Analyzing the Colts Draft Strategy

Reader Matt Shedd provides us with this lengthy look at the strategy behind the Colts drafts. This piece asks whether 'best player available' is the right strategy. Nate has already proved, quite carefully, that the Colts drafts have not gotten worse, only later. We are still getting players that are within the talent range and production range that should be expected from their draft position. The next question we should consider is whether the Colts draft strategy has gotten worse. In other words, are the Colts taking players that, while producing at a reasonable rate, may not have been the wisest choice for the Colts during that particular offseason? To find the answer to this question, I am employing this basic strategy. Study the teams AV by position for each year from 2003-2010. This will give us an indication of the positions that were the strongest, weakest, and in between from year to year. If you are unaware of AV (approximate value) please read about it ...