15 college, starts under his belt. NFL teams are adjusting to older prospects with more miles on them. One general manager noted the share of 24 and a half for older players, jump from 4 percent to 18 percent. College programs win big though, keeping stars who might earn more staying put than jumping to rookie deals.

1:02Spring balls buzzing too. Indiana could start 14-5th year guys. Michigan's defense looks sharp over the offense, and Ohio State flashed better quarterback deaf with. 51 new faces. Virginia Tech's game win viral when a skydiver hit the video board, but no series injuries. Buckeyes might own the first round, and that refugee charity bowl already topped $500,000 after one day. College football's pipeline stays stacked, draft or not, the talent's blooming right here.