I believe that when assessing draft value in the DSFL, when needed, quarterbacks and running backs are of higher value than the defensive line and cornerbacks are when needed. I see the draft in the DSFL similar to recruiting in college basketball. Cornerbacks and defensive line are the closest thing to “one and done” in the ISFL landscape. On the other hand, due to fewer opportunities in the ISFL quarterbacks and running backs are the “developmental 3 year prospects”. As a DSFL organization, unless you are one of the top teams competing for the Ultimini, I believe there is more value in investing in talent that will stay over a possibility of a one year player. In the simulation, there is a heavy priority and importance to defense. Cornerbacks are vital, the defensive line must stop the run game, and linebackers fly everywhere. As a result, there is more demand for this, causing more DSFL defensive players to be one and done than their offensive counterparts. As a running back or quarterback, the DSFL team has the possibility of them staying for the full three eligible years. As most 1st rounders are close to if not max earners, they will be capped by the second year. In a 2-3 year span, a DSFL team is getting 1-2 years of a capped player rather than 1 year of progression and then simply a possibility of one full capped year for an in demand defensive player. This opinion is SOLELY based on draft value, not value to a team or value to winning as I have not yet been able to dive into that aspect as much. In terms of pure draft value in the first few rounds, I believe drafting a position that is of less positional importance but will be capped for longer holds more value than a player who is just one and done, even if they are at a more important position in terms of the simulation. One specific example I can give is Sam Howitzer. Rather than staying just the 1 year that many defensive players or OL stay in the DSFL, Howitzer stayed down the extra year and hit cap. This allowed him to earn league MVP and lead the Pythons to an unlikely playoff spot.
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