Should the draft be changed?

[Anti-Hype]

You could alternatively just do the same as other Sim Leagues, like the SHL.
Players created before the trade deadline are just signed as UndraftedFree Agents/Waiver Pickups. They never get drafted.
Players created after the trade deadline go into the next draft class.

That way you don't have crazy high discrepancies between players of a draft class.

But then you can miss out on what is in my opinion one of the most exciting parts of sim leagues. Being a prospect.

[adam2552]

I think the current system works fine and actually mirrors real life. There are top-tier rookies or more pro-ready rookies in every draft. The "experienced" S2 rookies are these guys, and just like real life they could be the best guys in the draft after 5 seasons or get passed by a late round guy who had the potential to be great (Richard Sherman, Tom Brady, etc.). Don't let your draft position define your player.

[Jogn]

If the opening few rounds of the draft are just going to be players who were on the waiver wire, what is the difference between picks #1-7 being called the Veteran draft vs being called Round 1 of the Rookie draft?

I mean other than the chance for a rookie who hasn't played games to be picked before a rookie who has played games (which I can almost guarantee will happen)

[kckolbe]

But then you can miss out on what is in my opinion one of the most nerve-wracking parts of sim leagues. Being a prospect. 

Fixed that for you

[Anti-Hype]

Fixed that for you

Really? I loved the whole experience. Lots of fun. I'm enjoying it now too! All of the draft and prospect hype. I probably would have quit if I was excluded from it personally.

[kckolbe]

Really? I loved the whole experience.  Lots of fun. I'm enjoying it now too! All of the draft and prospect hype. I probably would have quit if I was excluded from it personally. 

I think I'll enjoy it a lot more next year as a talent judge rather than judgee. Honestly, though, the regression issue is all that seems unfair to me.

[Anti-Hype]

I think I'll enjoy it a lot more next year as a talent judge rather than judgee.  Honestly, though, the regression issue is all that seems unfair to me.

You know I didn't think about that extra season of no regression actually, good call. That's something that i'm sure will be looked into.

[Oles]

I think the current system works fine and actually mirrors real life.  There are top-tier rookies or more pro-ready rookies in every draft.  The "experienced" S2 rookies are these guys, and just like real life they could be the best guys in the draft after 5 seasons or get passed by a late round guy who had the potential to be great (Richard Sherman, Tom Brady, etc.). Don't let your draft position define your player.

The problem I have with this sentiment is that everyone in the real world has had a chance to play and show their skills. With this it is all based on who found the league first, which is where my issue arises. It really doesn't matter to me though, this is something that I've seen people talking about, had a bit of an opinion on myself and figured I could write an article about it and get the discussion going. At the end of the day where Oles goes in the draft doesn't matter to me.

[Darnellthebeast]

I feel like this problem will virtually disappear as average TPE increases. Maybe one or two lineman pickups for season 2 but I doubt we'll see any by season 3

[Admin]

@Noble basically nailed it. The long term goal is an NCAA system for players to start their careers in. Obviously we need more players before that can happen though.

Just a note as well, if you joined after the draft you wouldn't get to pick which team you play for. You go to whoever claims you and are assigned an automatic contract.