... and not this one in particular.

 

To me, it always seems like the way I view the Draft is from a different point of view from a lot of other fans. Due to this, I wanted to lay out my views and more importantly, get a chance to read yours.

 

First off, the Players. To me, the players available in the Draft should not be viewed in a historical context against previous draft classes or other players. The players are who they are, and expectations should be based on their skill set and perceived potential. In other words, Jameis Winston went #1 overall in 2015 and Peyton Manning did the same in '98. This doesn't mean that Winston should be considered a failure if he doesn't meet or exceed Manning's career. What is relevant is how Winston compares to the rest of the players that are available when he was selected. This leads me to...

 

Secondly, the Draft Selections. More accurately, the position a particular team has in the Draft. Trading your draft pick or acquiring another team's pick needs to be, in my opinion, viewed with the idea of projected success, particularly when it comes to future picks. In other words, New England's Third Round selection isn't going to hold the same value as Cleveland's. Obvious statement is obvious, but I think it bears repeating. And Finally...

 

The Draft Class. This is very closely tied to the first point, and may even be the same thing but I feel like there are nuances buried in it that should be brought to light. A top five pick in 2016 should not be held to standards that are outside of the draft class. In each and every class, there is a "best" player. How that player stacks up against the rest of the players in the League should really only come into consideration if a team is considering trading for future picks. The next point is the "shape" of the Draft class. I've long thought that a draft class is a lot like a pyramid, but one that maybe Picasso would design. Basically, it would not have continuous lines or a steady shape. There may be Classes where there is a clear cut #1 talent. That pyramid would be skinny at the top. Then there may be others where several players bunch up towards the high 20's and low 30's. This pyramid will bulge as it descends.

 

Does any of this make sense? Do your views differ?

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