Too soon?
I know… I know! It is way too early to be doing this.
However, this is not a draft guide. It is a guide to surviving the wonderful (?) world of NFL Draft research.
Plus with the Miami Dolphins deciding to not take part in the postseason high jinx, I have nothing better to do!
Every NFL fan knows the feeling: it is draft season, and suddenly you are a self-proclaimed scout with “insider knowledge” of a Division III offensive lineman who runs a 5.1-second 40-yard dash.
Researching the NFL Draft is an art, a science, and a descent into madness. Here is what to expect when you dive into the rabbit hole.
1. Learning 200 names you will forget in a week
You start with the big names – Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter – but soon you are deep in the weeds.
You will find yourself arguing on various forums about whether a back-up punter from the Mountain West has “elite upside”.
You memorise statistics, pro-day numbers, and obscure nicknames like ‘The Wyoming Wall’ for players you will never think about again after Round 7.
2. Mock drafts galore
Mock drafts are your new addiction.
You will spend hours on simulators, trading away future first-round picks for the thrill of landing a guard from Nebraska.
Then you will post your mock online, only to have someone comment: “No way he falls to 13, you casual.”
You will angrily defend your choices like you are part of an actual war room.
3. The Combine: Your new favourite reality show
Nothing screams ‘serious research’ like watching a 320-pound man run a 40-yard dash.
Suddenly, you are evaluating “fluid hip movement” and “twitchiness,” despite having no idea what either means.
The bench press becomes riveting television and you start wondering how many reps you could do – it is probably less than one.
4. Overhyping random prospects
There is always the one player you fall in love with.
Maybe it is a small-school quarterback who “just has that dog in him”, or a cornerback who can do backflips in cleats.
You will hype them to everyone you know, only for your team to draft someone else.
5. Reality check on draft day
After all your research, your team will inevitably select a player you did not study at all.
You frantically search him online, then declare: “Actually, I love this pick.”
NFL Draft research is chaotic, obsessive, and often pointless. But hey, it is all part of being a fan.
Just do not quit your day job to become a scout, yet.
