Completely different level of physicality. Kids would not survive in the NFL if they came out at 19.
i think for both leagues there should be a "exceptional" status
up here in canada in junior hockey exceptional status basically players could apply to enter the league a year early and if they were to meet the criteria set forth by the league and Hockey Canada to ensure the player was ready to enter the league they are allowed to.
It’s not just hockey that the panel focuses on as academic documentation and assessments of the players physical and mental maturity are also a very large part of the consideration in the process of reaching a decision. According to the Ontario Hockey Federation the process is an extensive evaluation of all aspects of the player’s life and not just a hockey decision.
Reportedly, another big part of the evaluation is whether the player would be the top overall selection, how they handle pressure, if they’re willing to report to where they’re chosen and if the team possessing the top pick would commit to selecting him.
so to me a player of lebrons skill level would nt have to wastehis time a year in college if he passes the tests etc. and has shown himself to be a high draft pick so you don't have the korleone youngs of the world etc.
same with the nfl dudes like sammy watkins and clowney were ready