A Serious Draft Question

[*ochocincos*]

(04-07-2023, 12:06 PM)OSUfan Wrote:  Ok, so I know that many Bengals fan seem to be opposed to trading down yet according to many sources that grade players for a living there are only anywhere from 17 to 20 prospects in the class of '23 that have garnered a 1st round grade. Given this information why would someone be opposed to trading down and acquiring capital over drafting a player in the 1st round that does not have a 1st round grade but pay them 1st round money?

I'm not opposed to trading down, for two reasons:
1) Don't reach for a player because of need. That's how you end up with Billy Price (although it's possible Pollack/Marvin/Tobin actually had a 1st round grade on him) after your actual guy (Ragnow) goes right before you pick.
2) Bengals still have quite a few areas they could upgrade (mainly depth/future), so any extra Rd 2-4 picks, the better

However, to answer your question, someone might choose to draft a player in late Rd 1 even if they don't have a 1st round grade because:
1) The difference in money between Pick 28 and Pick 38, for example, is relatively small. ($3.2 mill APY for Pick 28 last year vs $2.2 mill APY for Pick 38 last year).
2) You get the 5th year option if you wanna use it
3) You're not risking potentially having that player taken before you pick next if you trade back