Anyone remember Tim McGill? That was the big guy from NFL Europe last year-- he didn't see the field once this year. I don't think anyone is writing them off as possible starters in a few years, but you have to crawl before you walk-- They have to A. Make the Practive squad. B. Make the 53 man roster. C. get backup time D. Become a starter. NFL Europe guys aren't going to just come in and start -- as this thread initially implied.
Yes I agree NFL Europe guys aren't going to come in and immediately start (it actually COULD happen, but it's highly unlikely). In the case of Charles Missant, I would be pleased if he could come in and at least make the roster (I wouldn't be surprised based on how thin our O-line is). That would be a great achievement (for anyone) and prove that the guy has somewhat of a nice upside. In the case of Norm Katnik, he's already made the practice squad on two NFL teams. He will more than likely make our 53 man roster and at the very least start the season as a backup. He's a versatile player with a very good head on his shoulders (you have to be to be able to play every position on the line in college). If Mangini thinks he can start and throws him in the mix, I wouldn't groan about it unless he gave me a reason to groan about it.
Jon Kitna played in NFL Europe and I think he turned out ot be a solid QB. The reason they play NFL Europe is probably to hone there skills and to show off what they got.
