2011 NFL Draft: Why NFL Teams Do Not Really Select the Best Player Available

April 14, 2011   ·   Jonathan Bales   ·   Jump to comments

As the draft approaches, one of the topics we’ve begun to comment on is complex draft strategy.  
With the Dallas Cowboys in a bit of an awkward position with the ninth overall selection, a lot of opinions have been put forth regarding what the team should do in that spot.
Try to trade down?  Select the best player available?  Select the best player available at a position of need?
Like many (or even most) of the long-held NFL “truisms,” the concept of selecting the BPA (best player available) is a mistake.  As is the case with punting on fourth down and 1 or always kicking extra points, selecting the BPA will actually lead to sub-par results.
But what about all the NFL GMs, such as the Indianapolis Colts’ Bill Polian or the Baltimore Ravens’ Ozzie Newsome, who claim they always select the BPA?  
Well, they’re lying.  No general manager always selects the BPA.  Many, however, select the BPA ...

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