if you didn't get drafted, you still got the degree and will get a decent job. You won't be a bum. You'll just make around 50k a year, have your own place and car, and enough money to raise a family. It's not like they're going to be stuck at Mcdonalds or Walmart.
Here is the thing. Playing sports is the ultimate networking gig. Many kats that don't make it to the pros (no matter the race) get assistant gigs and eventually become coordinators and head coaches. A lot of schools will let them work as interns if they didn't finish their degree and then let them go back to school for free and finish their degree. Then become a full time assistant and get their exp.
My sisters cousin did that. His eligibility ran out. He then went back to college as a coaches intern and finished his degree. Was a college WRs assistant got 2 years of exp. Then went to his high school alma mater and got the assistant Offensive coordinator job. Now he is the Offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
Thats just one path, but the other path you said is one as well.
Also just because a dude gets drafted doesn't mean he will be a pro. shyt my cousin made that mistake. She went to college trying to be a semi gold digger and missed out. Dated one dude he didn't get drafted so she dumped him and then started dating another dude. The second dude she dated got drafted in the 7th round and got cut in the 3rd preseason game. The first dude that didn't get drafted bounced around on practice squads and was able to carve out a role as a special teamer for about 7 years in the NFL. This dude retired and is now the head coach of his high school team, married some sista and relaxing getting his NFL pension.
While my cousin sitting their empty handed..