When I’m talking about NFL depth charts, I’m sure everybody knows what I’m talking about. For all those non-sports fans out there, it’s the list of players that teams have on their roster, in the order of those that will be taking the field on game day. It’s an exciting time every year when teams start to create their depth charts for the season. They’re sorting out which players will start and which might have a spot on the bench. It’s really interesting to watch and requires staffing I never really paid much attention before.
What I love about depth charts is seeing how teams build a nucleus around key players. NFL teams have a pretty short window when it comes to competing for the championship, so if they work around their strengths then it makes all the difference. I’ve seen teams completely revamp their lineup by focusing on the talents of one or two star players. It’s really cool to watch, and it’s fun to see how a team’s performance can dramatically improve when they have the right players in the starting lineup.
But even though the top-tier players are important, I think it’s even more important to keep an eye on the middle and lower ranks of NFL rosters. Like any team sport, depth matters, so teams need to create rosters that can survive injuries and fatigue. That means that it’s just as important to have a strong and deep bench as it is to have a few all-stars. A team with great depth is one that can stay competitive throughout the course of a long season.
One of the ways that teams can add depth to their rosters is by doing undrafted free agents. Often a player goes through the draft and isn’t taken for whatever reason, and they become available after the draft is over. Teams can then sign them to their rosters in order to add some extra depth. It’s also an opportunity for these players to prove their worth, as there have been some superstars that have been signed as undrafted free agents.
Regarding the position players, teams like to shake up the depth charts from time to time. A great example comes from the Kansas City Chiefs this season. They surprisingly moved their QB Patrick Mahomes to the backup QB spot, and elevated their rookie QB Chad Henne to the starting QB role. The idea was to give Mahomes some extra rest during the regular season and give the team some additional experience with Henne, which could prove to be useful in the playoffs. It’s a creative move, and one that I think could pay off for the Chiefs.
Specific positions can also impact a teams’ depth chart. The tight-end position is particularly important on the offensive side of the ball. You need a tight-end that can make plays in both the passing and the running game. Depth here can be helpful because tight-ends often get injured and tired during the season. You don’t want to have too many inexperienced players at the position, so teams should look to bring in experienced depth that can help with blocking and route-running.
The quarterback position is also particularly important when it comes to depth. You don’t want your team to be too reliant on a single player at that position. There are always stories of teams that have leaned too heavily on one guy and it’s worked out terribly for them. To prevent these kinds of disasters, you should look for a team that has a well-rounded roster at the QB position.
Finally, the defensive end of the team is also crucial to a teams’ depth chart. Every team needs a formidable pass rush and having solid depth is the best way to get it. Teams should look to add players with experience in rushing the quarterback, as well as speed rushers that opposing QBs won’t be able to handle. Depth at the defensive end spot can be a big difference-maker come the end of the season, so teams are wise to put in the effort to find and develop the necessary pieces.
In conclusion, depth charts can be a tricky thing to manage in the NFL. Teams need to have careful planning when building their rosters and work to create a balanced team with experienced depth players. NFL teams need to think outside the box and use their scouting resources to their advantage, in order to create a championship caliber team that can withstand the rigors of a long NFL season.