Two thoughts occurred to me, one of which I was able to find in the manual and one I will just repeat from memory or impression.
First:
Quote:
15.2.2.4. Scouting Accuracy
The accuracy of your scouts’ reports depends on a number of factors, including the scout’s ratings,
how well your personnel develop the player’s abilities, the player’s performance, the age of the player, and more. Remember, the younger a player is, the more likely scouts will be inaccurate when assessing the potential of a player. Keep this in mind when scouting players for first-year player drafts.
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It says "potential" but for a 17- or 18-year-old, I would think it also applies to the current rating.
Second: I remember reading here about how promoting a player to a level before he is ready may negatively and severely affect his development. Something about how failure at a young age while playing in a league over his head will affect his confidence and his ratings, including potential, will slide accordingly.