[SamuelMcF]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, but I think a large part of what's gone wrong is a general shift in college football that massively disadvantages Stanford. We've touched on this before, but the 2011 NFL CBA that created the rookie wage scale made early entry smart for basically every player who can make a roster. It took a few seasons for everyone to realize that, but eventually they did. 

I wonder if Kaden Smith feels that way now?  Forewent his senior season, sixth round pick, waived by 49ers.  Current free agent.

I'm sure he felt great about it until he ran a 4.92 official 40 and his draft stock tanked multiple rounds. Teams usually keep mid-round picks who need development time. Not late-round ones.

Early draft entrants have continued to rise year after year, so it follows that more and more aren't going to stick.

[SamuelMcF]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, but I think a large part of what's gone wrong is a general shift in college football that massively disadvantages Stanford. We've touched on this before, but the 2011 NFL CBA that created the rookie wage scale made early entry smart for basically every player who can make a roster. It took a few seasons for everyone to realize that, but eventually they did. 

I wonder if Kaden Smith feels that way now?  Forewent his senior season, sixth round pick, waived by 49ers.  Current free agent.

I'm sure he felt great about it until he ran a 4.92 official 40 and his draft stock tanked multiple rounds. Teams usually keep mid-round picks who need development time. Not late-round ones.

Early draft entrants have continued to rise year after year, so it follows that more and more aren't going to stick.