Valentine will not be back

[chicolby]

Unless someone hears first hand about not liking the coaches, you have to take him for his word. I don't think it's a huge stretch to assume he didn't receive a first or second round grade, but he has his degree and probably feels its time to start making a living. I don't blame him. I think he could have moved up his standing after this year, but he also could have gotten injured further and potentially lost a year of gaining money and/or hurting his draft stock.

How about we thank the young man for his service and wish him the best?

 

[sparky62]

I blame Riley.

 

[NebChicago]

How much guaranteed $$ does a 5th Rd pick get?

 

[BigRedBugeaters]

I would shocked if he is on a NFL roster next fall. Do wish him well

 

[leodisflowers]

I wish him well. If you are good enough that the chance of being in the NFL is there, it is hard to turn down. I get it on his side. With that said he should have stayed around. There is always risk, but take out an insurance policy. He could have come back and dominated, and probably gone decently high next year as long as he worked hard. Oh well. Next man up!

 

[zamzman]

You can't teach being 6'4 and 325+ lbs. Was hoping he would stay but someone will draft him and he will have a long career in the pros I have no doubt.

That's where I land on this as well. He's the kind of guy who may be a better pro than college career. I hope his combine goes well. If he measures and tests well, he'll get drafted. He's got his degree. He hasn't been in any trouble as far as I know. When healthy he was productive. And mostly, I agree with you can't teach that size. Pros draft for the men they'll become, not the boys they've been in college. He projects to a big, strong man in the middle of an NFL line IMO. If that works out for him, he'll make his money. If that's all wrong, well, I'm glad he had his degree and his college memories. I can't really fault him for leaving, although I probably would have suggested staying another year.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

I really don't get how it makes a lot of sense for him to stay unless he's wanting more of the college experience. If he wants to be a pro player...get there. Get paid to improve under the tutelage of NFL coaches and start working towards retirement. He's got his degree and he's healthy. I would love for him to stay for our team but if I am his mama or his papa I'm saying, "Go...follow your dream."

 

[TheBeav815]

How much guaranteed $$ does a 5th Rd pick get?

This has the total contract at around 2.5 million. But that's spread out over multiple years and it doesn't say how much is guaranteed.

Certainly it's nothing to sneeze at for most of us average schmoes. Even if he made "only" $300K that's still 7.5 years worth of making 40K and if you make 40K straight out of college a lot of people are thrilled. I know plenty of people making more like 25-30 to start.

 

[jimbosc]

Being drafted locks him into a fairly low dollar contract for several years (assuming 4th round or later). Depending on making the team. His draft status will depend ALOT on combine since 2015 proved almost nothing - well in proved he can get hurt.

UDFA would be less $$$ year 1 - but potential to sign a bigger deal Year 2 if he really performs well. DT is not an easy position to do that - but VV likely will get a shot simply because he has an NFL body.