Opinion: NFL Draft Matters, But Watch For Grand Illusion -

Today kicks off the first day of the 2023 NFL Draft. What exactly do you need to know? Exercising the most common of sense will never lead you astray.

After covering the NFL Draft for years, some things actually change, most really stay the exact same. Yet, with all of the readily-available access, navigating these proceedings can be both a chore and a complete pain. However, there are tells, and signs that you can help make the weekends flow smoother.

Your Favorite TV Draft Analyst Are News Tunnels

Since we all sported less gray hair and better eyesight, the NFL Draft served as a part theater and part stage show. With that said, pay close attention to the words that television draft analysts spout about draft prospects. For example, Dan Orlovsky cited a story about C.J. Stroud bailing on the Manning Passing Academy. Who would know about Stroud’s attendance? Furthermore, why would anyone care? Simple. That tasty piece of minutiae helps to fortify a narrative about what some perceive about Stroud’s attitude. If this were the case, where are the multiple sources to bolster that preconceived opinion? Talking heads need to fill up air time, spur conversation and draw ears and eyes. Regardless of validity, using a flimsy negative to define a player on his biggest feels rather unseemly.

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Tugging At The Heartstrings

In another tried and true example of journalistic foolery, you will hear stories regarding adversity faced by each player. Granted, all of these stories are true, but the question remains: is this necessary? People will watch the draft regardless of the story. In all honesty, for an interviewer and host to focus on the downtime of a draft picks life solves nothing. If a player wants to discuss their tragedy, let them be the one to bring it up and allow them the right to explain their side.

Need Versus BPA

If you possess a rooting allegiance, the NFL Draft allows you to get your football fix in late April. Now, this part starts a heated argument. How are successful teams built, drafting for need or the best play available? For NFL teams, the best player available feels like the smarter path for a few reasons. First, the perceived strength you have can turn into a weakness with an untimely injury. Next, depending on contract status, that strength could demand a raise. Why not give yourself insurance that allows you to transition to the next capable player? The NFL Draft calls for teams to draft replacements for their existing starters. Take the talent instead of trying to fill a need. Guarantee that one team in the first round will forgo their first need, in order to not chase.

Overview

For the next three days, teams will start to fill out their rosters. The NFL Draft does not produce immediate winners. No one will know how these picks turn out until they see the field. Granted, we will all speculate, but exercise a bit of caution. Remember, no one was celebrating the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL Draft. Yet, he went on to the best career that an NFL quarterback ever saw.