Donovan Jackson

[Whatever]

(3 hours ago)SunsetBengal Wrote: The average career length of an NFL player is 3.3 years, the average career length of a 1st round draft pick is 9.3 years. I can see the age being a factor for QBs, LTs, Ks, Ps, etc. However with TE, at 24 you're getting a player who is already physically developed, ready for the pounding of the NFL, ready to provide instant ROI on that 1st round contract. With the younger guy, you might waste the first two years of the deal while he physically catches up. (See Myles Murphy who was drafted at age 20, compared to Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson who were both drafted at age 22)

The NFL is way different than college.  Warren will need to acclimate just as any rookie needs to.

Age is always a negative for a prospect, regardless of position.  For one, you want to get guys into an NFL level strength and conditioning program sooner rather than later to maximize their physical development as they finish maturing.  For another, it's much easier to fix technique issues with a 20 year old vs a 24 year old where those bad habits are heavily ingrained.  

Beyond that, Warren would be 33 when he hits that 9.3 year mark.  In fact, he'll be 29 when his 5th year option is up.  The guy will be hitting his physical decline during his second contract, which is when he needs to make his big money.  This doesn't mean he shouldn't be considered for #17, but it does mean you'll be taking him with the same mindset you would if taking a RB in the 1st, meaning you don't plan on giving him a second contract.