Of course not every 19 year old is physically or mentally ready to play in the NFL, but not every 22 year old is either. It depends on the individual. Clowney is clearly more than ready physically.

If 19 year olds can fight in Afghanistan, then they can certianly play in the NFL.

First off, how is he going to cover the premiums?
Secondly, what insurance agency is going to issue a multi million dollar insurance policy to a kid that plays a contact sport with a high risk of injury?

Talent is talent. This rule is a joke
The decision should be up to the athlete

Example: A 19-year old wants to come out for the Draft after one college season, and even though he shows potential, he might not be totally physically or mentally mature. Fine, that will be reflected in his draft status. Teams will probably take him in the 4th or 5th round or something, instead of in the 1st or 2nd if he came out two years and 20 lbs later. Teams can decide for themselves whether it’s worth a draft pick or not. If teams do draft him, then the notion that he’s not ready for the NFL is rendered bogus, because they obviously think that he is, otherwise they woulnd’t have drafted him at all.

When someone is as much of a seemingly sure thing as Clowney, can’t they get insurance against injury? I would think they might even be able to use future earnings to pay it, as they likely don’t have much money in most cases. Essentially, it would be the insurance company betting on them staying healthy. If they stay healthy and get the big contract, the insurance company gets paid. If they get hurt, the insurance pays the player.

——————————-
No such thing as a “sure thing” in the NFL and there are numerous examples that back it up.

I believe the insurance he could get would be if he has a Career ending injury not simply just an injury that might cause him to drop in the draft.

Perhaps not, but he’s also not going to do much to elevate his draft stock either, which means it can only go down from here.”

He’ll still be a first round pick and with the rookie scale there isn’t anywhere near the difference between what the 1st overall pick and mid first round picks get paid as there used to be. Clowney is going to get well paid no matter where he falls in the first round.