http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15158945/does-north-dakota-state-qb-carson-wentz-really-add-20m

Because that is what is making some scouts prefer Wentz.

For me, Wentz is the superior choice to be the face of the franchise.

**********************************

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609516-jared-goff-latest-news-rumors-and-buzz-surrounding-qbs-draft-stock

Mark Eckel of NJ Advance Media passed along comments from several scouts who were concerned about Goff's viability at the next level:

A second NFC scout also expressed concerns about Goff's hand size and inability to perform in the rain, adding: "He has a decent arm, can move a little. But he's not always accurate. I'd be real leery about taking him real high.''

@gftchris said:

People already use things like 40 times, saying a better 40 time correlates to more success, for example. That's analytics. We're using different methods and measuring different things, looking at trends that other teams miss like 'hey, this particular drill/attribute has a really high correlation to success in the league so we'll pay extra attention to people who score highly in that'

(actually I've got just about zero clue about any of it )

WSS

@gftchris said:

For sure, I was just trying to give a simple version. You can see it on things like 'bleacher report's top 50 QBs' http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607667-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-50-quarterbacks-from-2015/page/2

They measure accuracy, arm strength, decision making, and mechanics, but not all out of the same value - mechanics is out of 10, while decision making is out of 20, so weighting has been applied. Then add it all up for an overall grade.

I'm not saying their system is perfect, or even good, but that's the kind of thing I envision, at least at that position.

... and the test of a team's "Analytics Dept." will be their ability to refine and systematize these "measures" vs. the ability of their competition.

Example:

In your linked article they measure "mechanics". We could sit around a table with a few fellow forum members, watch some game tape and come up with a consensus grade...

OR...

We could determine the elements of "mechanics" (e.g., feet, hips, shoulders, head, ball security and release) and have two people responsible for each element. Then we can develop a model that considers weighting of the elements and likelihood of coaching up a given element.

Add a feedback loop to the model to measurable outputs and we're off to the races...

@tour2ma said:

For sure, I was just trying to give a simple version. You can see it on things like 'bleacher report's top 50 QBs' http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607667-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-50-quarterbacks-from-2015/page/2

They measure accuracy, arm strength, decision making, and mechanics, but not all out of the same value - mechanics is out of 10, while decision making is out of 20, so weighting has been applied. Then add it all up for an overall grade.

I'm not saying their system is perfect, or even good, but that's the kind of thing I envision, at least at that position.

@gftchris said:

People already use things like 40 times, saying a better 40 time correlates to more success, for example. That's analytics. We're using different methods and measuring different things, looking at trends that other teams miss like 'hey, this particular drill/attribute has a really high correlation to success in the league so we'll pay extra attention to people who score highly in that'

I think it's way beyond that...

Look for dozens of things like "Play reaction time" for MLB's and "Eye Discipline" for QBs to emerge from actual game play analyses rather than more emphasis on/different use of Combine results.

Then look for the algorithm(s) that boils down the mini-measures into "grades".

@westside-steve said:

People already use things like 40 times, saying a better 40 time correlates to more success, for example. That's analytics. We're using different methods and measuring different things, looking at trends that other teams miss like 'hey, this particular drill/attribute has a really high correlation to success in the league so we'll pay extra attention to people who score highly in that'

@gftchris said:

Judging by all of the comments about how we're doing things completely differently, and how unorthodox our new system is, I highly doubt we're playing catch up.

Fair enough, but which is it? Everybody in the league is already hip to amazing power of Analytics or this Analytics system that has captured the imagination of emperor jimmu is the dawn of a new era?

WSS

@westside-steve said:

Judging by all of the comments about how we're doing things completely differently, and how unorthodox our new system is, I highly doubt we're playing catch up.

@tour2ma said:

That depends on how accurate our analytics are...

Two things are going to vary from team-to-team:

• the exact nature of the tools they develop (number, complexity, precision), and
• the weight given the results in the decision process.

I think that's the goal of 31 other teams too. We shall see.

And if the Cleveland Browns are the last to jump on this amazing new method we will have a lot of ground to cover. By then Professor Harold Hill will have a brand new strategy with which to impress Dee Haslam.

WSS

@westside-steve said:

That depends on how accurate our analytics are...

Two things are going to vary from team-to-team:

• the exact nature of the tools they develop (number, complexity, precision), and
• the weight given the results in the decision process.

Our goals are to take both to new heights in the NFL.

@westside-steve said:

It remains to be seen.

Fair to say?

@nickers said:

The so called "professionals" in the player evaluation area that we have had in the past have not had a stellar record.....so I don't mistrust these guys any more than I would those guys.

Beyond that.....you HaVE NO Choice in the matter. These are the guys the owner has entrusted this task to, so you will have to live with it. Your trust is a non-essential factor.

@the-gipper said:

You would be dead wrong about that, I am certain. All sports team....including NFL drafting use analytics. They just haven't pronounced it as openly as the Browns.

That may be true.. I however don't trust the fortunes of this team in the hands of bean counters with 0 experience or track record.

@the-gipper said:

You would be dead wrong about that, I am certain. All sports team....including NFL drafting use analytics. They just haven't pronounced it as openly as the Browns.

So it gives us absolutely zero advantage, correct?

WSS

@nickers said:

You would be dead wrong about that, I am certain. All sports team....including NFL drafting use analytics. They just haven't pronounced it as openly as the Browns.

@nickers said:

I don't think the Steelers use Anal-litticks.. they have a guy in Kevin Colbert who knows how to draft...

They do. Just like every other team.

@tim-couch-pulls-out said:

This is now one of the fucking dumbest things I've read.

We understand your mentally incapacitated.. If its too hard to understand.. Try reading Dr. Seuss..

@nickers said:

I don't think the Steelers use Anal-litticks.. they have a guy in Kevin Colbert who knows how to draft...

This is now one of the fucking dumbest things I've read.

@logicisforsquares said:

Take a midol and come back when you are being rational.

I hope you realize that every other team in the league uses analytics. The Browns are just now getting around to it. You act as if that is all they are going to use and none of the scouts or coaches will have input.

I don't think the Steelers use Anal-litticks.. they have a guy in Kevin Colbert who knows how to draft...

@westside-steve said:

Or conversely jump right on the bandwagon.

WSS

Considering I've been preaching about using analytics to make more informed decisions for, oh, 7 years...I'd say that bandwagon jumped on me.

@canton-mike said:

Thanks Mike, didn't realize that. Yup- it would cost Philly three firsts, this years first and next years 1st & 2nd, or do a Ditka, and offer the entire 2016 draft. The other trade to #1 I've been hearing is the Rams- and their first @ #15, and both seconds isn't enough ammunition IMHO.

That leaves Dallas or the 49ers as the only realistic teams that may want to trade up for a quarterback.

@hoorta said:

Philly has no 2nd rounder this year & that HAS to be a trade up killer for them. They would literally have to give up the farm to get to #1 OR #2. Just my opinion.

Mike

@hoorta said:

I would not like to see that. That #32 spot I view as almost another first round pick (which it would be but for the NE forfeiture of their pick). So, I want to keep our "second first round pick".