Overview
- Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the rise of name, image, and likeness payments has encouraged players to stay in school longer, producing more 24- and 25-year-old draft entrants he views as a problem.
- He cited internal board data showing prospects aged 24½ or older rose from about 4% before 2024 to 18% this year, which he said will change how Baltimore targets players.
- DeCosta argued older rookies offer less developmental runway, are less likely to reach a third NFL contract, and arrive with more medical wear from extended college play.
- NBC Sports reported his remarks in the context of looser NCAA eligibility and NIL rules, while Sportsnaut criticized his stance and countered that extra college seasons can improve NFL readiness.
- EssentiallySports noted other front offices see the issue differently, pointing to the Chiefs reworking their board as players stayed in school and Bengals executive Duke Tobin saying 25 is not old for an incoming pro.