The 2014 NFL Draft marked a significant event in the history of American football. It showcased a plethora of talented players who went on to make lasting impacts on the game, many of whom are still playing today. In this article, we will explore ways to effectively introduce students to the drafts and their importance, as well as engage them in meaningful and educational conversations surrounding the event.
1. Understanding the Draft Process:
Begin by teaching students about the draft process itself. Explain how college players apply for entry into the NCAA and how they are ranked by their performances during their college years. Once players declare eligibility for the draft, discuss how they participate in practices, games, and other activities that scouts attend in order to judge their skills and potential fit within an NFL team’s system.
2. Key Players from the 2014 NFL Draft:
To give a sense of relevance to the subject, highlight some of the most notable 2014 picks such as Jadeveon Clowney (#1), Khalil Mack (#5), Odell Beckham Jr. (#12), and Aaron Donald (#13). Enhance discussions through videos of each player’s college highlights or memorable moments during their professional careers. Encourage students to research more about these players and share their thoughts regarding what made them top picks.
3. Impact on Teams:
Introduce your students to different team dynamics and strategies applied during drafts. Talk about how general managers and head coaches strategically choose players based on team needs or availability of preferred choices during each round of the draft. Use specific examples from the 2014 NFL Draft to show how each team’s decisions impacted their performance in subsequent seasons.
4. Lessons Beyond Football:
Discuss how valuable life lessons can be learned from participating in or witnessing events like the NFL Draft, such as teamwork, planning, decision-making, goal-setting, perseverance, and more. Engage students in relevant discussions and ask for their personal insights on these themes.
5. Interactive Activities:
Host mock drafts within your class, allowing students to act as general managers for various teams and choose who they believe should be drafted first, considering the team’s needs and the players available. This can promote critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making skills.
Conclusion:
The 2014 NFL Draft serves as an ideal platform to teach students about significant events in American football history while engaging them in other important life lessons associated with such events. By incorporating interactive methods and real-life examples, students can become directly involved with the discussion, furthering their understanding of the draft process and its implications on both football teams and individual players.
