[Bamabeachlivin]

SHREVEPORT , La. -- Antoine Caldwell walked off the field a winner, smiling, shouting to teammates, arms waving to fans.
But somewhere in his mind, the junior offensive lineman and Alabama team captain later admitted, was a thought. Perhaps this was his final time in a Crimson Tide uniform.
"I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be looked at for the NFL draft," Caldwell said.
The next week or two will be stressful for Caldwell, who claimed after Sunday night's 30-24 Independence Bowl victory over Colorado that he is still "50-50" about declaring a year early for professional football.
He has made plans to sit down with Alabama coach Nick Saban in the coming days to discuss a decision he'll eventually make with family in Montgomery.
"My focus is going to be to make a smart decision," Caldwell said. "It's not about the money. It's not about anything else. Make a smart decision for me and my family. That's what's important to me, and that what I'm going to do."
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[Stoney]

Here is the thing...

Is it better to be a second round draft pick or wait another year and go in the first round?

Saban needs to talk this kid into staying so that he can get the most out of his education and be best prepared to start at the NFL level.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Is it better to be a second round draft pick or wait another year and go in the first round?

Depends how badly his family needs the money, I guess.

[Stoney]

You mean how greedy his family is... what happens if he gets hurt and nevers plays? Then his family would be harping about education. This really brings me to a point. In almost every profession they require a four year degree to get a job. Why don't the professional sports require the same thing?

[JRL]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Here is the thing...

Is it better to be a second round draft pick or wait another year and go in the first round?

Saban needs to talk this kid into staying so that he can get the most out of his education and be best prepared to start at the NFL level.

Is it better to be a 2nd round pick or is it better to risk an injury?

[Stoney]

Without a doubt first round is worth the risk of injury. Look at people taken in the second round they hardly ever make up the money even if they manage to hang around the NFL past the initial contract.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

You mean how greedy his family is... what happens if he gets hurt and nevers plays? Then his family would be harping about education. This really brings me to a point. In almost every profession they require a four year degree to get a job. Why don't the professional sports require the same thing?

Hey Stoney don't you know Caldwell already has his degree so it is not a matter of finishing school or not its a matter of come back and try to win a SEC title or getting the most for his abilities in the Pro's.

[JRL]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Without a doubt first round is worth the risk of injury. Look at people taken in the second round they hardly ever make up the money even if they manage to hang around the NFL past the initial contract.

I don't know about that - the NFL has a ton of OL that were taken in the late rounds and more than you would guess that were undrafted.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by JRL

I don't know about that - the NFL has a ton of OL that were taken in the late rounds and more than you would guess that were undrafted.

Look at Gaines Adams a similar situation.