(S39) Offseason Task

[caravaggio]

2. Tell us about your draft class. Is there anything that makes it special in comparison to other classes? Where did your fellow draftees land, how are they doing? Did anyone turn out to be an unexpected steal of that draft based on what you know today? Do you think anyone in your draft class will become a hall of famer? If you’re new to the league, how do you think your class will do? Where do you think people will get drafted to?

Walrus Jones was the fifth selection in the S38 ISFL draft, and it’s absolutely the draft class that I follow the closest. For this task I decided to dive into the S38 players, and revisit the draft itself to look for any surprises or inconsistencies worth noting.

Differentiation
I think one big differentiator was the large number of offensive linemen to create this season, there were 6 at the peak in the week 1 rookie DSFL season. It looks like 1 inactive fell off the TPE tracker, and Painted Penguin still shows as a lineman even though he swapped over to quarterback after the draft. If you look at the class today, you still see 3 active offensive linemen earning at a high level. If no one swaps out, it may be the strongest OL class since S31, and could have more high (>1000 TPE) earners when it’s all said and done. The young players should all be coming into major starting assignments this upcoming season, and should do well protecting the large S37 quarterback class.

Overall Activity
The draft had 47 picks among approximately 56 eligible players. Of that 33 players have updated in the last month. I don’t know the exact size of the pool because there were multiple players drafted that no longer show up on the tracker, as an example pick number 40 (Bastian Weichselbraun) and pick number 46 (Toby Knerr). There are likely other players that got wiped out for some reason (freak retirement, inactivity, high crimes against the league). But this should be a decent indicator overall. 33 players are now over the DSFL point cap of 250 TPE. I don’t have data on how that compares with other classes, but it feels pretty good to have more than 2 full rounds of active players. 3 players that were selected on draft day are no longer playing, the aforementioned Weichselbraun and Knerr, and Aiden Frost. Frost was the Mr. Irrelevant in the class, even while sporting a high 207 TPE at the time. But he retired near the end of the following season, recreating for Season 40’s Xavier Frost.

Best Undrafted Player
2 players were active and undrafted, Monty Cooper and Amani Barney. Barney had 57 TPE at draft time, got signed by the Silverbacks and they were able to push him to earn through the first half of the season, getting him to 164 TPE. But he’s been inactive the last 6 weeks.  Monty Cooper was undrafted with 52 TPE, got picked up by the Philadelphia Liberty, and started cranking out update posts. He retired for a day, but then came back and should be sitting at 171 pending the latest update. I will be watching to see how well he continues.

Best Third Rounder
I like the 3rd round because it highlights the true steals. Really active players go in the first, and the second is hit or miss, but with some of the players automatic General Manager picks, it skews things because the second half of the second round will always have top earners. Teams that use their 3rd round picks well can make the difference between team success and failure. There are 5 players that are over the DSFL cap and were drafted in the third round, a good measuring stick for success. The top of that list is Booter McGavin, who I thought could actually be a first round pick in my initial mock draft. He had high TPE, but as a Kicker with not a lot of demand that year, he fell far in the draft until the Sabercats took him at pick 32. Other players that have beaten the odds include Jimmy Jeeta (Sabercats at pick 36), David Doug (Butchers at pick 38), Bong Stevens (Yeti at pick 30) and Zero Gibson (Otters at pick 34).

Conclusion
It was a great draft to track my first season, see where everyone went, and now follow in the offseason. Most of the class should be entering the ISFL next season, and it will be fun to see who stays active, who racks up stats, and who makes an overall impact to the league in general. But in the end it’s all about the offensive linemen, because who doesn’t love the big boys?

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[crazylemire]

Task 10
If I were the commissioner for a day, I would make a number of improvements to the league. For one, I would focus on ensuring that all teams have a fair and equal chance to compete. This means implementing strict rules against cheating and enforcing them rigorously. In the case of the Arizona team and the alleged cheating during the season 31 draft, I would investigate the situation thoroughly and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. I would also work to improve the overall quality of the league, such as by investing in better training facilities and equipment for players, and by providing better support for players and teams. Additionally, I would look for ways to improve the fan experience, such as by making the games more accessible and enjoyable for viewers. Ultimately, my goal as commissioner for a day would be to make the league the best it can be for all those involved. This would really crack down the cheating and also multis used around the leauge. This would be a huge step for a leauge that has long been plagued by this sort of stuff we hope it wouldn't be too much stress for poor Demonson and whoever else was up to the task of getting all the kinks in the league figured and in the end ultimately fixed as best as possible, 1 day later we start noticing noticeable bald spots on Demonson and the reward for the bald spot is a way more fair better more fun more entertaining and ultimately a bigger community league this man really should be a ceo of big tec the way he ended up turning this great leauge around in under a days time as crazy as it sounds this would he the case if this story were true

[nickyvmlp]

7. Write 600 words or more on something about anything in the league that interests you. It could be related to statistics, a league issue that you take seriously, or a niche part of history that doesn’t fit neatly into either of the above categories. This must be directly related to the league, so don’t wax 600 words about your team’s participation on a Werewolf server or something. +10 TPE

My first season in the league was S15.  It was a really strong draft, and there were a lot of fantastic players in it, and I'd like to take you through the best ones, and have a little career retrospective of those great players.


15. Dan Wright - QB/TE - San Jose - Highest TPE: 1073

Am I starting with my own guy as a shameless bit of self-promotion or because he just happened to be 15th in Max TPE?  The world may never know.  Dan Wright was a solid player.  He didn't see the starting position at tight end, as he was constantly behind Cameron Olsen in the depth chart, and then he moved to QB after the retirement of Joliet L. Christ, and saw some modest success in the five seasons he played there, especially his final season, where he had fringe MVP buzz.  For a late-third round pick, that's not bad at all.

14. AJ Lattimer - DT/CB - Orange County - Highest TPE: 1101

AJ Lattimer started off his career in rather unspectacular fashion, putting up some modest stats at DT that weren't lighting the world on fire.  Little did we know he was planning a radical move to corner while training under veteran cornerback Jonathan Rice.  When Rice left for Chicago in S18, Lattimer moved to corner and was terrific there, leading the league in both interceptions and deflections in S22.

13. Lucas Knight - CB - Arizona/Sarasota - Highest TPE: 1120

Lucas Knight came to the Outlaws at the perfect time.  Coming off a terrible 2-12 record in S14, and with holes all over, Knight was a third-round pick for them, and was asked to start instantly.  Knight ended up being a consistent starter over the next seven seasons spent in the desert, and helped Sarasota get off to a terrific start in their first three seasons of existence.

12. Lightsout Lewis - S - Chicago/Yellowknife - Highest TPE: 1124

The candle that burns twice as bright lasts half as long.  It's honestly astounding that Lightsout gained as much TPE did in just a five year career, before settling into early retirement to become a cheese connoisseur.  He had multiple seasons with nine sacks, and was one of the hardest hitters out there, who unfortunately retired a bit before his time.

11. Lanzer Grievous - LB - Orange County - Highest TPE: 1141

Grievous may be best remembered for holding the record for most tackles in a season in DSFL history with 199, but he was a beast in the pros as well, compiling double digit sacks in four different seasons, including 14 in his rookie season, and was Co-Defensive Rookie of the Year with Johnny Slothface.  A consistent presence for Orange County's dynasty in the late teens.

10. Richard D’Attoria V - S - Philadelphia - Highest TPE: 1181

Richard D'Attoria was someone who could do it all.  Name me someone else who could be top ten in sacks one season, and then lead the league in picks the next, like he did in S18 and 19.  Top 20 all time in interceptions and Defensive Player of the Year in S19, he was a menace in the center of the backfield, and nearly did the impossible in getting Philly to the doorstep of an Ultimus in S16.

9. Fatih Terim - S - Baltimore - Highest TPE: 1199

Another player who left the league way too soon.  Only six seasons for Terim, which is a shame because it felt like he was just beginning to hit his stride as a player, leading the league in deflections in his final season.  Not to mention someone who did a ton of stuff for the league.  I know real life comes first, it's just rough sometimes.

8. Ryan Leaf Jr. - DT/RB - Yellowknife/Chicago/Austin - Highest TPE: 1220

Oy this guy.  You certainly couldn't say Ryan Leaf Jr. was boring.  Leaf never did anything by the book, and it made for one of the most exciting careers in the league's history.  He spent six seasons as dependable DT who constantly filled up the statline in ways that most DTs couldn't.  And then in his last two seasons, he unbelievably became the best all-purpose offensive weapon in the league.  He still holds the all-time record for kick return touchdowns in a season with three.  A fittingly wild career.

7. Quenton Bode - LB - New Orleans - Highest TPE: 1257

Quenton Bode played for eons.  It's not a stretch to say that he might be the best Second Linesman of all time.  A consistent tackling machine, he holds the all-time record for most tackles in a career, and the wild thing is that even as a veteran, he was never afraid to try new things.  In his 12th season, he suddenly doubled his career high in deflections, because NO needed him more in coverage.  A stalwart pro.

6. Forrest Gump - RB - New Orleans - Highest TPE: 1336

Maybe Gump and Bode were trying to outlast each other, and ultimately rode off into the sunset together after S27, Gump is also in the running to be the best Second Linesman ever, and that case could probably have been made easier if he didn't have to split reps with Marcella Toriki for the majority of his prime, since he was the best RB in the league in S18.

5. Mo Berry - LB - Colorado - Highest TPE: 1344

One of the greatest sack artists of his era, Berry made offensive linemen suffer in his prime, recording five double-digit sack seasons, including back-to-back seasons where he led the league in that category (20 and 21).  And he wasn't just all power, he was one of the best coverage linebackers of all time.  A total, complete package that 100% deserved his back-to-back-to back Defensive Player of the Year awards.

4. Walt Green - S - Baltimore - Highest TPE: 1355

I remember back in S15, people thought it was so weird that the Hawks took two safeties with their first two picks, both in the second round.  Green and Terim proved the doubters wrong by helping Baltimore to an Ultimus in their first season and taking them to another two years later.  A consistent pro who just did everything very, very well.

3. Nacho Varga - WR - Philadelphia - Highest TPE: 1360

Nacho doesn't get the credit he deserves for being one of the most active receivers of his era.  Philly was mostly a running team in this era with Marquise Brown and then Sam Torenson in the backfield for them.  However, he could stretch the field like crazy, top 30 all-time in yards per reception.  Definitely deserves more recognition.

2. Franklin Armstrong - QB - Orange County - Highest TPE: 1387

One of only three players to win three MVPs.  Armstrong's pro career only lasted eight seasons, but he was the best QB of his era, with only Cooter Bigsby (the man who bookended Armstrongs MVP trilogy with two of his own) being in the same galaxy as him.  His S21 season is up there for best QB seasons of all time.  Legend.

1. Nero Alexander - DE - Yellowknife - Highest TPE: 1426

The highest earner in the class is another player who deserved his first ballot Hall of Fame status.  A two-time DL/DE of the Year, who won his awards eight years apart, and didn't see a drop in his production the entire time.  The all-time leader in tackles for a loss, he might just be one of the best at his position to ever play.

[SchwarzNarr]

There are so many incredible things about the ISFL, but one of the biggest ones that stands out time and time again is how much the league needs to continue to adapt to the changing times. While we have seen the league grow and expand over the past 2 years, we haven't necessarily faced the hard conversation about the league and the fact that it is continuing to decline in it's userbase. This is evidenced in both the amount of users being recruited, as well as the retention of some other users as well. I think it's very important to look at some of the biggest reasons why users may not be inclined to stay, as well as why they end up loving the league.

For Rookies the league can be incredibly overwhelming to start. Between looking to be invited to the ISFL rookie discord, the ISFL general chat, along with then suddenly a separate Fantasy Football chat and currently 8 different DSFL team locker rooms that they have the potential to join, that is a lot of different places to chat (especially since many users come and this is one of their first experiences, really using discord in this way). There are some ways to make this less overwhelming (especially when rookies would complain time and time again that they felt pressure to talk in every DSFL locker room or they wouldn't get drafted), and I think it really comes down to eliminating the ability for rookies to be added to DSFL locker rooms. "But Schwarz," you might say, "How are we supposed to know if they fit into the culture of the team?"

Well, ideally, the biggest culture of your team in the present are the previous seasons rookies. Who are also in rookie chat. Making everyone more active there is a. just great for everyone (classes bonding together and being less tribalistic makes for a healthier league, healthier users, and ultimately provides more movement in free agency). Have them help you be the ones who scout, instead of the same users for two years. Let them get a taste of that, let them stay engaged and want to learn more about the newest group of users. Rookie chat should be the biggest asset to the league and any ISFL and DSFL team. Being present there as management has way more power than anyone realizes.

Additionally, while the offseason has gotten better (with the offseason task, but to be honest that's super intimidating for new users), it's pretty boring for the newbies. For everyone in management and behind the scenes, the offseason can feel like chaos. Between drafting, callups, preseason checklists, contracts and more, there is a lot going on. However, for rookies they come in not seeing any games really, and GMs are busy.

Now that we've talked about some of the reason our retention may not be great for new users, let's talk about some big reasons why people stay.

Love of football. Even though DDSPF is a monster that Brooks Pigeott made, most of us here love football. Hell, I didn't know as much about football until joining the league, but I still loved watching it prior to joining.

We also stay for the friendships and bonds that we made. Now, some people (like me), end up feeling as though those bonds are only to one team. And that's totally legit, no need to like, feel bad about having friends mostly in one place. Other people end up making those friendships and having them in tons of different places. These users are really the ones you want, more than the users like me. And I think reducing the tribalism in the league helps to create more users like this. These are the users who are going to swap teams, and be flexible in drafts, and they make every moment exciting for everyone.

[Arkz]

OT Pass

[pauadrian]

11. Write a short biography or story about your player. This could include background about how they came to the ISFL and how they’ve done so far, a story about their role in an exciting game, or anything else related to their experience in the league.
Well, to be completely honest this will basically be a summarization of the wiki task that I did so here goes. The Tyler One character was born in the town of New London which is located in the state of Missouri in the United States of America. He is a six foot five giant that originally went to school at Central Methodist University as a computer science grad. He would go on to be noticed by the American Football coach at the university. He was noticed not because of his height but because of his big round bald head. Oops, I meant he was noticed for his massive muscular gains around his arms. The American football coach would take notice of him and try out the super natural athlete in different American football positions like a tight end, quarterback, and even left tackle before settling on running back due to his massive speed and the perfect combination between speed and strength. He went on to score impressive numbers around the league so his coach would encourage him to enroll himself in the Development Football Sim League tryouts. He did just as the coach had taught him throughout those years and is now a Development Football Sim League prospect. The draft is coming up soon and some have him projected to go to the Portland Pythons, the Lodnon Royals or the Bondi Beach Buccaneers. He had a few games where he played for the Portland Pythons as a backup running back and managed to impress scouts from around the league so much that he is projected to become a first rounder for whatever Development Football Sim League team chooses him. Tyler One comes into the draft very confident of himself and with the background that he has of becoming the best at everything he does. He will surely become one of the league's best running backs

Code:

315 words - 5 tpe

14. Expansion Expansion Expansion! Tell us why you think the league should expand / not expand or include any ideas (in words) for team branding ideas you have or team locations.
I am not in expert on if the league should or should not expand since it has been a long time since I have actively been here despite what my Ultimus trophy on my user profile says. I truly believe that in order for expansion to happen there must be a combination of both an excess of spots for users and also a general manager pool that is healthy to the point where multiple good candidates are being shut down for general manager spots in the league. Like I mentioned before, I do not know the specifics on where the league is at with both of those criterias but I will still share with the class on what my branding ideas would. Mainly one of them which I have been trying to approve for seasons upon seasons in different leagues for the memes. I would like to introduce to whoever is reading this....the Taylor Swfties! Located in Taylor, PA! The team not only has a thought process of being an obvious pun the singer songwriter Taylor Swift. But it also comes with the added fact that the singer was born in the same state that this team would be located in. Now, you might be thinking. But Pau we already have a Taylor Swfit themed team in the sim league world. In fact, it is even in your main league, the Pro Baseball Experience! Now, while this may be true that we do have one already in the Pro Baseball Experience, I am a true believer that every sim league should have a Taylor Swfit themed team. So I am doing the International Sim Football League the honor of creating my own for them and am willing to give up the branding that I have created in order to make it happen.

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[moonlight]

pass

[Evok]

https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3297111

[Rufio_NZ]

*NEW* 26. if your player wasn't a professional in the ISFL/DSFL, what would they be doing instead? (Written Task or Graphic Task)



25. Create a billboard, magazine cover, unique trading card, or video game cover depicting a one of the league's stars. (Graphic Task)

I'm the star.


*NEW* 32. The Philadelphia Liberty have rebranded to the Cape Town Crash! In this day and age of the ISFL, we're used to teams updating their looks, but it's been quite a while since the last major team rebrand to this scale! With that said, how do you feel about the rebranding? Tell us all about it! (Written Task)

After my hiatus, it has been extremely disappointing to see the Philadelphia Liberty, one of the more storied franchises in the league, has rebranded AND moved to the historically and continually racist city/country of Cape Town, South Africa. Whoever thought it'd be a good idea to move one of the longest-standing, memorable franchises in ISFL/NSFL history to a city that continues to fight racism, poverty and ongoing social issues, deserves to be relocated to cape town itself and live amongst the bullshit that occurs there. I will never play for that team and will always avoid association with anyone involved in the running of such a poorly thought-out relocation. It is definitely such a weird place to relocate a team to when you can simply google the city and just scratch the surface to see the on-going social issues that city/country encounters. The rhino is kinda cool and the name Crash is kinda cartoonish. If I had it my way, this team would be immediately relocated to New Zealand and would be associated with a Penguin or Tahr. (182 words)

27. Imagine your current position was not available to be picked when you created your player. What other position would you have picked, and why? (Written Task)

If Wide Receiver wasn't available due to overpopulation or any other reason, I would have to say I'd probably play a position with a similar skillset like Cornerback, Safety or Tight End. All are positions that utilize ball awareness and game IQ with a combination of having great speed and stamina. I always do think of potentially playing either cornerback or safety but tend to pull against it as those positions don't have the spotlight and track records that Wide Receivers can accumulate. They're both kind of unsung heroes in their positions and tend to go unrewarded and unrecognised for their accomplishments, especially within the sim world. As for tight end, having a bigger frame to work with and the ability to run and pass block would provide some cool opportunities for pancakes that Tijuana is well known for so have always considered having that door open. One of the few reasons I don't play Tight End though is the ability to rack up yardage is easier and more opportunities from the Wide Receiver position. (175 words)

[Thor]

7. Write 600 words or more on something about anything in the league that interests you. It could be related to statistics, a league issue that you take seriously, or a niche part of history that doesn’t fit neatly into either of the above categories. This must be directly related to the league, so don’t wax 600 words about your team’s participation on a Werewolf server or something.

My podcast 20 minutes about some of the best teams in the DSFL