FOF 2004 - Rookie Draft Impressions

[QuikSand]

I think that one of the more important and subtle changes in this game (especially for the single player experience) is the revision to the rookie draft. I think there's an important balance needed -- make the draft too easy, and it becomes too big a part of the game. Make it too random, and it becomes too small a part.

For those who are actually underway with FOF 2004 careers, and playing to win -- what are your impressions of the rookie draft?

-What factors are you using to determine players to select?

-How much weight do you place in the scouted "blue" rating bands?

-How are you doing with later round picks?

[sabotai]

For later rounds, I'm pretty much ignoring the blue bars for the attributes, unless I'm looking for something specific (like a CB with high Zone for nickel and dime packages) I'm basically just paying attention to the Combine score that matters. High reps for linemen, low 40 time for RB's and WR's. And the higher the test score, the better.

I also look for either a really low or really high volatility score. There was an RB up that had maxed out blue bars and great combine scores. His Volatility was a 1 (yes, ONE). I traded up from 6th to 2nd pick to make sure I got him (he was 2nd in Adj. Score) When he was finally signed and the season started, his rushing attributes were nearly maxed out.

If I'm looking for just a late round roster filler, I try for high volatility. Just in case he breaks out.

[amdaily]

For first round picks I've gone 2 for 9 in the first nine seasons :(.

[sabotai]

I guess no one wants to talk about the draft. :)

[sabotai]

Also, another thing I've been looking for late in the draft are players who are more fully developed. They are most likely going to be backups so they need to be able to play right away. I'll be willing to wait for a future superstar to develope over a season or two, but for a backup, I need someone to jump in there and be a backup.

[Neuqua]

Jeez, I hope you guys figure something out. I could use all the help I can get. Every guy I draft is turning out to be a bad pick. What kinds of things are each of you personally looking for? I'm talking moreso in the earlier rounds.

[Ben E Lou]

1. So far, I'm looking at EVERYTHING in the early rounds. I look at adjusted rating, low volatility, agent stubborness, etc. etc. etc. You name it, I am looking at it. I am spending FAR more time in the draft than ever before, and loving it. My scores have been B and B- so far. In the early rounds, I am partial to low volatility. In the late rounds, I look for a combination of future potential, high volatility, and a good 40-time or bench press.

2. I'm not placing a ton of weight there above any of the other factors, with one exception. If there is a "key" rating for me at a particular position, such as Bump and Run for CB's and Run Blocking for C's & G's, then I weigh the blue bands rather heavily.

3. So far, I have a 6th-round RB who may turn out to be a contributor, and a 7th-round SE who'll probably stick be my 3rd WR this upcoming season. Both are only 2nd-year guys now, so I can't comment much.

[Mark]

Got a B+ in a draft I did last night. My first round pick (#10) wasn't so hot, but I had two green paper players in my 4th (a QB) and 7th (a RB) picks. The RB was more of a special teams pick than anything, but it looks like he has some upside.

[Daimyo]

I started geting decent drafts when I started nearly totally ignoring the combine and adjusted combine rating. Now I generally look more at the raw stats (strength, speed, intelligence, agility), my own scouts general impression, and volatility. Seems there is a correlation between the raw stats and ratings for different positions... ie:

Offensive line: strength = run blocking, agility = pass blocking

Also it seems to me that some positions are easier to pull very late in the draft. For example, I've had a lot of luck getting decent WR and RB very late in the draft, but very little luck with DL.

[SunDancer]

What is volatility?

[bigdawg2003]

In my first draft there were several outstanding QBs who weren't drafted. The guys had very high blue bars, low volatility, everything to make you believe they would be first rounders. Also, when I was signing them, I had no competition and got them for very cheap. My lead scout is only Good with QBs and Young Talent, so I don't think it was just my scout seeing something the others didn't.

[Noop]

I suck at drafting... but I've been riding that horse called Ricky Williams I'm afraid he's going to pull up lame soon. 400+ carries a season( 4 so far). Help me cause I'm in cap trouble...