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What is the "NFL Draft Best Available"?

The "NFL Draft Best Available" refers to a strategy used by teams in the National Football League (NFL) during the annual NFL Draft, where they select the player who is considered to be the most talented and fits their needs, regardless of position.

The NFL Draft is a crucial event for teams to add young talent to their rosters. Teams spend months scouting college players, evaluating their skills, and projecting how they might perform in the NFL. On draft day, teams have a limited number of picks, so they must carefully consider which players to select.

The "Best Available" strategy is often employed by teams that have multiple needs or are looking for a specific type of player. By selecting the best available player, teams can address their most pressing needs and build a more well-rounded roster.

There are several benefits to using the "Best Available" strategy. First, it allows teams to add the most talented players to their roster. Second, it helps teams avoid reaching for players who may not be as good as they appear. Third, it can help teams build a more balanced roster by addressing multiple needs.

Of course, there are also some risks associated with the "Best Available" strategy. One risk is that teams may pass on players who are a better fit for their team in order to select a player who is considered to be more talented. Another risk is that teams may overvalue certain players and end up drafting a player who does not live up to expectations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the "Best Available" strategy is a complex one that each team must make based on its own needs and circumstances.

NFL Draft Best Available

The NFL Draft Best Available is a strategy used by teams in the National Football League (NFL) during the annual NFL Draft, where they select the player who is considered to be the most talented and fits their needs, regardless of position.

• Talent: The most important factor in the Best Available strategy is talent. Teams want to select the players who have the most potential to be successful in the NFL.
• Need: Teams also consider their needs when making their draft selections. They may need to address a specific position or add depth to a certain area of their roster.
• Fit: The Best Available strategy also takes into account how well a player fits with the team's scheme and culture.
• Value: Teams try to get the best possible value for their draft picks. They want to select players who they believe will be productive contributors at a reasonable cost.
• Upside: Teams also consider a player's upside when making their draft selections. They want to select players who have the potential to develop into stars.
• Character: Teams also consider a player's character when making their draft selections. They want to select players who are good teammates and will represent the team well.
• Medical: Teams also consider a player's medical history when making their draft selections. They want to select players who are healthy and will be able to contribute immediately.
• Scheme fit: Teams also consider how well a player fits with their offensive or defensive scheme.

The Best Available strategy is a complex one that takes into account a variety of factors. Teams must weigh all of these factors carefully in order to make the best possible decisions on draft day.

1. Talent

In the NFL Draft, teams are constantly looking for players who have the potential to be successful in the league. This is why talent is the most important factor in the Best Available strategy. Teams want to select the players who they believe have the most upside and the greatest chance of becoming stars.

• Physical tools: When evaluating talent, teams look at a player's physical tools, such as size, speed, strength, and athleticism. These tools are important for success in the NFL, and teams want to select players who have the potential to be dominant in these areas.
• Football skills: In addition to physical tools, teams also look at a player's football skills. This includes things like ball handling, route running, tackling, and pass rushing. Teams want to select players who have the skills to be successful at their respective positions.
• Intangibles: Finally, teams also consider a player's intangibles, such as leadership, work ethic, and character. These intangibles are important for success in the NFL, and teams want to select players who have the qualities that will help them succeed both on and off the field.

The Best Available strategy is a complex one, but it is ultimately based on one simple principle: teams want to select the players who have the most potential to be successful in the NFL. By focusing on talent, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will help them win games and compete for championships.

2. Need

The "Need" component is a crucial aspect of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy. While talent is the most important factor, teams must also consider their specific needs when making their draft selections.

There are a number of reasons why a team might need to address a specific position or add depth to a certain area of their roster. For example, a team might have a starting player who is getting older or is coming off of an injury. In this case, the team might need to draft a player who can eventually replace the starter or provide depth in case of an injury.

Another reason why a team might need to address a specific position is if they have a weakness at that position. For example, a team might have a weak pass rush or a weak secondary. In this case, the team might need to draft a player who can improve their pass rush or secondary.

The "Need" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is important because it helps teams to build a well-rounded roster. By addressing their specific needs, teams can increase their chances of winning games and competing for championships.

Here are a few real-life examples of teams using the "Need" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy:

• In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected LSU quarterback Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick. The Ravens needed a quarterback to replace Joe Flacco, who was entering the final year of his contract. Jackson was the best available quarterback on the Ravens' draft board, and he has since become one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.
• In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Alabama wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with the 11th overall pick. The Browns needed a wide receiver to replace Jarvis Landry, who had signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Beckham was the best available wide receiver on the Browns' draft board, and he has since become one of the most productive receivers in the NFL.
• In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU cornerback Eli Apple with the 29th overall pick. The Bengals needed a cornerback to replace William Jackson III, who had signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency. Apple was the best available cornerback on the Bengals' draft board, and he has since become a key member of the Bengals' defense.

These are just a few examples of how teams have used the "Need" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy to build successful rosters. By considering their specific needs, teams can increase their chances of winning games and competing for championships.

3. Fit

The "Fit" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is important because it helps teams to build a cohesive roster that can execute their game plan effectively. When a player is a good fit for a team's scheme and culture, they are more likely to be successful on the field.

There are a number of factors that teams consider when evaluating a player's fit. These factors include:

• Scheme fit: Teams consider how well a player's skills and abilities fit with their offensive or defensive scheme. For example, a team that runs a spread offense might look for a quarterback who is good at throwing the ball accurately and quickly. A team that runs a 3-4 defense might look for a defensive end who is good at generating pressure on the quarterback.
• Culture fit: Teams also consider how well a player's personality and work ethic fit with the team's culture. For example, a team that values hard work and dedication might look for a player who is willing to put in the extra work to improve. A team that values teamwork might look for a player who is a good teammate and is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team.

The "Fit" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is important because it helps teams to build a successful roster that can win games and compete for championships. By considering a player's fit, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will be productive contributors both on and off the field.

Here are a few real-life examples of teams using the "Fit" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy:

• In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. Mahomes was a perfect fit for the Chiefs' offensive scheme, which is based on the spread offense. Mahomes has since become one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL.
• In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick. Jackson was a perfect fit for the Ravens' offensive scheme, which is based on the run-pass option (RPO). Jackson has since become one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.
• In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Jedrick Wills with the 10th overall pick. Wills was a perfect fit for the Browns' offensive scheme, which is based on the power running game. Wills has since become one of the best young offensive tackles in the NFL.

These are just a few examples of how teams have used the "Fit" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy to build successful rosters. By considering a player's fit, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will be productive contributors both on and off the field.

4. Value

The "Value" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is important because it helps teams to build a cost-effective roster that can compete for championships. When a team gets good value for its draft picks, it is able to select players who are productive contributors at a reasonable cost.

There are a number of factors that teams consider when evaluating a player's value. These factors include:

• Draft position: Teams consider the draft position of a player when evaluating his value. Players who are drafted in the first round are generally expected to be more valuable than players who are drafted in the later rounds.
• Position: Teams also consider a player's position when evaluating his value. Some positions, such as quarterback and wide receiver, are generally considered to be more valuable than other positions, such as offensive line and defensive tackle.
• Potential: Teams also consider a player's potential when evaluating his value. Some players have the potential to be Pro Bowl players, while others have the potential to be solid starters. Teams want to select players who have the potential to be impact players.
• Cost: Finally, teams also consider the cost of a player when evaluating his value. Some players come with a high price tag, while others are available for a more reasonable cost. Teams want to select players who provide good value for their cost.

The "Value" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is important because it helps teams to build a competitive roster that can win games and compete for championships. By considering a player's value, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will be productive contributors at a reasonable cost.

Here are a few real-life examples of teams using the "Value" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy:

• In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick. Elliott was considered to be one of the best running backs in the draft, and he was a good value for the Cowboys at the fourth overall pick.
• In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. Mahomes was considered to be a raw prospect, but he had a lot of potential. The Chiefs got good value for Mahomes at the 10th overall pick, as he has since become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
• In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick. Jackson was considered to be a risky pick, but he had a lot of upside. The Ravens got good value for Jackson at the 32nd overall pick, as he has since become one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.

These are just a few examples of how teams have used the "Value" component of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy to build successful rosters. By considering a player's value, teams can increase their chances of drafting players who will be productive contributors at a reasonable cost.

5. Upside

In the NFL Draft, teams are always looking for players who have the potential to be stars. These are the players who can make a big impact on the field and help their team win games. When teams are evaluating players, they look at a number of factors, including their physical tools, their football skills, and their intangibles. However, one of the most important factors that teams consider is a player's upside.

• Definition of Upside: Upside is a player's potential to develop into a star. It is based on a number of factors, including their physical tools, their football skills, their intangibles, and their work ethic. Players with high upside are often those who have a lot of natural talent and athleticism. They are also players who are willing to put in the work to improve their skills and reach their full potential.
• Importance of Upside: Upside is important because it gives teams a chance to draft players who can be impact players for many years to come. Players with high upside can be the foundation of a successful team. They can be the players who lead their team to championships.
• Examples of Players with High Upside: There are many examples of players who have been drafted with high upside and have gone on to become stars. Some of these players include:
  • Patrick Mahomes
  • Lamar Jackson
  • Justin Herbert
  • Trevor Lawrence
  • Ja'Marr Chase
• How Teams Evaluate Upside: Teams evaluate a player's upside by looking at a number of factors, including their physical tools, their football skills, their intangibles, and their work ethic. Teams also look at how a player has performed in college and how they have progressed over time.

Upside is a key factor that teams consider when making their draft selections. By drafting players with high upside, teams can increase their chances of building a successful team that can compete for championships.

6. Character

In the NFL, character is an important factor that teams consider when making their draft selections. Teams want to select players who are good teammates and will represent the team well both on and off the field. Players with good character are more likely to be successful in the NFL, both individually and as a team.

• Leadership: Teams look for players who are leaders on and off the field. These players are able to motivate their teammates and lead by example. They are also able to make good decisions and handle adversity well.
• Work ethic: Teams want to select players who are willing to work hard and put in the extra effort. These players are dedicated to their craft and are always looking for ways to improve. They are also willing to do the dirty work and make sacrifices for the team.
• Intelligence: Teams want to select players who are intelligent and can learn quickly. These players are able to understand complex playbooks and make quick decisions on the field. They are also able to adapt to new situations and learn from their mistakes.
• Maturity: Teams want to select players who are mature and can handle the pressures of the NFL. These players are able to stay focused and make good decisions both on and off the field. They are also able to handle criticism and adversity well.

Character is an important factor that teams consider when making their draft selections. By selecting players with good character, teams can increase their chances of building a successful team that can win games and compete for championships.

7. Medical

Evaluating a player's medical history is a crucial aspect of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy. Teams meticulously examine a player's medical records to assess their current and potential health conditions that may impact their performance on the field.

• Injury History: Teams thoroughly review a player's injury history to identify any previous or recurring injuries that could affect their ability to play. They assess the severity and nature of past injuries, as well as the player's recovery time and rehabilitation process.
• Chronic Conditions: Teams also consider a player's medical history for any chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart conditions. They evaluate the potential impact of these conditions on the player's performance and durability.
• Long-Term Health: Teams examine a player's overall health and fitness to assess their long-term health prospects. They consider factors such as family medical history, lifestyle choices, and overall physical condition.
• Substance Abuse: Teams investigate a player's history of substance abuse, including alcohol, drugs, or performance-enhancing substances. They assess the potential risks associated with substance abuse and its impact on a player's health and performance.

By carefully evaluating a player's medical history, teams can make informed decisions about their draft selections. They can identify players who are healthy and have a high probability of contributing immediately, while mitigating the risks associated with potential health issues.

8. Scheme fit

In the NFL Draft, scheme fit is a crucial component of the "Best Available" strategy. Teams meticulously evaluate how well a player's skills and attributes align with their specific offensive or defensive scheme.

The importance of scheme fit cannot be overstated. A player who is an excellent fit for one team's scheme may not be as effective in another team's scheme. For example, a quarterback with a strong arm and quick release may be a perfect fit for a team that utilizes a pass-heavy offense, but may struggle in a team that relies on a run-heavy offense.

Real-life examples abound of teams who have successfully drafted players who were a good fit for their scheme. The New England Patriots, under the leadership of Bill Belichick, have a long history of drafting players who fit their defensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and adaptability. The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their attacking defense, have consistently drafted players who excel at generating pressure on the quarterback.

Understanding the connection between scheme fit and the "Best Available" strategy is essential for teams to make informed draft decisions. By carefully evaluating a player's scheme fit, teams can increase their chances of selecting players who will be immediate contributors and long-term assets.

FAQs on "NFL Draft Best Available"

The "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is a complex and multifaceted approach to selecting players in the NFL Draft. To provide further clarity, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Question 1: What exactly is the "Best Available" strategy?

The "Best Available" strategy involves selecting the player who is considered to be the most talented and fits a team's needs, regardless of position. Teams evaluate players based on their physical attributes, football skills, intangibles, and scheme fit.

Question 2: How do teams determine which player is the "best available"?

Teams utilize a comprehensive scouting process to assess players. This includes evaluating game film, attending practices and workouts, and conducting interviews. Teams also rely on statistical analysis and medical evaluations to make informed decisions.

Question 3: What are the benefits of using the "Best Available" strategy?

The primary benefit is acquiring the most talented players who can make immediate contributions and serve as long-term assets. By focusing on talent and scheme fit, teams can build a well-rounded roster that can compete for championships.

Question 4: Are there any risks associated with the "Best Available" strategy?

One potential risk is passing on players who may be a better fit for a team's specific needs in favor of a player who is considered to be more talented. Another risk is overvaluing certain players and drafting them higher than their actual value.

Question 5: How can teams mitigate the risks associated with the "Best Available" strategy?

Teams can mitigate risks by conducting thorough evaluations of players, considering their scheme fit, and utilizing a balanced approach that takes into account both talent and need. Additionally, teams can trade up or down in the draft to acquire players who are a better fit for their team.

By understanding the intricacies of the "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy, teams can navigate the draft process effectively and make informed decisions that will contribute to their long-term success.

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Conclusion

The "NFL Draft Best Available" strategy is a complex and nuanced approach that requires teams to balance multiple factors when selecting players. By carefully evaluating talent, need, fit, value, upside, character, medical history, and scheme fit, teams can make informed decisions that will contribute to their long-term success.

The "Best Available" strategy is not without its risks, but by conducting thorough evaluations and utilizing a balanced approach, teams can mitigate these risks and increase their chances of drafting players who will make immediate and long-term contributions. In the highly competitive NFL landscape, teams that master the "Best Available" strategy will be well-positioned to build a championship-caliber roster.