How the balanced draft works

The balanced draft uses player evaluations to account for the players already assigned to each team. It adjusts the remaining pick order before coaches start drafting.

1. 01

   Rank the players

   Evaluation scores and your division’s skill weights give each player a composite score. Those scores determine projected draft positions.

2. 02

   Account for assigned players

   Add players who must stay with a particular team, such as a coach’s child. Each assignment uses a pick in its projected round. If two assignments need the same round, one moves to a later round while keeping its original projected value.

3. 03

   Choose how to value the rankings

   The default linear curve treats each step in rank equally. The commissioner can choose a curve that gives more weight to the top of the player pool, including a suggestion based on the division’s evaluation scores.

4. 04

   Calculate the open picks

   The calculation counts all pre-assigned value from the start. In each round, teams with less projected value get earlier available picks; teams with more get later picks. Each pick changes that running balance. Teams with effectively equal balances follow snake order.

5. 05

   Review and approve

   Review the full order, assignments, and projected team values before opening the draft. If the player count leaves a short final round, approve which teams receive those picks. The approved plan is frozen for draft night.

6. 06

   Let coaches draft

   Coaches take their assigned players in the scheduled slots and choose freely on their other turns. Everyone follows the approved order on the live board.