The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, but for many teams and fans, the work continues. Whether you're a general manager meticulously analyzing your team's needs, a scout poring over player profiles, or a passionate fan eagerly anticipating the upcoming season, having a comprehensive checklist can be invaluable. This guide will serve as your ultimate resource, covering key aspects to review and analyze post-draft.
Understanding Your Team's Draft Strategy
Before diving into specific picks, it's crucial to understand the overarching strategy each team employed. Did they focus on addressing immediate needs, build for the future through high-upside potential, or pursue a balanced approach? Analyzing the team's pre-draft needs and how their draft selections align with those needs is a crucial first step. For example, did a team heavily prioritize the offensive line, suggesting a commitment to improving pass protection? Examining press conferences and post-draft analysis from team officials can offer further insight.
Reviewing Each Draft Pick: A Detailed Checklist
For each player selected, consider these key points:
Player Profile & Skill Set:
- Position: What position does the player fill, and how does that fit into the team's existing roster?
- Strengths: What are the player's most significant strengths and projectable NFL skills?
- Weaknesses: What areas need improvement? Are these weaknesses addressable, and is the team equipped to help the player develop in these areas?
- College Production: How did the player perform at the college level? Consider statistics, accolades, and overall impact.
- Combine/Pro Day Performance: Analyze their physical measurements, athletic testing results, and any on-field drills that are relevant to their position.
Scheme Fit & Team Needs:
- Offensive/Defensive Scheme Compatibility: Does the player's skillset align with the team's offensive or defensive scheme?
- Roster Needs: How does this pick address the team's most pressing needs? Does it fill a critical hole or add depth to a specific position group?
- Long-Term Potential: What is the player's ceiling? Is this a player who could become a star or a solid contributor?
Value & Draft Capital:
- Round Selected: Was the player selected in a position that aligns with their projected NFL value? Did the team get good value for their pick?
- Trade Considerations: If a trade was involved, was the trade worthwhile in terms of acquiring the player or moving up/down in the draft?
Post-Draft Analysis and Future Outlook
Once you've reviewed each individual pick, consider the following:
Overall Draft Grade:
How would you grade the team's draft as a whole? Did they successfully address their needs, get good value, and assemble a strong group of potential contributors? Numerous media outlets offer draft grades; comparing these to your own assessment can be insightful.
Immediate Impact vs. Long-Term Potential:
How many of the draft picks are likely to contribute immediately, and how many are considered projects with long-term upside? A balance between immediate contributors and future stars is often ideal.
Undrafted Free Agent Signings:
Remember to also assess the undrafted free agents signed by the team. These players can sometimes become valuable contributors.
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a "reach" and a "steal" in the draft? A "reach" refers to a player drafted higher than their perceived value, while a "steal" is a player drafted lower than their projected value. Determining if a pick was a reach or steal requires considering various factors, including player talent, team needs, and draft position.
How do teams determine their draft board? Team’s draft boards are complex and are built over the course of a year and typically involve extensive scouting, film study, player interviews, and team discussions. Each team has its own process and criteria for evaluating talent.
What are some common draft day mistakes? Common mistakes include reaching for need over value, ignoring character concerns, and overvaluing combine performance over actual game performance.
This checklist provides a framework for evaluating the 2023 NFL Draft. Remember that the true test of a successful draft lies in how these players perform on the field over the course of their careers. By carefully analyzing each pick and the overall draft strategy, you can gain a deeper understanding of each team's approach and future outlook.
