Slim Big Ten Draft Might Spell Fat 2013
For those who want to see the Big Ten put its best foot forward, this year's NFL draft may be a bit disappointing. If you look at some of the rankings of NFL prospects, it doesn't paint the picture of a big draft day for B1G schools. In some ways, that might reflect on a fairly lackluster season by conference schools. On the bright side, it might mean that conference schools won't lose as much talent as some other conferences. That might mean that 2013 will provide a much better showing by the league.
Ohio State could see seven players taken on draft day. That might make the odds a bit longer of duplicating last year's perfect season. Michigan State and Illinois each might see four players drafted. Penn State and Wisconsin may each see three get selected. Purdue may see a pair taken. After that, the rankings suggests the remaining schools might only see one player chosen (Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa) or none (Northwestern, Indiana, Minnesota).
As a whole, the conference will bring back a lot of all-conference talent in 2013. The offenses in particular will have a lot of standouts returning. Most of the top defensive lineman will be gone, which is partly why that's one area where you'll see the Big Ten do well on draft day.
Perhaps, that will put the league in position to have a better year overall with more non-conference and bowl game victories. Despite the talent drain in Columbus, tOSU will bring back a number of standout performers particularly on offense.
The 2012 year will not go down as a great season for the Big Ten, but 2013 may be a whole different story.
2/26/2013
My view is how well a team does never depends on the players they lose, but on the players they retain or add, and how well they are coached.
Lincoln, NE
2/27/2013
Good read.
@BallField78
I agree with you 100%. We got some good guys coming back on O, along with some good guys coming on-board. Just gotta see how they play.
2/27/2013
I’m hoping the coaching staff has put several of these unproven yet very talented guys on a fast track to getting on the field quicker than usual. It’s bad when you loose that many guys on the D, but they weren’t that good to begin with. Hopefully these new faces will be able to step up and make early contributions on the field. We will be young, but lets hope the staff gets these guys up and running quick so we don’t miss a beat and be actually better than last years.
Looking forward to seeing how these guys do. You never know, it just might very well be special season!