RF54 and the draft (Very long perspective)
Feb 21, 2021 9:37:13 GMT -6
Minniman, Danchat, and 3 more like this
Post by rf54 on Feb 21, 2021 9:37:13 GMT -6
I have been a fan of the Vikings as long as I can remember, which is odd, as I grew up in New England, and was raised by a father who loved the Bears and Rams. Although a military brat, and moving multiple times in my youth, my formative years were spent directly between Boston and NYC so the Giants were the big guys on the block during my high school years. None of this mattered to me as I had made my mind up that I loved the Norsemen and I was a believer in sticking with your team no matter what. It was an absolute treat growing up and finding a Viking game on the TV or radio. The draft was no big thing back then and I only found out about new players as I watched them in games. Growing up I envisioned myself as Fran, Chuck, or mostly Joe Senser every time we played pickup games. I played football in school, and was pretty good in High school. I even played some college ball, Division III.
The earliest recollection I have of the draft on TV was the 88 draft when the Vikings took DJ Dozier with their 1st pick. My actual interest in the draft started in the summer of 86. I was in the hospital and a friend brought me some football magazines. I read about the Vikings drat choices, and at the end of the magazine was a section on “Prospectus” or prospects for the following years possible picks. I also began to buy Viking Update as it was advertised in one of the magazines. One of my favorite issues every year would be post draft where the picks and UDFAs were highlighted. I could not get enough info about the players and craved for more. So, without hesitation I began buying the pre-draft guides that became available. Watching the draft became an annual event. A two day event that became Christmas in April! I would buy Ourlad’s, Kiper and PFW’s Buschbaum book every year and read them cover to cover. I was hooked!
Somewhere around ‘94 I was introduced to the internet and quickly discovered that there was far more info available then my purchased publications ever had. I discovered the joy of creating my own mock drafts, and sharing with fellow posters on message boards. In the mid to late ‘90s there was so much info out there and it was all free and available if you simply searched for it. My internet friends and I could discuss, argue and come to agreements on players for weeks leading up to the draft, then doing the same after the draft discussing the picks. Soon late winter and spring became this sports fan’s obsession and favorite pastime. Yes, watching my weekly game is priceless, especially since 1995 when I began getting the NFL ticket, but those are only 3 hours a week for 16 weeks. Many years we were good enough to get additional weeks in the playoffs, but each season has ended with my immediate looking forward to who would become the next Vikings. The draft, and the personnel decisions around building a team became fascinating and my favorite hobby.
The more I got into the draft the more I saw others doing the same thing, however, over the years, it became apparent that most of time fans were disappointed. Not because the Vikings or other teams had “bad drafts” but because a name that they were emotionally attached to, did not go to their favorite team. It was even worse when “their guy” was passed for another player. I have grown to realize that unless the team is picking very high, say top 5 or 10, then most fans have a very low chance of getting a pick right. I also have come to realize that putting a position to a round in any draft is absolutely absurd. Even more fantasy when it is done prior to free agency. Moves made in March and April have far more effect on what a team will do in the draft.
So, very long story made short, try to wait until after the draft to get emotionally attached to players. I suggest you enjoy this time as it truly has become a great time for football fans to enjoy, but understand that you will have far more success arguing against any mocked pick than you will picking the proverbial needle from the haystack.
If you are a draft addict, and I know you are, what is your story?
The earliest recollection I have of the draft on TV was the 88 draft when the Vikings took DJ Dozier with their 1st pick. My actual interest in the draft started in the summer of 86. I was in the hospital and a friend brought me some football magazines. I read about the Vikings drat choices, and at the end of the magazine was a section on “Prospectus” or prospects for the following years possible picks. I also began to buy Viking Update as it was advertised in one of the magazines. One of my favorite issues every year would be post draft where the picks and UDFAs were highlighted. I could not get enough info about the players and craved for more. So, without hesitation I began buying the pre-draft guides that became available. Watching the draft became an annual event. A two day event that became Christmas in April! I would buy Ourlad’s, Kiper and PFW’s Buschbaum book every year and read them cover to cover. I was hooked!
Somewhere around ‘94 I was introduced to the internet and quickly discovered that there was far more info available then my purchased publications ever had. I discovered the joy of creating my own mock drafts, and sharing with fellow posters on message boards. In the mid to late ‘90s there was so much info out there and it was all free and available if you simply searched for it. My internet friends and I could discuss, argue and come to agreements on players for weeks leading up to the draft, then doing the same after the draft discussing the picks. Soon late winter and spring became this sports fan’s obsession and favorite pastime. Yes, watching my weekly game is priceless, especially since 1995 when I began getting the NFL ticket, but those are only 3 hours a week for 16 weeks. Many years we were good enough to get additional weeks in the playoffs, but each season has ended with my immediate looking forward to who would become the next Vikings. The draft, and the personnel decisions around building a team became fascinating and my favorite hobby.
The more I got into the draft the more I saw others doing the same thing, however, over the years, it became apparent that most of time fans were disappointed. Not because the Vikings or other teams had “bad drafts” but because a name that they were emotionally attached to, did not go to their favorite team. It was even worse when “their guy” was passed for another player. I have grown to realize that unless the team is picking very high, say top 5 or 10, then most fans have a very low chance of getting a pick right. I also have come to realize that putting a position to a round in any draft is absolutely absurd. Even more fantasy when it is done prior to free agency. Moves made in March and April have far more effect on what a team will do in the draft.
So, very long story made short, try to wait until after the draft to get emotionally attached to players. I suggest you enjoy this time as it truly has become a great time for football fans to enjoy, but understand that you will have far more success arguing against any mocked pick than you will picking the proverbial needle from the haystack.
If you are a draft addict, and I know you are, what is your story?
... and neither is this Chris guy.