2014 NFL Draft class "most immature" one executive has ever seen

One story that has been mentioned, but should not be overlooked or disregarded, was related to the maturity level of this year's draft class, as explained by Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert.

"Experience has told us that a lot of these younger players aren't ready for this. It's a huge leap. I don't think a lot of them understand that until they actually get on a playing field and see the increase in the quality of play."

"We have to be prepared for more player development-type programs or maybe enhancing your player development so as to get the most out of these younger players."

Interestingly enough, former Denver Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist wrote about this very subject back in the summer of 2011.

"Regardless of the moniker, they have been accused of the absolute personification of narcissism, self-admiration and self-centeredness. What better way to cultivate such behavior than the NFL?"

Sundquist notes that the type of management and coaching in the league would need to change, significantly, in order to create successful atmospheres for the new generation of players.

We are definitely starting to see a slight shift in approach by NFL organizations, be it technological, scientific, or statistical, but the vast majority of them are being run with traditional principals, operating procedures, and coaching styles.  It certainly appears that the Generation Y-ers are hitting the league well before teams are actually prepared to have them.

When you look at Colbert's comments, it almost appears as his thought process is more reactive than proactive, meaning that teams will have to put together programs, make enhancements, and start preparing, versus already being prepared for a cultural change.

Call me an old curmudgeon if you like, but a large portion of younger public figures, entertainers, athletes, etc. seem to be changing into prima donnas, and unfortunately, organizations like the NFL have no choice but to welcome them inside.

Could we be seeing the beginning of a new type of player in the NFL?  Will this generation be even more 'me' focused, throwing fits when they don't get their way in practice and in games?

I know that just reading this has probably prompted you to think of one or two NFL players who throw temper-tantrums, but what if it  became more wide-spread for teams to have to cater to egos in order to get the most productivity out of its employees?  Many of these young adults have been catered to their entire lives, so why would they expect anything different after beginning their careers?

Make sure to read Sundquist's entire article HERE and let us know what you think about this new generation of professional athlete, and whether you think the on-field situation will change once all of the older veterans are retired and out of the game completely.