Quiz: Team Building and Roster Construction

Question 1

The NFL salary cap in 2023 was approximately:

A) $175 million B) $200 million C) $225 million D) $250 million

Question 2

What percentage of the salary cap do elite quarterbacks typically command?

A) 5-10% B) 10-15% C) 15-20% D) 25-30%

Question 3

"Surplus value" in draft pick analysis refers to:

A) The difference between pick value and actual performance B) The difference between market value and rookie contract cost C) The extra value of first-round picks D) The value of compensatory picks

Question 4

According to positional value analysis, which position provides the LEAST surplus value per dollar spent?

A) Quarterback B) Edge rusher C) Running back D) Cornerback

Question 5

The Jimmy Johnson draft value chart assigns approximately how many points to the #1 overall pick?

A) 1000 B) 2000 C) 3000 D) 5000

Question 6

What is the typical "hit rate" for first-round draft picks (becoming quality starters)?

A) 25-35% B) 40-50% C) 50-60% D) 70-80%

Question 7

Dead money on a team's salary cap represents:

A) Money paid to players no longer on the roster B) Salary that doesn't count against the cap C) Guaranteed money for future years D) Performance bonuses not yet earned

Question 8

A team with a rookie QB on a cheap contract should:

A) Save cap space for future QB extension B) Maximize spending elsewhere to build supporting cast C) Focus solely on offensive weapons D) Avoid long-term contracts for other players

Question 9

The typical competitive window for an NFL team is:

A) 1-2 years B) 3-5 years C) 6-8 years D) 10+ years

Question 10

When is free agency spending typically MOST efficient?

A) First week of free agency B) After the draft C) Mid-season trades D) All timing is equally efficient

Question 11

What percentage of a team's salary cap is typically allocated to offense vs defense?

A) 60% offense / 40% defense B) 50% offense / 50% defense (approximately) C) 40% offense / 60% defense D) 70% offense / 30% defense

Question 12

Which factor is MOST important when evaluating free agent contracts?

A) Total contract value B) Average annual value (AAV) C) Guaranteed money relative to player age D) Number of years

Question 13

A rebuilding team should prioritize:

A) Signing proven veterans to establish culture B) Accumulating draft picks and avoiding long-term deals C) Trading for star players D) Spending heavily in free agency

Question 14

The fifth-year option on rookie contracts applies to:

A) All drafted players B) First-round picks only C) First and second-round picks D) Players selected in the top 10

Question 15

What is the typical career length for an NFL running back as a primary starter?

A) 2-3 years B) 4-5 years C) 6-7 years D) 8-10 years

Question 16

"Cost per WAR" is a metric that measures:

A) Total wins above replacement B) Salary cap efficiency C) Draft pick value D) Contract guaranteed percentage

Question 17

A contending team with limited cap space should prioritize:

A) Expensive free agent signings B) Trading draft picks for established players C) Rebuilding through the draft D) Releasing high-paid veterans

Question 18

Which positions typically have the LONGEST career spans in the NFL?

A) Running back and wide receiver B) Quarterback and offensive tackle C) Cornerback and safety D) Edge rusher and linebacker

Question 19

If Team A has Pick 15 (value ~1050) and Pick 50 (value ~400), they could potentially trade up to pick:

A) Pick 3 B) Pick 7 C) Pick 10 D) Pick 12

Question 20

The "rookie QB window" refers to:

A) The time before a QB needs an extension B) The 3-4 years when a rookie QB's cheap contract allows roster building C) The development period for young quarterbacks D) The trade value of young QBs

Answer Key

  1. C - The 2023 NFL salary cap was $224.8 million, approximately $225M.

  2. C - Elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen typically command 15-20% of the salary cap.

  3. B - Surplus value is the difference between what a player would cost on the open market and their actual (rookie) contract cost.

  4. C - Running backs provide the least surplus value due to short careers and high replacement level.

  5. C - The Jimmy Johnson chart assigns 3000 points to the #1 pick.

  6. C - First-round picks have approximately 50-60% hit rate for becoming quality starters.

  7. A - Dead money is accelerated cap charges for players who are cut or traded but still owed guaranteed money.

  8. B - The rookie QB window is the best time to spend aggressively on the supporting cast while the QB is cheap.

  9. B - Most competitive windows last 3-5 years before core players age or need new contracts.

  10. B - Free agency is typically most efficient after the initial frenzy, when values normalize.

  11. B - Successful teams typically maintain roughly 50/50 balance between offense and defense.

  12. C - Guaranteed money relative to player age is most important as it determines actual risk and commitment.

  13. B - Rebuilding teams should accumulate draft capital and avoid long-term commitments.

  14. B - The fifth-year option applies only to first-round draft picks.

  15. A - NFL running backs typically have only 2-3 years as primary starters due to the physical toll.

  16. B - Cost per WAR measures salary cap efficiency (how much you pay for each win above replacement).

  17. B - Contending teams with limited cap space should consider trading future picks for immediate help.

  18. B - Quarterbacks and offensive tackles typically have the longest NFL careers.

  19. C - Combined value of ~1450 could trade up to approximately pick 10 (value ~1300).

  20. B - The rookie QB window is the 3-4 year period when a cheap QB contract allows aggressive roster building.

Scoring Guide

  • 18-20: Excellent - Ready for front office analysis
  • 15-17: Good - Strong understanding of roster construction
  • 12-14: Satisfactory - Review position value and cap concepts
  • Below 12: Needs Review - Revisit chapter material