The biggest challenges draft recruits into the NFL have to face

Guest Author
Mon, 12/04/2023

 

An abundance of new players will enter the biggest American football league in the world next season via the NFL draft. The annual event sees many of the most exciting developing prospects joining various historical franchises in the sports league.

However, the transition from various minor leagues to the grand stage of the NFL is far from seamless. No amount of talent can guarantee success and a lengthy career in the competition. There is a wide range of challenges that new recruits have to overcome in order to adapt as quickly as possible. 

Competition level

The NFL is the toughest league to compete in on the planet. The highest quality players have starred in or are still active in the league.

Patrick Mahomes, for example, is widely regarded as the leading player in the world as he has consistently led the Kansas City Chiefs championship ambitions for many years. In NFL betting, last year's Finals MVP is offered at +400 to take his team to Super Bowl success against this year.

However, the Philadelphia Eagles are the favorites in the Super Bowl 2023 odds at +200. They are another major contender led by a standout player in Jalen Hurts who has the ability to change games individually.

These sorts of players dominate even against seasoned veterans, this means that new draft recruits can be especially vulnerable to their elite talent. It takes time to develop the know-how and wit to limit the top creative talents from quarterback. 

There is also an inevitable dynamic change that new players have to adapt to. Draft recruits have to adjust from being leading players in the NCAA or major European leagues to being just another player on the roster of a huge franchise in the NFL.

Relentless pressure

Playing for one of the NFL's prestigious teams comes with huge pressure from teammates, fans, and coaches alike. This can be extremely demanding for fresh recruits who have come from a much more relaxed environment in a lesser league. 

In the NFL, there are huge stakes such as bragging rights, financial implications, and of course the ultimate Super Bowl glory. Regardless of a player's level of experience, they are expected to perform immediately if they are given playing time and will be met with significant criticism if they are a detriment to the team's form. 

A strong mentality and a tendency to overcome nerves are vital if newcomers are to find success in the strongest American football league in the world.

Increased match load

There are more games played in an NFL season than in development leagues like the NCAA. 17 regular season games are played compared to 12 in addition to a much more condensed schedule overall.

With new players having to adapt to a longer regular season and a potentially lengthy playoff period, newcomers to the league have to take on a much higher match load. This can increase the risk of injuries, and even physical burnout during through the season. 

Ultimately, adapting to playing in the NFL as a brand-new draft recruit comes with various challenges. While ability is vital, a strong mentality and high-level fitness are just as crucial to being successful in the league.