I like most of the ideas.
Only one I dont like is the mock drafts. Dont think those are needed in the game.
Here is what I would like to see....
During the season
-Allow us, if desired, to upload the NCAA draft classes for the next years draft at the BEGINNING of the season. That way, those players could go through everything in the game instead of the default draft classes.
-At the beginning of each regular season, have a list of the top 50 prospects from the next draft. Then have updated player ranking after week 8, week 17 and after the playoffs.
-Allow the user's team to keep an eye on 5 certain prospects THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. Like, if you know your team really needs help at the RT and FS positions, allow teams to keep keen eyes on players from these positions, and get extra info on them, like their college stats, interviews they have, any off the field issues they have, GPA, and any other info on them.
Offseason
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Combine - Obviously, this is an important part of the scouting process. The combine shouldnt be predetermined and should have a DIRECT affect on the draft. If a CB rated in the top 10 has a dreadful combine, his stock should realistically drop. Conversely, if a 4th round rated prospect has a phenomenal combine, his stock would rise.
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Pro Day - I dont think this is an ABSOLUTE must, but it would be nice.
CLEAR17's idea was good.
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Coach Roundtable- Obviously, it can have a different name. Actually, it doesnt even really need a name. I think other coaches on the staff should have a say in what players they like. This could improve coach morale or rating if the team takes their suggestion. It should be based on who fits their system, team needs and personal tastes.
Draft Day
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Differing team draft logic - Teams should all have their own draft logic. Certian coaches/teams should lean towards BPA, some towards team needs, some being risk takers (taking risks on players with alot of potential, but not a great draft grade, or players with character issues). It'd be cool if all the coaches could have draft ratings and tendencies. For example....
Bill Belichick
97 Draft Knowledge
Leans towards: BPA
Risk taking: 83
A coach like this would probably hit on more players than miss. On the other hand...
Marvin Lewis
71 Draft Knowledge
Leans towards: Needs
Risk taking: 94
And a coach like this may have trouble in the draft.
I SHOULD MENTION THAT ALL TEAMS SHOULD MAINLY BASE THEIR DRAFT ON BOTH BPA AND NEEDS. For Example, if a coach/team leans towards BPA, it should still be based on needs as well. A team like the Steelers or Chargers wouldnt draft a QB in the first round. Ill go into more detail about this in the next segment.
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Improved Draft AI (for CPU) - The CPU AI should examine each teams needs ON DRAFT DAY, and draft based on that. That means, after FA and everything is done, the computer should figure out what each teams biggest needs are going into the draft. It should be based on all of the following criteria....
Lowest Rated position: Each position should have an overall rating, based on all the players ratings on that team.
Number of players at the position: If a team only has 2 CBs on the roster, the need for CB would be higher.
Player Ages: The Colts dont need a QB, but say it is 2013, Peyton Manning's career is winding down, the Colts could spend a early pick on a QB based on their other needs and who is available.
Prospect Ranking: Self explanatory.
Draft logic: See above.
Also, teams should adjust their needs as the draft goes on.
IF I SEE A TEAM DRAFT 4 QBs or 5 WRs in the same draft, I am not going to be happy. Dont laugh, its happened before.
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Better Mix of Players and realistic draft spots: Some drafts should be top heavy with certian positions, but not overboard. There shouldnt be 7 first Rd rated QBs. All positions should get their fair due. I understand some drafts will be weak at some positions, but there should be a better mix.
Also, certain positions have are at more demand. For instance, more often than not, you arent going to see a TE taken in the top 5 (unless they are crazy good), or a 1st round kicker.
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Draft Day presentation: I honestly would just like it to feel more like the actual draft. I didnt mind how it was on PS2 (not sure how it is on next gen), but it would be nice if it was like PS2 with a little more flair.
A better intro to draft day. Have an NFL network announcer say something like "Hello football fans, and welcome to EA Sports Networks coverage of the NFL draft! We are very excited to see who goes where...." And so on. Just make it feel more authentic.
The first 3-5 picks could come out on stage and pose with a jersey of their new team with cameras flashing. Of course, you could skip it.
Beyond that, just have a backdrop of the stage with the draft pick sound and setup...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRuD9...eature=related
Doesnt have to have the commish come out for every pick, but it should be more lively and realistic than what it is now.
After each pick, you could hear boos or cheers, like in the PS2 version. BUT, you could also have a set of draft grades like...
EA Sports Networks Grade: B
Madden's Grade: B-
Kipers Grade: A-
etc
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Draft Busts and Steals: This could make the use of potential ratings, and actually make prospect scouting mean something. It shouldnt always be, you draft a player early, he automatically has the better rating.
If you dont do your research or homework, it should be hard to draft. Ratings should be a little more random. There should be a few late round draft picks that have ratings in the 80's. On the other hand, you should have 1st rounders that come out with a low rating. Doesnt mean they cant improve, but it evoke some more emotions. This has to be done right though. If you have too many busts or late round gems, it will seem unrealistic and annoying.
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Rookie contracts - There should be the occasional hold out. Rookie contracts should also be more realistic.
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UDFAs: There should be more than just a few UDFAs. Id like to see a practice squad and the ability to have more than 53 players on the team during preseason to make it actually, ya know...MEAN something. UDFAs are usually nothing special, but every once in awhile, there should be an Antonio Gates or a James Harrison.
Other suggestions/questions:
Why cant EA release draft classes? You guys could release an updated draft class monthly up until April. Dont see why not.
Better interaction with NCAA: If we import a draft class, it should transfer over more realistically. If a QB is rated 93 in NCAA, he should transfer over lower than a QB rated 86, at least not all the time. There should be a better method to the import mode, and a better interaction between the Madden team and NCAA team in this respect.
03-20-2009, 10:23 PM
