I remember that in Patriots Reign, Belichick made mention that the first thing they do is evaluate the roster, assigning them numbers as to how they are rated... I know the system is on a 1 to 10 basis. And I know it's mentioned in Patriots Reign, but I don't have my copy available as it's still packed from moving..
If anyone could post the scale that BB used, it would be appreciated.
Some Alphabet Letters Used
a = concerns about age, too young or too old
c = character concern
x = injury problem
t = will make special-teams coach happy
tt = special teams contribution is so good he can make the roster on his ST ability alone
y = transfer
l = fnished college career at lower level of competition (Div1-AA, Div. 2, Div. 3)
A+/A = "player who will be wearing a yellow jacket and giving a speec on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame"
Q = rare player who happens to be height-deficient
C = circumstance (any reason) that has restricted a very good player's production
P = top projection players who are being counted on to play a position in the pros that they didn't in college
Then you have the 8 groups:
1. Starter: 9.00-9.99 A+, 8.00-8.99 A, and Q (height-deficient) 8.00-8.99
2. Circumstantial Starter - first year NFL starter whose production was restricted by some circumstance. May include NCAA rules problem, problems with agent, personal or family confllict. 7.00-7.99 C
3. Make It+ - player who is not expected to start in his first season but is expected to contribute in year one and eventually develop into a starter 6.50-6.99
4. Dirty Starter - could start, but something about the player is restrictive (speed, athleticism, etc.), Category for overachievers and underachievers. 6.00-6.49
5. Make It - backup who won't win or lose a game for you. 5.50-5.99
6, Free Agent - not expected to make the team but could rise to the Make It level with time in NFL Europe or on the practice squad. 5.00-5.49
7. Pats Reject - reject by standards of Patriots, but could land somewhere else in the NFL. 4.90-4.99
8. Reject - doesn't belong in the NFL. 1.00