Belichick would rather trade for NFL talent than hang on to draft picks

For many years, Bill Belichick hoarded draft picks at an unprecedented rate and sparked the NFL trend of moving back through draft day trades. Lately, however, Belichick’s team building philosophy has drastically changed.

The Patriots haven’t drafted any breakout stars in years, but they’re better at scouting NFL talent than any other team in the league. Belichick is now regularly giving up his once-coveted picks in trades to get established NFL talent, including a 1^st rounder to acquire Brandin Cooks in the offseason. Colin thinks Belichick favors picking up established NFL talent because they’re easier to acclimate to the Pats’ culture than rookies who need to learn the ‘Patriot Way’ with less practice time under the new CBA.

The NFL is a copycat league, but Belichick is the one who establishes the trends that get copied. This is the latest example.

NFL jobs are less attractive to big-name candidates

A rumor recently surfaced that Jim Harbaugh and Michigan were discussing a lifetime contract for Harbaugh to remain in Ann Arbor for the rest of his career.

Even though the contract would be absurdly lucrative, it would also be the latest example of a big-name coach taking his name out of the discussion for NFL openings. Colin thinks the Harbaugh’s and Nick Saban’s of the world would rather make comparable money, while not having to be subjected to the unrealistic expectations, demanding owners, and typically short shelf life that comes with an NFL gig.

Harbaugh has already been through the NFL ringer once with the Niners, why would he want to leave a lifetime appointment in Ann Arbor to do it again?

Guests:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – NBA Hal of Famer is in-studio discussing his new book, Becoming Kareem; how he would adapt to play in today’s NBA; and his response to Bob Knight’s comments about John Wooden.

Greg Cosell – NFL Films Senior Producer joins the show to discuss Matt Ryan and Steve Sarkisian getting on the same page; Seattle’s reliance on Russell Wilson to improvise; and

Joel Klatt – FS1 CFB Analyst is in-studio talking the new CFP Rankings; why he thinks Oklahoma could beat anyone in the country; if he’s bothered by Baker Mayfield’s off-field issues; and why a potential lifetime contract for Jim Harbaugh is more about recruiting than money.