It's this time of year that I wish there was something akin to NBA Summer League in the NFL

[_sturt_]

I mean, why wouldn't you field an actual team of prospects that would play others maybe a half-dozen times leading up to training camp in July? I'd watch that, wouldn't you? And don't talk to me about the failure of NFL Europe, because that wasn't structured to be this... I mean one team could have any number of guys with NFL contracts from different teams. No, this would be specific to just the guys you've drafted, that you have signed as UDFAs, and who are the extras like the CFL return guy we signed (McDuffie)... and you could then add a few just to fill out the roster... all, very much like NBA Summer League.

 

[SlimBig]

I hear you but the possibility of injury is too great.

 

[Tabascocat]

Horible idea. That would be like training the military with live ammo and bombs before sending them into actual war. No need to get technical here, I know live ammo is used but not to the point I am trying to make

Maybe only players who are not signed by anyone, ex-players and such to try and make an impression. But, in no way do I want our new guys playing meaningless games in the heat of Summer before they go to their "real" job. Just my two cents......

 

[DCowboyz]

I doubt it. But probably something like what Ice Cube is doing now, the Big 3 league. Where they have retired NBA players and free agents who cannot sign with anyone play on a separate 3v3 league.

 

[_sturt_]

Then, there's the argument that says it's more important to be able to see and evaluate developmental guys than it is to avoid them getting injured... and that if they're that fragile, it's to the team's advantage to figure that out before they're actually needed.

 

[chicago JK]

I like the NBA summer league. It is always fun to see the young draft picks in their first time of playing professional ball..even if it is against guys who most will not see the NBA.

How about recording full minicamps and putting them on NFL Network? Wouldn't you like to watch Jaylon during the minicamps and not snippits? Watch all of our players compete in 7 on 7? Maybe teams would not want other teams to see the practices but I don't think minicamps are as secretive as regular season practices.

 

[jazzcat22]

Arena Football...watch future stars there...how can you not forget...uhhh, I forgot his name, hold on..............had to look it up...
Lincoln Coleman....actually had a slightly better day than Emmitt in the Leon Lett T-Day snow game...but I do believe Emmitt was battling through a few injuries at the time.

link to game day stats...
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199311250dal.htm