JohnnyPersia
Contributor
The Irrelevant: The Journey of a 7th-Round Draft Pick
Introduction:
In this blog we are going to chronicle the journey of 21 year old rookie cornerback Drico Finch, who was drafted in the 7th round by the New York Giants, as he competes to earn a position on the Giants’ roster. While some of the young hopefuls drafted struggle with expectations of one day becoming the star player on a team, for many others getting drafted and securing a spot on the roster becomes the main, and in reality, the only goal. While the last pick of the NFL draft has been humorously dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” and while the 254 players selected represent only 7% of eligible players, the depressing truth, for many players drafted in the latter rounds, is the grim reality of struggling to secure a lone roster spot with limited playing time and a limited career. For a anointed few reality turns out differently, but life in the NFL is tough and unforgiving.
For Finch, as for many others, the dream of being drafted by an NFL team has manifested into reality. But the high quickly fades as Finch has to compete with other rookies and free agents for a position on a limited, 53-man roster. Finch graduated from Indiana University majoring in philosophy, but he is originally from Los Angeles, California. He does not have the what has by now become the typical story of an underprivileged youth struggling against poverty and crime. He reminisces about a pleasant childhood playing 3-man football (with an alternating qb if you were wondering). He also speaks highly of the hard work and discipline shown by his immigrant parents. It’s that work ethic that he’s learned from his parents that has explained his success at the collegiate level and being drafted by the New York Giants. The Giants have a talented secondary core with Jenoris Jenkins and Cromartie alongside veteran Leon Hall. Finch is going to have to compete with other hungry players for a roster spot. However, owner JohnnyPersia has told us that he actually expects Finch not only to make the roster but to be a solid contributor to the team throughout the year. Finch has excellent man coverage skills as a rookie and will fit it nicely (if he makes with) with the Giants’ defensive scheme. He also has decent speed for a corner. He does tend to get lost on the field sometimes, however, as he seems to focus almost exclusively on covering his own man. He’s going to have to improve his field awareness if he expects to make a spot.
But Finch isn’t shy to hardwork, a trait he’s learned and adopted from his parents. “I realize I’m not the most talented,” he told us, “but I work hard. Success in anything is a grind. You just have to be willing to work at it consistently and to make slow and steady progress. Progress, not perfection.”
Indeed, progress, not perfection.
Introduction:
In this blog we are going to chronicle the journey of 21 year old rookie cornerback Drico Finch, who was drafted in the 7th round by the New York Giants, as he competes to earn a position on the Giants’ roster. While some of the young hopefuls drafted struggle with expectations of one day becoming the star player on a team, for many others getting drafted and securing a spot on the roster becomes the main, and in reality, the only goal. While the last pick of the NFL draft has been humorously dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” and while the 254 players selected represent only 7% of eligible players, the depressing truth, for many players drafted in the latter rounds, is the grim reality of struggling to secure a lone roster spot with limited playing time and a limited career. For a anointed few reality turns out differently, but life in the NFL is tough and unforgiving.
For Finch, as for many others, the dream of being drafted by an NFL team has manifested into reality. But the high quickly fades as Finch has to compete with other rookies and free agents for a position on a limited, 53-man roster. Finch graduated from Indiana University majoring in philosophy, but he is originally from Los Angeles, California. He does not have the what has by now become the typical story of an underprivileged youth struggling against poverty and crime. He reminisces about a pleasant childhood playing 3-man football (with an alternating qb if you were wondering). He also speaks highly of the hard work and discipline shown by his immigrant parents. It’s that work ethic that he’s learned from his parents that has explained his success at the collegiate level and being drafted by the New York Giants. The Giants have a talented secondary core with Jenoris Jenkins and Cromartie alongside veteran Leon Hall. Finch is going to have to compete with other hungry players for a roster spot. However, owner JohnnyPersia has told us that he actually expects Finch not only to make the roster but to be a solid contributor to the team throughout the year. Finch has excellent man coverage skills as a rookie and will fit it nicely (if he makes with) with the Giants’ defensive scheme. He also has decent speed for a corner. He does tend to get lost on the field sometimes, however, as he seems to focus almost exclusively on covering his own man. He’s going to have to improve his field awareness if he expects to make a spot.
But Finch isn’t shy to hardwork, a trait he’s learned and adopted from his parents. “I realize I’m not the most talented,” he told us, “but I work hard. Success in anything is a grind. You just have to be willing to work at it consistently and to make slow and steady progress. Progress, not perfection.”
Indeed, progress, not perfection.
