Tanking games for the draft

[JonJon]

This seems to be a hot topic right now with many teams needing a franchise quarterback and Andrew Luck being arguably one of the best QB prospect ever.

Right now, 3 teams are winless (Dolphins, Colts, Rams) and 4 others are 1-4. The thought is that if the season is already lost, a team would purposely lose a game or games to ensure a better draft position to take a better player to help the team in the future. In more simple terms, drafting a better player for the future is better than winning a game in a season that is already lost.

I remember last year this was a hot topic for the zone as the Cowboys were already eliminated from the playoffs and had it's last game against the Eagles who were playing backups. The Cowboys eventually won the game, moving their draft position from a possible 5th overall to 9th overall. That pick would have put the Cowboys in position to draft possibly the best CB prospect in the past decade, Patrick Peterson. Instead, he ended up going 5th overall to the Cardinals.

So what is your take: Is it better to purposely lose games if it ensures you a prospect that could help your franchise be successful in the future, or should a team try to win at all cost, even if it means losing positioning for a better draft prospect?

 

[Yeagermeister]

You try to win games

 

[Hostile]

A franchise QB is such a rarity. I am not at all shamed to admit that in 1988 when we were in the running for the Troy Aikman sweepstakes I was concerned that we were going to win our last game and blow it.

I would never tank games, but when a player like that, or Luck, is the prize, I have to admit, the losing isn't as painful.

I think it is different for the Rams though. They have their guy. The other 2 teams could benefit from it. I think the Colts would almost have to part ways with Manning and give the kid the reins if they ended up with him.

 

[JD_KaPow]

I'm kind of hoping the Rams or Panthers get the first pick, just to see what the trade market is. It would be a gold mine for either team, I would think.

 

[yimyammer]

I'd never advocate an all out tank but what I would do and wanted us to do last year (all fan outrage be damned) is to cut/bench every vet you know has no future on the team, go with youth and players with potential and let them learn, get valuable experience and develop so you know who to keep and who to replace for the next season, then let the wins and losses land where they fall.

 

[burmafrd]

And just how is that greatest CB prospect of the last decade doing?

 

[JBS]

I'm kind of hoping the Rams or Panthers get the first pick, just to see what the trade market is. It would be a gold mine for either team, I would think.

yeah, i used to think like this too..until i realized Dan Snyder would likely be the guy to give up the farm to get Luck...so, yeah, no thanks..keep luck as far away from the NFC East as possible..ANybody BUT STL and CAR

 

[LandryFan]

I'd never advocate an all out tank but what I would do and wanted us to do last year (all fan outrage be damned) is to cut/bench every vet you know has no future on the team, go with youth and players with potential and let them learn, get valuable experience and develop so you know who to keep and who to replace for the next season, then let the wins and losses land where they fall.

Amen!

 

[masomenos]

And just how is that greatest CB prospect of the last decade doing?

Last I heard, he was about to play in his 6th NFL game.

 

[Picksix]

I don't think any of the players or coaches will tank any games, but the fan bases will want them to, and perhaps the owners as well.

What I could see happening, as crazy as it sounds, is home crowds booing their own teams, and cheering for the road teams.

 

[fortdick]

I thought Ryan Leaf was the best QB prospect ever.

Or was it Jamarcus Russell?

 

[Picksix]

And just how is that greatest CB prospect of the last decade doing?

He's still trying to get the license number of that truck that ran over him last Sunday.

 

[JonJon]

I do believe that in certain circumstances, getting a franchise player is better than winning a game that will not change anything. One pick can make a world of difference. You think the Cardinals or Chargers organization wish they lost an extra game or two now and got Peyton Manning instead of Andre Wadsworth or Ryan Leaf, respectively?

 

[JBS]

I thought Ryan Leaf was the best QB prospect ever.

Or was it Jamarcus Russell?

yeah, sure..not even close..MANY people questioned that pick

 

[TheCount]

They're trying to win, but they aren't going to take any risks in doing so. If they happen to lose their way into Luck, so be it but you don't go out there and tell your guys to lose the game.

Whereas the Colts may have tried to get Manning back in there at the end of the year if they were in the playoff picture, I have no doubt they will bench him the entire year.

 

[JonJon]

I'm kind of hoping the Rams or Panthers get the first pick, just to see what the trade market is. It would be a gold mine for either team, I would think.

Talk about having a royal flush in your hands, wow. That would be a dream scenario for either team. I would still think very hard about taking Luck and trading either Bradford or Newton. Either player would guarantee two extra first round draft picks to go along with your own and Andrew luck. That would set their franchise up rather nicely. But even if they keep their own QB and trade the rights to Luck, it still sets them up very nicely for the future.

 

[Shinywalrus]

As a fan? I don't think there's huge shame in it - at this point in the season, yes, but if you're coming up on the end of the season, I'm not too fussed about it.

As a player? Always play to win. Families are paying a week or two's salary to watch that team.

 

[Seven]

When the division is won and the playoffs with a bye are cemented........do teams not tank it? They pull their starters and could care less if they win or lose. If your team is at 2-12........hell, why not. JMO, of course.

 

[Jay]

I thought Ryan Leaf was the best QB prospect ever.

Or was it Jamarcus Russell?

You ever watch a Stanford game?

 

[TwoDeep3]

Too early to consider this tanking games but...

When a team that knows it will not win in baseball trades away stud players for future studs (perhaps), then how is this not a form of tanking?

I am not ashamed saying during '88 I was all for us losing to get Aikman. I started calling Galloway by the forth game of that season touting Aikman.

You may thank me now for the Super Bowls since I rooted the player onto our team.