CFZ The average number of games NFL players play by draft round

[Bobhaze]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/...ft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

 

[xwalker]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/20at 22-04-21/nfl-draft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

Interesting way of looking at probability of success by round.

Taco played 60 NFL games (27 for the Cowboys).

 

[CouchCoach]

That decline by round really makes sense of the rounds of the draft.

Like to see the UDFA’s compared to 3rd day picks.

if I were a GM, I would be a trading fool with all my 3rd day picks for established players and moving up in the draft and load up on UDFA’s.

And my team would be first preference for the UDFA’s because of their odds to make the team.

 

[gtb1943]

That decline by round really makes sense of the rounds of the draft.

Like to see the UDFA’s compared to 3rd day picks.

if I were a GM, I would be a trading fool with all my 3rd day picks for established players and moving up in the draft and load up on UDFA’s.

And my team would be first preference for the UDFA’s because of their odds to make the team.

Agree about using late picks for trades. What I have really liked about THIS off season and with Hankins last year. Use 5th rd picks and later to get decent vets.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/...ft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

makes sense and its expected.

 

[joseephuss]

It makes sense, the higher drafted players are supposed to be better, so earn more playing time. Even if they aren't as good as hoped when drafted, they tend to be given more opportunities based on their high draft status.

 

[jazzcat22]

Tom Brady really brought up that #6 spot didn't he.

 

[Bobhaze]

Tom Brady really brought up that #6 spot didn't he.

So true. Donovan Wilson helps the 6th round numbers too. As did Brock Purdy and Isiah Pacheco for 7th rounders!

 

[Bobhaze]

That decline by round really makes sense of the rounds of the draft.

Like to see the UDFA’s compared to 3rd day picks.

if I were a GM, I would be a trading fool with all my 3rd day picks for established players and moving up in the draft and load up on UDFA’s.

And my team would be first preference for the UDFA’s because of their odds to make the team.

Loading up on IDFAs compared to 6th and 7th rounders has some merit. I often think of UDFA guys like Wes Welker, Rod Smith, and even here with Terrance Steele.. There are quite a few sleepers that never get drafted and because they aren’t draft capital, it’s good value.

 

[Reid1boys]

Interesting way of looking at probability of success by round.

Taco played 60 NFL games (27 for the Cowboys).

that doesnt exactly show success. I think we all know that a 1st rd pick and a 4th rd pick that looked the exact same and not really good, that 1st rounder will be given at least an entire year longer to prove themselves over that 4th rd pick before he is cut.

 

[Dallasfann]

Then you have Cowboy drafted players who are almost always getting offers from other teams after there contracts expire here. Yet - the hillbilly's here can't admit that the Cowboys are THE best drafting team in football.

 

[CowboyRoy]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/...ft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

So I tried to respond to your private response to me, but for some reason I can no longer respond to private messages from Moderators. If you can fix that they I can explain to you my other issue.

 

[Bobhaze]

So I tried to respond to your private response to me, but for some reason I can no longer respond to private messages from Moderators. If you can fix that they I can explain to you my other issue.

Roy, I don’t know about this problem but I am looking into it.

 

[ArtClink]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/...ft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

Great write up Hazey! I'm just glad the fuhrer stopped drafting baseball pitchers to be QBs (Drew Hanson and "Chutch").

 

[birdwells1]

That decline by round really makes sense of the rounds of the draft.

Like to see the UDFA’s compared to 3rd day picks.

if I were a GM, I would be a trading fool with all my 3rd day picks for established players and moving up in the draft and load up on UDFA’s.

And my team would be first preference for the UDFA’s because of their odds to make the team.

This right here'!!!

 

[CowboyRoy]

Roy, I don’t know about this problem but I am looking into it.

Thank you

 

[Creeper]

Another way to look at it is the average # of pro-bowl players per round. The 1st round is about 11 or so. The second about half that, the 3rd about half that and after that pro-bowl players are infrequent. A lot of 6th and 7th round pro-bowlers are punters and kickers.

 

[tunahelper]

According to a 2022 article written for NCAA.com, when taking into account all players drafted this century, it is surprising how few total games a typical player in the NFL actually ends up playing in their career.

The table below shows the average number of regular season NFL games played by draft pick by round, as well as how many regular seasons' worth of games that translates to, based on a 17-game regular-season schedule. These numbers reflect both the players that had long careers as well as those who barely played.

ROUND	AVG. REG. SEASON GAMES PLAYED	REG. SEASONS' WORTH OF GAMES
1	62.3	3.7
2	56.3	3.3
3	48.1	2.8
4	44.4	2.6
5	40.5	2.4
6	32.5	1.9
7	28.1	1.7

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

One reason I point this out is the Cowboys have actually done better than average with their draft picks’ longevity. Think about the Cowboys first round picks the last 7 seasons- only one- Taco Charlton has been a bust.

As we near the NFL draft in a few weeks, it’s interesting to note how short a career is for typical guys that get drafted in this league.

Here’s a link to the article Ibreferenced.
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/...ft-picks-career-games-played-average-position

You are correct the Cowboys have drafted very well. Their issue is leadership dysfunction and the drafting really highlights how players are the most important, however coaching and organizational leadership is 1a.

Another great post BTW.

 

[Jake]

Think about first round guys like JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel who were big busts, but they played at least 20 regular season games before their quick exits. But there are also guys like 2nd round Jets QB Christian Hackenburg, who NEVER played a single Reg season game. It’s a good thing Jerry’s temporary love for Denver 1st rd QB Paxton Lynch didn’t happen because he only played in 5 NFL games!

Imagine a world where Jerry gets Lynch. Dak Prescott is likely not taken later in that draft by the Cowboys. Romo and Moore get injured, so they have to go with the rookie Lynch in 2016. He fails, miserably, the Cowboys end up with a top 10 pick and in need of a QB.

Ol' Jerry falls in love with Mitch Trubisky and is upset that the Bears beat him to the punch, so he settles for Patrick Mahomes.

 

[Bobhaze]

Imagine a world where Jerry gets Lynch. Dak Prescott is likely not taken later in that draft by the Cowboys. Romo and Moore get injured, so they have to go with the rookie Lynch in 2016. He fails, miserably, the Cowboys end up with a top 10 pick and in need of a QB.

Ol' Jerry falls in love with Mitch Trubisky and is upset that the Bears beat him to the punch, so he settles for Patrick Mahomes.

Except the chiefs would have traded up ahead of us to get him,