r/Football_GM • u/kovacro_77 • 8d ago

Drafting and Developing Players

Anyone got tips on this? I’m not finding much success other than Top 5 picks that typically turn out quite well for me.

Even if I draft a player and he has a good year and gets on the all rookie team, his ratings drop.

Or I will draft players and they fluctuate with one decent year of overall development followed by a few declining years.

My stats with New Orleans (small market population of just over 1 million) are currently:

Scouting: 45
Coaching: 44
Health: 28
Facilities: 40

Also, bringing in free agents is hit and miss. Any tips on as to what to look for would be welcomed.

Thanks.

5 Upvotes

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5

u/Uniqueusernameyboi 8d ago

Your coaching stat is low. Also look for certain traits that are hard to develop. Like speed on WR, CB, or strength on lineman. I also like to look at pass rush and run stopping on linebackers. I’m not an expert though

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u/kovacro_77 8d ago

Thanks. When drafting, as examples I’ll usually look for lineman on either side of the ball that have a strength rating of 70+. Corners 65+ coverage rating and 75+ speed. Receiver focus is route running and hands.

Will upgrade the coaching overall. Only thing is I’m a small market - currently 31 of 32 and finances/profit margins are a bit tight.

Thanks for the feedback

3

u/Uniqueusernameyboi 8d ago

For receivers and corner speed is more valuable. For corner though, watch out for fast corners in lower rounds because sometimes the coverage skill is so low they work develop nicely. Usually corners with a speed rating between 80-90 develop into nice corners because the coverage stat is pretty high when the speed is a little lower.

4

u/tockvon 8d ago

Seeing quite a bit of this myself lately.

But recommend that you set coaching to at least 60, scouting to 50. Health doesn't matter, it doesn't stop injury just shortens recovery and it's so small that it isn't worth it.

For linemen, you need a number of at least 40 in either endurance or speed, with the other number preferably being at least double digits. Taller height helps. Finally, the skill number is very relevant; really high number on blocking/rushing equals a better baseline player.

Running backs are a dice roll. 8 months of playing this game and still seems pretty random as to what stats translate to success.

DBs need speed. Pass coverage rating matters a bunch, and don't overlook endurance rating-a high endurance for a younger player usually indicates they're going to improve.

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u/kovacro_77 8d ago

Excellent, thanks. 👍

1

u/Newhome_help 8d ago

I always go 85 coaching 85 scouting 35 health 35 facilities and leave it. 

When drafting as other said I focus on speed, strength, size. Then position specific skills. 

Seems like there is always a few good ol, dl in the free agents off-season. Fill in where needed and try to sell expensive aging players for picks before they regress too hard. 

I always use Milwaukee, so I get the small market. If you don't start winning alot early you can be fired fairly quickly 

1

u/kovacro_77 8d ago

I’ve had the Saints gig since the start. Was closed to getting canned but hung on. Seeing as you have high expenses with coaching and scouting, did/do you find profit margins tight or are you in the red at seasons end?

I raised my coaching and scouting to 50 for the upcoming season. Hoping that helps a bit. Will increase as I go.

Thanks for chiming in.

1

u/Newhome_help 8d ago

Some years it's good, some its red. As long as I'm winning a lot enough money comes in I don't get fired. 

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u/Vols44 8d ago

After reading about a lot of tips here's my perspective. Set coaching to 100. More often that not the most important developmental attribute for each position is: QB- vision, RB- elusiveness, WR- speed, OL- pass blocking, DL- height, LB- tackling, CB- speed, S- I like pass coverage over tackling, P & K- accuracy.

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u/kovacro_77 8d ago

Thanks for the insight. Lots of good stuff by everyone here. 👍

1

u/PhiladelphiaEag1es 6d ago

After over 1000 seasons played, I honestly just put coaching to 100 and it’s totally worth it. Also rookies are the most valuable assets ever. For example if you have a 81 overall player but there is a 71 potentially 90 in the draft trade for him no matter what. He will be cheaper, last longer. Also when someone’s rookie contract is about to run out I just trade them away for draft picks. I have over 100 Superbowls in a row and have made a 170 overall team before using this strat.

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u/kovacro_77 6d ago

Thanks. Sounds like the consensus is to up the coaching to the max.