You may be feeling the same way. It's the April doldrums: your client - and everyone he knows, and everyone who has heard of him - is furiously Googling his name in an effort to find out if his "stock" is rising or falling. Meanwhile, he's calling you practically every hour to ask "what you're hearing." First of all, hang in there and know that virtually every other first-year certified player representative is going through the same thing. Second, read the following. It might help you keep your sanity for the next two weeks.

 

Realize that your client's grade is pretty much in: Think about it. Every player eligible for the draft has played four years of college football, then possibly played in an all-star game, followed by working out at the combine and/or his pro day. His grade is in, and nothing's changing that, no matter how many times he asks you to do something. This year, over the last month, we've seen Louisville QB Lamar Jackson's draft status rise, then fall. Keep in mind -- he didn't even run a 40 at his pro day. He's done NOTHING to merit rising or falling. This is all media-driven. Don't sit around and wonder why your guy isn't rising. It's mainly because you don't have an armada of writers willing to do your bidding. Nothing more. 

 

Be prepared for the 48 hours after the draft: As a first-year contract advisor, there's a good chance your client won't be drafted. That doesn't mean he won't get his shot. Used to, if you got to midnight on the second day of the draft (Sunday) without hearing from a team, your kid wasn't getting a roster spot. That's not true anymore. For whatever reason, the mad scramble to sign undrafted free agents lasts up to two days now. Sometimes even a week. We'll talk plenty more about being prepared for 'after the draft,' including strategy and what to look for, as we go forward. There's a lot that goes into it, and we'll be breaking it all down. For now, start thinking about your contingencies if your guy isn't one of the lucky 250-plus on draft weekend.

 

Don't forget to try this:  As we mentioned before, if you're desperate for a way to show your client that you're working for him, call all 32 teams and ask for the scouting department. When someone answers, tell them you are the contract advisor for your client(s), and you want to confirm his contact info (as well as confirm yours) with the team. This is a legitimate way to get a conversation started. When you run down your client list with phone numbers and emails, you might get a scout to express interest, recommend something, or volunteer info you wouldn't otherwise have learned. And don't bother to leave a voice mail; if you don't get a live voice, call back later. This is your chance to get a near-draft interface with an NFL team. Take advantage of it. If all else fails, send an XL grid of your clients with contact info via email, as former Bears GM Phil Emery recommended at our seminar in February 2015.