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 /

5 of 5

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) makes a reception past Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Washington Redskins won 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Drafting for need doesn’t always work, but drafting best player available isn’t sure proof either.

With the uncertainty in every draft pick (see Nelson Agholor), the risk would be better taken if it was filling a position of need.

Most draft analysts and front office members will say that teams draft based on the best player available but it is clear that many different strategies are used when addressing the draft.

Despite what front office and draft analysts say, selecting positions of need is one of them.

Home/Eagles Draft