Further Reading: Draft Analysis
Foundational Resources
"The Blindside" by Michael Lewis Story of draft evaluation and offensive tackle value.
"Moneyball" by Michael Lewis While baseball-focused, establishes analytical draft framework principles.
"The Draft: A Year Inside the NFL's Search for Talent" Behind-the-scenes look at NFL scouting.
Draft Analytics Research
"Drafting for Success" by Berri & Simmons Academic analysis of draft pick value and success rates.
"Predicting NFL Draft Success" Statistical models for prospect evaluation.
"The Value of NFL Draft Picks" by Massey & Thaler Foundational research on draft pick economics.
Combine Analysis
Kent Lee Platte's RAS (Relative Athletic Score) Comprehensive athletic scoring system. https://ras.football/
Mockdraftable Historical combine data and percentiles. https://www.mockdraftable.com/
NFL Combine Official Results Primary source for combine data. https://www.nfl.com/combine/
Production Metrics
PlayerProfiler Advanced metrics including YPRR, breakout age, dominator. https://www.playerprofiler.com/
Reception Perception Route running and separation analysis.
PFF College Grades Production grades by position. https://www.pff.com/college
Draft Value Charts
Jimmy Johnson Draft Chart Original draft value system.
Chase Stuart's Draft Chart Modern approximated value approach.
Rich Hill's Draft Charts Statistical analysis of pick values.
Historical Draft Analysis
Pro Football Reference Draft Data Historical draft results and career outcomes. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/
Football Outsiders Draft Analysis DVOA-based draft evaluation. https://www.footballoutsiders.com/
Over the Cap Draft Analysis Contract value and draft economics. https://overthecap.com/draft
Position-Specific Resources
Quarterback
"The QB: The Making of Modern Quarterbacks" Deep dive into QB development and evaluation.
QBData.com Advanced quarterback metrics.
The 33rd Team QB Analysis Professional-level QB evaluation.
Wide Receiver
Matt Harmon's Reception Perception Route running and separation analysis.
Rotoviz Breakout Age Database Historical breakout age data.
The Athletic WR Evaluation Deep prospect breakdowns.
Running Back
Speed Score Database Historical speed score comparisons.
"Running Back Success Predictors" Research on RB evaluation.
Dynasty Nerds RB Analysis Long-term value projections.
Scouting and Film
NFL Draft Scout Prospect database and analysis.
The Draft Network Prospect profiles and mock drafts. https://thedraftnetwork.com/
Draft Breakdown Game film and analysis.
Academic Papers
"Predicting Career Success in the NFL Draft" Statistical models for draft outcomes.
"College Football Statistics and NFL Success" Correlation analysis between college and NFL.
"Combine Testing and NFL Performance" Meta-analysis of combine predictive value.
Podcasts and Media
Move the Sticks (Daniel Jeremiah) NFL Network draft analysis.
The Athletic Football Show - Draft Episodes In-depth prospect discussions.
Locked On NFL Draft Year-round draft coverage.
PFF Draft Show Analytics-focused draft analysis.
Data Sources
nflscrapR / nflfastR R packages for NFL data access. https://www.nflfastr.com/
Sports Reference Comprehensive football statistics.
CFB Reference College football statistics database. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/
Projection Systems
ESPN's Draft Grade System Industry-standard prospect grading.
PFF Big Board Analytically-informed prospect rankings.
Dane Brugler's Draft Guide Comprehensive annual draft resource.
Conference Analysis
SP+ Ratings Advanced college football ratings. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34892527/
FEI Ratings Fremeau Efficiency Index.
Sagarin Ratings Computer rankings for college football.
Tools and Software
Python Draft Analysis Libraries - pandas for data manipulation - scikit-learn for modeling - matplotlib for visualization
R College Football Analytics cfbfastR package for college data. https://cfbfastr.sportsdataverse.org/
Tableau/Power BI Visualization tools for draft analysis.
Historical Context
"100 Things NFL Fans Should Know" - Draft Chapters Historical draft context and famous picks.
"The Essential Smart Football" by Chris Brown Strategic context for position evaluation.
"Take Your Eye Off the Ball" by Pat Kirwan Scouting fundamentals from NFL perspective.
Dynasty Fantasy Resources
Dynasty Nerds Prospect analysis for dynasty leagues. https://dynastynerds.com/
KeepTradeCut Dynasty values and rankings. https://keeptradecut.com/
RotoViz Prospect Database Long-term player projections.
Front Office Perspectives
"War Room" by Michael Holley Inside look at NFL draft preparation.
"Collision Low Crossers" by Nicholas Dawidoff Year with the New York Jets, including draft.
The Ringer's NFL Draft Coverage Modern analytical perspectives.
Economic Analysis
"Overconfidence in NFL Draft" by Cade Massey Behavioral economics of draft picks.
Contract Value and Draft Position How rookie deals affect team building.
"The Loser's Curse" by Camerer Why teams overvalue high picks.
Suggested Reading Order
For beginners: 1. Draft value basics - Understanding pick economics 2. Combine data interpretation - What testing means 3. Production metrics - YPRR, Dominator, breakout age 4. Position-specific models - Evaluation by role
For advanced analysts: 1. Academic research - Statistical foundations 2. Projection systems - Building your own model 3. Historical analysis - Backtesting approaches 4. Economic optimization - Trade value maximization
Key Papers to Read
- Massey/Thaler draft value research - Fundamental economics
- Combine predictive analysis - What testing matters
- Production correlation studies - College to NFL transfer
- Position premium research - Why QBs go early
- Bust rate analysis - Understanding failure modes
These resources provide comprehensive coverage of NFL Draft analysis, from scouting fundamentals to advanced statistical modeling.