For two years, Myron Rolle parlayed his excellent athletic abilities onto the football field at Florida State. While performing for the university, Rolle helped his team win on the field, and performed well enough to be named to the 3rd team All-American squad in 2008.
But even more impressive than his on-the-field contributions were his accolades as a student. Where most collegiate athletes fail to care enough, Rolle worked hard. He graduated in under three years with a grade point average over 3.7. And he was able to secure a Rhodes scholarship, one of only thirty-two handed out to students in America each year.
But far from seeing these accomplishments, many NFL scouts have questioned Rolle’s commitment to the game of football. Maybe because Myron has openly stated that he wants to one day become a neurosurgeon. Or perhaps because he took a year off of football to study at Oxford University.
One would think that NFL teams would want someone like Rolle on their roster. A hard-working, well-spoken young man with terrific potential on the field. A player who has both the brain and the brawn to play one of the most important positions in a team defense (safety). Instead they seem to reject the advantages a smart athlete would bring.
The difference between a successful draftee and a bust often comes down to the intangibles. It seems that every year an undersized running back or short-armed quarterback proves naysayers wrong simply by working harder than their peers. On that basis alone, Rolle should be an excellent candidate for the first round. Add in his skill set and it should be a no-brainer.
Instead Rolle is seen as a late second-rounder. No doubt to an organization like the New England Patriots who are smart enough to snatch up talent that falls that far. I hope the Lions, my team, drafts Rolle in the second round if he is there. Every team should hope for the same.
