Anyone know why the league cut the draft down to just 7 rounds?

[Reverend Conehead]

They used to have a lot more, I think something like 14 or 15.

 

[DFWJC]

Several reasons
More teams. 32 teams and 13-15 rounds would be a ton of players
It's much better for those late players now.
Higher quality UDFA market.
Really, the vast majority of 7th rounders don't even stick for long.
Already some players would rather be UDFA and pick their team (where they have the best chance) than go to a highly competitive situation as a 7th rounder with less chance to stick.

 

[LocimusPrime]

Good lord the ESPN coverage would last for like 4 days

 

[JoeyBoy718]

So Romo would go undrafted.

 

[haleyrules]

Smaller club rosters. What would modern clubs do with15 draft picks?

 

[John813]

Smaller club rosters. What would modern clubs do with15 draft picks?

Longsnappers and Punters being drafted left and right lol.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Thank goodness they did. The seven rounds is freaking way to long as it is. I can't even imagine the 14-15 round stuff.

 

[erod]

Gives later round guys a better chance to make teams with more control of where they go.

Getting drafted in the 7th round is a bit of a curse.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It should be cut to 6 rounds now.

 

[Longboysfan]

There are really 8 rounds with the Comp picks.


This is part of the CBA.

 

[Nightman]

There are really 8 rounds with the Comp picks.


This is part of the CBA.

Exactly......256 picks = 8 x 32

 

[LocimusPrime]

Smaller club rosters. What would modern clubs do with15 draft picks?

 

[dallasdave]

Jimmy knew what to do with them.

 

[IAmLegend]

Legend has it the draft lasted 2 weeks on ESPN during those days.

 

[csirl]

Players union asked for it during one of the CBA negotiations.