Draft prep vs. Bowl?

[AikenGameFan]

Kyle and Rocket have both decided to skip the bowl game.
I just do not understand why players do that? The draft will not even happen until mid-April. A player can go play in the bowl and have one or 2 more great stats that could make their draft pick go up.

A player can sit at home, and you would think that may hurt their selection. They are showing they are not dedicated to their team. And now a days, they are being paid. They may call it NIL, but basically, they are being paid to play regardless of their Name, Image or Likeness.

Okay, if they get hurt in the bowl game, that could have a factor on their draft selection. AND?
What if they had got hurt in the Clemson game or the Wofford, or the Missouri? Were those games any different than playing in Orlando? They don't sit those games out because of fear of getting hurt. Why sit out the Bowl?
The way those doctors at places like Prisma Health have gotten, most injuries can be fixed.

Losing 2 of your best players in the bowl game is not easy to fix.
I know Stewart will continue to shine. Guys like Edmunds, and Thomas, and Geer will get a chance to step up even more than they did filling in for Kyle to rest during a game.
Adaway and Juju are really good RB's but I really hope Howell gets out there and gets 100 yards rushing. He had great stats at SC State. I think giving a chance, he can be a star RB.

Maybe one of you can explain to me better, why they sit out?

 

[GMB2USC23]

Kyle and Rocket have both decided to skip the bowl game.
I just do not understand why players do that? The draft will not even happen until mid-April. A player can go play in the bowl and have one or 2 more great stats that could make their draft pick go up.

A player can sit at home, and you would think that may hurt their selection. They are showing they are not dedicated to their team. And now a days, they are being paid. They may call it NIL, but basically, they are being paid to play regardless of their Name, Image or Likeness.

Okay, if they get hurt in the bowl game, that could have a factor on their draft selection. AND?
What if they had got hurt in the Clemson game or the Wofford, or the Missouri? Were those games any different than playing in Orlando? They don't sit those games out because of fear of getting hurt. Why sit out the Bowl?
The way those doctors at places like Prisma Health have gotten, most injuries can be fixed.

Losing 2 of your best players in the bowl game is not easy to fix.
I know Stewart will continue to shine. Guys like Edmunds, and Thomas, and Geer will get a chance to step up even more than they did filling in for Kyle to rest during a game.
Adaway and Juju are really good RB's but I really hope Howell gets out there and gets 100 yards rushing. He had great stats at SC State. I think giving a chance, he can be a star RB.

Maybe one of you can explain to me better, why they sit out?

I look at it like this, if we had made the playoffs they would have played. We didn't, so they are letting the next man up start to practice for next year as they are practicing for thier next year.

 

[kingofnerf]

I look at it like this, if we had made the playoffs they would have played. We didn't, so they are letting the next man up start to practice for next year as they are practicing for thier next year.

Yep. We usually say things like that after a bad year, but things are so different these days.

I agree they would have both played in the CFPs if we had gotten in.

 

[gamecock88]

I don’t blame Rocket whatsoever. He’s had a season ending injury before and can‘t do much more to improve his NFL draft status by playing in the bowl game at a position that is prone to injury. I don’t know Kennard’s injury history but he has played himself into a top draft pick and has a ton to lose by risking injury. It’s a sign of the times and will continue.

 

[Spur's Addiction]

I don’t love it, but it’s the trend these days with all teams.

 

[markymark550]

Do I wish players would play and not opt out? Yes, but I don't blame them for not risking their professional career. At this point, if you're draft eligible, one more game isn't going to greatly change your draft position. They'd have 2+ years of games to make their determination. Honestly, if I'm an NFL GM, I'm not upset if a potential draft target decides to opt out.

 

[crowcutta]

The difference is now youre one step away. They could get insurance policies for the game, but would that guarantee they wont play even a little bit too cautious. Of course id rather they play too and if i had their ear id advise them to play. As much as i wish they were out there i dont hold it against them and the mentality has to be next man up as if they were injured and couldnt play. What it also could be is maybe they already had a nagging issue that makes them not 100% and would rather sit out. The counter to that would be noone is 100% after a season of football.

I dont think this will happen but it also cant happen is the coaches saying since we dont have Rocket we wont be as committed to handing it off to the backs. The playcalling should largely stay the same. Backs should have bare minimum 20 carries in the bowl game and ideally at least 25.

 

[FurmanCock]

I'll be the contrarian here. No issue with sitting a bowl game if a player is going pro and is not getting paid. However, if you are being paid NIL for a season, bowl game is part of the season...you should play. With the recent increase in opt-outs, I wouldn't be surprised if future NIL deals specify bowl games.

 

[AikenGameFan]

I hope the players have insurance to begin with. That was huge for Marcus Lattimore.
I know we have other RB's and other DE's that will fill in and maybe some of the younger players will show great hope for next season. We have plenty of players that were #2 on the depth chart but thanks to our coaching staff substituting so much, they do have lots of playing time.
I hope Sellers doesn't decide he needs to run more than he already does.