Mr. Goodell, It's About Time!

In recent years, we have seen the salaries of rookies skyrocket. While I have often disagreed with some of the NBA's policies, putting a cap on the rookies' salaries may be the best idea.

Goodell was referring to Jake Long's contract with the Miami Dolphins when he said, "here’s something wrong about the system", and then he went on to say that they should be paid for their performance.

But, what fractures my mind is that he said nothing after JaMarcus Russell held out for a huge contract. He said nothing publicly after the Lions shelled out the money for Calvin Johnson. But he waits to voice concern after a lineman is drafted first overall, and after the first draft pick signs before the draft. Suddenly there's a problem.

What I do not like about the Jake Long's contract is that, without ever stepping on the field, this contract makes him the highest-paid lineman in the NFL. The message that this sends me is that if a skill-position player is drafted No. 1 overall, they can command huge money.

But, if a non-skilled player is drafted No. 1, they should get less money. If there was a can't-miss prospect at quarterback, WR, or RB, would Goodell have said anything, like he didn't last year?

Perhaps there should be a pay scale for first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh-round picks. A scale that declines with the lower draft round.

Marques Colston of the Saints was drafted at the end of the seventh round, and he makes considerably less than Santonio Holmes, who was drafted at the end of the first round (Holmes was the first receiver taken). In Colston's first two seasons, he has compiled 168 catches for 2,240 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Holmes, who was taken 25th overall, has compiled 101 receptions for 1,766 yards and 10 touchdowns. But, because Holmes was drafted so much higher, he gets paid so much more. But does he deserve it? Just because of draft placement?

I'm glad that Goodell finally said something. I'm just bothered with who the pick was that he spoke out against. I do agree that the NFL should go to a system like that of the NBA.

The only issue at hand is that, in the NBA, there are two rounds, and in the NFL, there are seven rounds and a supplemental draft. After busts as top-three picks like Todd Marinovich, Heath Shuler, Rick Mirer, Timmy Couch, Charles Rogers, and so on, I don't understand why teams shell out huge money for unproven players. I do believe that something must be done.