Despite owning the first 0-16 season in NFL history, the right to draft the best pro prospect shouldn’t be a given right.  It allows for bad teams to control their own destiny in a negative fashion.  Any team eliminated from playoff contention knows the future is what’s important.  Nothing is stopping a bad team from investing in the future by losing games as the regular season comes to a close.

Each year in final weeks of the season, expert’s breakdown playoff scenarios.  Who is to say bad teams aren’t deliberating just the opposite in their private board room meetings?  General managers and coaches could be deciding between gunning for a 4^th win on the season, or losing to solidify a top selection in the draft.

This isn’t suggesting every bad team losses games on purpose looking for the next Peyton Manning.  It is however pointing out the clear fact bad teams shouldn’t be allowed to determine their own fate.

A lottery system has long been in place in the NBA, and was added in the NHL after the lockout.  It keeps teams competitive, and doesn’t reward ineptitude.

Because of the NFL’s lackadaisical rules, a winless franchise earned a prize.  It’s the equivalent of office pools that give the last place finisher their money back. 

The lottery is also one of the most exciting nights of the year for fans.  Any supporter of a non-playoff team has a reason to tune in and see if their team can land the big prize, or at least move up the list.  I promise you it would be more exciting than watching the pro bowl, that’s for sure.

The Lions need the help, but it really is time to put a system in place that adds chance to the equation when deciding the draft order.  It would most definitely make for some more exciting football in the final weeks of the season.

Agree or disagree? Let me know what you think- email me at r.bolta@sympatico.ca