Draft AI and team needs

[Matthean]

Didn't want to thread jack the other thread talking about making a formula for teams to use to draft...How well do AI teams in SP leagues stick to their needs versus the best player available as it currently stands? I ask because I'm sort of playing out my top picks based on what teams do seem to rate certain positions as needs.

Case in point. I scan and see that no team has even a 3rd highest needs for a ILB, but one. I figure I should be able to pick up the 3rd rated ILB at 1.26. I do the draft and suddenly the top four ILBs are taken before I pick. This seem possible, the norm, or unlikely?

[Autumn]

I'm sure someone will have a more experienced answer ... but in my experience the Highest Needs info is useless when it comes to the draft, as far as trying to predict what the AI teams will do. I think its use is primarily in arranging trades. When it comes to the draft, teams are much more sophisticated in their choices.

[Matthean]

The draft that followed I watched what teams took in the first round. It was rare for a team to go outside of their top 3 needs, and most picks where within the first two. The next draft ILB was an overwhelming need and the highest ILB was ranked around 5.1. Despite the need for one, ILBs didn't start to go until round 3. This year has one ILB over 5.0, so most teams will be picking them late despite them likely still being a huge need. Checking, 11 have ILB as number 1 need. 5 as number two, 5 as number 3. I did see some of them needing them as a reserve versus a starter, but that's still 21 needing a ILB. Apparently I "need" a starter despite having a 68/68 rated ILB. :lol:

[Celeval]

In that particular case, the AI may be thinking you should be in the 3-4... in which case, another starting ILB would be useful. ;)

[surlyc]

In that particular case, the AI may be thinking you should be in the 3-4... in which case, another starting ILB would be useful. ;)The game spent 4 seasons telling me I needed a new starting ILB, despite having an 88/88 MLB, an 85/85 & 78/78 DT pairing and a 71/71 and 54/54 DE pairing. No chance of me considering the 3-4 there... :p

I do find the highest needs tend to hint at the draft AI. But it's about a balance between the talent available and the needs. And those irritating trades which screw up your carefully planned draft. :banghead:

;)