Draft Tek’s NFL Draft computer simulation model now enters its 4th season. The 2009 version is still under construction; we’re still employing the 2008 logic to generate the Consensus Mock Drafts that are currently up on the web site.
One of the chief complaints that we’ve heard ever since year 1 involves 3-4 vs. 4-3 players: Nose Tackles, Pass-rush linebackers, etc.. The program needs a means of categorizing DL players, identifying teams by their base defenses, and assigning as such. The goal of Draft Tek programmers is to integrate this logic into the 2009 model, effective at the completion of this regular NFL season.
This will involve an expansion of player definitions. Intead of DT, DE and OLB; we’ll see 34DT, 43DT, 34DE, 43DE, 34OLB and 43OLB. And we’ll see some of the target players taking on dual designations.
In an effort to gain clarity for programming purposes, the following questions were posed to our Draft Tek Football Analysts:
1) A 4-3 DE may or may not qualify as a 3-4 OLB - depends upon
size/speed. Is this an accurate assessment??
2) A 4-3 DT may or may not be suitable for a NT position (3-4 DT) -
depends upon player makeup. - Correct?
3) Consider the opposite - A Nose Tackle is acceptable for a 4-3 DT.
Yes/No?
