A perfect illustration of this is Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. Ward won the award, but knew he wouldn't be picked in the draft because he was too small. He backed out, but we all know he had a profitable back up plan playing starting point guard for the New York Knicks! This was pre-Doug Flutie when quarterbacks had to be big and tall, presumable better able to see the field and prevent interceptions and batted down passes. Doug Flutie, Shaun King and Kordell Steward have defied traditional logic, paving the way for "little" Joe Hamilton out of Georgia Tech. At 5';10" (it may even be an inch or two less), it may be difficult to see over the beefy defensive linemen and make reads, however, Schecter believes because Hamilton is so athletic, he will be a third or fourth round pick.

To be eligible for the NFL, unlike the NBA, a player has to be three years removed from high school. This level of maturity could be the difference between a player like Ryan Leaf or Peyton Manning. Schecter explains, "College graduates and older players are more mentally prepared for the NFL. They have more experience to fall back on." Nevertheless, there are exceptions. LaVar Arrington, who Mr. Schecter predicts will be the number 2 pick in this year's draft, has no more to accomplish statistically on the college level. He is basically guaranteed millions of dollars with whichever team he signs with. Additionally, for him, there is an added incentive to jump college ship to the NFL because a possible career threatening injury could ruin his chances for making the NFL another year. General feeling is, going to the NFL with a contract that guarantees money, makes suffering an injury a little easier to endure. Last year Peter Warrick was in Arrington's position. He had broken many college records and was predicted to be a high pick in the draft. He disregarded the risk of injury and returned to FSU primarily because he had a burning desire to be a part of a team that was to be crowned a national champion. Mr. Schecter not only believes that Warrick will be a high pick in this year's draft, he predicts him to be number 1.

What factors determine where a player is picked in the draft? For the high or low profile college players, the scouting combines are crucial. They are the major factor that determine a player's fate in the draft. "Borderline" players fighting to get a shot in the NFL need to go to the All Star games to showcase their skills for NFL scouts and player personnel. These games are especially important for these hopefuls coming from atypical NFL resource colleges. They haven't had the television exposure to be taken more seriously in the draft. Mr. Schecter admits that some of these low-profile players may end up being the "hidden gems" and the future stars of NFL teams. In fact, many pro-bowl players were low round draft picks. A prime example of this is Hall of Famer Jerry Rice who came out of Mississippi Valley State. If he hadn't had Bill Walsh taking note of him in the All Star Games, he might not have ended up where he is today.