53-Man Rosters. How To?

[[AG] Danny]

One of the things were looking at this year is moving to a 53-man roster system. I'm familiar with the NFL, but I'm no expert on roster management. I would imagine that there's a pretty standard depth chart as far as the number of players at each position, but certain teams may opt for an extra LB, DB, or WR depending on their personnel, playbook, or play style. 

My question is, is my assumption correct, and how do other football games/managers handle this?

Thanks!

[abugaj]

The format is pretty standard from what I have seen over the years in video games. The real life rosters of course are a bit larger. QB typically you have 3, RB can vary depending on personal and schemes but no more than 4, FB 1, WR its usually 6,TE 3,LT about 2, LG 2, C 2, RG 2, RT 2, LE 3,RE 3,DT 4,LOLB 2, ROLB 2, CB 6 is usually the norm,FS 2, SS 2,K 1, P 1.

Like I said it varies. Its usually 55 man rosters though not 53. 53 would be fine though I wouldn't complain!

To answer your other question. Football games usually deal with this by having its in game roster reflect the real life moves. For example, If the Eagles have 4 qbs then the roster would reflect that and take away a roster spot or 2 from other positions. They can not exceed 55 players however.

[[AG] Danny]

I thought the NFL had 53 man rosters?

[abugaj]

You are correct they do. 55 man rosters are what Madden has had in the past for whatever reason. 53 is fine although rumors are that the NFL are thinking about expanding later on. 53 is a good number though and is what the current rosters are in real life.

[thesackmaster]

it depends on offense its pretty simple like what dollar said would be be good but on defense it depends on what scheme they run like 3-4 or 4-3 like a 4-3 will have like 4 DTs and 2 MLB but a 3-4 might have 1 DT and 4 or maybe 5 MLB because that scheme uses 4 linebackers and the 4-3 uses 4 defensive linemen

[Marauders]

FPS Football Pro did it well. The roster had a minimum and a maximum in each position. Both offense and defense would be different because of spread and single back formations used as a primary formation.

Perhaps if Axis Football used the first formation set as the primary, the AI could use a predefined set up for the roster.

[Marauders]

All players should have a general position (receiver, running back, defensive back) and a specific position (wide receiver, fullback, safety). This will help if injuries force a player to play out of position.

Like FPS Football Pro, the roster should have a minimum number for each specific position and a maximum number. This helps the AI when drafting - which the game will likely do in the future.

Minimums would be something like 2 QB, 2 HB, 1 FB, 4 WR, 2 TE, 3 OT, 3 DE, 3 CB, .... These could be set in general or as part of the playbook file.

In FPS Football Pro, the maximums were set via the general position, so the maximum number of running backs combined halfbacks and fullbacks. The maximum number of defensive backs combined the safeties and cornerbacks. It worked fine, but the AI had some trouble figuring out a good way to fill maximums while drafting.

If this is done manually, the numbers are pretty simple. In the long run, it is not a great idea to rely on manual rosters, as this will make drafts and trades with AI teams something that cannot be done.

[weslacocubs]

53 man rosters in the NFL, but on 46 suit up about 90 minutes prior to game time.
Hope there are no minimums. For example, some teams do not even carry a single full back.

[Marauders]

Jul 6, 2017 23:08:25 GMT weslacocubs said:

53 man rosters in the NFL, but on 46 suit up about 90 minutes prior to game time.
Hope there are no minimums. For example, some teams do not even carry a single full back.

In FPS Football, the minimums helped keep the AI from making wonky drafts, and it helps when injuries force substitutions.

All teams carry a fullback; they are just not always called a fullback.

Since a team can use formations with a fullback in the game, they should have to designate a player for that position.

[Marauders]

Feb 22, 2016 23:04:37 GMT abugaj said:

You are correct they do. 55 man rosters are what Madden has had in the past for whatever reason. 53 is fine although rumors are that the NFL are thinking about expanding later on. 53 is a good number though and is what the current rosters are in real life.

Madden may need a larger roster to help the AI in drafts and depth charts.

In the NFL, there is a 53 man roster and a 10 player practice squad. Only 46 players may suit up for each game.

At least we no longer have to worry about the 3rd string quarterback rule.