Have you ever wondered how teams in the NFL manage to land the most talented players year after year, despite the unpredictability of the draft? The answer lies in a powerful tool called the “protected pick,” a strategy that allows teams to secure their future by selecting players they believe have the potential to be game-changers. The protected pick, often shrouded in mystery and intrigue, is a critical aspect of how NFL teams build their dynasties.
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This article will delve into the fascinating world of protected picks, exploring their history, mechanics, and impact on the NFL landscape. We’ll analyze the top 5 protected picks in recent history, examining their impact on their respective teams and the wider league. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of the draft, and you’ll be able to appreciate the complex strategies that shape the NFL’s future.
Understanding Protected Picks
The protected pick is a strategic maneuver that teams employ to ensure they obtain a highly desired player in the draft. This safeguard allows teams to select a player they believe will be crucial to their future success, even if other teams are also interested in that player. This usually happens in scenarios where a player’s talent is undeniable but their draft position is uncertain due to various factors like draft needs, team strategy, or even potential trades.
How Protected Picks Work
The mechanics of a protected pick are fairly straightforward. A team will agree with the player’s agent on a specific draft position range where they will not be selected by another team. This “protected” range is often tied to a specific round or a particular spot within a round. If the player is not selected within that range, the team holding the protected pick can then select them at their own discretion.
For example, if a team has a protected pick for a player at #5, that means they won’t be picked by another team before that slot. If the player is still available at position #5, then that team can pick them. If they are not, the team with the protected pick has the option of selecting the player elsewhere in the draft, or wait until the later rounds (or even free agency) to try and secure them. This strategy is a powerful tool for teams to secure their specific targets, even if they are not in a position to draft them early on.
Top 5 Protected Picks: A Look Back at the Most Significant
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1. Andrew Luck (2012): The Indianapolis Colts Secure Future Success
In 2012, the Indianapolis Colts were in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season. They had the #1 overall pick in the draft, and they had their sights set on a quarterback who could lead them back to greatness. Enter Andrew Luck, a dynamic and talented quarterback from Stanford University. With the first pick, the Colts were eager to secure their future, but a protected pick by the Arizona Cardinals at #2 (where they desperately needed a franchise quarterback) made the situation precarious. The Cardinals however, surprised everyone by selecting defensive end Robert Nkemdiche, a move widely seen as a mistake. The Colts, thankfully, snapped up Luck, who eventually transformed into one of the league’s best quarterbacks, leading the Colts to the playoffs and cementing his legacy as a star.
2. Aaron Donald (2014) : A Defensive Juggernaut Emerges
In 2014, the St. Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams) had the #2 overall pick, but their eyes were on a defensive game-changer – Aaron Donald, a talented defensive tackle from Pittsburgh. The Rams weren’t the only team eyeing Donald, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, who held the #3 pick, were also keen on the defensive star. A protected pick at #3 was seen as a crucial strategy by the Rams to lock down Donald, and it proved to be a masterstroke. Donald was indeed drafted by the Rams at #13 overall, and went on to become a dominant force, earning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and transforming the Rams’ defense in the process. This secured the Rams’ defensive dominance for a few years, and solidified Donald as one of the greatest defensive players in history.
3. Saquon Barkley (2018): The Giants Unleash their Running Game
In 2018, the New York Giants were looking for a player to revitalize their offense. Saquon Barkley, a dynamic running back from Penn State, was their top target, but the Cleveland Browns, holding the #1 pick, were also interested in the star back. A protected pick ensured that the Giants could land Barkley, who had been touted as the next great running back prospect. He was drafted by the Giants at #2 overall and lived up to the hype, becoming a dominant force in the league, displaying incredible speed, agility and power. While the Giants’ offense hasn’t been consistently successful, Barkley has been a highlight, and the protected pick proved to be instrumental in landing the highly-touted running back.
4. Joe Burrow (2020): A New Era In Cincinnati
The 2020 NFL Draft was a watershed moment for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team desperately searching for a franchise quarterback. Joe Burrow, an exceptional quarterback from LSU, was their top target, but other teams, like the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Football Team, were also interested in the Heisman Trophy winner. Knowing the competitive landscape, the Bengals secured a protected pick for Burrow, ensuring that he would be their quarterback. The Bengals drafted Burrow at #1 overall, and his impact was almost immediate. He led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years. The protected pick was a masterclass in drafting strategy, and it set the Bengals on a path of unprecedented success.
5. Khalil Mack (2014): A Defensive Force Joins the Raiders
In 2014, the Oakland Raiders had a clear need for a dynamic edge rusher, and they had their eyes on Khalil Mack, a talented linebacker from Buffalo. The Raiders had the #5 overall pick, but a protected pick by the Chicago Bears at #4 secured their chances of acquiring Mack. The Bears ended up drafting quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, but Mack was still available and was drafted by the Raiders, going on to a phenomenal career. He was later traded to the Chicago Bears, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honours in 2016, solidifying his elite status. The protected pick in 2014 was a risk that paid off for the Raiders, as Mack became a dominant defensive force, helping to transform the Raiders’ defense and solidify his legacy as a cornerstone of a historic defense.
The Growing Impact of Protected Picks: A Shift in Draft Strategy
In recent years, protected picks have become a more common practice, and their impact on the draft landscape is increasingly significant. This shift can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including the increasing value of top-tier talent in the league, the rise of player agents’ influence, and the complex dynamics of draft positioning. It’s now a strategy that is frequently employed to secure the most sought-after players.
However, the growing use of protected picks isn’t without its critics. There are concerns that it can stifle the natural flow of the draft and reduce the element of surprise. Some argue that it can also lead to a scenario where teams become too focused on securing their specific targets, and neglecting the importance of drafting for need, leading to potential imbalances in team formation. The debate over the merits and drawbacks of protected picks is likely to continue as they become more prevalent in the NFL draft.
Looking Towards the Future: Protected Picks and the Evolving NFL Draft
The NFL draft is a dynamic and unpredictable process, constantly evolving with new strategies and insights. The protected pick is a critical element of that evolution, and it will continue to shape the way teams build their rosters in the years to come. It remains a powerful tool for teams looking to secure their future success by acquiring the most talented players, and as the league continues to evolve, the significance of this strategy will only grow.
As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how teams continue to utilize the power of protected picks in the NFL draft. Will we see teams utilize this strategy even more aggressively? Will the league introduce new rules or regulations to address concerns about their potential impact? The future of the draft, and the strategic maneuvers that shape it, are sure to be a captivating storyline for many years to come.
Top 5 Protected Pick
Conclusion
The protected pick is a fascinating aspect of the NFL draft, a strategy that adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to the process. It is a tool that allows teams to secure their future by acquiring the most talented players, and in many cases, it has proven to be a crucial factor in shaping the direction of franchises. As the NFL draft continues to evolve, the protected pick is likely to remain a key factor in shaping the future of the league.
