Depending on your source, the average NFL career lasts between 3-5 years.
According to one recent study, the number soars to 11 years if the player makes at least one Pro Bowl.
Running backs have notoriously short careers, particularly when compared to quarterbacks. Defensive backs tend to stick longer than receivers.
Defensive players, as a group, have longer careers, proving again, it’s better to hit than be hit.
A new crop of SEC stars will be drafted, beginning Thursday night. Who will have the longest career?
Here are seven logical candidates to reach 10 years.
Ryan Kelly, center, Alabama
Why: Pro Bowl centers, which Kelly is expected to become, stick around well into their 30s. That would mean a 10-plus year career for Kelly. Last season, eight centers played at age 32 or older.
Laremy Tunsil, tackle, Ole Miss
Why: The best player in the draft won’t have to worry about job security. Injuries will be his primary concern. Will he play 10-plus seasons? He’ll make more than enough money to retire before then if he ever begins to worry about the longterm health hazards of head collisions.
Dak Prescott, quarterback, Mississippi State
Why: He’s a savvy quarterback and proven leader, two qualities coaches covet. He doesn’t have to be a star, either, to stick. There were 28 NFL quarterbacks last season who were at least 32 years old. Many were backups who have bounced around from town to town.
Jalen Tabor, cornerback, Florida
Why: It’s logical to think that a corner’s skills diminish with age, but that’s usually offset by more experience. Last season, 30 defensive backs played who were at least 32 years old. Only five, however, played at 35 or over. It helps, too, that older corners can be converted to safeties and play in expanded coverage packages.
A’Shawn Robinson, defensive tackle, Alabama
Why: There were 22 defensive tackles who were at least 32 years old last season. Speed isn’t part of their game. Bulk and savvy are. That favors the older, more experienced players.
Reggie Ragland, linebacker, Alabama
Why: Linebackers don’t mind the punishment, primarily because they’re almost always delivering it. Almost 30 NFL linebackers played last season at age 32 or older.
John Theus, offensive tackle, Georgia
Why: Theus was a noted ironman in college, playing in more than 40 games. He might move inside to guard in the NFL, but he’s already shown a willingness to play through anything.
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
