We all agree the NFL is a copycat league. As we approach conference championship Sunday, let’s reflect on what the Ravens, Chiefs, 49ers and Lions have taught us about building a championship-caliber team in the modern-day NFL.
Each club was, of course, constructed by different means. But there are common threads between how these franchises were built.
Obtain (and keep) as many draft picks as possible, by any means necessary
The Chiefs and Lions have averaged 7.66 draft picks the past three years. The Ravens, 8.33, and the 49ers three-year average is 8.66 selections.
Kansas City traded Tyreek Hill in his prime after the 2021 season. It netted Chiefs GM Brett Veach five selections, including the Dolphins‘ 2022 first-rounder.
Detroit traded Matthew Stafford in 2021, got Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and a third.
Baltimore has capitalized on the compensatory pick system unlike any other team. Its 54 compensatory picks since the initiative’s inception in 1994 are the most in the NFL. In short, the Ravens replenish their roster with young, cheap talent acquired via the draft instead of always spending big to retain their own free agents.
The 49ers progressive hiring has recently led to a litany of third-round picks they were awarded for former minority employees Mike McDaniel, Ran Carthon, and Martin Mayhew getting jobs elsewhere.
On this front, not even close to all of the picks will be hits. Heck, “hitting” on 30-40% of draft selections is tremendous.
But of course more rolls at the table mean that 30-40% yields more total hits. And vitally, those draft picks are incredibly inexpensive for four seasons, which allows a team to allocate major funds to established veteran stars and superstars.
A GM and his scouting staff are going to have strong convictions on prospects. As they should. But it’s vital for teams to temper some of that confidence in their evaluations. Why’s that? Because often times overconfidence sparks trade ups that cost valuable draft choices. In short, trade ups should be rare. Trade downs should be common — and welcomed.
The more picks, the better. These final four teams continue to build evidence to support that stance.
Don’t be timid about swinging for the fences
In 2020, the 49ers traded for Trent Williams. Before the 2022 trade deadline, the 49ers sent multiple picks to the Panthers for Christian McCaffrey. In March…
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