03-22-2020, 01:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-22-2020, 02:18 PM by Memento Mori.)
I’d like to start by thanking @Troen and @Thiath. Troen wrote an article about team needs which was the starting point for my own research, and Thiath wrote the first S22 Mock Draft. Thiath’s projections and his reasoning behind them helped inform my own, and without their articles (and the maintenance of the TPE Tracker by people like @Exilizer) this mock draft would’ve taken me far more time and been much worse.
For this mock I’ve assumed that the two expansion teams get the middle picks in the draft order as they did in S15 - this hasn’t been announced yet but it makes my mock a little different to Thiath’s so I thought it’d be fun to do things this way.
Round 1
1) Arizona Outlaws: Phat Boi, DT - Kansas City
The Outlaws have a promising young offense quarterbacked by Jay Cue, winner of the Season 20 Quarterback of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards. Their biggest problems are on the defensive side of the ball, where their front seven and secondary both need shoring up. BPA and need align with this pick as Phat Boi has the most TPE of any prospect and Arizona only has three active defensive linemen on their roster.
2) Philadelphia Liberty: Tyler Oles JR, CB - Portland
Philly needs a cornerback, and at second overall they take the highest TPE corner. Oles JR is a safe pick - it’s his user’s third player - and the retirement of CB2 Julian McMorris means the Liberty need a new starting outside corner. Stuart Little IV or one of Philadelphia’s DSFL send downs could compete for a starting job, but with Emondov Emoji entering regression Oles JR is a great selection even if he doesn’t end up being a day one starter.
3) San Jose Sabercats: Johnny Hellzapoppin, S - Myrtle Beach
San Jose addressed their defensive line and cornerback positions in the first round of the S21 draft, picking Otis Allen and HeHateMe PickSix at second and fourth overall respectively. Quarterback Dan Wright could do with some more passing targets, but Hellzapoppin fills arguably a bigger need and will be a day one starter in the Sabercats secondary.
4) Yellowknife Wraiths: Buck Thornton, S - Minnesota
Yellowknife’s starting safety tandem are deep into regression, one being a S10 vet and the other drafted in S12. With plenty of young offensive talent, three starting-calibre defensive linemen and two young, talented linebackers Yellowknife will pick their favourite safety still on the board. With Hellzapoppin off the board expect them to take Thornton or Matt “Son of Havoc” Cross. Thornton is a better run defender while Cross projects as a prototypical deep safety.
5) Colorado Yeti: Thubba Bumper, CB - Norfolk
Colorado’s offense is in good shape, with only wide receiver James Bishop due to regress in S22. This pick likely sees Colorado select a cornerback to succeed the regressing CB3 Axel Hornbacher, but they could take a linebacker if they fall in love with Derred de Ville or Stanisław Koniecpolski - especially as Myrtle Beach cornerback Rotticus Scott is contracted to Colorado. In this mock they take Thubba Bumper due to his familiarity with the league but they could address LB now and CB at 17 given the number of high quality cornerback prospects in this class - or even just take a different corner in place of Bumper.
6) Expansion 1: Stanisław Koniecpolski, LB - Dallas
This pick involves a lot of assumptions as we don’t yet know which expansion bids will be chosen or the precise format of the expansion draft. They might not even be picking at sixth. Koniecpolski is the best player available and would be a huge asset to an expansion team regardless of the situation.
7) Expansion 2: Derred de Ville, LB - London
The highest TPE players remaining on the board at this point would be White Goodman and Jeffrey Phillips, but seventh overall would be a high pick for an expansion team to spend on a running back or tight end. de Ville has shown great promise and there’s quite a drop-off from him to the third best linebacker prospect. A great prospect on and off the field, he’d serve this expansion team well.
8) Austin Copperheads: Troen Egghands, DE - Myrtle Beach
S20’s Ultimus winners have built a young, talented roster that puts them in a great position at the ninth pick. They lack star quality on the defensive line and in the secondary outside of CB Dermot Lavelle Jr., but are drafting from a position of strength and can pick the best player available. In this mock they address their defensive line by picking Troen Egghands, who I see as the best DL prospect in the draft.
9) Philadelphia Liberty (from Chicago): Octavio Clemente, DT - Myrtle Beach
Philadelphia acquired this pick from Chicago for a bag of peanuts and a Kit Kat - and having addressed the secondary with their first pick they’d likely go DL or LB here. With the two best LBs off the board they pick the best remaining defensive lineman, which will likely be one of Clemente or Norfolk’s Magnus Rikiya. Jeff Personsacker has tragically failed to live up to his name and either of these players would be an immediate upgrade at Personsacker’s position.
10) Orange County Otters: Jeffrey Phillips, TE - Dallas
Orange County have a deep and talented roster as well as promising DSFL send downs who could be called upon in S22. Much of their offense runs through their regressing TE Johnny Blaze and with no glaring holes on their roster, they draft his future replacement in Phillips.
11) Baltimore Hawks: Colt Mendoza, CB - Dallas
The Hawks’ back seven is old - the youngest player is cornerback Juan Marston, drafted in S18. With S10 vet Xandra Troyski approaching the end of their career they look likely to draft a CB early on, and Colt Mendoza has really impressed NSFL GMs on and off the field.
12) New Orleans Second Line: Brandon Booker, CB - Myrtle Beach
New Orleans possesses a talented but ageing roster, and no matter who they select here that player will likely be sent down to the DSFL for at least one season. The Second Line would have loved to have selected de Ville or Koniecpolski here but with both players already selected they probably select a receiver or defensive back for the future. As a team that places more emphasis on the running game than passing the football, they go defense here and pick the highest TPE defensive back on the board.
Round 2
13) Arizona Outlaws: Matt “Son of Havoc” Cross, S - Norfolk
Having addressed DL with their first round pick, Arizona continues the run on defensive backs by selecting Matt Cross at 13. The SeaWolves safety is talented enough to start on day one for the Outlaws, and is active and a high earner. Depending on how the draft shakes out this pick could be a cornerback or another addition to the front seven, but Cross is the best defensive player available here.
14) Arizona Outlaws (from Philadelphia): Magnus Rikiya, DT - Norfolk
Having picked Phat Boi and Matt Cross, Arizona could be tempted to make WR Eddie Jeeta or William Lim just the second offensive player taken. But if Cross’ Norfolk teammate Magnus Rikiya falls this far, it will be very hard for Arizona to resist picking a second defensive lineman. Cross and Rikiya are reunited as Arizona looks poised to drastically improve the league’s worst defense.
15) San Jose Sabercats: Monterey “Monty” Jack, QB - Dallas
In accordance with international law, the Sabercats are obliged to pick their GM’s recreate here. San Jose gets their quarterback of the future and Rradrum avoids a messy trial at The Hague.
16) Yellowknife Wraiths: Colby Jack, QB - London
Yellowknife are similarly bound to select flyeaglesfly29’s player here, QB Colby Jack. The Wraiths get their presumptive future quarterback.
17) Colorado Yeti: Eddie Jeeta, WR - Kansas City
After addressing the cornerback position in round 1, the Yeti can look to build for the future with this pick. Jeeta and William Lim are both worthy of being the first receiver taken and this pick could be either one of them. If Colorado chooses to go defense here instead, the pick could be DT Deshun Jones of Dallas.
18) Expansion 2: White Goodman, RB - Dallas
If the GM of either expansion team is draft eligible, the team will take them with their second round pick. In the absence of any confirmed information about the team, I have them selecting the highest TPE player available.
19) Expansion 1: William Lim, WR - Dallas
Another Dallas player is drafted as the other expansion team drafts according to the same reasoning above.
20) Austin Copperheads: Cadillac Harris, CB - London
Austin went DL with their first pick, addressing their biggest need. Boasting a lineup that features few players in regression, they may look to draft a defensive back with this pick as they only have four active DBs (though their fifth inactive DB has 893 TPE). Cadillac Harris could well be the pick for Austin at 20 if the draft plays out in this fashion.
21) Philadelphia Liberty (from Chicago): Deshun Jones, DT - Dallas
Having selected defensive backs with their first two picks, Philadelphia opts to add to their front seven and selects yet another Birddogs player. If they’re able to address their need at DB earlier in the draft, expect them to take the best front seven player here.
22) Orange County Otters: Acura Skyline, RB - London
Orange County benefits from the fact that most teams have well-stocked backfields, allowing Skyline to fall this far. Ludicolo Bigby is OCO’s top RB at 543 TPE and he enters regression in S22. Skyline leads the DSFL in rushing yards and could be brought in as the RB2 before taking over the starting role in a season or two.
23) Baltimore Hawks: Lawrence Bass, LB - Minnesota
Having addressed their ageing defensive backfield with their first pick, the Hawks look to rejuvenate their ageing front seven with their second round selection. Lawrence Bass isn’t the highest TPE prospect still available but Baltimore desperately needs a linebacker and there aren’t many LBs in this class that project as potential high-level NSFL starters. If they don’t pick Bass, they likely pick a defensive lineman, at this spot it’d probably be Sandro Ryeu of London or Mo “Mamba” Magic, Bass’ teammate in Minnesota.
24) New Orleans Second Line: Michael Witheblock, WR - Kansas City
With WR1 Bona’beri Jones already in regression, NOLA could look to select a potential future starter at the position here. Michael Witheblock, Eddie Jeeta’s sidekick in KC, gets the nod as the highest TPE receiver remaining on the board. Having been unable to address their need at linebacker, New Orleans could opt to pick a talented player at a different position here with the intention of fielding them as a linebacker at the NSFL level.
Goes without saying that the actual draft won't look like this, but this was a relatively fun way to kill a couple hours while in lockdown. If this helps guide your pre-draft thought process (even if it's made you determined to prove me wrong because of where you were/weren't picked) or it inspires more media content that's enough for me. Thanks all!
For this mock I’ve assumed that the two expansion teams get the middle picks in the draft order as they did in S15 - this hasn’t been announced yet but it makes my mock a little different to Thiath’s so I thought it’d be fun to do things this way.
Round 1
1) Arizona Outlaws: Phat Boi, DT - Kansas City
The Outlaws have a promising young offense quarterbacked by Jay Cue, winner of the Season 20 Quarterback of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards. Their biggest problems are on the defensive side of the ball, where their front seven and secondary both need shoring up. BPA and need align with this pick as Phat Boi has the most TPE of any prospect and Arizona only has three active defensive linemen on their roster.
2) Philadelphia Liberty: Tyler Oles JR, CB - Portland
Philly needs a cornerback, and at second overall they take the highest TPE corner. Oles JR is a safe pick - it’s his user’s third player - and the retirement of CB2 Julian McMorris means the Liberty need a new starting outside corner. Stuart Little IV or one of Philadelphia’s DSFL send downs could compete for a starting job, but with Emondov Emoji entering regression Oles JR is a great selection even if he doesn’t end up being a day one starter.
3) San Jose Sabercats: Johnny Hellzapoppin, S - Myrtle Beach
San Jose addressed their defensive line and cornerback positions in the first round of the S21 draft, picking Otis Allen and HeHateMe PickSix at second and fourth overall respectively. Quarterback Dan Wright could do with some more passing targets, but Hellzapoppin fills arguably a bigger need and will be a day one starter in the Sabercats secondary.
4) Yellowknife Wraiths: Buck Thornton, S - Minnesota
Yellowknife’s starting safety tandem are deep into regression, one being a S10 vet and the other drafted in S12. With plenty of young offensive talent, three starting-calibre defensive linemen and two young, talented linebackers Yellowknife will pick their favourite safety still on the board. With Hellzapoppin off the board expect them to take Thornton or Matt “Son of Havoc” Cross. Thornton is a better run defender while Cross projects as a prototypical deep safety.
5) Colorado Yeti: Thubba Bumper, CB - Norfolk
Colorado’s offense is in good shape, with only wide receiver James Bishop due to regress in S22. This pick likely sees Colorado select a cornerback to succeed the regressing CB3 Axel Hornbacher, but they could take a linebacker if they fall in love with Derred de Ville or Stanisław Koniecpolski - especially as Myrtle Beach cornerback Rotticus Scott is contracted to Colorado. In this mock they take Thubba Bumper due to his familiarity with the league but they could address LB now and CB at 17 given the number of high quality cornerback prospects in this class - or even just take a different corner in place of Bumper.
6) Expansion 1: Stanisław Koniecpolski, LB - Dallas
This pick involves a lot of assumptions as we don’t yet know which expansion bids will be chosen or the precise format of the expansion draft. They might not even be picking at sixth. Koniecpolski is the best player available and would be a huge asset to an expansion team regardless of the situation.
7) Expansion 2: Derred de Ville, LB - London
The highest TPE players remaining on the board at this point would be White Goodman and Jeffrey Phillips, but seventh overall would be a high pick for an expansion team to spend on a running back or tight end. de Ville has shown great promise and there’s quite a drop-off from him to the third best linebacker prospect. A great prospect on and off the field, he’d serve this expansion team well.
8) Austin Copperheads: Troen Egghands, DE - Myrtle Beach
S20’s Ultimus winners have built a young, talented roster that puts them in a great position at the ninth pick. They lack star quality on the defensive line and in the secondary outside of CB Dermot Lavelle Jr., but are drafting from a position of strength and can pick the best player available. In this mock they address their defensive line by picking Troen Egghands, who I see as the best DL prospect in the draft.
9) Philadelphia Liberty (from Chicago): Octavio Clemente, DT - Myrtle Beach
Philadelphia acquired this pick from Chicago for a bag of peanuts and a Kit Kat - and having addressed the secondary with their first pick they’d likely go DL or LB here. With the two best LBs off the board they pick the best remaining defensive lineman, which will likely be one of Clemente or Norfolk’s Magnus Rikiya. Jeff Personsacker has tragically failed to live up to his name and either of these players would be an immediate upgrade at Personsacker’s position.
10) Orange County Otters: Jeffrey Phillips, TE - Dallas
Orange County have a deep and talented roster as well as promising DSFL send downs who could be called upon in S22. Much of their offense runs through their regressing TE Johnny Blaze and with no glaring holes on their roster, they draft his future replacement in Phillips.
11) Baltimore Hawks: Colt Mendoza, CB - Dallas
The Hawks’ back seven is old - the youngest player is cornerback Juan Marston, drafted in S18. With S10 vet Xandra Troyski approaching the end of their career they look likely to draft a CB early on, and Colt Mendoza has really impressed NSFL GMs on and off the field.
12) New Orleans Second Line: Brandon Booker, CB - Myrtle Beach
New Orleans possesses a talented but ageing roster, and no matter who they select here that player will likely be sent down to the DSFL for at least one season. The Second Line would have loved to have selected de Ville or Koniecpolski here but with both players already selected they probably select a receiver or defensive back for the future. As a team that places more emphasis on the running game than passing the football, they go defense here and pick the highest TPE defensive back on the board.
Round 2
13) Arizona Outlaws: Matt “Son of Havoc” Cross, S - Norfolk
Having addressed DL with their first round pick, Arizona continues the run on defensive backs by selecting Matt Cross at 13. The SeaWolves safety is talented enough to start on day one for the Outlaws, and is active and a high earner. Depending on how the draft shakes out this pick could be a cornerback or another addition to the front seven, but Cross is the best defensive player available here.
14) Arizona Outlaws (from Philadelphia): Magnus Rikiya, DT - Norfolk
Having picked Phat Boi and Matt Cross, Arizona could be tempted to make WR Eddie Jeeta or William Lim just the second offensive player taken. But if Cross’ Norfolk teammate Magnus Rikiya falls this far, it will be very hard for Arizona to resist picking a second defensive lineman. Cross and Rikiya are reunited as Arizona looks poised to drastically improve the league’s worst defense.
15) San Jose Sabercats: Monterey “Monty” Jack, QB - Dallas
In accordance with international law, the Sabercats are obliged to pick their GM’s recreate here. San Jose gets their quarterback of the future and Rradrum avoids a messy trial at The Hague.
16) Yellowknife Wraiths: Colby Jack, QB - London
Yellowknife are similarly bound to select flyeaglesfly29’s player here, QB Colby Jack. The Wraiths get their presumptive future quarterback.
17) Colorado Yeti: Eddie Jeeta, WR - Kansas City
After addressing the cornerback position in round 1, the Yeti can look to build for the future with this pick. Jeeta and William Lim are both worthy of being the first receiver taken and this pick could be either one of them. If Colorado chooses to go defense here instead, the pick could be DT Deshun Jones of Dallas.
18) Expansion 2: White Goodman, RB - Dallas
If the GM of either expansion team is draft eligible, the team will take them with their second round pick. In the absence of any confirmed information about the team, I have them selecting the highest TPE player available.
19) Expansion 1: William Lim, WR - Dallas
Another Dallas player is drafted as the other expansion team drafts according to the same reasoning above.
20) Austin Copperheads: Cadillac Harris, CB - London
Austin went DL with their first pick, addressing their biggest need. Boasting a lineup that features few players in regression, they may look to draft a defensive back with this pick as they only have four active DBs (though their fifth inactive DB has 893 TPE). Cadillac Harris could well be the pick for Austin at 20 if the draft plays out in this fashion.
21) Philadelphia Liberty (from Chicago): Deshun Jones, DT - Dallas
Having selected defensive backs with their first two picks, Philadelphia opts to add to their front seven and selects yet another Birddogs player. If they’re able to address their need at DB earlier in the draft, expect them to take the best front seven player here.
22) Orange County Otters: Acura Skyline, RB - London
Orange County benefits from the fact that most teams have well-stocked backfields, allowing Skyline to fall this far. Ludicolo Bigby is OCO’s top RB at 543 TPE and he enters regression in S22. Skyline leads the DSFL in rushing yards and could be brought in as the RB2 before taking over the starting role in a season or two.
23) Baltimore Hawks: Lawrence Bass, LB - Minnesota
Having addressed their ageing defensive backfield with their first pick, the Hawks look to rejuvenate their ageing front seven with their second round selection. Lawrence Bass isn’t the highest TPE prospect still available but Baltimore desperately needs a linebacker and there aren’t many LBs in this class that project as potential high-level NSFL starters. If they don’t pick Bass, they likely pick a defensive lineman, at this spot it’d probably be Sandro Ryeu of London or Mo “Mamba” Magic, Bass’ teammate in Minnesota.
24) New Orleans Second Line: Michael Witheblock, WR - Kansas City
With WR1 Bona’beri Jones already in regression, NOLA could look to select a potential future starter at the position here. Michael Witheblock, Eddie Jeeta’s sidekick in KC, gets the nod as the highest TPE receiver remaining on the board. Having been unable to address their need at linebacker, New Orleans could opt to pick a talented player at a different position here with the intention of fielding them as a linebacker at the NSFL level.
Goes without saying that the actual draft won't look like this, but this was a relatively fun way to kill a couple hours while in lockdown. If this helps guide your pre-draft thought process (even if it's made you determined to prove me wrong because of where you were/weren't picked) or it inspires more media content that's enough for me. Thanks all!
Memento Mori Wrote:WC: 1783
![[Image: morisig.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/688507586177532117/1082481732604924036/morisig.png)
[OPTION]S24 (PHI): 16 GP, 73 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 FF, 3 sacks, 5 INTs, 10 PDs, 2 TDs
[OPTION]S25 (PHI): 16 GP, 67 tackles, 4 INTs, 13 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 16 GP, 68 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 10 PDs
[OPTION]S27 (OCO): 16 GP, 116 tackles, 4 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S28 (OCO): 16 GP, 84 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 20 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S29 (OCO): 16 GP, 99 tackles, 3 FF, 1 FR, 5 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]ISFL Playoff Stats:
[OPTION]S23 (PHI): 1 GP, 2 tackles
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 1 GP, 5 tackles, 2 PDs
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]Trophies and Achievements:
[OPTION]Drafted 35th Overall by Myrtle Beach in the S21 DSFL Draft
[OPTION]S21 Ultimini Champion
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Defensive Back of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]Drafted 4th Overall by Philadelphia in the S22 ISFL Draft
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Defensive Performance of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S25 (PHI): 16 GP, 67 tackles, 4 INTs, 13 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 16 GP, 68 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 10 PDs
[OPTION]S27 (OCO): 16 GP, 116 tackles, 4 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S28 (OCO): 16 GP, 84 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 20 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S29 (OCO): 16 GP, 99 tackles, 3 FF, 1 FR, 5 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]ISFL Playoff Stats:
[OPTION]S23 (PHI): 1 GP, 2 tackles
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 1 GP, 5 tackles, 2 PDs
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]Trophies and Achievements:
[OPTION]Drafted 35th Overall by Myrtle Beach in the S21 DSFL Draft
[OPTION]S21 Ultimini Champion
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Defensive Back of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]Drafted 4th Overall by Philadelphia in the S22 ISFL Draft
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Defensive Performance of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Returner of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]=============================================================
Player | Update | Wiki | Twitter
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Returner of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]=============================================================
Player | Update | Wiki | Twitter
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