Updated: Apr 14, 2006, 3:37 PM

Vote: How much does character matter?


	Character concerns plagued Maurice Clarett.

The weeks leading up to the NFL draft are all about things we can measure. Discussions center on how fast a player covered 40 yards at the combine, how many questions he got right on the Wonderlic, how many touchdowns he threw as a senior or how many pounds he gained after a bowl game.

But what about the categories that are more difficult to quantify? What separates an Edgerrin James from a Lawrence Phillips, or Dwight Freeney from Christian Peter?

Character is difficult to discuss when it comes to NFL draft prospects. How much should what a player does off the field matter to teams filling needs and fans supporting those teams? Is it worth taking a risk on a troubled talent like Sean Taylor?

As the draft nears, we want your take, SportsNation. What does character mean to you? And how comfortable are you when your favorite team takes a chance with character?

Click here for ESPN.com's complete NFL draft coverage.

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ESPN

Vote: How much does character matter?

1) In your eyes, which character issue is the biggest red flag for a draft prospect?

2) How much emphasis do you think teams place on character issues for draft prospects?

3) How much emphasis do you think fans place on character issues for draft prospects?

4) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player red-flagged for steroids at the combine?

5) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of sexual assault or domestic violence?

6) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of other felony-level crimes?

7) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of other misdemeanor-level crimes?

8) If you knew in advance that a player at a position of need for your favorite team would make multiple Pro Bowls but would also have numerous run-ins with the law during his career, would you want the team to draft him?

9) Have you ever been disappointed that your favorite team did not select a player who was widely believed to have character issues?

10) Which team would you be more likely to support by buying tickets?

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ESPN

Vote: How much does character matter?

1) In your eyes, which character issue is the biggest red flag for a draft prospect?

2) How much emphasis do you think teams place on character issues for draft prospects?

3) How much emphasis do you think fans place on character issues for draft prospects?

4) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player red-flagged for steroids at the combine?

5) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of sexual assault or domestic violence?

6) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of other felony-level crimes?

7) Would you feel comfortable if your favorite team used a first-round pick on a player accused of other misdemeanor-level crimes?

8) If you knew in advance that a player at a position of need for your favorite team would make multiple Pro Bowls but would also have numerous run-ins with the law during his career, would you want the team to draft him?

9) Have you ever been disappointed that your favorite team did not select a player who was widely believed to have character issues?

10) Which team would you be more likely to support by buying tickets?

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THIS WEEK'S CHATS