Tricks of the Draft Trade

[Harry]

As I’ve gotten older I’ve become inclined to share my draft tools more often. Maybe a few will be good enough to outlive me. One of my favorites is the way I use a spreadsheet to structure my big board for round one and sometimes round two on a deep draft. I don’t just enter names sequently going down. Of course I list names, but I leave blank rows to show gaps in talent. The more rows blank, the larger the skill drop off. I realize that’s subjective. The other advantage is when I hit a cluster of 4-5 players with no blank rows it tells me I should consider trading down. I’d say overall I adhere to the theory of BPA, but just at need positions. I do this after the combine. So this year when I get to pick 16, if there’s a cluster; a good offer would likely trigger a trade down.

 

[Stout]

As I’ve gotten older I’ve become inclined to share my draft tools more often. Maybe a few will be good enough to outlive me. One of my favorites is the way I use a spreadsheet to structure my big board for round one and sometimes round two on a deep draft. I don’t just enter names sequently going down. Of course I list names, but I leave blank rows to show gaps in talent. The more rows blank, the larger the skill drop off. I realize that’s subjective. The other advantage is when I hit a cluster of 4-5 players with no blank rows it tells me I should consider trading down. I’d say overall I adhere to the theory of BPA, but just at need positions. I do this after the combine. So this year when I get to pick 16, if there’s a cluster; a good offer would likely trigger a trade down.

That's an elegant way to visually show yourself where the tiers end and begin.

 

[Sandan]

when I hit a cluster of 4-5 players with no blank rows it tells me I should consider trading down.

I get the ranking and blank rows but

Call me dumb but I don't get it, why ?

 

[oaken1]

I get the ranking and blank rows but

Call me dumb but I don't get it, why ?

If you have a 5 player cluster you can trade back 4 spots and still be assured to get one of the guys you want. While at the same time increasing your draft value by gaining additional picks.

 

[Harry]

I get the ranking and blank rows but

Call me dumb but I don't get it, why ?

A blank row indicates the previous player was a significantly better choice. Multiple blanks in a row indicates the previous player was dramatically better. No blank rows between choices says the players are of similar value. A little cluster without blanks in between means you could trade down and still get a player of the same approximate value.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Could you share a snapshot of one of your older spreadsheets for those of us that are more visual learners?