When evaluating the situations for rookies, how much do you consider the team's past success drafting at the position? I ask this because it seems as though some teams are very adept at drafting certain positions while others seem that they could do better with a dart board.
I know there are many more, but the first two rookie players/situations to come to mind are:
Andre Brown - The Giants have enjoyed remarkable success in evaluating backs for their system. With Jacobs (4th round), Ward (drafted in 7th by Jets but never played for them), Grant (UDFA) and Bradshaw (7th round) as success stories, I moved Brown up a couple of places in my rankings. Yes, I know about the Dayne pick years ago, but their accomplishments in discovering good players later in the draft is underrated.
Gartrell Johnson - Sproles in 4th round and Michael Turner in the 5th round are two great reasons to like Johnson. Gartrell looked like a man against boys in the bowl game against Fresno State. He also looked good in Senior Bowl week. With the uncertain future of Tomlinson, Gartrell could have a future in SD.
For second year players, Kevin O'Connell is a guy I am watching for the same reasons. NE has enjoyed success in grading passers and spent a third round pick on him. Now, with Cassel gone, O'Connell should see some time/reps in preseason. Also, in terms of dynasty, Dan Orlovsky is a guy to keep an eye on. Kubiak knows what to look for. He made the bold move for Schaub. The Texans gave Orlovsky a good deal of money. I do expect Schaub to be the long-term option, but Kubiak's success with QBs makes me like Orlovsky.
What are other players/situations that you either upgrade or downgrade a player because of the team's history in evaluating talent?
I know there are many more, but the first two rookie players/situations to come to mind are:
Andre Brown - The Giants have enjoyed remarkable success in evaluating backs for their system. With Jacobs (4th round), Ward (drafted in 7th by Jets but never played for them), Grant (UDFA) and Bradshaw (7th round) as success stories, I moved Brown up a couple of places in my rankings. Yes, I know about the Dayne pick years ago, but their accomplishments in discovering good players later in the draft is underrated.
Gartrell Johnson - Sproles in 4th round and Michael Turner in the 5th round are two great reasons to like Johnson. Gartrell looked like a man against boys in the bowl game against Fresno State. He also looked good in Senior Bowl week. With the uncertain future of Tomlinson, Gartrell could have a future in SD.
For second year players, Kevin O'Connell is a guy I am watching for the same reasons. NE has enjoyed success in grading passers and spent a third round pick on him. Now, with Cassel gone, O'Connell should see some time/reps in preseason. Also, in terms of dynasty, Dan Orlovsky is a guy to keep an eye on. Kubiak knows what to look for. He made the bold move for Schaub. The Texans gave Orlovsky a good deal of money. I do expect Schaub to be the long-term option, but Kubiak's success with QBs makes me like Orlovsky.
What are other players/situations that you either upgrade or downgrade a player because of the team's history in evaluating talent?