hagan714

In another thread on draft grades we started talking about how the evaluations of prospects and the grading system worked. So to start it off I am going to give you guys an out line that I have used and still do. I have altered it a bit here and there over time but it is pretty much the same.
I do a lot of cross referencing of other sites and well I let them do a lot of the typing. I edit what I do not agree with and insert a few things they I think they leave out that are important.

This is how I got started.
Lets start with this one.

Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects
From James Alder,

Lesson 2 - Beginning NFL Draft Prospect Evaluation

So you've got your database of NFL Draft prospects built, or at least started, the video tapes are rolling, and you're ready to start scouting. I usually watch tape with a computer on my lap, but if your database is on a desktop that is not near a television, you can jot down notes on paper and transfer them to your computer later.

After you have chosen a game to watch, sort your database by team so you can easily find the players you want to scout. In the comments section, jot down the specific areas (we will cover the specifics for each position in the next four lessons) you will be looking at for each player. Doing this ahead of time will make it easy to quickly post a comment or two in an organized fashion.

Watching the game itself is of little importance to your overall evaluation, although you might want to pay ttention to how players react in clutch situations, especially when the game is on the line.

I like to focus on one player at a time, searching the tape for plays that include the player in question. After evaluating all the plays that include the first player, I rewind the tape and start with another player.

Lesson Three through six will focus on the specifics to look for at each offensive position, but for now, I want to talk about what NFL teams look for in general. These are the traits to look for in every prospect regardless of position.

• Character - How much character factors into the equation varies from team to team and scout to scout. I believe character is a very important factor when determining whether a young player can be depended upon on a consistent basis. Obviously character doesn't matter much if the guy doesn't have the athletic ability, but it can be the deciding factor between two players of similar talent. Since most of you will not have access to most college football players, you may have to listen to reports from other draft experts for information in this area. Also keep an eye out for players that make a habit of making the evening news with their off-field exploits or immature comments.

• Competitiveness - How bad does this player want to win? Do they go all out on every down or do they take plays off? There's a fine line between being competitive and being overly aggressive. You want a player that has the intensity to go hard all the time, but you don't want to see a player lose his cool. Ideally, you want a guy who will give it his all until the whistle blows, but doesn't let his anger get the better of him.

• Mental Preparation and Awareness - Does a player seem to understand his duties and what the team is trying to accomplish on every play? Does he spend the necessary time with his nose in the playbook or watching game film? Does he understand what's going on around him at all times? Does he react well when the play breaks down?

• Athleticism - Playing speed, quickness off the ball, strength, and body control should all be factored into a players athleticism. Body control would include things like balance, turning and running, adjusting to the ball, timing jumps correctly, and ability to avoid or break tackles.

• Leadership - Look for the player that is always prepared to do his job properly and works hard whether in practice or a game. A good leader does not need to be vocal, but must be respected by his teammates. He also sets a good example with his work ethic, shows up to play on every down, and pulls the team together when things are not going so well.

• Consistency - Does the player put in a good effort every week or does he tend to disappear at times?

• Injuries - Unfortunately, injuries are a big part of football, so you have to be aware of a player's medical history. If a player is prone to injuries that keep him in the trainer's room as often as he's on the field, you might not want to risk a draft pick on him. Any type of knee injury should be noted, as should any degenerative disorders.

How does this translate into a scouting report?

Of course, you'll want to do a more detailed analysis that is position specific before you write a final scouting report. Basically your report will organize all of the notes you've taken on a player and put them into an easy to read format and possibly assign a grade to that player. The report should also outline the player's strengths and weaknesses.

Grading is very subjective, and depends a lot on which categories you apply the most importance to. Obviously, arm strength is more important to a quarterback than running ability, so you will have to weigh all observations differently before applying a grade. You cannot simply give a quarterback a score of 5 for running ability and a 3 for arm strength and average it out to a grade of 4. I suggest you grade each player in each facet of the game, then develop your own formula that varies by giving more weight to the more important areas of the game.

Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects - Beginning Player Evaluation

I like this write up. It is basic and gives a good place to start.


Lesson 1 - Getting Started - how to setup the data base
NFL Draft Prospects - Get Started Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects

Lesson 2 - General Player Evaluation
Football, NFL Draft Index - Articles

Lesson 3 - Scouting Quarterbacks
Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects - Scouting Quarterbacks

Lesson 4 - Scouting Running Backs
Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects - Scouting Running Backs

Lesson 5 - Scouting Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects - Scouting Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Lesson 6 on you have to sign up for.

Learning to Scout Offensive Linemen
Evaluating NFL Draft Prospects - Scouting Offensive Linemen

Now as for the defensive side of the ball pretty much falls into the same type of things. I had to pay to get help in that. You know they are going to get into you wallet some where along the line. But it all made sense after doing the offense. Just think in reverse.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins