The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events in the world of football. For teams, it represents a chance to add new talent to their roster and potentially find the next superstar player. But what goes on behind the scenes in the draft room? How do teams evaluate and select college football players to join their ranks?
The evaluation process of college football players is a complex and detailed one that involves a combination of scouting, research, and analysis. Teams have entire departments dedicated to finding and evaluating potential draft picks, and the process can take months leading up to the draft.
Scouting is a crucial part of the evaluation process. Scouts are responsible for watching tape of college games, attending pro days and combines, and interviewing players and coaches to gather as much information as possible about a player’s abilities and potential. They look for specific skills and traits that will translate well to the NFL, such as speed, strength, agility, and football IQ.
In addition to scouting, teams also use analytics and statistics to evaluate players. They look at a player’s production in college, as well as metrics such as 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and bench press reps to determine a player’s potential at the next level. They also consider factors like injury history, character issues, and work ethic when evaluating a player’s draft stock.
Once all the information has been gathered, teams use a grading system to rank players and create their draft board. The board ranks players by position and overall talent, giving teams a guide to follow when it’s their turn to make a selection in the draft. Teams will also discuss potential trades and draft strategies based on their needs and the available talent in the draft class.
During the draft itself, teams will huddle in the draft room to make their selections. The general manager, head coach, and scouts will all have input on who to pick, and decisions can sometimes be made in a matter of minutes. Teams will also field calls from other teams looking to make trades, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process.
In the end, the evaluation process of college football players is a high-stakes game of strategy and skill. Teams must carefully evaluate and analyze hundreds of players in order to find the right fit for their roster. And while not every draft pick will turn into a star player, the evaluation process is crucial to building a successful team in the NFL.
