No Successful NFL Team Drafts Best Player Available

eromeopolk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
4,387
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.
 

Established1971

fiveandcounting
Messages
5,503
Reaction score
4,107
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.
I am open to other opinions and Ive never really studied it but my inclination has always been BAPON myself as well (though Ive never known that acronym) How about best player for convenience of need so it can be BACON, thats a bit awkward but bacon is so cool
 

Verdict

Well-Known Member
Messages
25,960
Reaction score
20,118
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.

The Lions didn’t suck because they took the best player available. They sucked because:

1. The players they chose were wrongly evaluated.
2. The team overall sucked.

We forced the Taco pick based on your strategy. How did that work out? I’m just sayin’.
 

Verdict

Well-Known Member
Messages
25,960
Reaction score
20,118
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.

Also, according to your theory they should have passed on Calvin Johnson.
 

eromeopolk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
4,387
Disagree... when Aaron Rodgers was drafted, he was the BPA. They've been pretty successful for a while, and he has a SB win.
Disagree back at you...Not if you are converting for 4-3 to 3-4 on defense and have the 11 pick in the draft. I agree that the trust in Romo was maybe too much. But the Cowboys had Drew Beldsoe and Tony Romo on the roster. Also, Jerry the Dumbo GM Jones made a 2004 trade of the 2005 third round pick for Drew Henson. So QB was not a prioritized need in 2005.

If he was the BAPON then you still draft Ware, Spears, and trade back in the 1st round to draft Rodgers. But QB was not a prioritized need with Bledsoe and Romo on the roster or they would have to had traded Henson or Romo because you are not going into camp with Bledsoe, Romo, Henson and Rodgers for the 2005 season.
 

TheDank

Well-Known Member
Messages
271
Reaction score
330
Bit of a misnomer to say no successful teams draft BPA and then instead use a highly unsuccessful team drafting BPA as an example. Just because someone does something and it does not work out in a particular situation does not mean it will never work. Based on that title I would expect an example of winning teams drafting for need or BACON as @Established1971 stated (ha love the acronym). I agree taking four of the same position using limited high draft capitol is a bad idea and you need to take into account what positions have the most value to your current and future team, but I also believe the draft is best used to acquire long term talent and stop gap free agents do a good job of filling in needs.

A team that has often drafted BPA, many times picking players that were rated highly and fell, is the Ravens. They've been a very good franchise over the past few decades with Ozzie Newsome taking that strategy. On the other hand I feel like the Patriots draft for need often and they've had historic success.

Also, I don't see how the Manziel decision factors in. If we had Martin rated higher that's picking BPA (I don't know what our board was at the time, just postulating). In a way with Tony's injuries/age at the time Manziel would have been a need pick.
 

eromeopolk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
4,387
The Lions didn’t suck because they took the best player available. They sucked because:

1. The players they chose were wrongly evaluated.
2. The team overall sucked.

We forced the Taco pick based on your strategy. How did that work out? I’m just sayin’.
The Taco pick was not BAPON or you would have selected Wyatt. It was what the coaches said the need as Taco was much bigger than Wyatt. But it was obvious the Cowboys had not moved on for unreliable players like Gregory (always suspended) and Lawrence (who had been suspended) as priority was to get unreliable coaching favorites to play versus Taco.

However I am not getting into a Taco arguement because cutting him broke the 3 year rule, the BAPON rule, and the Cowboys are still trying to count on unreliable players like Gregory and Aldon Smith.
 

CCBoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
45,472
Reaction score
21,741
The Taco pick was not BAPON or you would have selected Wyatt. It was what the coaches said the need as Taco was much bigger than Wyatt. But it was obvious the Cowboys had not moved on for unreliable players like Gregory (always suspended) and Lawrence (who had been suspended) as priority was to get unreliable coaching favorites to play versus Taco.

However I am not getting into a Taco arguement because cutting him broke the 3 year rule, the BAPON rule, and the Cowboys are still trying to count on unreliable players like Gregory and Aldon Smith.

A successful draft provides 2-3 starters and lots of time in plays from a class...so BPA is an advantage for a successful draft. Once type of players have entered board values...a team is off accumulating quality of depth.
 

Doomsday

Rising Star
Messages
19,770
Reaction score
16,012
Unless there is a huge gap in talent, I would take the BPA at a position of need.

I would also weight it with the value of the position. For example, I would give a bump to a CB, LT, DE over a WR, FB etc.
 

Redball Express

All Aboard!!!
Messages
16,253
Reaction score
12,758
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.
So what you are trying to say is drafting is really a science..not an art?

That the only way to do this is with number being crunched and a result being awarded..

then draft with confidence?

I say clear as mud there.

Those teams that accel at being able to marry the numbers which point you in a certain direction is where you start.

But then you need the skill of an alchemist to mix in the proper proportions and blend the right coaching over the correct time to get an award winning cake

Jimmy Johnson was our best short order cake Baker. Landry had the longest running recipes.

Garrett was a salad chef in a 5 Star French Restaurant.

You do not let salad chef cook the entre.

Your customers will leave.

So in the Draft it takes experience to foresee and previsualize your end result when shopping.

Big Mike knows this. He will help the draft syndicate do its job.

It may take a few drafts but it will be his way or..

You know.
 

eromeopolk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
4,387
Bit of a misnomer to say no successful teams draft BPA and then instead use a highly unsuccessful team drafting BPA as an example. Just because someone does something and it does not work out in a particular situation does not mean it will never work. Based on that title I would expect an example of winning teams drafting for need or BACON as @Established1971 stated (ha love the acronym). I agree taking four of the same position using limited high draft capitol is a bad idea and you need to take into account what positions have the most value to your current and future team, but I also believe the draft is best used to acquire long term talent and stop gap free agents do a good job of filling in needs.

A team that has often drafted BPA, many times picking players that were rated highly and fell, is the Ravens. They've been a very good franchise over the past few decades with Ozzie Newsome taking that strategy. On the other hand I feel like the Patriots draft for need often and they've had historic success.

Also, I don't see how the Manziel decision factors in. If we had Martin rated higher that's picking BPA (I don't know what our board was at the time, just postulating). In a way with Tony's injuries/age at the time Manziel would have been a need pick.
The Ravens used BAPON all the years of Ozzie Newsome who was mentored by John Wooten. John Wooten was the Director of Player Personnel for the Cowboys from 1989-1992 after being a top scout since 1975.

The Ravens traded up for the BAPON in Lamar Jackson as Joe Flacco was in his 10th season, with 1 year left on a extension, had not done anything since 2014, tore his knee in 2015, missed the playoffs in 2016, back injury and concussion in 2017. So for 2018 the QB was a BAPON filled by Lamar Jackson which is why a GM like Ozzie traded up because he was BAPON that was falling.
 

eromeopolk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,499
Reaction score
4,387
So what you are trying to say is drafting is really a science..not an art?

That the only way to do this is with number being crunched and a result being awarded..

then draft with confidence?

I say clear as mud there.

Those teams that accel at being able to marry the numbers which point you in a certain direction is where you start.

But then you need the skill of an alchemist to mix in the proper proportions and blend the right coaching over the correct time to get an award winning cake

Jimmy Johnson was our best short order cake Baker. Landry had the longest running recipes.

Garrett was a salad chef in a 5 Star French Restaurant.

You do not let salad chef cook the entre.

Your customers will leave.

So in the Draft it takes experience to foresee and previsualize your end result when shopping.

Big Mike knows this. He will help the draft syndicate do its job.

It may take a few drafts but it will be his way or..

You know.
Its the art of science. That is why it is often compared to cooking. Which is a art of science.
 

cowboyec

Well-Known Member
Messages
33,579
Reaction score
40,418
im still waiting for a team to say....our guy was not the highest rated player on our board at the time.

but i agree...in general...you end up taking the best player on your board at a need position.
 

TheDank

Well-Known Member
Messages
271
Reaction score
330
The Ravens used BAPON all the years of Ozzie Newsome who was mentored by John Wooten. John Wooten was the Director of Player Personnel for the Cowboys from 1989-1992 after being a top scout since 1975.

The Ravens traded up for the BAPON in Lamar Jackson as Joe Flacco was in his 10th season, with 1 year left on a extension, had not done anything since 2014, tore his knee in 2015, missed the playoffs in 2016, back injury and concussion in 2017. So for 2018 the QB was a BAPON filled by Lamar Jackson which is why a GM like Ozzie traded up because he was BAPON that was falling.

You can also argue that Jackson was just their BPA as well. None of this really matters without knowing teams boards. Jackson wasn’t the starter most of that year so saying he was drafted for need seems like a reach to me.

Cool info that Ozzie was mentored by Wooten though.
 

blueblood70

Well-Known Member
Messages
38,218
Reaction score
26,816
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.
it is BPA but for your NEED its the same thing they have 3-4 players at each pick and they take the best of those 4 that is BPA..you are making this complicated with a long winded post..I guarantee you if the top 3 they have at 17 are gone and somehow a Herbert or Tua dropped there we are taking them over a need position..you dont pass up on talent like that goes for the top WR even though a high draft pick not needed they would take one.. no team is 100% set at every position so you could take BPA and still be good..

trade them in few years or trade the player they will replace because they will be cheaper IE of TUA or Herbert there , it opens up trading Dak in 2021 or even before the trade deadline if somehow they looked ready by then and we somehow out of the playoff race..want and example MM drafted Rogers in the 20s even though Farve played 3-4 more years and it set the franchise up at qb for the next 10 years..i agree most boards have top postion of need and look there first but a generational talent falls to you that you dont need, YOU TAKE THEM AND YES SUCCESSFUL TEAMS DO THSI, HOW IS IT THAT NE DRAFTED JG AND JB EVEN THOUGH TB WAS SET FOR WHILE .. they got high draft picks for them and now have Stidenm and most likely goes after another in the first..NE wasn't a successful team? they picked BPA nearly all the time.. they dumped the higher contract player and went young..
 

nightrain

Since 1971
Messages
14,502
Reaction score
24,338
I hear Cowboys fans talk a lot about drafting the best player available. No team is successful drafting the best player available (BPA). Ask the Detroit Lions who drafted Charles Rodgers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Calvin Johnson in almost consecutive drafts.

You draft the best available player of need (BAPON), ranking the players by grade, then by positions, ranking your needs in priority (prioritized needs), and then you make your BAPON draft board. You can trade up or down using BAPON but you better stick with the board. The 2005 draft that is on ESPN2 today shows how it worked correctly. Parcells wanted to change to a 3-4 Defense and need players. To go to a 3-4 D you better have and outstanding pass rusher at OLB that can also drop in coverage when needed. You also need a DL that can hold up at the line of scrimage and then be able to rush the passer (275 to +300 pound DL).

The Cowboys had DL as there no.1 priority position of need in 2005, and no. 2 was OLB. When the Cowboys came to pick in the 1st round of the 2005 draft, they had a dilemma. Demarcus Ware was the BAPON on the draft board, but the no.1 priority position of need fit was Marcus Spears, DL, LSU from Southern Lab High in Baton Rouge, and Nick Saban Coached. Parcell's loved Ware saying he reminded him of a retired LB in FL (LT), however his no. 1 priority need was not the no.1 player on the draft board. So the Cowboys personnel department (Jeff Ireland, others) had to conveince him to stick to the board and draft Ware then hope that Spears fell to their 20 pick in the 1st round or they could trade up to snatch him. Parcells did not want to take the risk but he also knew about the Cowboys not sticking with the BAPON draft board leading the all the sorry Larry Lacewell drafts that he required Jerry Jones to fire for Parcells to Coach the Cowboys. So, the Cowboys stuck with the BAPON and drafted future Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor OLB Demarucs Ware. The remainder of the draft BAPON was used and the Cowboys went for 4-3 to 3-4 in one draft, creating a playoff/super bowl caliber defense that continued through the lousy coaching and coaching carousel of Son of Bum, and that Red Head clapping idiot who finally wasted what was drafted in 2005.

BAPON was the method used by Gil Brandt/Wooten during the Landry years (20 consecutive winning seasons) before Landry got more involved in personnel decisions in the mid/late 80's. BAPON was used masterfully by Jimmy Johnson/Ackles/Wooten to build the Cowboys Dynasty of the 90's. BAPON was totally neglected during the Jerry Jones/Lacewell years. BAPON was brought back during the Parcells years (see the trade down in 2004 that lead to the 2 1st round picks in 2005). Neglected again during the Jerry Jones/Tom Ciskowski years. After the 2013 fiasco (trade down not using BAPON) BAPON was brought back by Will McClay. However Jerry still can mess it up when he listens to coaches vs. scouts see the Hill DT pick, and the waste of former 1st round pick Taco Charlton, who had as many sacks as Demarcus Lawrence in less games last year for the Dolphins as Lawrence cost per sack total was $4M less than Taco.

When you draft the Best Available Player of Need according to your draft board, you will pass on Johnny Football, and draft a OG from Notre Dame named Zach Martin. Keep yourself and your coaches out of the selection process, and never draft the best available player without looking at prioritized needs or you will end up with 4 WR as your number one pick 4 out of 5 years.
Any team that manages personnel from inside a box is sure to fail.
 
Top