Draft Can Signal End For Vets

Draft weekend is all about new names, the big contracts and the future potential of college kids. But what about the veterans, the guys who have experience in this league? Today, I’ll give you some names of players who were just as nervous on draft weekend as the rookies — because they might now be out of work.

Several might need to call their agents this week and find new jobs.  

Vets in trouble

J.J. Arrington, Denver: Sure, he was signed in the offseason by the new coaching staff, but after the Broncos took Knowshon Moreno at No. 12, Arrington could find himself on the waiver wire this summer. Remember, there’s only one ball to go around.

Willie Anderson, Baltimore: Willie probably felt pretty safe this past weekend with the Ravens picking at No. 26, but with Michael Oher still on the board, plus a Ravens trade up to No. 23, his time might have expired in Baltimore.

Aaron Schobel, Buffalo: I put Schobel in here for health reasons. He was hurt last season and didn’t put up the numbers we were used to seeing for him. He’s expensive, and like I said, this is a year-to-year business. It doesn’t help that Buffalo drafted Aaron Maybin at No. 11. Top-15 draft picks play on Sundays.

Hank Fraley, Cleveland: I think it’s safe to say that after all the trading down the Browns did Saturday, rookie center Alex Mack from Cal will get very chance to start in ’09. Fraley is an older vet, and that’s why you draft younger talent — to upgrade.

Lorenzo Booker, Philadelphia: It was no secret that the Eagles wanted to get younger and find an eventual replacement for starting RB Brian Westbrook. They did that when they drafted Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy in the second round. Booker has had his chance and now he’s going to be replaced.

Brian Griese, Tampa: Griese’s days were numbered already in Tampa after the Bucs signed Byron Leftwich, but when they traded up to get Josh Freeman, the veteran QB from Michigan became expendable.

The writing is on the wall

All veterans know when their time comes. You try not to pay attention to the draft on TV, but how can you not? I’ve seen it firsthand, and I know there are plenty of players today who feel like their throats are closing up when they see a player — one who plays the same position as they do – get drafted.

I played on three teams that drafted first-round safeties during my seven years in the league, and two of those years I knew that no matter what happened, I wouldn’t see the field except on the coverage units — and that’s the only reason I made the team.

In 2001 in St. Louis, we drafted Adam Archuleta in the first round. Kickoff and punt coverage for me.

In 2004 in Washington, we drafted Sean Taylor, and although I kept my job at strong safety opposite Sean, my counterpart from 2003 in the secondary, Ifay Ohalate, didn’t stand a chance and was cut in the second week of training camp.

In 2006 in Buffalo, we drafted Donte Whitner. Sure, I ran with the first unit during the first two weeks of training camp and even started the first preseason game, although I exited with a crack in my lower leg. Did it matter? Not really, because Donte was going to start no matter what considering the size of his contract.

The end result

Like I wrote last week when I talked about my own draft weekend experience, it’s nerve-wracking as a college kid waiting to hear your name called. Lots of waiting and lots of hope goes into those two days.

But for veterans like the guys I listed above, it can be just as frustrating, because when your team drafts a player to take your spot, that’s it — and you know it. If you can play special teams, you have a chance. If you can’t, it might be time to call your agent and the moving company the same day.

It’s a business, right? Sure it is, but when it becomes something that affects your career, it’s more than that. It’s personal and it hurts — no matter how many years you’ve played. All it takes is one pick, one name, and you find out that you are indeed “replaceable.”

Welcome to the dark side of the NFL life. Ain’t it fun?

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