Drafting for need or best player available: What is the better strategy?

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) reacts to a goal line stand against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Drafting Best Player Available

Both draft strategies can work. When the Eagles spent a third round pick on Jordan Hicks in 2015, it raised a few eyebrows considering the already packed LB depth chart.

The Eagles had already invested a lot at inside linebacker. Chip Kelly made a blockbuster trade to send LeSean McCoy to Buffalo for Kiko Alonso.

Alonso joined former second round pick Mychal Kendricks and veteran leader DeMeco Ryans, so drafting Hicks didn’t make sense to many. Looking back now, it can be said that Kelly drafting the “best player available” was a great move.

Alonso could not stay healthy, Ryans aged quickly, and Mychal Kendricks had serious liabilities in coverage. Quickly, Jordan Hicks emerged as the backbone of the defense and became one of the most efficient middle linebackers in the NFL.

PFF ranked Hicks as the 5th best inside linebacker in 2017 after tallying an impressive five interceptions.

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