Hello everyone. We recently had a solid re grade article of the S6 draft which was pretty interesting. I'm going to go through and evaluate every pick in the first two rounds - and then go through round by round to the end of the draft to highlight the great picks. The S3 was notable because it was last draft before the DSFL - essentially had the last of the waiver guys who had already played in the NSFL and earned TPE ahead of their class mates. In the S3 we had a lot of movement at the top, most notable the Yeti trading up to draft their GM of the future Mememaestro first over all. (as you will see this is the draft of the GM and co GM, with 6 of the first 10 becoming GMs in the NSFL, and one additional becoming an HO member). Lets get into now
1. (via via ) Antonio Sandoval - Sandoval was an offensive line man at the time and switched in S4 to defensive end when the o line changes came. Sandoval is a top notch player and certainly worthy of a first round pick. First over all in this draft in retrospect however is a reach. At the time he wanted to become a GM and then temporary GM PigSnout traded for the first over all pick so the Yeti could have TMM as their GM. This was before the Saskatoon sensation that is Noble got himself suspended and then TMM had to panic and reboot the team - thus sending the team in a 4 season (and counting) spiral to the bottom of the league. I'm not going to grade Meme's GMing here - just going to grade Antonio as a pick.
slm's grade - B+
2. (via ) Godfrey King- King was active for a while in the NSFL and put up MASSIVE stats on the defensive line. Granted he was playing on a team with Jayce Tuck (not to mention the other incredible defenders on the team) so his numbers may have been a bit inflated. Regardless King's activity level was very good for a long time until he got traded to the Liberty (and perhaps a little before then when trading cards died out). King was the first defensive tackle in this draft, but not quite as active as the other defensive tackle taken, however given what the Outlaws were able to get for him it was certainly a good pick, if not spectacular.
slm's grade - B
3. (via ) Brice Boggs - Boggs was a super valuable pick for the Wraiths because he was soon traded to the Yeti for Wyatt Fulton (who would later leave in free agency to Las Vegas and then retire) and a swap of wound up being useless draft picks. I'm going to grade this pick for the yeti though. I am aware he retired eventually and switched positions on them, but I'm not going dock the Yeti too much for that. Boggs was a pretty good player for a couple seasons and though he did retire he was valuable while he was there (and gave the Yeti salary cap relief by retiring instead of going IA).
slm's grade - B-
4. (via via ) Benson Bayley - Do this draft again and Bayley would go no later than 2. Corner backs of his talent level are incredibly difficult to find, and this S3 player is on track to go to the Hall Of Fame. Now a member of the head office, Bayley is in the league for a long run, and you have to think if the Wraiths, Yeti and Outlaws could do it again they would each rather Bayley as a player than you they wound up with. Only reason Bayley isn't a sure fire number 1 is because of a player who was picked later in the draft.
slm's grade - A+
5. (via ) Iyah Blewitt - Well I just spent the last paragraph greatly praising a draft pick by the sabercats ... and I am now going to do the opposite. Look rabidsponge is a great guy, he was pretty active for a while here too, but in a draft this loaded with guys who looked like they could dominate for seasons to come you don't take a kicker at 5th over all. Now that Blewitt is essentially IA it really isn't the greatest decision
slm's grade - D
6. Julian O'Sullivan - The third player in the top 6 who would wind up becoming a GM or co GM of a team, O'Sullivan is far and away the most successful pick in the family. Julian is a multiple time pro bowler and a steady TPE who has been active mostly in spite of some periods of inactivity. O'Sullivan was literally traded from the Otters as this article is being written, but an active who produced like he did for so long (and is able to be the main piece in a trade for 3rd over all) is a pretty valuable piece. Again there were better players picked later (including one the Otters knew very well) this is a very good for 6th over all.
slm's grade - A-
7. Ricardo Sandoval - The other Sandoval brother fell in the draft to 7th over all and it was to the Hawks gain. For two seasons Sandoval was a top level max TPE earner for the Hawks - right up there with the other defensive linemen Antonio and King. Ricardo then wanted to become General Manager of the Legion (didn't really work out) but then was traded to the Legion for Alexandre LeClair who is a staple of the Baltimore Offense. Given how Active Sandoval was with the Hawks and how Active his replacement in the trade was you have to think the Hawks were ecstatic about this pick.
slm's grade - A-
8. Franklin Harris Jr. - Meh. Harris was a recreate and therefore was a flight risk hense him falling to 8th over all. I barely remember what position he was (I know he was a defensive back of some kind) because Apache had four different positions on his two characters. If I'm remembering correctly Harris was pretty awesome as a rookie for the Outlaws - steadily earning TPE and was defensive rookie of the year as well as defensive back of the year. In spite of his lack luster later in the career stats and TPE numbers the immediate success for an Ultimus Champion leads this pick to get a pretty decent grade.
slm's grade - B
9. (via ) Francois Lameroux - This is my favorite pick of all time. I said it was dumb when it happened and good ole @Archon proved me right. Lameroux was a controversial figure to say the least, not well liked by many people in the league (specifically the Hawks). The face that the Wraiths took him the pick before Trey Willie warms my heart. Lameroux would wind up becoming the co-GM of the Wraiths only to retire approximately one week after getting the job. Perhaps is general toxicity got the best of him and he decided to leave, but regardless Lameroux didn't retire 0 thus allowing the Wraiths one season of a mediocre O lineman before being sent down. No one should be surprised this is my lowest grade.
slm's grade - F-
10. (via (via ) Trey Willie - The Hawks traded up on draft day to get their guy Trey Willie. Willie was number 1 or 2 in the class in TPE heading in to the draft and was (and still is) the head banker in the NSFL. As dumb as it seems now that he fell to 10th over all it was just as dumb at the time, I promise you. Willie is now the co-GM of the Hawks and the top TPE earner of the S3 draftees. He's a great locker room leader and over all star on the field. Willie is the second player in this draft who is off to a Hall of Fame Career start - let's see if he can finish as strong as he started. If the draft were to happen again you would have to think Willie would go first over all with Bayley second.
slm's grade - A+++
11. Clifford Rove - Rove was the first QB taken in the S3 draft and he wound up being pretty serviceable for the Liberty. He was never a pro level talent and has since switched to corner, but for the 11th pick and what the team needed at the time this was a great pick. Rove is inactive now, but the Liberty would have been abysmal if Rove went else where so they have to get good grades here.
slm's grade - B+
12. (via ) Vash Erikson - This is the first player I had to look up. Looks like he only reached 154 TPE. Went inactive right away. Given the other players available in the draft after this is a really bad pick though the Outlaws made up for it with other picks.
slm's grade - F
13. Eidur Gustavsson - The second player I had to look up. He earned 159 TPE and went Inactive. Idk what it says about the Yeti, but they re-signed both of these guys yesterday.
slm's grade - F
14. Erlich Burnsman - A speed running back meant to compliment Leroy Jenkins, Bursnman was a touch down vulture once he went to the Otters. He showed promise at first, but wound up only getting 210 TPE. He still has some value as he runs for the Otters and he helped them win in S4 so not a terrible pick.
slm's grade - C
15. (via ) Charlie Law - Another guy would become an NSFL GM, Charlie Law was a steal of a pick here at 15. Law recently switched from Tight End to Wide out and was traded to the second line, but he was a great value pick for the outlaws, more than making up for their flub at number 12. Law was a consistent Pro Bowler at Tight end, lets see how he does with Borkus in N'Awlins.
slm's grade - A
16. Archetype Schmarchetype - An Offensive line man who never wound up switching positions, Schmarchetype was not the best pick by the Outlaws here. These picks in the draft are a bit like throwing darts at a a board however but still , not a great pick by Arizona.
slm's grade - D
NOTABLE LATER ROUND PICKS
18. (via ) Wallace Stone - Stone was an OL, Turned QB, Turned LB for the Legion, now Second line. Stone is likely to make the pro bowl this year as a line backer and is probably best known around the league for the "no" heard round the world.
19. (via via ) William Ridley - was active for a while and a pretty good pick in the third round
22. Jimmy Cox - eventually traded to the Legion for a rip off price. Another LV member who was named in the mass retirement and decided not to retire.
23. (via ) Samuel Zhang II - Zhang was active for a while and a very good pick for the Outlaws. The trade of Zhang and Law for Trey Willie wound up being good for both sides, though clearly the Hawks won the trade.
25. (via ) J.D. Boom - A great pick for the otters at the time, Boom told teams he would not be active, wound up being active for a bit and then retired.
30. (Via Via ) Joseph Askins - Getting a player like Askins this late in the draft is awesome for the Wraiths. Askins is a great LR guy, wound up becoming a DSFL GM. Eventually Askins made the switch from TE to DT after being traded from the Wraiths to the Legion (one of cosborns few moves as GM)
31. Vincent Valentine - the steal of the third round, Valentine had a break out season in S6 as he is likely to make a pro bowl. The do it all safety for the Hawks can line up all over the field. The Hawks getting Valentine, Willie and Sandoval really knocked it out of the park
33. (via ) Eli Kamaka - speaking of knocking it out of the park - Adam had to be thrilled once he realized the Gem he got in round 4. Kamaka is a possible Hall Of Fame level talent, and to get a player like that this late is incredible.
40. Jaxon Tuck - the infamous brother of ER - banned from the league since ER took over his account
41. Connor Tanner - This is actually an excellent pick by the legion. He wound up becoming head GM of the legion and leading the mass retirement, but HFFO made a great pick here to get a guy this late who would be as active as he was.
43. (via via ) Budda Browning - Another late round steal from Philly. To get a Pro Bowler like Budda, who would wind up being the foundation for a Josh Garden trade, in the 6th round is insanity. GREAT pick.
45. Nicholas Pierno - the much maligned QB of the Colorado Yeti, Pierno is still active and was obviously a good poick for the Wraiths at the time. They wound up shipping him off to Colorado once the Noble Suspension happened, but Pierno at 45 is a great pick.
47. Brian Wheat - The last player picked in the draft who is still active. Not a top level TPE earner at all, but Wheat is a starter for the Yeti. Hawks did well to get someone like this, this late.
Now that I graded the picks lets grade the Draft classes.
Colorado Yeti - C. Given their draft capital they could have done a lot more with this draft. Essentially having two of the top 3 picks they got a pretty good defensive end and a line backer who retired a few seasons after being drafted. They got absolutely no one of note after the first two rounds, so all they have to show for still on their team from this draft is Antonio Sandoval
Yellowknife Wraiths - C. The Wraiths wound up getting William Ridley, Joseph Askins and a pick for Nicholas Pierno, so their later round picks were good, but coming away with a second round that terrible in a draft is hard to do. Pick prospects out of a hat and you would likely do better. If the Wraiths nailed this draft there would be a good chance they have at least one Ultimus
Philadelphia Liberty - A. The Liberty had a low level of draft capital but wound up getting Clifford Rove, Eli Kamaka and Budda Browning. That is a GREAT draft given that they were without a first round pick
Baltimore Hawks - A. The Hawks stacked their core with Sanodval, Willie and Valentine. Getting the best player in the draft at 10th over all is a huge win, and the picks of Valentine and even Wheat late (who the Hawks got a pick for in a trade) is a major win for the Hawks.
Orange County Otters - B. O'Sullivan is a great piece, but Bursnman and Cox isn't enough of a big success to get a great grade here. The Otters have a built a dynasty, but that's more because of the S1, S2, S4 and S5 drafts, not the S3 one.
Las Vegas Legion - A-. HFFO's finest work as a GM was getting steals late. To get Stone and Tanner in a draft where you have no first or second round picks is impressive. The fact that he had no first and second picks because of terrible trades is not factored in to this grade.
San Jose Sabercats - C. Man if the Cats did not get Bayley this draft would have been an absolute disaster. Blewitt was a bad pick in the top 5 and then the Cats did not have any impact guys later in the draft.
Arizona Outlaws - C+. Given the talent the Outlaws came away with from the draft, this may be a surprising grade, but Dwyer had made amazing trades to give himself a shit ton of picks. Law and King were great, but a wasted second pick, and a first rounder on Harris (and taking King over other options) made this a meh draft for the Outlaws. They could have wound up with (realistically), Benson Bayley and Trey Willie in the first two rounds of the draft.
So there are my grades. Please let me know what you think.
2846 words - a lot of looking in to different players too
1. (via via ) Antonio Sandoval - Sandoval was an offensive line man at the time and switched in S4 to defensive end when the o line changes came. Sandoval is a top notch player and certainly worthy of a first round pick. First over all in this draft in retrospect however is a reach. At the time he wanted to become a GM and then temporary GM PigSnout traded for the first over all pick so the Yeti could have TMM as their GM. This was before the Saskatoon sensation that is Noble got himself suspended and then TMM had to panic and reboot the team - thus sending the team in a 4 season (and counting) spiral to the bottom of the league. I'm not going to grade Meme's GMing here - just going to grade Antonio as a pick.
slm's grade - B+
2. (via ) Godfrey King- King was active for a while in the NSFL and put up MASSIVE stats on the defensive line. Granted he was playing on a team with Jayce Tuck (not to mention the other incredible defenders on the team) so his numbers may have been a bit inflated. Regardless King's activity level was very good for a long time until he got traded to the Liberty (and perhaps a little before then when trading cards died out). King was the first defensive tackle in this draft, but not quite as active as the other defensive tackle taken, however given what the Outlaws were able to get for him it was certainly a good pick, if not spectacular.
slm's grade - B
3. (via ) Brice Boggs - Boggs was a super valuable pick for the Wraiths because he was soon traded to the Yeti for Wyatt Fulton (who would later leave in free agency to Las Vegas and then retire) and a swap of wound up being useless draft picks. I'm going to grade this pick for the yeti though. I am aware he retired eventually and switched positions on them, but I'm not going dock the Yeti too much for that. Boggs was a pretty good player for a couple seasons and though he did retire he was valuable while he was there (and gave the Yeti salary cap relief by retiring instead of going IA).
slm's grade - B-
4. (via via ) Benson Bayley - Do this draft again and Bayley would go no later than 2. Corner backs of his talent level are incredibly difficult to find, and this S3 player is on track to go to the Hall Of Fame. Now a member of the head office, Bayley is in the league for a long run, and you have to think if the Wraiths, Yeti and Outlaws could do it again they would each rather Bayley as a player than you they wound up with. Only reason Bayley isn't a sure fire number 1 is because of a player who was picked later in the draft.
slm's grade - A+
5. (via ) Iyah Blewitt - Well I just spent the last paragraph greatly praising a draft pick by the sabercats ... and I am now going to do the opposite. Look rabidsponge is a great guy, he was pretty active for a while here too, but in a draft this loaded with guys who looked like they could dominate for seasons to come you don't take a kicker at 5th over all. Now that Blewitt is essentially IA it really isn't the greatest decision
slm's grade - D
6. Julian O'Sullivan - The third player in the top 6 who would wind up becoming a GM or co GM of a team, O'Sullivan is far and away the most successful pick in the family. Julian is a multiple time pro bowler and a steady TPE who has been active mostly in spite of some periods of inactivity. O'Sullivan was literally traded from the Otters as this article is being written, but an active who produced like he did for so long (and is able to be the main piece in a trade for 3rd over all) is a pretty valuable piece. Again there were better players picked later (including one the Otters knew very well) this is a very good for 6th over all.
slm's grade - A-
7. Ricardo Sandoval - The other Sandoval brother fell in the draft to 7th over all and it was to the Hawks gain. For two seasons Sandoval was a top level max TPE earner for the Hawks - right up there with the other defensive linemen Antonio and King. Ricardo then wanted to become General Manager of the Legion (didn't really work out) but then was traded to the Legion for Alexandre LeClair who is a staple of the Baltimore Offense. Given how Active Sandoval was with the Hawks and how Active his replacement in the trade was you have to think the Hawks were ecstatic about this pick.
slm's grade - A-
8. Franklin Harris Jr. - Meh. Harris was a recreate and therefore was a flight risk hense him falling to 8th over all. I barely remember what position he was (I know he was a defensive back of some kind) because Apache had four different positions on his two characters. If I'm remembering correctly Harris was pretty awesome as a rookie for the Outlaws - steadily earning TPE and was defensive rookie of the year as well as defensive back of the year. In spite of his lack luster later in the career stats and TPE numbers the immediate success for an Ultimus Champion leads this pick to get a pretty decent grade.
slm's grade - B
9. (via ) Francois Lameroux - This is my favorite pick of all time. I said it was dumb when it happened and good ole @Archon proved me right. Lameroux was a controversial figure to say the least, not well liked by many people in the league (specifically the Hawks). The face that the Wraiths took him the pick before Trey Willie warms my heart. Lameroux would wind up becoming the co-GM of the Wraiths only to retire approximately one week after getting the job. Perhaps is general toxicity got the best of him and he decided to leave, but regardless Lameroux didn't retire 0 thus allowing the Wraiths one season of a mediocre O lineman before being sent down. No one should be surprised this is my lowest grade.
slm's grade - F-
10. (via (via ) Trey Willie - The Hawks traded up on draft day to get their guy Trey Willie. Willie was number 1 or 2 in the class in TPE heading in to the draft and was (and still is) the head banker in the NSFL. As dumb as it seems now that he fell to 10th over all it was just as dumb at the time, I promise you. Willie is now the co-GM of the Hawks and the top TPE earner of the S3 draftees. He's a great locker room leader and over all star on the field. Willie is the second player in this draft who is off to a Hall of Fame Career start - let's see if he can finish as strong as he started. If the draft were to happen again you would have to think Willie would go first over all with Bayley second.
slm's grade - A+++
11. Clifford Rove - Rove was the first QB taken in the S3 draft and he wound up being pretty serviceable for the Liberty. He was never a pro level talent and has since switched to corner, but for the 11th pick and what the team needed at the time this was a great pick. Rove is inactive now, but the Liberty would have been abysmal if Rove went else where so they have to get good grades here.
slm's grade - B+
12. (via ) Vash Erikson - This is the first player I had to look up. Looks like he only reached 154 TPE. Went inactive right away. Given the other players available in the draft after this is a really bad pick though the Outlaws made up for it with other picks.
slm's grade - F
13. Eidur Gustavsson - The second player I had to look up. He earned 159 TPE and went Inactive. Idk what it says about the Yeti, but they re-signed both of these guys yesterday.
slm's grade - F
14. Erlich Burnsman - A speed running back meant to compliment Leroy Jenkins, Bursnman was a touch down vulture once he went to the Otters. He showed promise at first, but wound up only getting 210 TPE. He still has some value as he runs for the Otters and he helped them win in S4 so not a terrible pick.
slm's grade - C
15. (via ) Charlie Law - Another guy would become an NSFL GM, Charlie Law was a steal of a pick here at 15. Law recently switched from Tight End to Wide out and was traded to the second line, but he was a great value pick for the outlaws, more than making up for their flub at number 12. Law was a consistent Pro Bowler at Tight end, lets see how he does with Borkus in N'Awlins.
slm's grade - A
16. Archetype Schmarchetype - An Offensive line man who never wound up switching positions, Schmarchetype was not the best pick by the Outlaws here. These picks in the draft are a bit like throwing darts at a a board however but still , not a great pick by Arizona.
slm's grade - D
NOTABLE LATER ROUND PICKS
18. (via ) Wallace Stone - Stone was an OL, Turned QB, Turned LB for the Legion, now Second line. Stone is likely to make the pro bowl this year as a line backer and is probably best known around the league for the "no" heard round the world.
19. (via via ) William Ridley - was active for a while and a pretty good pick in the third round
22. Jimmy Cox - eventually traded to the Legion for a rip off price. Another LV member who was named in the mass retirement and decided not to retire.
23. (via ) Samuel Zhang II - Zhang was active for a while and a very good pick for the Outlaws. The trade of Zhang and Law for Trey Willie wound up being good for both sides, though clearly the Hawks won the trade.
25. (via ) J.D. Boom - A great pick for the otters at the time, Boom told teams he would not be active, wound up being active for a bit and then retired.
30. (Via Via ) Joseph Askins - Getting a player like Askins this late in the draft is awesome for the Wraiths. Askins is a great LR guy, wound up becoming a DSFL GM. Eventually Askins made the switch from TE to DT after being traded from the Wraiths to the Legion (one of cosborns few moves as GM)
31. Vincent Valentine - the steal of the third round, Valentine had a break out season in S6 as he is likely to make a pro bowl. The do it all safety for the Hawks can line up all over the field. The Hawks getting Valentine, Willie and Sandoval really knocked it out of the park
33. (via ) Eli Kamaka - speaking of knocking it out of the park - Adam had to be thrilled once he realized the Gem he got in round 4. Kamaka is a possible Hall Of Fame level talent, and to get a player like that this late is incredible.
40. Jaxon Tuck - the infamous brother of ER - banned from the league since ER took over his account
41. Connor Tanner - This is actually an excellent pick by the legion. He wound up becoming head GM of the legion and leading the mass retirement, but HFFO made a great pick here to get a guy this late who would be as active as he was.
43. (via via ) Budda Browning - Another late round steal from Philly. To get a Pro Bowler like Budda, who would wind up being the foundation for a Josh Garden trade, in the 6th round is insanity. GREAT pick.
45. Nicholas Pierno - the much maligned QB of the Colorado Yeti, Pierno is still active and was obviously a good poick for the Wraiths at the time. They wound up shipping him off to Colorado once the Noble Suspension happened, but Pierno at 45 is a great pick.
47. Brian Wheat - The last player picked in the draft who is still active. Not a top level TPE earner at all, but Wheat is a starter for the Yeti. Hawks did well to get someone like this, this late.
Now that I graded the picks lets grade the Draft classes.
Colorado Yeti - C. Given their draft capital they could have done a lot more with this draft. Essentially having two of the top 3 picks they got a pretty good defensive end and a line backer who retired a few seasons after being drafted. They got absolutely no one of note after the first two rounds, so all they have to show for still on their team from this draft is Antonio Sandoval
Yellowknife Wraiths - C. The Wraiths wound up getting William Ridley, Joseph Askins and a pick for Nicholas Pierno, so their later round picks were good, but coming away with a second round that terrible in a draft is hard to do. Pick prospects out of a hat and you would likely do better. If the Wraiths nailed this draft there would be a good chance they have at least one Ultimus
Philadelphia Liberty - A. The Liberty had a low level of draft capital but wound up getting Clifford Rove, Eli Kamaka and Budda Browning. That is a GREAT draft given that they were without a first round pick
Baltimore Hawks - A. The Hawks stacked their core with Sanodval, Willie and Valentine. Getting the best player in the draft at 10th over all is a huge win, and the picks of Valentine and even Wheat late (who the Hawks got a pick for in a trade) is a major win for the Hawks.
Orange County Otters - B. O'Sullivan is a great piece, but Bursnman and Cox isn't enough of a big success to get a great grade here. The Otters have a built a dynasty, but that's more because of the S1, S2, S4 and S5 drafts, not the S3 one.
Las Vegas Legion - A-. HFFO's finest work as a GM was getting steals late. To get Stone and Tanner in a draft where you have no first or second round picks is impressive. The fact that he had no first and second picks because of terrible trades is not factored in to this grade.
San Jose Sabercats - C. Man if the Cats did not get Bayley this draft would have been an absolute disaster. Blewitt was a bad pick in the top 5 and then the Cats did not have any impact guys later in the draft.
Arizona Outlaws - C+. Given the talent the Outlaws came away with from the draft, this may be a surprising grade, but Dwyer had made amazing trades to give himself a shit ton of picks. Law and King were great, but a wasted second pick, and a first rounder on Harris (and taking King over other options) made this a meh draft for the Outlaws. They could have wound up with (realistically), Benson Bayley and Trey Willie in the first two rounds of the draft.
So there are my grades. Please let me know what you think.
2846 words - a lot of looking in to different players too