Further Reading: Team Building and Roster Construction
Salary Cap Resources
Over The Cap The definitive source for NFL salary cap data and analysis. https://overthecap.com/
Spotrac Comprehensive contract and transaction database. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/
NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement Official CBA document explaining cap rules. https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/NFLPA/CBA2020/NFL-NFLPA_CBA_March_5_2020.pdf
Draft Value Analysis
"The Value of Draft Picks" by Chase Stuart Comprehensive analysis of draft pick expected value.
Jimmy Johnson Draft Value Chart Traditional trade value chart still widely used.
"Modern Draft Value Chart" by Kevin Meers (Harvard) Updated value chart based on recent data.
Football Outsiders Draft Analysis Annual draft value and hit rate analysis. https://www.footballoutsiders.com/
Position Value Research
"Approximate Value" by Pro Football Reference Methodology for measuring player value across positions. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/indexd961.html?page_id=8061
"Expected Points Added by Position" by nflfastR EPA contribution analysis by position.
"The Devaluation of the Running Back" by various analysts Research on RB declining value in modern NFL.
"Positional Spending and Wins" by Football Outsiders Correlation between position spending and team success.
Contract Analysis
"The Contract Year Effect" by researchers Does player performance change before free agency?
"Guaranteed Money and Player Behavior" by economists How contract structure affects performance.
"NFL Contract Negotiation Strategies" by agents/analysts Inside perspective on deal-making.
Competitive Windows
"Building a Championship Window" by The Athletic Case studies of successful roster construction.
"The Lifecycle of NFL Teams" by analysts Research on team performance cycles.
"Sustainable Success in the NFL" by researchers What separates dynasties from one-time contenders.
Draft Strategy
"Trading Down in the NFL Draft" by analysts When trading back creates value.
"Best Practices for Day 2 and Day 3 Picks" Maximizing value in later rounds.
"Position Scarcity in the Draft" by draft analysts How position depth affects draft strategy.
Free Agency Analysis
"Free Agent Value by Position" by researchers Which positions provide best FA value.
"The Market Inefficiency of Free Agency" by analysts Why early FA signings typically overpay.
"One-Year Prove-It Deals" by The Athletic When short-term contracts make sense.
Team Case Studies
"The Patriots Dynasty: Roster Construction" by various How New England maintained success.
"The Rams' All-In Approach" by analysts Trading picks for proven players.
"The Browns' Rebuild: Lessons Learned" by analysts What went wrong and right in Cleveland.
"The 49ers' Roster Construction Model" by The Athletic San Francisco's approach to team building.
Books
"Crunching Numbers" by Tom Bassetti Inside look at NFL front office analytics.
"The Draft: A Year Inside the NFL's Search for Talent" by Pete Williams Behind the scenes of draft preparation.
"Slow Getting Up" by Nate Jackson Player perspective on contracts and team building.
"Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" by Pat Kirwan General NFL strategy including roster construction.
Economic Analysis
"The Economics of the NFL" by various economists Academic analysis of league economics.
"Labor Economics in Professional Sports" by researchers Salary cap and player compensation research.
"Risk and Return in NFL Contracts" by analysts Contract structure and outcomes.
Data Sources
nfl_data_py / nflfastR Python/R packages for NFL data. https://github.com/nflverse/nfl_data_py
Pro Football Reference Historical rosters, contracts, and statistics. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
NFL.com Transactions Official transaction wire.
Podcasts
Move the Sticks Draft and roster analysis with Daniel Jeremiah.
The Athletic Football Show Regular roster construction discussions.
PFF NFL Podcast Data-driven roster analysis.
Business of Sports with Andrew Brandt Contract and cap expertise.
Video Content
NFL Network Draft Coverage Annual draft analysis and grading.
YouTube Film Breakdowns Position-specific analysis for draft evaluation.
ESPN Front Office Insider Contract and cap analysis segments.
Academic Papers
"Competitive Balance in the NFL" by economists How salary cap affects parity.
"Draft Order and Team Success" by researchers Correlation between picking early and winning.
"The Market for NFL Coaches" by researchers Coach hiring and team success patterns.
Analytical Frameworks
WAR (Wins Above Replacement) Player value measurement.
DVOA and DYAR (Football Outsiders) Team and player efficiency metrics.
PFF Grades Player evaluation system.
EPA-based Analysis Expected points contribution.
Front Office Insights
"Inside NFL Front Offices" by The Athletic How teams actually make decisions.
"The Analytics Movement in NFL Scouting" by analysts Integration of data and traditional scouting.
"GM Decision Making" by business researchers Behavioral economics in sports.
Historical Analysis
"The Evolution of NFL Roster Construction" by historians How team building has changed over decades.
"Super Bowl Champion Rosters" by analysts Common traits of championship teams.
"Dynasty Building in the Salary Cap Era" by researchers Maintaining success under cap constraints.
Tools and Calculators
Over The Cap's Cap Calculator Interactive salary cap tool. https://overthecap.com/calculator
Draft Trade Value Calculator Compare trade offers using value charts.
Contract Projection Tools Estimate future player contracts.
Twitter/X Follows
- @Jason_OTC (Over The Cap)
- @FieldYates (ESPN contracts)
- @AdamSchefter (transactions)
- @RapSheet (NFL insider)
- @JourdanRodrigue (contract analysis)
- @TomPelissero (NFL Network)
Annual Reports
NFLPA Report Card Player union's assessment of team facilities and treatment.
Forbes NFL Valuations Team financial analysis.
Deloitte Sports Industry Reports Broader sports business context.
These resources provide comprehensive coverage of NFL roster construction from multiple perspectives—financial, analytical, and strategic.