NFL Combine – Running Backs/Fullbacks

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Drafting in the first round shouldn’t be that tough a task. Going in, identify your top needs in no particular order. Let’s say for the Chiefs that would be:

OLB edge rusher, NT, WR, QB.

Then when your pick comes, look at your board and take the highest graded player at any of those top needs and send up the card. If none carry a first round grade, look to trade back. No trading partner? Hold firm and take your top guy regardless of position and thus not reach. OR, go outside your top needs and take the top rated/graded player regardless of position.

All too often, someone on a coaching staff meets, then falls in love with a player and overlooks his liabilities. Hello, reach. Or, they go for obvious need in spite of a lower rating. Hello again, reach.

So the key is the grades established by the scouts/coaching team/GM prior to the draft and staying true to one’s board. One other observation which is unique to the 2011 draft and the unsettled CBA issue. Teams like to sign UFAs prior to the draft to shore up roster weaknesses and thus shift focus to more specific areas of need.

It’s unlikely that strategy will be in play this year for obvious reasons. This year’s draft could be among the most lively we’ve seen in some time.