AI Analysis on ideal round to draft certain positions.

[SCO96]

Quick Summary Table

Position	Ideal Round Range	Notes
Safety (S)	2nd–3rd	Best value and depth here
Center (C)	3rd–4th	Often overlooked; steady starter range
Guard (G)	2nd–4th	High floor in 2nd–3rd rounds
Linebacker (LB)	1st–3rd	Scheme-dependent; 2nd–3rd best value

 

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I was playing around on Chat GTP today and asked them to find the ideal round to draft the above positions. We're pretty good at guard so I know we aren't too concerned with those spots.

I did pay attention to the S, C, and LB data. We picked 2 LB's in those rounds in 2025, but prior to that had we drafted LB on Day 1 or Day 2 since 2020 besides Tevin Wallace?

We haven't picked a Safety as high as round 2 since Mike Minter. But what about the 3rd round? I can't think of any.

We got Ryan Kalil in Round 2. I'm pretty sure we haven't picked one on Day 2 since. Am I right on this?

I'd love to see us use are top 3 picks in 2026 to grab a LB (or 2), a Safety, and may be even a Center. Although, I think Cade Mays has done ok for a 6th rounder and could improve with more playing time and a D-lineman might be a better prospect for team overall.

 

 

[Basbear]

Best rounds to draft C, IOL, Safety, and LB is 5-7. 

Toss NB in there too, but I feel that's more of a 3-5 deal. 

[csx]

Deon Grant was 2nd round I believe. Chinn was 2nd as well.

Technically TD was a 1st round safety.

Seems theres typically a good to great center in the second round. I dont understand why they dont get valued higher. They are the keystone.

I feel like thoe ranges are too wide to be interesting 

Edited 5 hours ago by csx

[SCO96]

1 minute ago, csx said:

Deon Grant was 2nd round I believe 

Now that I think about it, didnt we draft Chinn in the 2nd round, or was it the third?

[csx]

2 minutes ago, SCO96 said:

Now that I think about it, didnt we draft Chinn in the 2nd round, or was it the third?

Yep. Added that after more thought 

[csx]

Sherrod Martin was a 2nd round safety too

[jfra78]

8 minutes ago, Basbear said:

Best rounds to draft C, IOL, Safety, and LB is 5-7. 

Toss NB in there too, but I feel that's more of a 3-5 deal. 

Keep drafting LB in 3rd+ and keep watching TEs and RBs dominating us

[Aussie Tank]

fug the round you take the best player available. The Lions were laughed at for the Gibbs and Laporta draft now look at them. What you don't do is bet on raw athletic freaks over polished football players that may have shorter arms or are undersized 

[SCO96]

15 minutes ago, csx said:

Seems theres typically a good to great center in the second round. I dont understand why they dont get valued higher. They are the keystone.

I feel like those ranges are too wide to be interesting 

Agreed. I actually asked Chat GTP why are centers so important to the O-line. You'll find their response interesting.

The center is absolutely critical to the offensive line, even though he rarely gets the spotlight. Here’s why:

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1. He’s the “quarterback” of the offensive line

• The center identifies the defensive front before the snap — calling out who the “Mike” linebacker is and setting protection assignments for the guards and tackles.

• He adjusts the blocking scheme based on shifts, stunts, and blitz looks.

• In most offenses, the QB and center share communication responsibilities, but the center’s call is often what the rest of the line follows.

Without a smart, communicative center, the whole line can fall apart under pressure or disguise.

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2. He’s central to blocking coordination

• The center is literally the pivot point — coordinating combo blocks, zone steps, and double-teams with both guards.

• In zone-blocking schemes, he’s essential for lateral movement, reading the defensive tackle’s leverage, and passing off blocks smoothly.

• A poor center can destroy run-game timing or allow penetration that blows up plays before they start.

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3. He handles some of the toughest matchups

• Centers face nose tackles — often the biggest, strongest player on the defense — directly over the ball.

• He has to snap accurately, then instantly anchor against 300+ lbs of power, often with one hand still finishing the snap motion.

• That’s one of the most technically demanding jobs in football.

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4. He ties the line together mentally and physically

• The center’s ability to recognize stunts, delayed blitzes, and coverage disguises helps the entire line stay in sync.

• If a guard or tackle makes a mistake, the center can often help bail them out through quick adjustment calls or recovery blocks.

• A great center also brings leadership and stability — think of guys like Jason Kelce, Travis Frederick, or Alex Mack — they elevated everyone around them.

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5. Why some teams don’t draft centers early

• Despite the importance, centers rarely go in Round 1 because their positional value (impact on points/wins per dollar or cap hit) is lower than QB, LT, Edge, or CB.

• But analytically, a great center can add similar efficiency gains to a good left tackle by reducing QB pressure and improving run-game consistency.

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In short:

The center is the brains and anchor of the offensive line — the glue that makes five individuals operate as one.
He might not be the highest-paid, but when you have a great one, your offense usually runs smoother in every phase.

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I'd NEVER complain if we took an elite prospect in the 1st or 2nd round.

[strato]

Cool. 
That 1st section on what the C does is why I felt like they did take the C in round 2 of 2024. They didn’t want a rookie with Young. I hope we get one. 
And we need to keep taking shots at guards so maybe we can avoid the extreme contracts for them down the line. 

Edited 4 hours ago by strato

[Captain Morgan]

I'm good with Mays till he proves otherwise, and I say that as someone who had to see it to believe it.

We won't see Corbett next year hopefully, I'd spend a 5th or even a 4th to compete with Cade and provide depth.