NFL experts have always preached the way to build a championship team is through the draft.
The prevailing thought is if a franchise wants to find success on the field, they need to use the draft as a means to filling their team with younger players who will mature into starters.
But does a successful draft mean more wins?
For the purposes of our discussion, let’s look at the draft selections from 2004 to 2008 for the following teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs aren’t too far removed from being one of the more successful NFL franchises, but Kansas City has fallen upon hard times over the past five years.
Since 2004, Kansas City has gone 32–48. During those seasons, the Chiefs were able to advance to the playoffs once while having three losing seasons. From 2004 to 2008, they had a total of 43 draft picks during this time, which is the most among the seven teams being highlighted.
As of April 2009, Kansas City has been able to retain 20 of the 43, or 46.5% of the picks they made in previous drafts. The best player the Chiefs selected over the past five years was defensive end Jared Allen, a player they later traded to the Minnesota Vikings for future draft picks.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins own the second worst winning percentage – 38.7% – over the past five years. Their overall record of 31–49 was compiled thanks to three losing seasons, including a dreadful 1-15 season in 2007.
From 2004 to 2008, the Miami Dolphins had a total of 37 picks and as of April 2009, only 17 picks still remain on the roster. The Dolphins were only able to retain 46% of their selections from the draft.
The Dolphins still have one of their top draft selections, running back Ronnie Brown, on the team, though there have been some rumblings out of Miami that GM Bill Parcells is looking to trade him.
New York Giants
The Super Bowl champions in 2007, the New York Giants have seen a turn around in their franchise thanks to their draft selections. From 2004 to 2009, the Giants compiled a 47–37 record, resulting in a 58.7% winning percentage.
During this time, New York was able to advance to the playoffs four times. In those five years, the Giants had 31 draft picks, the lowest among the teams examined.
As of April 2009, New York has 22 of those picks, or 71% on the active roster. When the Giants won the Super Bowl, all seven of the players they selected in the 2007 draft were part of the championship team.
San Diego Chargers
One of the more successful NFL franchises in recent history, the San Diego Chargers have dedicated themselves to building through the draft.
During the past five years, the Chargers have compiled a record of 54-26, good for a 67.5 winning percentage while earning a playoff spot in four of the five years.
From 2004 to 2008, San Diego selected a total of 38 players in the draft. As of April 2009, San Diego had 24 of those draft picks on the active roster. Over the past two drafts, 11 of the Chargers 12 top picks contributed greatly to their success.
New England Patriots
When it comes to success in the NFL, most teams model themselves after the New England Patriots. From 2004 to 2008, the Pats had the best winning percentage of any franchise, compiling a 63–17 record.
During that time, New England appeared in three Super Bowls, winning two back-to-back in 2004 and 2005. The Pats also completed the 2007 regular season undefeated. Even with that success, the Patriots were able to secure 41 selections in the draft.
What is surprising is that of their 41 selections, only 20 of those players are on the roster at present. A few players New England drafted, like Matt Cassel, were traded away in exchange for draft picks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to compile a 56–24 record during the past five years. While they maintained a 70% winning percentage, the Steelers were able to advance to the playoffs four times and won the Super Bowl twice.
The Steelers have had 39 draft picks over the past five years. At present, only 20 of those selections, or 51%, remain on the roster.
The difference with the Steelers has been their ability to draft players that could start as opposed to some teams who only find special team players.
Some of the most successful teams, like the Patriots and Steelers, have had average success at best on draft day, but yet they own four Super Bowl victories in the last five years.
Though NFL fans have become more entranced by the draft, discussing the players and possible moves for countless weeks, they need to realize success in the draft does not always translate to guaranteed wins.
