The Great Joel Buchsbaum : The Original (and Mysterious) Draft Guru

[Patler]

Wow, a name from the past I had sort of forgotten about, until reminded.

Buchsbaum is as much responsible for the NFL's merchandising of the draft as the NFL is itself, because he got fans interested in it. He was the first real source for fans to get into the draft. He evaluated players and tried to tie them to NFL teams' needs/interests. When he got started, the average fan had limited opportunities to see college players outside their own region of the country. Even Bowl games were extremely limited. Buchsbaum provided a source for fans to read about how a player they knew compared to one they had heard of but rarely if ever saw.

Initially, the guy was somewhat ignored/scoffed at; but it didn't take long for even the NFL teams themselves to realize he knew what he was talking about. Articles about players before and after the draft would quote his comments on them. He was the primary source of information about players until the NFL combine started providing stats to compare. He made the draft something that NFL fans could ponder over and look forward to ahead of the event.

Many tried to emulate him, but no one came close to the thoroughness and accuracy that he provided.

[The Shadow]

I wish someone would make a documentary about him. He'd be a fascinating study.

[pbmax]

I wish someone would make a documentary about him. He'd be a fascinating study.

Have spent a little time looking for his work online. Can't find any except quotes here or there in articles.

I almost am at the point of buying something on eBay to read it, like a back issue.

Which is crazy. I almost don't want to read more about this draft.

[The Shadow]

Have spent a little time looking for his work online. Can't find any except quotes here or there in articles.

I almost am at the point of buying something on eBay to read it, like a back issue.

Which is crazy. I almost don't want to read more about this draft.

I have some VERY old issues stuck in a box somewhere in the attic. I might go looking and read the scouting report on James Lofton.

[Spaulding]

Great read. Thanks for sharing!

[theeaterofshades]

I am gathering he was somewhere on the Autism spectrum by the description of single-mindedness, anti-social preferences, lack of self care...

[The Shadow]

I am gathering he was somewhere on the Autism spectrum by the description of single-mindedness, anti-social preferences, lack of self care...

This analysis would apply to most Rats.

[George Cumby]

This analysis would apply to most Rats.

*raises hand sheepishly*

[Fritz]

My parents always looked at my colored drawings from second grade and say, "Fritz, you're very autistic."

I thought they were saying "artistic," but I get it now.

[mraynrand]

*raises hand sheepsheadly*

FIFY

[mraynrand]

My parents always looked at my colored drawings from second grade and say, "Fritz, you're very autistic."

I thought they were saying "artistic," but I get it now.

lol

[theeaterofshades]

This analysis would apply to most Rats.

some more than others.... APB/Tank we're looking at you

[The Shadow]

By the way, Joel is generally credited for creating the description "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane."