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Over the years, we’ve heard a lot of different approaches to the NFL draft and the philosophies that drive team decisions on draft day. The “Need vs. Best Available” argument is one that we’ve heard for decades, and while in theory everyone would love to take the best player on their board, the reality of having to line up 22 starters four months from draft day will impact decisions. In fact, that pressure to fill every spot on the field may actually influence who a team determines is the “best player.” Pat Kirwan and Vic Carruci discuss draft philosophies
Listen to Kirwan/Carruci Talk Draft Philosophies
Kirwan:
The point is, the whole evaluation and ranking process is extremely subjective, and several outside factors, like free agency, have changed the thinking of teams along the line. I heard a lot of coaches and team executives say that they try to address pressing needs in free agency, giving them the freedom to pick good players in the draft regardless of position. Over time, if you get enough of those selections right, your free agency to do list has more to do with re-signing your own players than going out to find athletes to fill holes in your roster.
The organizations that master that element of the process find themselves in a position of qactually being able to build on strengths. The Panthers draft Shaq Thompson to team with Thomas Davis, the Jets are building a dominant defensive front with versatile linemen who can rush from different positions. The Giants did the same thing a few years ago with players like Justin Tuck, who could play DE or DT, giving DC Steve Spagnuolo the ability to put four elite pass rushers on the field in obvious passing situations. Remember when the Patriots had two potent receiving threats at TE in Gronk and Aaron Hernandez?
It is an interesting process, and it is different for every team. Each draft board is different; it’s own fingerprint.
https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/17/draft-philosophies/
Listen to Kirwan/Carruci Talk Draft Philosophies
Kirwan:
The point is, the whole evaluation and ranking process is extremely subjective, and several outside factors, like free agency, have changed the thinking of teams along the line. I heard a lot of coaches and team executives say that they try to address pressing needs in free agency, giving them the freedom to pick good players in the draft regardless of position. Over time, if you get enough of those selections right, your free agency to do list has more to do with re-signing your own players than going out to find athletes to fill holes in your roster.
The organizations that master that element of the process find themselves in a position of qactually being able to build on strengths. The Panthers draft Shaq Thompson to team with Thomas Davis, the Jets are building a dominant defensive front with versatile linemen who can rush from different positions. The Giants did the same thing a few years ago with players like Justin Tuck, who could play DE or DT, giving DC Steve Spagnuolo the ability to put four elite pass rushers on the field in obvious passing situations. Remember when the Patriots had two potent receiving threats at TE in Gronk and Aaron Hernandez?
It is an interesting process, and it is different for every team. Each draft board is different; it’s own fingerprint.
https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/17/draft-philosophies/
