The Retro Bowl Draft: Reading Potential, Positions and When to Trade Down

Stars are potential, not ability

Each prospect shows a star rating and a position. The stars are how good the player can become with training, not how good he is on day one. A five-star rookie may start the season below a three-star veteran and finish it well above him. If you have a training facility, always take stars.

Which positions to take early

Quarterback first, whenever a high-potential one appears, because every receiver benefits. Wide receiver and tight end second, because speed and catching are the stats you feel on every throw. Offensive line third; a good line is invisible until you lose it.

Which positions to leave

Kickers and defensive players. A kicker with an average rating makes the kicks you should be attempting. Defensive players matter, but the defense is simulated and a strong coordinator lifts the whole unit; one star defender in a poor unit changes little.

Trading the pick

If the top of the draft has no quarterback or receiver you want, trade the pick for an established starter. Draft picks have a fixed value in Retro Bowl's trade screen and a veteran on a short contract fills a hole immediately.

Contracts on rookies

Rookies come on cheap, long deals. Sign the ones who grow and let the ones who stall walk at the end of the contract; a training facility makes the growers obvious by mid-season.