Can someone explain positional value?
 

Obviously, I get the basic concept. Quarterback is the most important position, fullback is the least. But what about everything in between? Why is a left tackle more important than a left guard or right tackle? Why not take an LB with a top-5 pick? What is the general heirarchy of positions?

1. QB
.
.
.
DE/DT/LT/HB?
.
.
.
22. Fullback
23. Kicker
24. Punter


Edit: I forgot my post requirements. Your and idiot, and Fire Herm!!!

Positional value is a concept where pro teams value certain positions more than others.

Just what position merits a #3 pick?
IMHO

Obvious:
QB
RB
LT

Maybe, depends on the player.
DE
DT

That's the part I understand. I was looking for a slightly more technical response.

A left tackle protects the QB's (most important position) blind side.

From a technical perpective: It's similar to the hard drive being valued more than the mouse.

RB shouldn't be in the top 3 positions, IMO.

What a floating concept.

Positional value totally depends on where the team lacks.

This is kind of what I'm getting at. I would think your RB would be more valuable than your DT.

I don't think there is a technical response. Most coaches will say that the three most important positions on a team are QB, LOT and a pass rushing DE or OLB in a 3-4.

Aside from those three positions, I think the rest is open for debate (except as to FBs, punters and kicker).

If you look at previous drafts for guidance you'll see guards and centers usually aren't taken until later in the first round. MLBs usually go earlier than outside LBs (in a 4-3).

Isn't this in reference to the pick Value? Say #1 is worth 3500 points and #2 is 3000 points and so on...it would take #32 (1000points) #17 overall(1800points) and #45 (700points) to equal #1

LT is more important than LG because LT is normally matched up to protect the blind side of the QB, and is normally blocking 1 on 1 against the opposing teams most athletic DE that can line up wide and is also responsible for forcing the DE to the inside when you want to run to the outside. A LG normally just has to man up, and may have help from the C.

I'd say look at average salary by position, and that tells you all you need to know about "positional value".

Makes sense. So the QB is most important for obvious reasons.

That makes the left side of the line more important than the right.

Where do safeties and corners come in compared to LB and DL? Or is it just enough of a tossup that you go with need or BPA?

Exactly. And LT's are 2nd behind QB's, followed by the DE's the LT's are paid so much to block.