There is likely to be a debate in QFL Nation as to the rookie draft eligibility of Duron Carter in 2015. Let me be unequivocally clear, I have no idea. This is the QFL, rule enforcement changes based on the Commissioner. I do know rule 9 governing the college draft and section 3 covering eligibility states clearly in article 1 that “players must be eligible for the NFL Draft to be eligible for the QFL College Draft.” However, the additional “Michael Crabtree clarification” in “note a” makes it clear that there could be some wiggle room if enough people lobby COMCOMM this summer.
Rule 9, Section 3, Article 1: Note a) “The Michael Crabtree clarification”
In the event that a NFL Draft pick threatens to hold out an entire year, that player is still eligible for the QFL Draft. Normal QFL draft/roster/transaction/keeper rules apply throughout the first year. As such, the player first can be drafted, then if applicable, either signed as a waiver claim or a FA claim. If the player becomes a keeper, whatever his contract status is at the end of 2009 (S1 or L1) will carry into 2010 (S2 or L2). In the event that he is not protected after 2009 and in the event that he has reentered the NFL draft, he will be available in in the 2010 QFL rookie draft instead of the QFL auction.
My guess is Carter will be free agent eligible rather than rookie draft eligible based on the fact that he is rumored to have signed with the Colts and presumably will not be entering the NFL draft this April.
Shades