If you want evidence that the talent gap among NFL prospects is extremely small, consider that just 19 years ago there were 12 rounds in the NFL Draft. We’re talking about nearly twice the draft pool than the present day. Some may argue that fewer starters emerge from the late rounds and free agency than those drafted during the first day.

That is only a theory that hasn’t been proven in a pseudo-scientific manner. I have another theory. The talent gap is small, but how an organization handles these early round picks compared to its late round picks artificially induces a wider gap than what should be there. The reason is the heavy financial subsidization of early picks.  It exerts an indirect, but strong pressure on coaches to give these high-paid players more opportunities than its late-round picks and free agents. Continue reading →