http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...ls/draft/2008/04/14/lombardi.mocks/index.html Ex Raiders executive Mike Lombardi has a great article on mock drafts and what to look for and how NFL teams used them when he was in the NFL . With one week before the draft, never believe any team officials' quotes, especially what direction they may be headed with their selection. It is not in their best interest to let anything out. 2. As you do your research, if the team and the player are always the same, then the chances of that player going there are not very good. This applies particularly in the bottom 15 of the first round. Think outside the box and remember misinformation is what most teams are trying to pass along. 3. Running backs tend to slip. Backs have a short career in the NFL, so picking one high in the first round is a huge investment. 4. If the mock you're reading does not have six defensive linemen in the first round, stop reading it. Defensive linemen will go quickly. You have to work defensive and offensive linemen heavily in the first round. 5. After the 10th pick in the first round, it is all about how well you know what each team needs. Study the team needs and forget about the "Best Player Available" theory. It no longer applies. The draft today is so even in terms of talent that teams just pick to fill their needs. Put the player in the spot that fits those specific team needs. 6. The Giants, Raiders, Dolphins, Jaguars, Cowboys and Packers are size/speed teams. They will pick players that fit the size and speed profile for the position. So think "big and fast" before putting a name in for these teams.
Good read I think the need thing is underestimated a lot by media/amateur mockers who like the whole BPA thing. Bottom line is there is no BPA-everyone has their own idea who the BPA is, and with talent levels becoming more even it makes sense to fill a sore spot on your team. Its also more about short term success than long term. Sure, Chris Long might be our guy in 1-2 years when JT hits the talk scene and not the field, but right now would he be the best choice? Thats the kind of thinking that dominates todays NFL teams unless your in a situation where you have the luxury of taking a long term pick, but they are few and far between.
I think you nailed it. How many coaches have long term security where they can wait for one player to gracefully retire while the youngblood bides his time on the bench. Best Player Available is a nice cliche but when your job is on the line and you got a glaring hole at Cornerback, you're not going to draft a wide receiver (unless you're Matt Millen)
