There are ways for the NFL to develop young players.

NFL Draft (2)

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There is no question that young players are missing out on reps and their chance to develop into NFL starters. While the problem covers all positions it is particularly important for young quarterbacks.

Beginning with the 2011 NFL Draft, 12 QBs have been drafted in the 1st round. Five of them are expected to start in 2015 only one of which, Andrew Luck, is a true franchise QB in my opinion. However, Teddy Bridgewater has a chance to be the 2nd franchise guy if he continues to develop.

So what is the answer?

1. Hire a QB guru to work with a developmental QB. While there is a salary cap on players, there is not on coaching staffs. The QB position is the most critical in the game. Why not bring in an expert to work 1 on 1 with the young QB to develop him?

2. Starting in 1972 while coaching, I would have two plays set up with two complete sets of players. We would watch the starters go then while they were resetting we would turn around and watch the 2nd teams play. We had a limited time to get a team ready. We practiced twice a week after work for the majority of our players. We also had 1 film session per week in the coaches homes with each offensive and defensive group.

The NFL could do the same thing. While the roster size is 90 they can have 2 complete units work. Once the cuts come we used half the field. We got the same thing going with half a team on O and D with passes and runs to the right side for the starters and the left side for the 2nd team. That would allow an NFL team to get double the reps for everybody without violating the CBA rules for length of practice sessions.

These practice techniques are not hard but make a lot of sense. The NFL really struggles to get young QBs ready to play in part because the NFL game is a pocket passing game but the college game is becoming a spread offense system. QB candidates need the extra time to work on footwork and timing. That kind of practice system would allow the development of all players and QBs in particular.

Many teams will not want to use the double play practice technique. However, given how many NFL teams need a franchise starting QB, why not have a coach just to develop a young player for the position?

That is what I think. Tell us what you think by commenting here or tweeting me @NNRonDSN.

NOTE: News, Notes and Rumors podcast are BACK. Check out our thoughts on Fridays about the games coming up and Monday on the results of the weekend. My co-host is Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports. Podcasts can be heard on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Thanks for your support.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. Follow him on twitter @NNRonDSN to get the schedule of Special News, Notes and Rumors broadcasts. You can hear the previous shows on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

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