Tharold Simon? Went in the 5th round and could have with more development been a 2nd round pick easily. If you're hurting for money, then you go, sure. Tharold played 4 years and is out of the league. Thing is, Tharold had very good ball skills, and his athleticism was crazy good. He just was a bit raw and needed refinement. Perfect fit for Seattle's system of physical corners with length.. That's not Kevin Toliver's game, though. He's got all the measurables, but he is terrible at finding the ball in flight. If he had better ball awareness he'd be a tremendous corner. He is often in position, but he doesn't always make the plays. He'll make a team, but in a league that is very short do you not want to maximize your rookie deal? You likely won't see another one. Why do I talk so much about the 1st through 3rd rounds? That's where the money is. First rounders can sign a 10 million dollar contract depending on where in the round they are picked. It could be double that in the top 10 picks. Second rounders sign for about 5 million over four years on their rookie deal, but half of that is guaranteed. Third rounders sign for far less. You earn about 3.5 million over four years but the big hit is the guaranteed money which is all you are assured to take home. You have about only 3/4s of a million guaranteed. After that you're signing for about 2.5 million over four years. The difference again is in the take home assured money ranging. Fourth rounders guarantee is usually about 400k. Seventh rounders? Only 60k. ONLY picks in the top 4 rounds get their contract guaranteed. After that only the signing bonus is guaranteed. It isn't always the best idea to go for the money grab. Late round pick with a bad injury in training camp? Harsh outcome to spend all your life for that result. You may only walk away with 100k to your name for a life spent dedicated to honing your body and skills for football.
Tharold Simon cashed in the DBU hype. He, Ron Brooks, and Brandon Taylor cashed in on that. But all 3 had the measurables and great film. Look at a guy like Al Woods. He was the biggest waste of space at LSU but he has the measurables and is still in the NFL starting. Toliver will get drafted if he goes this year but he has a chance to get into that 3rd-1st round money with another year. Especially playing across from Greedy, he will get most of the balls thrown his way next season. A guy like Donte doesn't need to have balls thrown his way because you can look at his film and it's off the charts, not to mention his combine numbers will be off the charts as well.
Definitely agree with you LaSalle. A couple guys who never made it onto the field for LSU have had very productive NFL careers so far in Akiem Hicks, Delvin Breaux, and Rashard Robinson has made it in the league after all his academic issues. The NFL will find you if you can help them. Most first-round contracts are fully guaranteed for all four years. Second-round contracts are usually guaranteed for the first two years, although late in the round it appears only the first year is fully guaranteed, with a partial guarantee in the next year. Below the second round, only the signing bonus is guaranteed. That's what I have found. So, yeah, if he can move into the top three especially the first two rounds it is a huge benefit. Look at Donte who was able to move and succeed at safety. Versatility is key in the NFL. The Saints are doing well with their nickel being a third safety not a third corner cause Kenny Vaccaro can cover guys in the slot as a safety. Donte would afford that same benefit. KT2 basically plays corner and has poor ball skills. He'll make the league, but maximize your earning potential would be my advice. If you need the money then you need the money. By the way if you go undrafted you can only sign a three year deal as a rookie.
Eunice High. http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/9215595/ex-lsu-tigers-cornerback-tharold-simon-arrested
And his ball skills have gotten better than what they were. I don't think Kevin Toliver 2 seasons ago or last season is making that Ole Miss play. He's gotten better, and I agree, man that one more year could propel him to a higher round because he definitely isn't there yet, and what a lot of young players don't get is that in the NFL your window is small, you need to be productive almost instantly or you could lose your job, especially at the cornerback, receiver, and running back positions. So Toliver should stay but who knows what he will do.
yeah, he came up limping in the r-kansas game when he was attempting to make a tackle on the sideline... his foot slipped from under him but the announcer said looked like he was trying to trip the receiver... i don't think he played a down after that...
