Donovan Warren and The NFL Draft: The Price of Leaving Early.

     The ultimate goal for any college football player is to be drafted into the NFL.

     Some hope that they have developed so much in their positions that they can         declare for the draft by the end of their Junior year.

     The decision to declare early for the draft of course is planned in conjunction with both NFL scouts, coaches, and familiy.

     There are many different factors that play into wether or not a player is drafted in rounds one through seven on such an exciting day.   

     The personal performance of a player at the combines as well as personal medical history are certainly the most important factors when it comes to being drafted.

      On the other hand, many of these players, however, are placed under the immense pressure of agents, families and so called friends to leave their college careers early for the NFL.

     Sadly, some of these young people decided to take this kind of ill fated advice with the belief that they are much better than they have actually developed to be.

     Just ask Michigan's Donovan Warren how much his decision may ultimately cost him as he went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft.

     Warren was a five star recruit at cornerback out of the California prep scene who was recruited by former coach Loyd Carr.

     He was supposed to be the next Charles Woodson.

     Instead, Warren found himself playing under three different defensive coordinators in three years which certainly would hurt anyone's development at any position.

     If he had returned for this season it would have been for year two under the direction of Greg Robinson who knows a thing or two about NFL talent and capabilities.

     Head Coach Rich Rodriguez did advise Warren that it would behoove him to return for one more year. 

     Maybe Coach Rodriguez does care and maybe he also knows a thing or two about player development.

     In the end, Donovan Warren has signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New York Jets who already have a solid secondary and all Michigan fans wish him well.

     His story, however, should serve as a learning curve for future Michigan players who go against the advice of those who know best.