[Rutles4Ever]

I don't think we can compare the NFL with the NBA. Regardless of talent, the NFL is much more physically punishing, and a kid out of high school doesn't stand a chance without years of weight training and physical conditioning at the college level. This may hasten some select college freshmen and sophomores into the NFL ranks, but when Heisman Trophy winning quarterback can typically expect to wait two to three years before taking a game snap, owners will be hard pressed to shell out big cash for undeveloped talent that will sit on the bench. Conversely, once it becomes apparent that college level seasoning is a must to have a chance at being competitive at the pro-level, we'll see retention rates similar to what we have now.

[connectthedots]

Some kids are physically mature at the age of 18. Others might not be physically mature until their late 20s.

I assume you have seen some very 'mature' 15 year-old women, and other's who don't really mature until their early 20s. Same happens with men even if it may not be as obvious.

[LenS]

College isn't always necessary. This year when the Eagle's All-Pro Safety Brian Dawkins was hurt, his backup filled in quite nicely for him. His backup was a free agent who had never played college football. Instead, he'd made the Arena League and gotten their attention. I also recall Eric Swann, a Defensive Tackle for the Cardinals, who made the league after playing only semi-pro (his academics were horrific so college wasn't really an option).

Though, to be honest, the NFL might try to ban him based on the gambling connection.