Results for: Player Evaluation

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has been wearing ‘VILLAIN’ shirts to subtly jab at critics of the team’s rebuild. On Friday, he took it a step further with ‘POSITIONAL VILLAIN’ sweatshirts in the draft war room. This move comes after Holmes received criticism for selecting a running back and linebacker in the first 18 picks of last year’s draft. However, both players, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, went on to have standout rookie seasons, proving Holmes’ evaluations correct. Holmes defended his decision, stating that he prioritizes drafting the best players rather than focusing solely on positional value. This bold approach has paid off, with the draft class being named the league’s best and Holmes being named executive of the year.

This study aims to quantify the concept of “upside” in NFL Draft prospects by analyzing athletic measurables and historical performance data. It seeks to determine which positions and athletic profiles have a higher likelihood of improvement at the NFL level. While upside should not be the sole factor in player evaluation, it can be a valuable tie-breaker or eliminator in evaluating players’ potential. By quantifying upside and downside, this study provides a more objective framework for assessing player prospects and their potential for future improvement.

In the modern era of college athletics, transferring schools has become commonplace. This trend has not gone unnoticed by NFL talent evaluators, who now view transfers with a more open mind. Over one-third of the prospects invited to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine have transferred at least once, including top prospects such as USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. According to NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, transfers are no longer seen as a negative, with evaluators instead focusing on a player’s talent and character. The relaxation of transfer rules, combined with the ability for athletes to earn money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, has given players more options and flexibility. While transferring is not without its challenges, it can provide athletes with opportunities to improve their skills, increase their exposure, and potentially increase their draft stock.

The NFL’s implementation of a new kickoff rule is influencing how teams approach player selection during the draft. This rule, which mandates a low-impact kickoff approach with reduced player contact, is prompting teams to prioritize specific player attributes for special teams play.

The Denver Broncos’ front office provides insight into their meticulous draft preparation, emphasizing communication, collaborative decision-making, and thorough player evaluation. They prioritize a player’s learning ability, utilizing methods like play-calling analysis and AI integration. The team navigates the debate between drafting for best talent or addressing specific team needs, highlighting the importance of player grading and value in their decision-making process. While acknowledging the presence of mock drafts and public speculation, they emphasize the importance of sticking to their own evaluations and avoiding external influence.