Comparing Current to Past Draft Classes
Nobody has the time to write (or read) a full analysis of comparisons between draft classes at each position… so I thought I’d take a quick glance at 2012-2015 at the Offensive Linemen (I picked these positions because my gut had me thinking it was a great class).
When evaluating talent in a draft class I typically start by setting a floor at the attributes I find most important (the floor moves around for me year to year)… the attributes I focus on for Offensive Linemen are: SPD / STR / AGI / ACC (I filter by AWR / PBK / RBK also but do that separately once I find the players that make the cut based on the floor).
The FLOOR:
SPD = 60
STR = 90
AGI = 65
ACC = 70
When filtering those 4 attributes and reviewing the 2012 [9 players made the cut], 2013 [16 players made the cut], 2014 [21 players made the cut] and 2015 [25 players made the cut] draft classes you can see each year the draft classes have improved (for offensive linemen).
Next, I filter by desired height [6’4” +] and weight [300 lbs +] and find out there are 59 player players who are 6’4” or taller and 59 players who are 300 lbs or heavier… and 51 players that are both 6’4” or taller and 300 lbs or heavier.
The other key attributes (I feel) are a players blocking skill and awareness… for blocking I set a floor while awareness I view it from respectable & advanced.
The FLOOR:
PBK = 80
RBK = 80
AWR = 55 (respectable)
AWR = 60 (advanced)
Here’s how the DEEP dive shook out… 6’4” + [59 players made the cut], 300 lbs + [59 players made the cut] and when you combine both height and weight [51 players made the cut]. For blocking… PBK [52 players made the cut] , RBK [50 players made the cut] and when you combine both PBK and RBK [37 players made the cut]. For awareness [48 players made the respectable cut while 17 made the advanced cut].
FULL VIEW of all filtering in place you end up with what I’d call the best of the best offered over the past 4 draft classes [27 players made the cut]… 2012 had 6 players, 2013 had 7 players, 2014 had 10 players and 2015 had 4 players.
