Something I have often wondered is how much emphasis, if any goes into taking players from the area or region. I'm not talking about just because they are ACC or SEC players or anything like that, but because of things like the climate, and a player's level of comfort staying in the general area.
I remember moving down to Jacksonville for the first time 25 years ago, and the weather was a big adjustment for me, and it took about 2 years for me to physically adjust. The adjustment to being in a completely new environment took just some time too. I wonder if GMs take that into consideration when scouting and drafting players. Is it even part of the equation? Would that be a factor in taking one player over another who is similarly graded?
I wonder if it's part of the process at all, and if it has anything to do with the successes and failures of players.
I doubt it is a serious consideration in the player selection process because these guys will adapt to the climate here if they're not accustomed to it. They'll have no choice but to do so in OTAs, mini camp, and training camp.
Now, does it make sense to look at guys who have a regional connection? It certainly doesn't hurt, but again, I'm doubting it's given much thought unless you've got 2 guys who grade out the same, and the only difference is where they played. Maybe then it would be a consideration.
Interesting discussion topic, btw.
I have noticed that a lot of the guys that Caldwell has brought in have roots in Florida. Bortles, Storm, Cyprien, Ace Sanders, Denard Robinson, Evans, Watson, Telvin Smith, Geno Hayes, Linder. I think it probably has to do more with there being a lot of good football players coming from the state than anything.
Quote:Something I have often wondered is how much emphasis, if any goes into taking players from the area or region. I'm not talking about just because they are ACC or SEC players or anything like that, but because of things like the climate, and a player's level of comfort staying in the general area.
I remember moving down to Jacksonville for the first time 25 years ago, and the weather was a big adjustment for me, and it took about 2 years for me to physically adjust. The adjustment to being in a completely new environment took just some time too. I wonder if GMs take that into consideration when scouting and drafting players. Is it even part of the equation? Would that be a factor in taking one player over another who is similarly graded?
I wonder if it's part of the process at all, and if it has anything to do with the successes and failures of players.
i think it factors into late round picks and UDFAs. Also helps sometimes in free agency, getting a player back to their home city sometimes is a huge incentive.
It shouldn't be, and I think most, if not all would say no it is not.
I think though human nature plays into this. You hear about certain players much more than others depending on the region you live. Whether a conscious effort or not, I think it does play a role.
One thing I always find interesting are the amount of regional players that sign with each team after the draft as rookie free agents.
I think it's an interesting question. Personally, if two players graded out equally, I might take it into consideration and take the local guy because of the easier adjustment to the local environment.
On the other hand, I wonder if sometimes it might work the other way. Is it possible that a GM could want to avoid a local guy because of his local associations, and take a guy from across the country who would have to leave his associates behind to come here?
I'm sure it's somewhat considered. Especially if some struggles in a particular weather climate in college and has to go to a similar climate in the pros.
I could have sworn I remember an early quote from Khan (perhaps from a press conference), after he took ownership, about something similar - stating that he wanted the Jaguars to place more of an emphasis of bringing in more regional people than in the past, whether it be players/ coaches/ front office side, et al. I think he was alluding to the fact that it was beneficial two-fold.
Quote:I could have sworn I remember an early quote from Khan (perhaps from a press conference), after he took ownership, about something similar - stating that he wanted the Jaguars to place more of an emphasis of bringing in more regional people than in the past, whether it be players/ coaches/ front office side, et al. I think he was alluding to the fact that it was beneficial two-fold.
His point had more to do with fan familiarity than anything else. He wasn't talking about climate issues. Especially since the Jags play all over the country in all types of weather conditions.
yes I think it does. But not for the ability to adjust to the climate. But I think for the mere sake of it being easier to scout more local players because of nothing more than just proximity.
Quote:yes I think it does. But not for the ability to adjust to the climate. But I think for the mere sake of it being easier to scout more local players because of nothing more than just proximity.
But, when you've got a scouting staff as large as the one the Jags employ, that's not a factor. They have regional scouts covering the entire country.
Another question... do you guys think 2 players EVER grade out equally? Like completely equally?
I find it hard to believe that with all the information available to scouts and GMs that they couldn't discern differences.. I can't imagine a group of players with identical grades where they're just like "oh just pick em out of a hat, they're equal".
But very interesting topic.
It would make sense to pick someone who has thrived in your climate, for example, especially if your climate is considered extreme.
Hear me out, scouts and dave will pick the best player for their system based on performance and talent. However, if a certain player shows a track record and can use their talents in a system that is used on the team then they gain an advantage over their peers. My point being regional players may be selected based on where assistant coaches comes from. Linder via Jedd seems like the spot on example for this.
Furthermore, I think the draw for coaches within the region to come to the Jaguars is stronger than players, however it has a lasting impact on players who will come from the similar programs.
If our front office hires a coach with pac 12 background, then he is more likely to hire pac 12 assistants, and therefore we run schemes that pac 12 players excel in.
I'm confident if you align drafted players who excel at their position to coaching trees and who for/where the players played it would be pretty outstanding.
Quote:Another question... do you guys think 2 players EVER grade out equally? Like completely equally?
I find it hard to believe that with all the information available to scouts and GMs that they couldn't discern differences.. I can't imagine a group of players with identical grades where they're just like "oh just pick em out of a hat, they're equal".
But very interesting topic.
It would make sense to pick someone who has thrived in your climate, for example, especially if your climate is considered extreme.
I'm sure it happens. I'm fairly certain they're not grading them out to the 10th decimal or anything like that.
If it happens, and one guy is an SEC player, and the other guy played for one of the northern ACC teams, I'm not sure that climate would be a factor at all.
To be honest, I tend to think it's pretty doubtful they're taking climate into consideration with any players. When they're talking about drafting more regional players, especially when it's Khan talking about it, it's about ticket sales and attracting fans. It has nothing to do with climate. The general mindset is that fans will come out for players they're more familiar with, or had a rooting interest in when they were in college. The SEC is huge here, so it stands to reason that, from an owner's perspective, drafting regional players local fans already have an attachment to could mean a bump in ticket sales.
Like I said earlier, these guys play in all sorts of weather during the season, so it becomes less of a factor as the season progresses.
As deep as they dig into these guys lives, I'm sure it plays some kind of factor at some point. No one's talking about not talking a player they like because he's from a different climate. However,for example in Denver, if a kid that grades out the same as another kid playing the same positions but happens to be from the Denver area and is accustomed to the air he would hold a slight edge over someone from say Florida.
Guys that are used to the humidity and heat of the South might hold a slight edge over someone from a colder climate that might take time to adjust.
I'd say it's safe to assume this plays a much bigger role when addressing UDFA, guys that are long shots to make the team anyways but when they consider which offer to take they probably look at climates and conditions in addition to strengths and depth of the their specific position group on said team.
Quote:As deep as they dig into these guys lives, I'm sure it plays some kind of factor at some point. No one's talking about not talking a player they like because he's from a different climate. However,for example in Denver, if a kid that grades out the same as another kid playing the same positions but happens to be from the Denver area and is accustomed to the air he would hold a slight edge over someone from say Florida.
Guys that are used to the humidity and heat of the South might hold a slight edge over someone from a colder climate that might take time to adjust.
I'd say it's safe to assume this plays a much bigger role when addressing UDFA, guys that are long shots to make the team anyways but when they consider which offer to take they probably look at climates and conditions in addition to strengths and depth of the their specific position group on said team.
It makes sense but I'd think that it would be so far down the list of determining factors that it basically never comes up.
It could factor into some of the teams that play in a freezing climate, like Buffalo, Green Bay, or Chicago. I doubt it's relevant for most teams.
Quote:It makes sense but I'd think that it would be so far down the list of determining factors that it basically never comes up.
Exactly. You'd have to be digging deep at that point to use that as a factor in selecting a player.
When you're trying to develop a fan base in North Florida, it makes sense to draft regional guys or guys that are from the area. Caldwell seems to draft regional guys who also meet value. Better than drafting a punter in the 3rd, a TE/QB hybrid from Nebraska Omaha, etc.