04-28-2017, 10:58 AM
Maybe more so than QB, DE, or DB, I think NFL offensive linemen, before making a significant impact, often need a few years years of pro playing experience.
Considering the relatively low expense of rookie contracts, NFL teams might be inclined towards using their high picks on QB's, DE and DB's, the positions where often times rookies (and their low priced contracts) produce an immediate positive impact.
For example, a team drafting a rookie QB or DB can find out in the player's rookie year if he is a legit NFL starter. If he is not, the team blew a draft pick but not much salary money. If a team drafts an OL it might be three years before there is clarity as to whether the player is a competent NFL starting OL.
Following the rookie contracts, which I think have a four year term, players earn significantly more money. At that point I believe the average salaries (for proven starting players) are approximately $8 million per year for OL. In contrast , proven starter QB's, DE's. and DB's make about 50% higher salaries.
Considering the relatively low expense of rookie contracts, NFL teams might be inclined towards using their high picks on QB's, DE and DB's, the positions where often times rookies (and their low priced contracts) produce an immediate positive impact.
For example, a team drafting a rookie QB or DB can find out in the player's rookie year if he is a legit NFL starter. If he is not, the team blew a draft pick but not much salary money. If a team drafts an OL it might be three years before there is clarity as to whether the player is a competent NFL starting OL.
Following the rookie contracts, which I think have a four year term, players earn significantly more money. At that point I believe the average salaries (for proven starting players) are approximately $8 million per year for OL. In contrast , proven starter QB's, DE's. and DB's make about 50% higher salaries.