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+---- Thread: SaberCats Score on Draft Day (/showthread.php?tid=2360)
SaberCats Score on Draft Day - Symmetrik - 07-20-2017
The SaberCats came into the draft with some big needs. Both sides of the line needed heavy work, losing a bunch of players to expansion. Just a single offensive lineman left, and a pair of DTs. They lost a CB, leaving them with a need there. And then even before the start of the first season, they had a need for a linebacker. The only spot on defense they were set was safety. On offense, there were some question marks, though not necessarily needs. Ethan Hunt has made it known he wants out of San Jose, but he’s still got a season on his contract. The SaberCats had just a single RB on roster, though he’s a good one, you need 2 to be successful.
Vincent Sharpei – OL (Muford) 4th OA
The SaberCats moved up to nab Sharpei at 4. He was a great grab, a really strong OL with experience. He’ll be an anchor on the end of the line opposite Longshaw. With Clegane and Pest declaring their intentions to only play for the Otters and Outlaws, Sharpei was the clear top OL for the other 6 teams. Even if the other 2 hadn’t spurned every team, Sharpei was the best option for the SaberCats. Their QB will thanks them for seasons to come.
Jordan Yates – OL (jordan327) 11th OA
The SaberCats continue to build the OLine. Yates will be a great guy to slot into the interior of the line. With great offensive weapons at WR and RB, the SaberCats stock up on protection for the backfield. They’re well on their way to building up to a dominant offense.
Enchilada Charlton – DE (mpclardy) 19th OA
The defense gets some love with this pick, as the SaberCats finally add one to the line. Charlton will be a strong player for many seasons. Perhaps a surprising pick so early, but it’s that known consistency that will make him worth the selection.
Xavier Newman – CB (CubsFan19) 37th OA
The SaberCats traded up once again, this time back into the 5th round in order to grab their corner. With a limited selection of corner available at all, the SaberCats had to move up to be sure they got a guy they can rely on. They did that and he will be a key member of the secondary.
Chidubem Okonkwo – DE (okonkwoco) 43rd OA
The other end of the defensive line gets bulked up. Okonkwo slid a bit in the draft, and the SaberCats were able to snap him up in the 6th to round out the defensive line. He’ll grow alongside Charlton to make for a frightentning line for multiple seasons.
Christian Adams – QB (TheRealBK) 50th OA
The QB situation in San Jose becomes a little bit clearer. Obviously with Hunt’s declaration, the SaberCats needed a solution by the time S3 rolls around. Here they get it, a late pick but a great one. It’s not clear who will be the starter this season, but it gives the SaberCats options now, and they could trade away Hunt to completely rid themselves of the controversy. Adams is the long term plan in San Jose.
Denzel Diaz – RB (ElMachoNacho) 57th OA
The SaberCats get their RB. They grabbed a guy who can fill exactly the role they need him to. A young guy who will play second to Durden, however Diaz will be looked at to be the power guy. He’s short but a bulky guy who will grind opposing defenses down, or take advantage when Durden already has.
Noah Parker – LB (njparker) 59th OA
A guy who came in last season and played for the SaberCats gets brought back in to hopefully be a solution to their linebacker problem. Hackett has been a stud, and Selich was very good last season, but he hasn’t been around, so his success will only last so long. The SaberCats will need Parker to step up and fill the void as Selich gets left behind.
Braden Sharp – OL (adamantium) 67th OA
After making their top 2 selections OLine, the SaberCats add one more late in the draft. A quiet guy who slid in the draft, Sharp will come in and pair with Yates on the inside to nearly fill up the SaberCats line. 4 isn’t perfect, but it’s better than what they had, and 4 great player can make up for it. Sharp solidifies the core of what should be the SaberCats line for a long time.
Manny Paz – LB (protooman) 75th OA
A late round LB pickup, he’ll be on the bench to start unless he comes in and shows up either Parker or Selich.
John Goose – RB (DRUNKmeerkat) 83rd OA
A 3rd RB for San Jose, he’ll play a minimum role, unless he shows up Diaz, which is highly unlikely. They picked him up as a backup plan, but it’s more likely plan A works and the backup plan doesn’t.
Mac Donald – DE (HonoluluBlue) 91st OA
Another bench pickup, it’s just some security to cover the DLine. If he makes a stellar showing, he’ll bump Cameron to the bench and one of the 3 Ends in this draft would need to slide inside. Pretty unlikely at this point.
So the SaberCats filled their needs, and their biggest needs with active players. The stocked up big time on the Offensive and Defensive Lines, adding a total of 5 active players and 1 inactive. They solved their QB problem with a guy they can rely on. They set up their backfield with clear roles, and guys who can make things happen. They solidified the last hole in their secondary. Their Linebacker core is the last step, and it will hinge on Parker. If he doesn’t pan out, they can get by this season with Hackett, Selich, and Parker, but S3 they’ll have to look to address it. That’s really all you can ask of the draft. They’re confident in the players the drafted to fill needs, and hopeful of players they drafted to plug holes. Things are looking up in San Jose.
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