Finding/Developing Low Round Starters

[MrDNA]

Sure, I know that as the draft goes longer it becomes less likely to find starters, but at the same time not everyone starting on an NFL was picked in the first two rounds.

It seems that after the initial two rounds are up, I'm out of luck at finding anything other than camp fodder (with rare exceptions). I either get someone with a rating of 17/51 who never develops despite mentors, summer league and a coach proficient as his position - or a 25/35 guy who quickly becomes 27/27 or something along those lines.

Is this a problem with my drafting or with my ability to develop talent? Probably a little of both, I imagine. Any assistance or advice in either arena would be greatly appreciated.

[QuikSand]

Here are a couple of thoughts...

The single biggest thing you (anyone) can do to get more out of your later-round picks is stop focusing too much on the player's apparent overall potential. In FOF 2004, it was the fact that a certain guy was rated XX/55... you might be tempted to look at that 55 and started drawing conclusions for what he might be able to do for you. In FOF 2007, now we don't have an overall score until after the draft, but it's the same problem -- it's too easy to look at those nice little blule/orange ratings ranges, and start to think about what if my guys relaly fills up those bars, then he'll be so great at this and that... blah blah blah. Avoid this trap.

With late round players, if you want to get guys who can help your team, then instead of focusing so much on their apparent scouted potential, look instead more closely at...

multiple pretty good combine scores

one exceptional combine score

players who are highly developed already

exceptional relevant skill, even in one area

...and the whole universe of information that you have other than just those pesky blue/orange ratings ranges.


And when you use these tactics, and you stumble across a few late-round picks who look like they might actually turn out to be pretty good -- get them playing time, give them a mentor if you can, and let them develop.

[Mike D]

Avoid this trap.

So true, but easier said than done for some of us.

[DougWyatt]

Also, the big V.

To me this is #1. Playing a couple decades of historical leagues, I think has given me a little better feel for this, because I've noticed that if a "big name" guy drops; he usually has a high volatility & he usually pans out.

[dj_morton]

Originally Posted by DougWyatt

Also, the big V.

To me this is #1. Playing a couple decades of historical leagues, I think has given me a little better feel for this, because I've noticed that if a "big name" guy drops; he usually has a high volatility & he usually pans out.

I agree

[Vinatieri for Prez]

PT PT PT PT PT PT. There is no substitute.

[JMO]

As I've played, i've went more and more by combine scores than I did at the start. A CB who runs a 4.75 and isnt agile but is very underrated will probaly not pan out. Decide what you want at each position and go with that.

Certain positions suit certain spots. You can get safeties, olinemen(especially guards and centers), running backs and sometimes DTs low. Figure out the strentgh of the draft. often you will see alot of talent at one position. If you need a Cb and its a strong CB year take one early sure, but take a prospect(with good combine scores) later too.

I would also say look out for tweeners. you can often get a prety serviceable end out of a bg linebacker. Switch safeties to cb and vice versa.

Anyway..main point is, try to get guys with good combine scores and look out of place at that point in the draft. I wouldn't worry too much about filling hole in round 5,6,7. Just take the guy with decent combine scores and bars in te place you need them.

[MartinD]

It's certainly easier to find starter-quality players late in the draft (or as rookie free agents) at certain positions - my current SP team has a starting center drafted in the 6th round and a 4th-round starting safety (although in both cases the incumbent starters at these positions weren't particularly good - both guys have been full-time starters from day 1). Fullback is another position where you can get a startable player late on in the draft.

My feeling on late-round picks is to use them either to provide depth (backup linemen on both sides of the ball, third down backs, return guys, one-dimensional players who will be able to contribute (e.g. run-stuffing DT), etc) or to pick up real projects who may have a chance of being decent players some day (which is why I normally take a late-round QB or pick up a rookie free agent QB most years - you can't win the QB lottery if you don't buy a ticket!)

Martin

[dj_morton]

I almost always draft a QB in the 6th or 7th..along with a good KR/PR..I agree with MartinD about the run-stuffing DT...I try to get as many of them as possible

[Narcizo]

Or take a scattergun approach to no-combine guys who seem to have good scouted ratings. The AI (and humans) will tend to steer clear of them so there's potential to get a good pay out there. Jim drafted two no combine linebackers in IHOF (admittedly both in the 2nd round) and they both seem to be panning out very well, compared to linebackers ranked at a similar level in the draft. You're going to get some busts but I think, if in doubt, grab someone with no combines.

[perez24]

Originally Posted by dj_morton

I almost always draft a QB in the 6th or 7th..along with a good KR/PR..I agree with MartinD about the run-stuffing DT...I try to get as many of them as possible

I do the same thing. Most of the time the QBs don't pan out, but they do serve as good, cheap kick holders for a year or two...and every now and then you get a decent player.

Also, try to sign as many mentors as possible.

[MrDNA]

I tried out some of these strategies in my last draft and half way through the season, it seems to be working pretty well (on everyone except my first rounder who, despite putting up great stats, has dropped to a 37/37 - must stop focusing on those numbers!)

One quick question: I feel like I saw a chart on here of what would be considered good combine numbers for each position, but now I can't find it. Can anyone point the way? Thanks again, guys.

[MartinD]

Try here: AAA Draft Chart

Martin