What is a top 3 protected pick and how does it impact a team's draft strategy and future prospects?

Answer 1

A top 3 protected pick is a draft pick that a team is guaranteed to keep if it falls within the top 3 selections. If the pick falls outside the top 3, it is transferred to another team. This impacts a team's draft strategy as they may prioritize developing young talent or making trades to improve their chances of keeping the pick. It also affects a team's future prospects as losing a high draft pick can hinder their ability to acquire top talent and improve their roster.