The transition from college football to the NFL is a massive one to make. The chasm is so wide that even some of the best athletes in the world quickly burn out and fail at the pro level. Baseball has multiple levels of developmental leagues and the NBA has their summer league, but the NFL has yet to find a sustainable option in this department. This void has only further reinforced the difficulty for some college prospects trying to make their way in the pros.
The AAF is the latest league to try. During its inaugural season, it’s drawn mostly positive reviews from league circles and there’s hope it will become a legitimate developmental ground for players.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn was asked about the idea of loaning NFL players to the AAF. Quinn seemed to like the idea, per Jason Butt at the Athletic.
Even highly-touted prospects and first-round draft picks could use the occasional lift from game experience at a lower level, sort of like sending a struggling baseball player down to the minors to work his issues out.
Atlanta defensive end Vic Beasley is an example that comes to mind. This is a player with all the physical gifts to excel at his position, and he has one excellent year of production under his belt. He’s floundered most of the last two seasons, though. Think what benefit Beasley could get by racking up a few hits on a young quarterback who doesn’t have an All-Pro tackle protecting him.
The NFL is generally loathe to adopt good ideas, so we’ll see what happens.
