All articles tagged with #best player available
The Chicago Bears used their first three picks (Nos. 25, 57, and 69) to pursue a patient, value-driven approach rather than immediately addressing their biggest positional needs, prioritizing upside and long-term contribution over quick fixes and hole-filling.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, Chiefs GM Brett Veach says KC will pursue the best available player to make an immediate impact, acknowledging multiple roster needs on offense and defense and anticipating trades as the board shifts. The Chiefs are weighing options near the No. 9 pick and eye receivers such as Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon, while Veach and staff finalize a game plan for draft night.
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said free agency went as well as it could within the team’s constraints, reaffirmed a best-player-available approach for the 2026 draft due to yearly roster churn and rookie-contract expirations, noted NIL-driven aging could affect the talent pool, and with nine picks next week is targeting versatile players (especially along the interior line and at tackle) while continuing to develop core players on rookie deals.
The Lions could opt to skip offensive tackle and defensive end picks in the early rounds, instead pursuing the best player available per Brad Holmes, with discussions about possible post-draft EDGE help and Day 1/2 targets at LB, CB, S, or even TE Kenyon Sadiq if value falls to 50.
ESPN's NFL draft analysts, Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, provide insights into the 2024 NFL draft by discussing the best prospects to fill team needs and offer maximum value for each of the 32 first-round picks. Reid focuses on addressing team needs, while Miller emphasizes selecting the best player available. The analysts provide their picks for the Chicago Bears' and Washington Commanders' first-round selections, highlighting the importance of balancing team needs and value in the draft process.
The Atlanta Falcons have positioned themselves well in free agency and roster management, allowing them to take the "best player available" in the 2023 NFL Draft without being backed into a corner to force an unwise pick. The team has options to add to virtually any position on the roster, and they have shown a particular knack for developing offensive and defensive linemen. The Falcons could take a pass rusher, cornerback, guard, running back, or even a quarterback with their first-round pick, and it would likely work out well for the team.
The Chicago Bears will prioritize the "best player available" approach in the 2023 NFL draft, according to assistant GM Ian Cunningham. While the team has needs at defensive tackle, edge rusher, and offensive tackle, Cunningham said positional need will come more into play on the third day of the draft. The Bears have six selections on the third day, and there are six to eight players that Chicago has tabbed as options at the ninth spot.
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider believes that it's better to pick the best player available in the NFL Draft rather than drafting based on roster needs. He explained that pushing players up based on need can lead to mistakes and that it's important to be thorough in draft preparation. Schneider emphasized the importance of being honest and in-depth in studying each class of players to avoid pushing a player based on a specific need or what the numbers look like in a specific draft.
The Dallas Cowboys have addressed several key positions of need in the offseason, but the question mark at left guard remains a glaring issue. While the team can draft any position in the first round, it's important to address the need for a plug-and-play guard with a premium pick. However, if the top guard prospects are not available, the team should consider trading down and selecting an iOL early on Day 2.
The Washington Commanders have eight selections during the 2023 NFL Draft and head coach Ron Rivera wants the team to select the best player available at each position. However, the team's current needs cannot be ignored. Using the NFL Mock Draft database simulator, the Commanders' potential picks were analyzed in a seven-round mock draft. The team's impending sale adds pressure to get things right and build a roster capable of challenging within a highly competitive NFC East.