The NFL Draft's first round, traditionally marking the start of professional careers, has changed the significance of the draft for top prospects. Fernando Mendoza, likely to be selected with the No. 1 pick, is expected to sign a four-year guaranteed deal for about $55 million. This comes after 20 years of college athletes turning professional, earning money for the first time. The difference is due to the fact that Mendeza likely earned over $1 million in NIL (name, image and likeness) deals during his one season as Indiana's starting quarterback, when he won the Heisman Trophy and the national championship. The NIL tracking site On3 valued MendoZA at $2.6 million for this past season, making him the fifth most valuable college football player and the seventh most valuable overall athlete in high school or college. However, the increasing age of first-year players in the NFL is negatively impacting team-building strategies and may hinder the ability of NFL coaches to mold the younger players.