[div align=\\\"center\\\"](NSFLN Requested Off Season Article - $600,000 bonus - min 400 words - July 18)
Offseason is a time to recover, regroup, and sometimes rebuild. A time where the champions revel in their triumph while the rest of the league set their sights on next year’s goals. But most of all - a time for the media to churn out article after article of hot air and hot takes! Prospects will rise and fall with the ebb and flow of the day to day. Character issues but amazing workout? Diluted drug test but no prior character concerns? The General Managers of the NSFL will analyze every detail leading up to Wednesday’s draft. The War Rooms will be prepped and boards will be arranged and rearranged. Endless hours of work and research will be dedicated towards finding the perfect fit for their football team… I’m here to blindly guess!
1st Round
1. - Dermot Lavelle CB[/div]
Consensus projected 1st pick across the league - media, coaches, players, fans, everyone is seemingly convinced Lavelle is the guy. It makes too much sense. The lockdown corner exploded unto the scene as a waiver pickup for the Wraiths last season. His 18 passes defended was tied for 2nd in the league and he finished the year with 4 interceptions. With Yellowknife holding the first overall pick doesn’t it seem a lock for Lavelle to return home?
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]2. - Blaster Blade DE[/div]
It’s possible the Yeti use Blade’s familiarity with the Outlaws last season as trade bait as he stares them in the face at #2. Blaster Blade is another player who proved to be a difference maker for his squad as a waiver pick up. He racked up 7 sacks last year for the Outlaws and helped them cement the first ever NSFL Championship. Blade felt robbed missing out on the Pro Bowl, a change of scenery and a chip on his shoulder could easily see double digit production. I feel like they pull the trigger and take the emerging sack-master to pair up with Fuego Wozy to give the Yeti a dangerous pass rush for years to come.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]3. - Tim Pest OL[/div]
If the Yeti grab Blaster Blade, don’t be surprised if they reunite with another one of their S1 Waiver players. Pest’s first year was full of ups and downs (top 10 in pancakes, but tied for the league in sacks allowed) but there is no doubt in his potential. A powerful blocker, you can attribute at least some of those sacks to the sheer number of drop backs by Arizona last year (third most pass attempts). With another year under his belt Pest has all the tools to shape up to be a marquee lineman.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]4. - Bork Björnsson DT[/div]
It all starts in the trenches, and we start to see a run on defensive and offensive linemen here. Bork Björnsson is our first true rookie in this draft. He showed flashes of brilliance in the Prospects Games where he picked up 4 sacks in 4 appearances. The Hawks were last in the league last year with only 36 sacks, Björnsson will be a day one contributor.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]5. - Vincent Sharpei OL [/div]
The Wraiths would have loved to have Björnsson fall into their laps at #5, but with him being snagged a pick before they further shore up their offensive line with Sharpei. Clegane is an option here but Yellowknife decide to avoid the offseason drama (Clegane on record talking of holding out if taken by anyone other than Orange County) and take the tamer Sharpei. Sharpei started all 14 games for the Hawks last year as a Waiver pick up and slammed down 32 pancakes. He’d slide right next to Akselson and Floggity to make one of the most intimidating offensive lines in the NSFL.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]6. - Gregory Clegane OL[/div]
We all saw this coming, another sure lock and no brainer. If not for his offseason press conference stating he would only play for the Otters, Clegane could have been painted in for a top 3 pick. Controversy has been abundant with some teams even going as far as to say they’d select him regardless of his intentions of sitting out simply to prove a point. With the league MVP already a long term stalwart, this selection gives the Otters two mountainous bookends for the future.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]7. - Fox North WR[/div]
Rumor mill has it this is the lock of the draft, though the media can’t quite lock down a source that will go on record. With Omar Wright and Lincoln Jefferson already in place, Jameis Christ gets another target in what is shaping up to be a very potent offense. Philadelphia lands the best receiver in the draft and will still have 5 more picks in the next 2 rounds that follow after their offseason trade fest.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]8. - Darnell Turner CB[/div]
Part best player available part filling a need, Darnell Turner is the top player remaining to close out the 1st round. Some teams may shy away from Turner only having small school experience being as he’s coming out of James Madison University, but the ‘Cats will not be able to pass on his upside. Veteran safeties Hardrool and Brill will help mentor the young defensive back as he vies for a starting spot alongside John Canton.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]2nd Round
9.TRADE - (via via ) Ragnar Kronen S[/div]
Trades are difficult to predict in any instance, more so with the offseason we’ve had thus far, but after last season the Hawks can be expected to make a splash. Kronen is a solid safety who can contribute immediately for Baltimore. Hawks will trade their 3rd (20th) and 7th (52nd) to move up and nab the best safety in the draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]10. - Jordan Yates OL[/div]
The Liberty continue to bolster the offensive side of the ball by adding the raw Jordan Yates in the 2nd. Yates appeared in just 4 games for Orange County last year but many scouts are clamoring about his pure potential. An intelligent blocker, Yates can play at any position on the line.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]11. - Ardia Savea RB[/div]
Ardie Savea is one of the most interesting prospects coming into this draft and I feel the ‘Cats are happy to bring back the all-purpose back. A converted rugby player, Savea was seen widely as a project player who would need a little time to adapt. His work ethic has been unparalleled and he went from relatively unknown outlier to one of the best backs available.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]12. - Rich Gucci TE[/div]
One of the top receiving tight ends in this class, Rich Gucci had a successful season last year as a Yeti waiver pick up. The Hawks will hope his experience will help them right the ship after finishing 4-10 last season. Gucci finished 3rd among tight ends for yards and snatched 3 touchdowns in S1.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]13. - Ben Green DT[/div]
Ben Green is a mammoth of a man at 345 lbs. He saw limited time last season and though his stats don’t jump off the page at you, that’s not necessarily the job of a nose tackle. Green will be asked to clog the interior and take on double teams to allow stud backers Lindarius Shelton and Reginald Hampshireton to roam freely.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]14. - Kevin Cushing LB/S[/div]
A hybrid linebacker who prides himself on his coverage skills, Cushing can provide depth at two levels of the defense for Orange County. The Otters love versatility and Cushing can help in a variety of packages for the already potent O.C. D.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]15. - Scott Timlin OL[/div]
The Yeti land a swiss army knife of an offensive lineman with playoff experience. Timlin, like many of the other O-line prospects, is considered raw with huge upside. Though entering the league as a center, he can play any position on the line.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]16. - Dustin Evans WR[/div]
The reigning champs will be ecstatic to see Evans fall to them this far into the 2nd. The Outlaws pounce on the possession receiver without a second thought. Evans will fill a need as Arizona lost both Jefferson and Stormblessed in offseason trades, Vincent Draxel will be pleased to have another toy.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Ready to be graded, 1337 words
(-- Anything below was not used in word count --)[/div]
I tried my best to use a combination of TPE, team need, and activity level in this. Like for any mock I can almost already hear your angry keyboard mashing saying “NO WAY THEY TAKE HIM THERE” and the like but - be gentle fellas. I realize I have a few guys going higher than someone with 30-40 more TPE than them, but again, team “need” and all that. Also @sapp2013 sorry if it seems like I'm stepping on toes here, I know you were working on your mock before the requests were even posted.
Graded
Offseason is a time to recover, regroup, and sometimes rebuild. A time where the champions revel in their triumph while the rest of the league set their sights on next year’s goals. But most of all - a time for the media to churn out article after article of hot air and hot takes! Prospects will rise and fall with the ebb and flow of the day to day. Character issues but amazing workout? Diluted drug test but no prior character concerns? The General Managers of the NSFL will analyze every detail leading up to Wednesday’s draft. The War Rooms will be prepped and boards will be arranged and rearranged. Endless hours of work and research will be dedicated towards finding the perfect fit for their football team… I’m here to blindly guess!
1st Round
1. - Dermot Lavelle CB[/div]
Consensus projected 1st pick across the league - media, coaches, players, fans, everyone is seemingly convinced Lavelle is the guy. It makes too much sense. The lockdown corner exploded unto the scene as a waiver pickup for the Wraiths last season. His 18 passes defended was tied for 2nd in the league and he finished the year with 4 interceptions. With Yellowknife holding the first overall pick doesn’t it seem a lock for Lavelle to return home?
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]2. - Blaster Blade DE[/div]
It’s possible the Yeti use Blade’s familiarity with the Outlaws last season as trade bait as he stares them in the face at #2. Blaster Blade is another player who proved to be a difference maker for his squad as a waiver pick up. He racked up 7 sacks last year for the Outlaws and helped them cement the first ever NSFL Championship. Blade felt robbed missing out on the Pro Bowl, a change of scenery and a chip on his shoulder could easily see double digit production. I feel like they pull the trigger and take the emerging sack-master to pair up with Fuego Wozy to give the Yeti a dangerous pass rush for years to come.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]3. - Tim Pest OL[/div]
If the Yeti grab Blaster Blade, don’t be surprised if they reunite with another one of their S1 Waiver players. Pest’s first year was full of ups and downs (top 10 in pancakes, but tied for the league in sacks allowed) but there is no doubt in his potential. A powerful blocker, you can attribute at least some of those sacks to the sheer number of drop backs by Arizona last year (third most pass attempts). With another year under his belt Pest has all the tools to shape up to be a marquee lineman.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]4. - Bork Björnsson DT[/div]
It all starts in the trenches, and we start to see a run on defensive and offensive linemen here. Bork Björnsson is our first true rookie in this draft. He showed flashes of brilliance in the Prospects Games where he picked up 4 sacks in 4 appearances. The Hawks were last in the league last year with only 36 sacks, Björnsson will be a day one contributor.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]5. - Vincent Sharpei OL [/div]
The Wraiths would have loved to have Björnsson fall into their laps at #5, but with him being snagged a pick before they further shore up their offensive line with Sharpei. Clegane is an option here but Yellowknife decide to avoid the offseason drama (Clegane on record talking of holding out if taken by anyone other than Orange County) and take the tamer Sharpei. Sharpei started all 14 games for the Hawks last year as a Waiver pick up and slammed down 32 pancakes. He’d slide right next to Akselson and Floggity to make one of the most intimidating offensive lines in the NSFL.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]6. - Gregory Clegane OL[/div]
We all saw this coming, another sure lock and no brainer. If not for his offseason press conference stating he would only play for the Otters, Clegane could have been painted in for a top 3 pick. Controversy has been abundant with some teams even going as far as to say they’d select him regardless of his intentions of sitting out simply to prove a point. With the league MVP already a long term stalwart, this selection gives the Otters two mountainous bookends for the future.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]7. - Fox North WR[/div]
Rumor mill has it this is the lock of the draft, though the media can’t quite lock down a source that will go on record. With Omar Wright and Lincoln Jefferson already in place, Jameis Christ gets another target in what is shaping up to be a very potent offense. Philadelphia lands the best receiver in the draft and will still have 5 more picks in the next 2 rounds that follow after their offseason trade fest.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]8. - Darnell Turner CB[/div]
Part best player available part filling a need, Darnell Turner is the top player remaining to close out the 1st round. Some teams may shy away from Turner only having small school experience being as he’s coming out of James Madison University, but the ‘Cats will not be able to pass on his upside. Veteran safeties Hardrool and Brill will help mentor the young defensive back as he vies for a starting spot alongside John Canton.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]2nd Round
9.TRADE - (via via ) Ragnar Kronen S[/div]
Trades are difficult to predict in any instance, more so with the offseason we’ve had thus far, but after last season the Hawks can be expected to make a splash. Kronen is a solid safety who can contribute immediately for Baltimore. Hawks will trade their 3rd (20th) and 7th (52nd) to move up and nab the best safety in the draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]10. - Jordan Yates OL[/div]
The Liberty continue to bolster the offensive side of the ball by adding the raw Jordan Yates in the 2nd. Yates appeared in just 4 games for Orange County last year but many scouts are clamoring about his pure potential. An intelligent blocker, Yates can play at any position on the line.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]11. - Ardia Savea RB[/div]
Ardie Savea is one of the most interesting prospects coming into this draft and I feel the ‘Cats are happy to bring back the all-purpose back. A converted rugby player, Savea was seen widely as a project player who would need a little time to adapt. His work ethic has been unparalleled and he went from relatively unknown outlier to one of the best backs available.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]12. - Rich Gucci TE[/div]
One of the top receiving tight ends in this class, Rich Gucci had a successful season last year as a Yeti waiver pick up. The Hawks will hope his experience will help them right the ship after finishing 4-10 last season. Gucci finished 3rd among tight ends for yards and snatched 3 touchdowns in S1.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]13. - Ben Green DT[/div]
Ben Green is a mammoth of a man at 345 lbs. He saw limited time last season and though his stats don’t jump off the page at you, that’s not necessarily the job of a nose tackle. Green will be asked to clog the interior and take on double teams to allow stud backers Lindarius Shelton and Reginald Hampshireton to roam freely.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]14. - Kevin Cushing LB/S[/div]
A hybrid linebacker who prides himself on his coverage skills, Cushing can provide depth at two levels of the defense for Orange County. The Otters love versatility and Cushing can help in a variety of packages for the already potent O.C. D.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]15. - Scott Timlin OL[/div]
The Yeti land a swiss army knife of an offensive lineman with playoff experience. Timlin, like many of the other O-line prospects, is considered raw with huge upside. Though entering the league as a center, he can play any position on the line.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]16. - Dustin Evans WR[/div]
The reigning champs will be ecstatic to see Evans fall to them this far into the 2nd. The Outlaws pounce on the possession receiver without a second thought. Evans will fill a need as Arizona lost both Jefferson and Stormblessed in offseason trades, Vincent Draxel will be pleased to have another toy.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Ready to be graded, 1337 words
(-- Anything below was not used in word count --)[/div]
I tried my best to use a combination of TPE, team need, and activity level in this. Like for any mock I can almost already hear your angry keyboard mashing saying “NO WAY THEY TAKE HIM THERE” and the like but - be gentle fellas. I realize I have a few guys going higher than someone with 30-40 more TPE than them, but again, team “need” and all that. Also @sapp2013 sorry if it seems like I'm stepping on toes here, I know you were working on your mock before the requests were even posted.
Graded
[div align=center]
[div align=center]
[div align=center]
[div align=center]
[div align=center][SELECT style="background-color:#FFFFFF;color;white: font-family:Verdana; font-size: 12px; width: 400px; "][br]
[OPTION] || Titus Marmot | Co-GM | Orange County Otters ||
[OPTION] (S2) Otters Regular Season Record : 8-6
[OPTION] (S3) Otters Regular Season Record : 5-3
[div align=center]
[div align=center]
[div align=center]
[div align=center][SELECT style="background-color:#FFFFFF;color;white: font-family:Verdana; font-size: 12px; width: 400px; "][br]
[OPTION] || Titus Marmot | Co-GM | Orange County Otters ||
[OPTION] (S2) Otters Regular Season Record : 8-6
[OPTION] (S3) Otters Regular Season Record : 5-3