2012 Draft-QB Prospects (Part III)

[GTripp0012]

A couple things on a study I am doing.

Between 1997-2006, a top ten overall pick was about 38% more valuable than a pick between 11-32, and about 22% more valuable than a random pick within the first round. A top five pick is about 27% more valuable than a random pick in the first round.

First overall picks come out as 55% more valuable, but that's more a sampling issue because my sample contains Peyton Manning. If you do the same thing but just from 1999-2006, first overall picks are only 14% more valuable than a random selection in the first round. Again, that's a sample size issue, which is why stat guys can't say "the first overall pick is with 'X'".

In fact, it's been harder to find a good QB in the top five picks in the last seven drafts than it has been in the rest of the first round. Again, that's a sampling issue. And the Aaron Rodgers effect.

The only metric I used was PFR's career AV. I did not take into account the value of the contract signed by draft position. Just the value of the players career to date. Obviously, this methodology underrates the value of players drafted in 2005 and 2006 vs. 1999 and 2000, but that's an evil I was willing to live with.