A standout day in the NFL calendar is just around the corner with the NFL Draft taking place in the early hours of Friday morning.
It is arguably one of the most important moments of the season and the importance of each team’s pick can’t be understated. It goes a long way in shaping the season and Colum Cronin of the Irish NFL show explained its function.
“There are two real purposes. The first is competitive balance.
“The team with the worst record gets to pick the best college players first and the Super Bowl winners pick last. It provides huge hope to fans that their team can improve and that is the second reason behind it,” said Cronin.
Many parallels have been drawn between the now disintegrated European Super League in soccer and the sporting structures in place in the USA due to the fact that there is no relegation in either. However, Cronin feels that this comparison serves as an injustice to the NFL.
He said: “The draft and the salary cap are what keep the league competitive and outside of the Patriots we haven’t seen a dynasty in the NFL for quite some time and it allows the vast majority fans to believe that their team can at least make the play-offs if not the Super Bowl.”
Cronin, who will be a special preview show of the draft on Virgin Media Two on Wednesday night, explained the position that most teams will be aiming to recruit in.
“We could potentially see 5 quarterbacks go in the first ten picks and six quarterbacks go in the first round which is absolutely unprecedented and goes to show just how important quarterbacks have become in the NFL.”
He also elaborated on the show on Wednesday and the general feeling around the sport in Ireland.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to bring the game to the fans and we’re delighted. You can see the appetite for the game right across the island with the likes of college teams and flag football.
“You have seen the sport grow in Ireland over the last number of years and we’re looking forward to doing the show.”
Listen back to the full interview and more below:
