The NSFL draft is in the books, and 26 players have now officially been drafted into new teams. Some will go on to have spectacular careers and forge legacies that will remain a part of the league's lore so long as it exists. Others will likely never see the playing field on the biggest stage, instead filling roster spots in the DSFL until regression comes to quietly claim them. Who follows which of these paths remains a mystery for now, and that's the beauty - and terror - of the draft.
By the Numbers
Here's a quick breakdown of the distribution of the 26 players selected in today's draft:
First Round Draft Grades
Arizona Outlaws
Selection: Viggo Squanch (@[Durden]) - WR - #9 Overall
Draft Grade: B+
Despite selecting the equal-most number of players in this season's draft, the Outlaws did not pick at all in the first round. As a team that is entering the early stages of a rebuild, that is concerning. However, they did have the first selection in the second round, which for all intents and purposes we will consider to be a first-round pick.
New general managers @[Roly] and @[run_CMC] opted to use their first ever draft pick on the talented receiver out of Tijuana. Despite having only a single active receiver on their roster, they still have enough talent at the position based on TPE totals to hold out on retooling their offence until they find their quarterback of the future. Their defence is severely lacking, and appears to be a much more pressing issue. With that said, essentially all of the blue-chip defensive players had been taken by the 9th pick, and Viggo was, in my opinion, the best player available.
Baltimore Hawks
Selection: Childish Gambino (@[Renrut]) - DE - #4 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
Although the Hawks boast a talented roster, they haven't quite been able to achieve the sort of success they would like to of late, in no small part due to sharing a division with the Wraiths and Liberty. With superstar talent in all key positions already, Hawks GM @[iamslm22] addressed what is easily their biggest need by selecting defensive end Childish Gambino.
Kurt Hendrix was the lone threat on the defensive line, and as he draws nearer to the end of his career - with his inactivity adding to that issue - the Hawks were in desperate need of a new weapon up front. They did bring in the talented Arbin Asipi Jr. (@[DeathOnReddit]) from Arizona, but pairing him with Gambino means the Hawks have a real shot at returning to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Colorado Yeti
Selection: Ricky Ramero (@[Ramero]) - LB - #1 Overall
Draft Grade: B
The Yeti were in a favourable and yet difficult position. All of this season's talent was at their fingertips, as they held the first overall pick after their second consecutive winless season. Having addressed their offense in the previous two drafts, securing their quarterback of the future in Ryan Applehort (@[Daybe]) and providing him with high-powered weapons in the form of receiver Howard Miller and receiver-turned-running-back Mark Grau (@[keanex]) to complement the existing talents of wideout Dwayne Aaron (@[Supersquare04]), it was no secret that the Yeti would look to bolster their defense.
Arguably the most glaring need was on the defensive line. The Yeti brought in elite talent in the form of Dan Miller (@[7hawk77]) to join the formidable Antonio Sandoval (@[TheMemeMaestro]), and benefited from the miraculous transition of former quarterback Nicholas Pierno into a defensive tackle. However, there is a distinct lack of activity on the Yeti line, and their new centrepiece, Miller, has just hit regression. An argument could also be made for Colorado's secondary being most in need of attention - especially with the uncertainty surrounding star cornerback Andre Bly Jr's (@[sapp2013]) future - and the lack of an active safety to partner with Michael Tillman (@[mmfootball]).
As such, the position to draft a linebacker will nonetheless have taken some by surprise. The likes of Childish Gambino and William H. Harrison (@[Mongoose87]) were of course still on the board, being the first pick, and both would have addressed more immediate needs. However, Rickey Ramero was clearly a step ahead of the other prospects, and was, in my opinion, the most talented player available in the draft. His efforts have already earnt him a GM role in the DSFL, and he was the leading TPE earner of his draft class.
While other areas of the defensive may have seemed more in need of a re-tool, Veteran linebacker Johnathon Saint (@[jparks98]) hit regression in the offseason, and if Ryan LeFevre (@[feve10]), his original intended replacement, doesn't return, then the move to pair Ramero with defensive captain and fellow linebacker Haruki Ishigawa (@[ExemplaryChad]) will be a masterstroke.
It's important to note that the Yeti leadership group have been vocal about their desire to maintain the locker room culture they have developed in spite of their lack of success. In particular, wanting to draft, sign, and retain players who are eager to be a part of the team's resurgence. Ramero was not shy to say he would be more than happy to play for the struggling franchise, ranking them as his first preference in the lead-up to the draft. This no doubt factored into the team's eventual decision to draft the future Hall of Fame linebacker.
New Orleans Second Line
Selection: William H. Harrison - S - #2 Overall & Omar Wrong (@[xdave2456]) - DT #7 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
NOLA had two picks in the first round of the draft, and they certainly didn't waste them. After losing star safety Jaylon Broxton (@[speculadora]) via a trade with the Otters, the Second Line were quick to address their newly found need by selecting Harrison second overall. If the impressive young defensive back continues on his current trajectory, there will be very little dropoff for NOLA's defensive unit, which was also bolstered by the acquisition of the very promising defensive tackle Omar Wrong.
The franchise's rebuild is progressing well in the wake of their rebrand from the Las Vegas Legion to the New Orleans Second Line. GM @[bovovovo] has built a locker room renowned for being active, engaging, and enjoyable, leading to their on-field performance improving as well, as they narrowly missed the playoffs in Season 8. Their two first-round selections will no doubt help keep them trending upwards as a franchise in every aspect.
Orange County Otters
Selection: N/A
Draft Grade: N/A
Philadelphia Liberty
Selection: Brock Weathers III (@[BWIII]) - LB - #8 Overall
Draft Grade: A
Philadelphia were in an interesting position with the last pick of the first round. Viggo Squanch, the only wide receiver prospect of the draft, was still available, and the Liberty have no active receivers on their roster. Perhaps more damning, their star inactive, Josh Garden, hit regression this offseason, making wide receiver a clear need. With that said, Squanch had explicitly stated that he did not want to play for Philadelphia, which meant it was likely wise to avoid selecting him, despite the need.
The Liberty instead opted to address perhaps their next greatest need by selecting linebacker Brock Weathers III. It appears the Liberty, despite now being a championship-winning team, also lack any significant activity among their linebackers. And their star linebacker, Micah Hendrix (@[HalfEatenOnionBagel]), is only a year away from regression.
Weathers was graded as my equal second-best linebacker prospect, tied with Ben Horne behind Rickey Ramero. Given their tricky situation, Philadelphia GM @[PDXBaller] made a smart choice and can look to address their issue with receivers in the future.
San Jose Sabercats
Selection: Brad Pennington (@[Dawegg]) - QB - #3 Overall & Ben Horne (@[iseedoug]) - LB - #6 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
In one fell swoop, the Sabercats lost their franchise quarterback Chris Orosz (@[Aenir]) and the two cornerstones of their defensive in linebacker Vincent Sharpei (@[Muford]) and defensive tackle Dan Miller and entered full rebuild. In an impressive combination of luck and planning, GM @[ckroyal92] was able to address two of these glaring holes by drafting the top quarterback prospect in Pennington, and - as I stated earlier - the equal second-best linebacker prospect in Ben Horne. An impressive haul for a team looking to build for the future. It will be a rough couple of seasons at least for the new-look Sabercats, but they may well have set themselves on course for a much more dominant era of San Jose football some seasons down the track.
Yellowknife Wraiths
Selection: Chad Pennington (@[caltroit_red_flames]) - LB - #5 Overall
Draft Grade: B-
It's hard to find holes in a team with as much talent as the Wraiths, but as it stands on draft day they have only a single active linebacker, and he just hit regression. As such, it's no surprise they went with the safe pick of star linebacker prospect Chad Pennington. However, as I've already mentioned, both Ben Horne and Brock Weathers III were rated as second only to Rickey Ramero for linebacker prospects. Chad Pennington came in at a very, very close fourth. Despite each of the three prospects being essentially neck-and-neck, I can't help but feel that GM @[Bzerkap] passed on two better prospects at the same position, which - given their evident activity issues at linebacker - could hault their long-term plans for success before they ever really get started.
Conclusion
This draft was loaded with talent, which is why it was basically impossible to rate anyone negatively. Also, I apologise for not discussing the teams in the order of the draft - I had organised them alphabetically then written about them, and if I moved things around it would lose some of its cohesion. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed reading it and I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!
Good luck to all this year's rookies!
By the Numbers
Here's a quick breakdown of the distribution of the 26 players selected in today's draft:
- Arizona Outlaws: 5/26 (19%)
- Baltimore Hawks: 2/26 (8%)
- Colorado Yeti: 3/26 (12%)
- New Orleans Second Line: 3/26 (12%)
- Orange County Otters: 2/26 (8%)
- Philadelphia Liberty: 2/26 (8%)
- San Jose Sabercats: 5/26 (19%)
- Yellowknife Wraiths: 4/26 (15%)
First Round Draft Grades
Arizona Outlaws
Selection: Viggo Squanch (@[Durden]) - WR - #9 Overall
Draft Grade: B+
Despite selecting the equal-most number of players in this season's draft, the Outlaws did not pick at all in the first round. As a team that is entering the early stages of a rebuild, that is concerning. However, they did have the first selection in the second round, which for all intents and purposes we will consider to be a first-round pick.
New general managers @[Roly] and @[run_CMC] opted to use their first ever draft pick on the talented receiver out of Tijuana. Despite having only a single active receiver on their roster, they still have enough talent at the position based on TPE totals to hold out on retooling their offence until they find their quarterback of the future. Their defence is severely lacking, and appears to be a much more pressing issue. With that said, essentially all of the blue-chip defensive players had been taken by the 9th pick, and Viggo was, in my opinion, the best player available.
Baltimore Hawks
Selection: Childish Gambino (@[Renrut]) - DE - #4 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
Although the Hawks boast a talented roster, they haven't quite been able to achieve the sort of success they would like to of late, in no small part due to sharing a division with the Wraiths and Liberty. With superstar talent in all key positions already, Hawks GM @[iamslm22] addressed what is easily their biggest need by selecting defensive end Childish Gambino.
Kurt Hendrix was the lone threat on the defensive line, and as he draws nearer to the end of his career - with his inactivity adding to that issue - the Hawks were in desperate need of a new weapon up front. They did bring in the talented Arbin Asipi Jr. (@[DeathOnReddit]) from Arizona, but pairing him with Gambino means the Hawks have a real shot at returning to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Colorado Yeti
Selection: Ricky Ramero (@[Ramero]) - LB - #1 Overall
Draft Grade: B
The Yeti were in a favourable and yet difficult position. All of this season's talent was at their fingertips, as they held the first overall pick after their second consecutive winless season. Having addressed their offense in the previous two drafts, securing their quarterback of the future in Ryan Applehort (@[Daybe]) and providing him with high-powered weapons in the form of receiver Howard Miller and receiver-turned-running-back Mark Grau (@[keanex]) to complement the existing talents of wideout Dwayne Aaron (@[Supersquare04]), it was no secret that the Yeti would look to bolster their defense.
Arguably the most glaring need was on the defensive line. The Yeti brought in elite talent in the form of Dan Miller (@[7hawk77]) to join the formidable Antonio Sandoval (@[TheMemeMaestro]), and benefited from the miraculous transition of former quarterback Nicholas Pierno into a defensive tackle. However, there is a distinct lack of activity on the Yeti line, and their new centrepiece, Miller, has just hit regression. An argument could also be made for Colorado's secondary being most in need of attention - especially with the uncertainty surrounding star cornerback Andre Bly Jr's (@[sapp2013]) future - and the lack of an active safety to partner with Michael Tillman (@[mmfootball]).
As such, the position to draft a linebacker will nonetheless have taken some by surprise. The likes of Childish Gambino and William H. Harrison (@[Mongoose87]) were of course still on the board, being the first pick, and both would have addressed more immediate needs. However, Rickey Ramero was clearly a step ahead of the other prospects, and was, in my opinion, the most talented player available in the draft. His efforts have already earnt him a GM role in the DSFL, and he was the leading TPE earner of his draft class.
While other areas of the defensive may have seemed more in need of a re-tool, Veteran linebacker Johnathon Saint (@[jparks98]) hit regression in the offseason, and if Ryan LeFevre (@[feve10]), his original intended replacement, doesn't return, then the move to pair Ramero with defensive captain and fellow linebacker Haruki Ishigawa (@[ExemplaryChad]) will be a masterstroke.
It's important to note that the Yeti leadership group have been vocal about their desire to maintain the locker room culture they have developed in spite of their lack of success. In particular, wanting to draft, sign, and retain players who are eager to be a part of the team's resurgence. Ramero was not shy to say he would be more than happy to play for the struggling franchise, ranking them as his first preference in the lead-up to the draft. This no doubt factored into the team's eventual decision to draft the future Hall of Fame linebacker.
New Orleans Second Line
Selection: William H. Harrison - S - #2 Overall & Omar Wrong (@[xdave2456]) - DT #7 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
NOLA had two picks in the first round of the draft, and they certainly didn't waste them. After losing star safety Jaylon Broxton (@[speculadora]) via a trade with the Otters, the Second Line were quick to address their newly found need by selecting Harrison second overall. If the impressive young defensive back continues on his current trajectory, there will be very little dropoff for NOLA's defensive unit, which was also bolstered by the acquisition of the very promising defensive tackle Omar Wrong.
The franchise's rebuild is progressing well in the wake of their rebrand from the Las Vegas Legion to the New Orleans Second Line. GM @[bovovovo] has built a locker room renowned for being active, engaging, and enjoyable, leading to their on-field performance improving as well, as they narrowly missed the playoffs in Season 8. Their two first-round selections will no doubt help keep them trending upwards as a franchise in every aspect.
Orange County Otters
Selection: N/A
Draft Grade: N/A
Philadelphia Liberty
Selection: Brock Weathers III (@[BWIII]) - LB - #8 Overall
Draft Grade: A
Philadelphia were in an interesting position with the last pick of the first round. Viggo Squanch, the only wide receiver prospect of the draft, was still available, and the Liberty have no active receivers on their roster. Perhaps more damning, their star inactive, Josh Garden, hit regression this offseason, making wide receiver a clear need. With that said, Squanch had explicitly stated that he did not want to play for Philadelphia, which meant it was likely wise to avoid selecting him, despite the need.
The Liberty instead opted to address perhaps their next greatest need by selecting linebacker Brock Weathers III. It appears the Liberty, despite now being a championship-winning team, also lack any significant activity among their linebackers. And their star linebacker, Micah Hendrix (@[HalfEatenOnionBagel]), is only a year away from regression.
Weathers was graded as my equal second-best linebacker prospect, tied with Ben Horne behind Rickey Ramero. Given their tricky situation, Philadelphia GM @[PDXBaller] made a smart choice and can look to address their issue with receivers in the future.
San Jose Sabercats
Selection: Brad Pennington (@[Dawegg]) - QB - #3 Overall & Ben Horne (@[iseedoug]) - LB - #6 Overall
Draft Grade: A+
In one fell swoop, the Sabercats lost their franchise quarterback Chris Orosz (@[Aenir]) and the two cornerstones of their defensive in linebacker Vincent Sharpei (@[Muford]) and defensive tackle Dan Miller and entered full rebuild. In an impressive combination of luck and planning, GM @[ckroyal92] was able to address two of these glaring holes by drafting the top quarterback prospect in Pennington, and - as I stated earlier - the equal second-best linebacker prospect in Ben Horne. An impressive haul for a team looking to build for the future. It will be a rough couple of seasons at least for the new-look Sabercats, but they may well have set themselves on course for a much more dominant era of San Jose football some seasons down the track.
Yellowknife Wraiths
Selection: Chad Pennington (@[caltroit_red_flames]) - LB - #5 Overall
Draft Grade: B-
It's hard to find holes in a team with as much talent as the Wraiths, but as it stands on draft day they have only a single active linebacker, and he just hit regression. As such, it's no surprise they went with the safe pick of star linebacker prospect Chad Pennington. However, as I've already mentioned, both Ben Horne and Brock Weathers III were rated as second only to Rickey Ramero for linebacker prospects. Chad Pennington came in at a very, very close fourth. Despite each of the three prospects being essentially neck-and-neck, I can't help but feel that GM @[Bzerkap] passed on two better prospects at the same position, which - given their evident activity issues at linebacker - could hault their long-term plans for success before they ever really get started.
Conclusion
This draft was loaded with talent, which is why it was basically impossible to rate anyone negatively. Also, I apologise for not discussing the teams in the order of the draft - I had organised them alphabetically then written about them, and if I moved things around it would lose some of its cohesion. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed reading it and I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!
Good luck to all this year's rookies!
Code:
1800 words - paid at 2 x standard media scale as per announcement
[div align=center]
Update Page
[div align=center][/align]
[div align=center][SELECT style="background-color:maroon; color:white; font-family:Arial; font-size: 12px; width: 400px; "][br]
[OPTION]Scott Michaels || Colorado Yeti General Manager || #YetiNoises
[OPTION]Birthplace: Scranton, Pennsylvania
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION] NSFL Regular Season Record
[OPTION] S9: 3 - 1
[OPTION] S10: 9 - 5
[OPTION] S11: 8 - 6
[OPTION] S12: 6 - 8
[OPTION] S13: 8 - 6
[OPTION] Career: 34 - 26 (.567)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]NSFL Playoff Record
[OPTION] S9: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S10: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S11: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S12: DNQ
[OPTION] S13: 1 - 1
[OPTION] Career: 1 - 4 (.200)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION] DSFL Regular Season Record
[OPTION] S8: 10 - 4
[OPTION] S9: 9 - 5
[OPTION] Career: 19 - 9 (.792)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Record
[OPTION]S8: 1 - 1
[OPTION]S9 0 - 1
[OPTION] Career: 1 - 2 (.333)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Accolades
[OPTION]S11 NSFL GM of the Year
[OPTION]S9 DSFL NFCN Division Champions
[OPTION]S8 DSFL NFC Conference Champions
[OPTION]S8 DSFL NFCN Division Champions
[OPTION]===========================================
Update Page
[div align=center][/align]
[div align=center][SELECT style="background-color:maroon; color:white; font-family:Arial; font-size: 12px; width: 400px; "][br]
[OPTION]Scott Michaels || Colorado Yeti General Manager || #YetiNoises
[OPTION]Birthplace: Scranton, Pennsylvania
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION] NSFL Regular Season Record
[OPTION] S9: 3 - 1
[OPTION] S10: 9 - 5
[OPTION] S11: 8 - 6
[OPTION] S12: 6 - 8
[OPTION] S13: 8 - 6
[OPTION] Career: 34 - 26 (.567)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]NSFL Playoff Record
[OPTION] S9: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S10: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S11: 0 - 1
[OPTION] S12: DNQ
[OPTION] S13: 1 - 1
[OPTION] Career: 1 - 4 (.200)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION] DSFL Regular Season Record
[OPTION] S8: 10 - 4
[OPTION] S9: 9 - 5
[OPTION] Career: 19 - 9 (.792)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]DSFL Playoff Record
[OPTION]S8: 1 - 1
[OPTION]S9 0 - 1
[OPTION] Career: 1 - 2 (.333)
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Accolades
[OPTION]S11 NSFL GM of the Year
[OPTION]S9 DSFL NFCN Division Champions
[OPTION]S8 DSFL NFC Conference Champions
[OPTION]S8 DSFL NFCN Division Champions
[OPTION]===========================================