Jackson Free Press

Nearly every NFL team will probably feel good about themselves after the final pick of the 2013 NFL Draft is announced. Every player looks great in the highlight packages the NFL Network and ESPN show. Fans can hope that every pick will turn out to be a future hall of famer, and it is rare any more to hear complaints that a team screwed up the draft after the three-day event is over.

I personally like to learn as much as I can on players in the weeks leading up to the draft. I watch the NFL Combine and re-watch games, and I consume any information I can get my hands on.

The first thing I want to see is game tape or highlight reels from games I watched during the season. There is an old saying: "Tape don't lie." You are what you are on tape.

You can see how a player stacks up against other athletes who might be drafted, and if a certain potential recruit jumps off the screen at you.

Take, for example, the LSU versus Florida game this year: LSU linebacker Kevin Minter was a beast against the Gators, with 20 tackles and two sacks. Minter could have had a better game, but dehydration bothered him all game long.

Many teams have questioned Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones' health, but Jones had 13 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries against the Gators.

Both Minter and Jones played very well in most every game all season. I won't be worried about my favorite team taking either player.

I like the NFL Combine, but sometimes sports fans pay too much attention to the numbers--mainly the 40-yard dash. Instead, I like to watch the on-the-field drills.

The drills are closer to what you would really see a football player do in practice or during a game. If a player has good numbers and looks explosive during the on-the-field drills, it's usually worth a look back at their tape.

Mississippi State defensive back Darius Slay is a perfect example: He crushed in the numbers and looked good in the drills.

Slay made me go back and watch his play because Johnthan Banks overshadowed him on the same defense. I wouldn't be surprised if Slay is taken near the end of the first round or early in the second round.

Two things teams do that I can't stand: Drafting the best player available regardless of position, and drafting on potential. I prefer drafting based on what your team needs and knowing a certain player's actual abilities, instead of wondering if he'll ever reach 
his potential.

The one exception to this rule is a team that drafts the best player or a potential great with trading him in mind. Getting a lower-ranked player you need or better picks--or both--is a better deal, in my opinion.

Follow @jfpsports on twitter all draft long for thoughts, picks and more starting Thursday night.