My "6 T's" of Draft Prospect Evaluation

[mayoclinic]

Nothing special here, but as we move towards the final stages of 2026 pre-draft evaluation, here are 6 criteria I tend to use when assessing players:

1. Tape

The most important factor. How good is the player's body of work to date, and how extensive is it? How consistent is he? How has he done against top competition? Have there been mitigating factors (injury, position changes, scheme issues)? Has he shown improvement?

2. Traits/Tools

What distinguishes this player's game? Does he have certain unique skills? How versatile is he?

3. Technique

How technically developed/sound is this player? Does he rely on physical ability, or does he have good technique as well? How diverse are his technical skills?

4. Testing

How much raw athleticism does the player have, and does it correlate with the tape?

5. inTangibles

Character, intelligence, work ethic. Red flags: character, off-field issues, medical.

6. Trajectory

How much improvement has the prospect shown. Where might he be in 2-3 years with proper training, coaching, and experience.

Example: Jacob Rodriguez

His tape is exemplary. Butkus award winner, he has made big play after big play, and makes the entire defense better. His tape is very consistent. His key traits and tools are his instinctiveness, awareness, intelligence and playmaking ability. His size is adequate. His versatility is limited to being a MLB, but he does that very, very well. He is technically very sound. His Combine testing showed world class athletic ability, which is consistent with his high level of play on tape. He has great intelligence, character, work ethic and leadership qualities, with no character or medical flags. He is a relatively developed player, but his character, drive and athleticism suggest likely continued improvement. Overall, he is a likely immediate starter, multi-contract starter, with green dot and captain qualities and pro bowl upside. Very high floor, high ceiling. Comp: LaVonte David/Bobby Wagner. Top 50 grade.

I personally find it helpful to break down prospects this way.

 

[mayoclinic]

I tend to value Traits and Trajectory highly, which is why I like guys like Max Iheanachor:

Example: Max Iheanachor

Traits and Trajectory exemplify Max Iheanachor as a prospect. A former soccer player who only took up American football 5 years ago, the 6'6" 321# Iheanachor has exceptional footwork and agility for such a large frame. As would be expected given his lack of experience, his tape shows some inconsistencies, and his technique needs some refinement. But his tape against Texas Tech and his Senior Bowl performance show a uniquely talented RT able to deal with any type of defensive lineman. His Combine testing supported this. He has good character, and showed a competitive edge at the Senior Bowl. Overall, with good coaching, technique and strength training he has All Pro upside. He could probably start immediately, but would benefit from a year of development.

Comparison: A less developed Armand Membou. Top 40 pick, top 25 based on trajectory.

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't know where to put this, so I'm parking it here:



3 really good things to think about in evaluating prospects:

1. "Dominate simple, as much as possible."

2. "How dramatic is the advantage/space creation?"

3. "Show me the special."

Give me guys who can do all 3 of those things.