All articles tagged with #roster construction
The article examines how the four CFP semifinalist teams in college football have built their rosters through a mix of high school recruiting and transfer portal acquisitions, highlighting a shift from traditional recruiting dominance to a more transfer-heavy approach, especially on offense and defense, influenced by recent rule changes and NIL opportunities.
ESPN's Ben Solak criticizes the Ravens' roster-building approach, highlighting that their focus on drafting and developing players without significant free-agent signings has led to depth issues, despite having star talent. The team struggles with second-tier players, which impacts their overall performance and playoff chances. Meanwhile, Zay Flowers had a standout season, and Ben Cleveland joined the Chargers' practice squad, with other NFL updates also noted.
A detailed 2025 fantasy football mock draft explores an aggressive RB start with Jahmyr Gibbs, Bucky Irving, and Chase Brown, emphasizing upside and strategic value in a 12-team PPR league, while balancing wide receiver depth and late-round picks for a competitive roster.
The article outlines a detailed draft strategy for the 2025 fantasy football season, emphasizing market-beating player rankings, a focus on youth and ascending players, and a structured approach to drafting, including key target lists and positional strategies, all aimed at giving fantasy managers an edge.
The Oklahoma City Thunder built a highly effective and unconventional roster primarily through aggressive draft picks and strategic trades, notably acquiring star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, which has positioned them as a strong contender in the NBA Finals.
The 2024 Boston Celtics exemplify a new model for NBA superteams, focusing on depth and balanced roster construction rather than assembling multiple superstars. Unlike the 2008 Celtics or other past superteams, the current Celtics built their success through methodical additions of very good players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, rather than relying on a few high-profile stars. This approach aligns with the new financial restrictions of the NBA, making it difficult to maintain a team of three superstars. The Celtics' strategy has led them to one of the best seasons in NBA history, showcasing a modern blueprint for building a superteam.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, teams are assessing their needs after the free agency frenzy. From protecting star quarterbacks to shoring up defensive units, each team has specific areas to address. The Kansas City Chiefs prioritize protecting Patrick Mahomes and adding receiving talent, while the New England Patriots seek offensive improvements. With the draft approaching, teams are strategizing to fill their roster gaps and build for the future.
Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst spoke openly at the NFL Scouting Combine, addressing critical roster-construction questions and expressing interest in adding a "bigger back" behind Aaron Jones. The team will decide on David Bakhtiari's future soon, and while they may target positions of need in free agency, they also see quarterbacks as an asset and are open to drafting one.
Major League Soccer (MLS) is evolving its roster construction by focusing on young international players through initiatives like the under-22 rule, aiming to develop and sell them for profit. The league is also investing in youth development and lower-division leagues to attract top young talent and shed the "retirement league" label. Teams are prioritizing younger players, with 85% of signings in the primary transfer window being aged 28 or younger, in a bid to improve the league's quality and become a more active player in the global transfer market.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and teams are facing massive financial risks due to new restrictions in the collective bargaining agreement. Teams over the second apron face limitations on taking back salary, aggregating contracts, sending out cash, and using preexisting trade exceptions. This has led to cautiousness in pursuing big-salary players, impacting the market for top players like Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray. Teams are now focusing on roster construction under the new CBA, with some looking to build around max-contract players and young talent, while others, like the Lakers and Warriors, face challenges in improving their rosters due to financial constraints.
The San Francisco Giants have made some moves in the offseason, including signing KBO outfielder Jung Hoo Lee and hard-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks, as well as acquiring Robbie Ray in a trade with the Mariners. They made a late run at Rhys Hoskins but missed out, and are still interested in adding a bat to the lineup. Third baseman Matt Chapman remains their top position-player target. However, with several needs unaddressed, the Giants have not significantly upgraded their power production or added stable innings behind ace Logan Webb, leaving questions about the composition of both the lineup and the rotation.
The transfer portal has become an important tool in college football, and while Michigan has had success with it, the coaching staff intends to use it to fill holes rather than build the program. The biggest question mark for Michigan is the quarterback position, with J.J. McCarthy's potential departure. The Wolverines could explore options in the transfer portal, including recruiting Dante Moore again. However, there are downsides to relying heavily on transfers, such as potentially losing homegrown talent and difficulty in establishing a long-term culture. The fan's perspective on the transfer portal varies, with some hoping to acquire any interested players while others worry about academic admissions policies affecting the football team's use of the portal.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman defended the organization's decision-making process and personnel, expressing pride in their efforts despite a disappointing 82-win season. Cashman acknowledged the need to reinforce the pitching staff, add outfielders, and address an infield surplus. He took responsibility for the team's underperformance and emphasized the importance of a better outcome in 2024. Cashman also refuted claims that the Yankees are overly reliant on analytics, stating that they have the smallest analytics department in the AL East and highlighting the significance of pro-scouting in their operations.
As rumors circulate about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks, it highlights the challenge of building a team around a one-team superstar in the modern NBA. The league's all-in era, where teams go all-out to keep their stars happy, eventually prevents them from maintaining a contender around them in the long term. The Bucks' aging supporting cast and lack of assets to make significant trades pose a dilemma for Antetokounmpo, who wants to compete for championships. This dilemma is not unique to the Bucks, as other teams with prime superstars face similar challenges. The league is no longer designed for one-team stars like Kobe Bryant or Dirk Nowitzki, and most of this generation's superstars are likely to change teams eventually.
The Philadelphia Eagles made some intriguing decisions with their 53-man roster, opting to keep seven defensive tackles and seven cornerbacks while going without a punter and punt returner. The team prioritized depth at cornerback and defensive tackle, positions that played a significant role in their Super Bowl run last season. They also acquired tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in a trade, adding depth to the position. The Eagles are still looking to upgrade at punter and punt returner, and injuries at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and off-ball linebacker could pose challenges. Overall, the roster is considered stronger than the previous season's team.