[div align=\\\"center\\\"]S16 DSFL Mock Draft: The First 5 Rounds[/div]
The NSFL draft has come and gone. The DSFL contraction draft has come and gone. That leaves one draft to go this offseason... the Season 16 DSFL draft. So naturally, it’s mock draft time. The mock draft will assume no in-draft trades; as likely as I think some are, that begins to go too deep down the rabbit hole of possibilities. Before we go into the mock draft itself, I’m gonna cover each team’s key strengths and weaknesses, as well as big moves from the contraction draft.
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San Antonio Marshals [/div]
The Marshals finished Season 15 at an uninspiring (and league worst) 5-8-1 record. This ended up getting them the first pick of the contraction draft, and they utilized it to get a defensive star in linebacker Allen Josh. Instantly the highest TPE player on their depleted defense (and only surpassed on offense by TE Timmy Hoss), Josh is a big addition, but the Marshals remain weak. Their biggest strength entering the draft is that, with almost every spot to fill, they can go many directions. In the past, the Marshals have pushed the pass game to the wayside and opted for a volume-based power running scheme. We’ll see if they continue that San Antonio tradition this season.
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Kansas City Coyotes [/div]
Kansas City is looking decent on offense. In the contraction draft, they filled the hole at the quarterback position with Jay Longshaw - an excellent choice who is just shy of 200 TPE. Later in that draft, they also selected QB Apollo Lange, who I expect them to trade for a pick in round 2 or 3 (QB is desperately needed by two teams - but I’m not mocking trades, so oh well). With runningback Jay Quick at 81 speed, they’re feeling set on the ground, although they’ll want to improve on a WR1 who’s a slow possession receiver. Expect them to target a receiver in the first few rounds while focusing on shoring up the defense overall, as they’re shallow and struggling there.
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Tijuana Luchadores [/div]
The Luchadores have an empty backfield, and it’s not because they love the spread offense - in fact, their backfield is a serious problem. Although they’ll have star wide receiver Hugh Mongo, who is north of 200 TPE and a force to be reckoned with, they currently have nobody worth mentioning to pass the ball to him. They also have a host of wonderful offensive linemen (Ulysses, McCargue, Tu’inukuafe), and a solid enough tight end, though no runningback above 50 TPE to speak of. A supporting cast is crucial, but they’ll struggle to move the ball without a decent QB or RB. Expect them to fil this need by whatever means possible, including potentially over-drafting some players. As for defense, it’s nothing special, but it’s well rounded and should be fine post-draft.
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Portland Pythons [/div]
The Portland Pythons are as close to an offensive powerhouse as you’ll find in the S16 DSFL. A maxed quarterback in Franklin Armstrong, plus a host of runningbacks and strong tight ends, means all they really need on offense is some full-time pass catchers. This is even true to the point that, should they draft a runningback (particularly a well-rounded back like Owens), expect them to be starting at receiver. As for defense, they are very thin. Looking at offense alone I’d call them preseason champs, but the defensive side of the ball is in need of serious improvement. Their highest TPE player there currently is an 84 TPE defensive end. Expect them to take the BPA (best player available) on defense for much of the draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Final Notes[/div]
Basically, every team is weak on defense, especially at the linebacker position. Furthermore, Tijuana and the Marshals need quarterbacks, but Kansas City and Portland control the market on them due to a weak QB class. Wide receiver will have the best equilibrium between supply and demand for this draft. Without further ado, let’s get to the mock draft!
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Mock Draft[/div]
Round 1:
1. RB Ashley Owens - University of Wisconsin
The Marshals are struggling in every facet of the game right now. With Kansas City taking Apollo Lange, and neither S17 quarterback prospect being very glamorous, the Marshals will take the most proven offensive weapon on the board who doesn’t require the ball to be thrown to make plays.
2. CB Jordan Andrews - UCLA
With a number of good options at wide receiver on the board, Kansas City will begin rebuilding their defense by taking the defensive player with the most demonstrated talent so far (highest TPE!). Andrews has made himself available to the media after workouts and shows good worth ethic and potential.
3. CB Willie Woodson - UCLA
With a decent linebacker holding the center of the field, and an average-ish safety, Tijuana will select the second cornerback of round one - and the second cornerback from UCLA! A solid earner, and one of the fastest defensive prospects, the Luchadores hope Woodson can boost their pass defense this coming season.
4. WR Dexter Banks II - University of Georgia
The Pythons know they need to improve their defense, but they also realize that with the unrivaled best quarterback in the developmental league, getting elite receivers has high potential for an elite offense. Although there’s lots of receiver talent available, they enjoy the opportunity to pick their highest rated from the field.
Round 2:
5. DT Brayden Ennis - University of Wyoming
With no quarterback to speak of, the Marshals opt to wait on a receiver, and instead improve their front 7 with the top defensive line prospect. Although there are two safeties and one cornerback left on the board they’d love on the team, they can wait until the 9th overall pick for one, and Ennis will be an immediate high level DT for the post-expansion DSFL.
6. FS/SS A.C. Payton - University of Missouri
A saturated receiver market means they continue to fall, while the coyotes attempt to repair a broken defense. Safety A.C. Payton will be an asset to them, with high activity and decent earning; although comparable in many ways to another safety, Brackenridge, Kansas City takes the Missouri prospect due to his superior versatility.
7. RB Ducky Donut - University of Oregon
A budding young speed back, Donut only fell this far in the draft because of market demand. The Luchadores know that with no quarterback secured yet, they need a runningback for their impressive offensive line to be truly useful. They find a wonderful elusive runningback in Ducky.
8. FS/SS Takeda Okura - Oregon State University
There is a chance that Portland goes receiver again here, but with five left on the board that I still count as having a floor of “decent”, they instead take one of the last confident prospects in the secondary. The fastest defensive prospect of the S17 draft, Okura will make an immediate impact in a game where speed is everything. He’ll need improvement on his tackling form, but with this pick, the Pythons improve their pass defense greatly.
Round 3:
9. FS/SS Tyron Brackenridge - University of Maryland
Another safety comes off the board now! Though I expect it to be around this time that the Marshals or Luchadores trade for Apollo Lange, I don’t have any information on that, so with a top level runningback leading their offensive charge, one last attempt to improve their secondary makes sense here. Brackenridge will be one of the DSFL’s best tacklers, and although he needs to work on his side-to-side speed, he’ll be a fine member of the Marshals secondary. He could likely play at linebacker, if needed.
10. WR Saba Donut - University of Oregon
At last, the Kansas City Coyotes turn away from the secondary and select a receiver for Longshaw. A top prospect, Saba Donut could’ve gone in place of Banks II at pick number four, but he falls to here after the defensive rush, where he’ll be a future star and a top target for Longshaw. With high activity, Saba has a high ceiling. Matchups between him and his brothers’ team should be an interesting storyline to follow!
11. DT Bubba Thumper - University of Tennessee
The Luchadores remains fearful of not having a quarterback... but there aren’t good options. So, they make the best of a tough situation, knowing that a strong rushing attack with a powerful defense can take teams far. Thumper enters the DSFL after having an impressive array of media put out before the draft; if I was ranking prospects on likelihood to stay active and motivated, he’d be very high up the list. Born in San Antonio, he’ll have to get used to living a little farther south.
12. WR Action Jackson - University of Georgia
One of the most vocal young players entering the developmental league, the 6’4” receiver burst onto the scene after declaring for the draft later than most prospects. With several WRs remaining, it will be hard to tell if this pick (and ones soon to come) are gems or busts relative to the others for a while to come. He would be the Pythons second receiver selected from UGA, and a nice complement to Banks’ route runner style of play.
Round 4:
13. WR Jordan McCann III - University of Florida
San Antonio picks up an excellent receiver in the fourth round. He’ll need to work on his catching skills, but he is by far the fastest wide receiver in the draft. If the Marshals can get a proper quarterback to put the ball in McCann’s hands, he will no doubt blow by opposing secondaries if they dare to bring the safety into the box and leave the deep zones uncovered.
14. WR Julian McMorris - University of Manitoba
The Coyotes will follow up two rounds of secondary with two rounds of receivers. This Canadian prospect no doubt impressed scouts with his pre-draft activity, and he will be an excellent red zone target for Ben Longshaw.
15. WR Jackson Valadez - NC State
The receiver rush continues! For one more pick, anyways. The Charlotte native started strong, but dropped off in activity until a few days prior to the draft. However, Valadez is as unproven as the past three receivers. Any one of them could bust, and any could be stars. The Luchadores have a solid pick here.
16. CB Mervin Leonard - Tuktoyaktuk High School
Leonard may not have a college degree (or a high school one, for that matter), but he will certainly play well for the Pythons. Speed kills, and relative to much of the DSFL, he has it. Although not as clear as other players, Leonard to me is a round three prospect who falls here due to teams wanting to grab at least one solid receiver before they all disappear off the board, once the rush began.
Round 5:
17. CB Koda Adok - Florida State University
Having already selected a great defensive tackle, and the third of three impressive young safeties, San Antonio is now going to try their luck with another defensive back. Entering the DSFL with 73 speed, Adok has had a quiet offseason, but started it strong, speaking to the media often about his future (Special Wiki PT!). Born and raised in Florida, he’ll have to adapt to the dry heat of San Antonio.
18. LB Tyrone Baker - University of Virginia
Tyrone Baker could stay active for two weeks and end a higher skill level than Kansas City’s current top linebacker. Baker is a low risk pick, and a solid one here in round 5 (where every pick is a tossup).
19. K/P Kicky Bobby - Alabama State University
It’s very hard to draw attention as a kicker, at least until you miss a kick. Believe me, I know. But Kicky Bobby’s activity is a beacon for the Luchadores, who don’t have a kicker on the roster, and who would love one who will be an active lockerroom presence.
20. DT Shane Masters - University of Missouri
Shane Masters, I expect, will fly under the radar due to his late declaration for the draft. Only joining the league on the 21st of June, Masters is a promising young defensive tackle who hasn’t had the time to prove himself. Though he seems active, and has a solid ceiling, it’s nonetheless a low floor pick too. But, I’ll say it once more, it’s the 5th round of the DSFL draft. If you get a semi-active, it’s a huge victory.
That concludes the 5 round DSFL mock draft! One last player I think is deserving of notice: WR Max Lovote from the University of Notre Dame. Obviously this is how I think the draft will go down, but it’d be reasonable to swap him with, perhaps, Valadez at pick 15. For our final recap:
San Antonio Marshals
1. RB Ashley Owens - University of Wisconsin
5. DT Brayden Ennis - University of Wyoming
9. FS/SS Tyron Brackenridge - University of Maryland
13. WR Jordan McCann III - University of Florida
17. CB Koda Adok - Florida State University
Kansas City Coyotes
2. CB Jordan Andrews - UCLA
6. FS/SS A.C. Payton - University of Missouri
10. WR Saba Donut - University of Oregon
14. WR Julian McMorris - University of Manitoba
18. LB Tyrone Baker - University of Virginia
Tijuana Luchadores
3. CB Willie Woodson - UCLA
7. RB Ducky Donut - University of Oregon
11. DT Bubba Thumper - University of Tennessee
15. WR Jackson Valadez - NC State
19. K/P Kicky Bobby - Alabama State University
Portland Pythons
4. WR Dexter Banks II - University of Georgia
8. FS/SS Takeda Okura - Oregon State University
12. WR Action Jackson - University of Georgia
16. CB Mervin Leonard - Tuktoyaktuk High School
20. DT Shane Masters - University of Missouri
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think.
(2,320 words)
The NSFL draft has come and gone. The DSFL contraction draft has come and gone. That leaves one draft to go this offseason... the Season 16 DSFL draft. So naturally, it’s mock draft time. The mock draft will assume no in-draft trades; as likely as I think some are, that begins to go too deep down the rabbit hole of possibilities. Before we go into the mock draft itself, I’m gonna cover each team’s key strengths and weaknesses, as well as big moves from the contraction draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
San Antonio Marshals [/div]The Marshals finished Season 15 at an uninspiring (and league worst) 5-8-1 record. This ended up getting them the first pick of the contraction draft, and they utilized it to get a defensive star in linebacker Allen Josh. Instantly the highest TPE player on their depleted defense (and only surpassed on offense by TE Timmy Hoss), Josh is a big addition, but the Marshals remain weak. Their biggest strength entering the draft is that, with almost every spot to fill, they can go many directions. In the past, the Marshals have pushed the pass game to the wayside and opted for a volume-based power running scheme. We’ll see if they continue that San Antonio tradition this season.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
Kansas City Coyotes [/div]Kansas City is looking decent on offense. In the contraction draft, they filled the hole at the quarterback position with Jay Longshaw - an excellent choice who is just shy of 200 TPE. Later in that draft, they also selected QB Apollo Lange, who I expect them to trade for a pick in round 2 or 3 (QB is desperately needed by two teams - but I’m not mocking trades, so oh well). With runningback Jay Quick at 81 speed, they’re feeling set on the ground, although they’ll want to improve on a WR1 who’s a slow possession receiver. Expect them to target a receiver in the first few rounds while focusing on shoring up the defense overall, as they’re shallow and struggling there.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
Tijuana Luchadores [/div]The Luchadores have an empty backfield, and it’s not because they love the spread offense - in fact, their backfield is a serious problem. Although they’ll have star wide receiver Hugh Mongo, who is north of 200 TPE and a force to be reckoned with, they currently have nobody worth mentioning to pass the ball to him. They also have a host of wonderful offensive linemen (Ulysses, McCargue, Tu’inukuafe), and a solid enough tight end, though no runningback above 50 TPE to speak of. A supporting cast is crucial, but they’ll struggle to move the ball without a decent QB or RB. Expect them to fil this need by whatever means possible, including potentially over-drafting some players. As for defense, it’s nothing special, but it’s well rounded and should be fine post-draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
Portland Pythons [/div]The Portland Pythons are as close to an offensive powerhouse as you’ll find in the S16 DSFL. A maxed quarterback in Franklin Armstrong, plus a host of runningbacks and strong tight ends, means all they really need on offense is some full-time pass catchers. This is even true to the point that, should they draft a runningback (particularly a well-rounded back like Owens), expect them to be starting at receiver. As for defense, they are very thin. Looking at offense alone I’d call them preseason champs, but the defensive side of the ball is in need of serious improvement. Their highest TPE player there currently is an 84 TPE defensive end. Expect them to take the BPA (best player available) on defense for much of the draft.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Final Notes[/div]
Basically, every team is weak on defense, especially at the linebacker position. Furthermore, Tijuana and the Marshals need quarterbacks, but Kansas City and Portland control the market on them due to a weak QB class. Wide receiver will have the best equilibrium between supply and demand for this draft. Without further ado, let’s get to the mock draft!
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Mock Draft[/div]
Round 1:
1.
RB Ashley Owens - University of WisconsinThe Marshals are struggling in every facet of the game right now. With Kansas City taking Apollo Lange, and neither S17 quarterback prospect being very glamorous, the Marshals will take the most proven offensive weapon on the board who doesn’t require the ball to be thrown to make plays.
2.
CB Jordan Andrews - UCLAWith a number of good options at wide receiver on the board, Kansas City will begin rebuilding their defense by taking the defensive player with the most demonstrated talent so far (highest TPE!). Andrews has made himself available to the media after workouts and shows good worth ethic and potential.
3.
CB Willie Woodson - UCLAWith a decent linebacker holding the center of the field, and an average-ish safety, Tijuana will select the second cornerback of round one - and the second cornerback from UCLA! A solid earner, and one of the fastest defensive prospects, the Luchadores hope Woodson can boost their pass defense this coming season.
4.
WR Dexter Banks II - University of GeorgiaThe Pythons know they need to improve their defense, but they also realize that with the unrivaled best quarterback in the developmental league, getting elite receivers has high potential for an elite offense. Although there’s lots of receiver talent available, they enjoy the opportunity to pick their highest rated from the field.
Round 2:
5.
DT Brayden Ennis - University of WyomingWith no quarterback to speak of, the Marshals opt to wait on a receiver, and instead improve their front 7 with the top defensive line prospect. Although there are two safeties and one cornerback left on the board they’d love on the team, they can wait until the 9th overall pick for one, and Ennis will be an immediate high level DT for the post-expansion DSFL.
6.
FS/SS A.C. Payton - University of MissouriA saturated receiver market means they continue to fall, while the coyotes attempt to repair a broken defense. Safety A.C. Payton will be an asset to them, with high activity and decent earning; although comparable in many ways to another safety, Brackenridge, Kansas City takes the Missouri prospect due to his superior versatility.
7.
RB Ducky Donut - University of OregonA budding young speed back, Donut only fell this far in the draft because of market demand. The Luchadores know that with no quarterback secured yet, they need a runningback for their impressive offensive line to be truly useful. They find a wonderful elusive runningback in Ducky.
8.
FS/SS Takeda Okura - Oregon State UniversityThere is a chance that Portland goes receiver again here, but with five left on the board that I still count as having a floor of “decent”, they instead take one of the last confident prospects in the secondary. The fastest defensive prospect of the S17 draft, Okura will make an immediate impact in a game where speed is everything. He’ll need improvement on his tackling form, but with this pick, the Pythons improve their pass defense greatly.
Round 3:
9.
FS/SS Tyron Brackenridge - University of MarylandAnother safety comes off the board now! Though I expect it to be around this time that the Marshals or Luchadores trade for Apollo Lange, I don’t have any information on that, so with a top level runningback leading their offensive charge, one last attempt to improve their secondary makes sense here. Brackenridge will be one of the DSFL’s best tacklers, and although he needs to work on his side-to-side speed, he’ll be a fine member of the Marshals secondary. He could likely play at linebacker, if needed.
10.
WR Saba Donut - University of OregonAt last, the Kansas City Coyotes turn away from the secondary and select a receiver for Longshaw. A top prospect, Saba Donut could’ve gone in place of Banks II at pick number four, but he falls to here after the defensive rush, where he’ll be a future star and a top target for Longshaw. With high activity, Saba has a high ceiling. Matchups between him and his brothers’ team should be an interesting storyline to follow!
11.
DT Bubba Thumper - University of TennesseeThe Luchadores remains fearful of not having a quarterback... but there aren’t good options. So, they make the best of a tough situation, knowing that a strong rushing attack with a powerful defense can take teams far. Thumper enters the DSFL after having an impressive array of media put out before the draft; if I was ranking prospects on likelihood to stay active and motivated, he’d be very high up the list. Born in San Antonio, he’ll have to get used to living a little farther south.
12.
WR Action Jackson - University of GeorgiaOne of the most vocal young players entering the developmental league, the 6’4” receiver burst onto the scene after declaring for the draft later than most prospects. With several WRs remaining, it will be hard to tell if this pick (and ones soon to come) are gems or busts relative to the others for a while to come. He would be the Pythons second receiver selected from UGA, and a nice complement to Banks’ route runner style of play.
Round 4:
13.
WR Jordan McCann III - University of FloridaSan Antonio picks up an excellent receiver in the fourth round. He’ll need to work on his catching skills, but he is by far the fastest wide receiver in the draft. If the Marshals can get a proper quarterback to put the ball in McCann’s hands, he will no doubt blow by opposing secondaries if they dare to bring the safety into the box and leave the deep zones uncovered.
14.
WR Julian McMorris - University of ManitobaThe Coyotes will follow up two rounds of secondary with two rounds of receivers. This Canadian prospect no doubt impressed scouts with his pre-draft activity, and he will be an excellent red zone target for Ben Longshaw.
15.
WR Jackson Valadez - NC StateThe receiver rush continues! For one more pick, anyways. The Charlotte native started strong, but dropped off in activity until a few days prior to the draft. However, Valadez is as unproven as the past three receivers. Any one of them could bust, and any could be stars. The Luchadores have a solid pick here.
16.
CB Mervin Leonard - Tuktoyaktuk High SchoolLeonard may not have a college degree (or a high school one, for that matter), but he will certainly play well for the Pythons. Speed kills, and relative to much of the DSFL, he has it. Although not as clear as other players, Leonard to me is a round three prospect who falls here due to teams wanting to grab at least one solid receiver before they all disappear off the board, once the rush began.
Round 5:
17.
CB Koda Adok - Florida State UniversityHaving already selected a great defensive tackle, and the third of three impressive young safeties, San Antonio is now going to try their luck with another defensive back. Entering the DSFL with 73 speed, Adok has had a quiet offseason, but started it strong, speaking to the media often about his future (Special Wiki PT!). Born and raised in Florida, he’ll have to adapt to the dry heat of San Antonio.
18.
LB Tyrone Baker - University of VirginiaTyrone Baker could stay active for two weeks and end a higher skill level than Kansas City’s current top linebacker. Baker is a low risk pick, and a solid one here in round 5 (where every pick is a tossup).
19.
K/P Kicky Bobby - Alabama State UniversityIt’s very hard to draw attention as a kicker, at least until you miss a kick. Believe me, I know. But Kicky Bobby’s activity is a beacon for the Luchadores, who don’t have a kicker on the roster, and who would love one who will be an active lockerroom presence.
20.
DT Shane Masters - University of MissouriShane Masters, I expect, will fly under the radar due to his late declaration for the draft. Only joining the league on the 21st of June, Masters is a promising young defensive tackle who hasn’t had the time to prove himself. Though he seems active, and has a solid ceiling, it’s nonetheless a low floor pick too. But, I’ll say it once more, it’s the 5th round of the DSFL draft. If you get a semi-active, it’s a huge victory.
That concludes the 5 round DSFL mock draft! One last player I think is deserving of notice: WR Max Lovote from the University of Notre Dame. Obviously this is how I think the draft will go down, but it’d be reasonable to swap him with, perhaps, Valadez at pick 15. For our final recap:
San Antonio Marshals 1. RB Ashley Owens - University of Wisconsin
5. DT Brayden Ennis - University of Wyoming
9. FS/SS Tyron Brackenridge - University of Maryland
13. WR Jordan McCann III - University of Florida
17. CB Koda Adok - Florida State University
Kansas City Coyotes 2. CB Jordan Andrews - UCLA
6. FS/SS A.C. Payton - University of Missouri
10. WR Saba Donut - University of Oregon
14. WR Julian McMorris - University of Manitoba
18. LB Tyrone Baker - University of Virginia
Tijuana Luchadores 3. CB Willie Woodson - UCLA
7. RB Ducky Donut - University of Oregon
11. DT Bubba Thumper - University of Tennessee
15. WR Jackson Valadez - NC State
19. K/P Kicky Bobby - Alabama State University
Portland Pythons 4. WR Dexter Banks II - University of Georgia
8. FS/SS Takeda Okura - Oregon State University
12. WR Action Jackson - University of Georgia
16. CB Mervin Leonard - Tuktoyaktuk High School
20. DT Shane Masters - University of Missouri
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think.
(2,320 words)
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