05-29-2020, 09:04 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-10-2020, 11:40 AM by mithrandir.)
Reevaluating the S18 NSFL Draft
The prevailing wisdom in sports media suggests that it takes five years to evaluate a draft class. We love instant draft reactions and grades, but it truly takes a while to determine how well a franchise drafted. Did they develop their players well? Did they retain stars or let them walk after their rookie deals? The S18 class has now played five years in the NFL and this article will evaluate each pick in the first four rounds and the draft class for each franchise.
1.1: Bjorn Ironside DT 830 TPE NOLA
User isastarcrossed would call himself a bust as he didn't have great statistical success on the field. Such is the life of a defensive tackle. Yet, something tells me that NOLA would make this pick all over again. This pick was as much about the user as anything else. Isa is now one of the GMs for the Secondline, so it was certainly worth the pick. Plus, Ironside made a Pro Bowl as a starter in S20, racking up 12 sacks from the DT spot. He has since retired, playing his last snap for the franchise in S22.
Role: Starter/GM
Grade: A-
1.2: Zach Hall TE doesn’t exist any more. Now ILove Gimmy DE 541 TPE
Zach Hall is one of the most fascinating figures in this draft class. After some sort of strange life event, he chose to change his name to ILove Gimmy and switch positions to Defensive End. He has made one Pro Bowl so far for his 13 TFL effort in S21. He has stopped development at only 541 TPE, but again, the Liberty probably don't regret this pick, considering user Hallmonitor_20 eventually became the team's general manager.
Role: Starter/GM
Grade: B+
1.3: Tyrone Biggums WR 1071 TPE
Orange County found an absolute gem with this selection. After being drafted, Biggums immediately switched positions to play safety, and has spent the last five years as a member of the Fanta Curtain. At 1071 TPE, he is the third highest earner in the class, and the margin between him and the top two is quite narrow. He made a Pro Bowl in S20 with six sacks, four picks, and a TD. Oh yeah, he's also one of their GMs.
Role: Star/GM
Grade: A+
1.4: Louisiana Purchase CB 937 TPE
Purchase has been a very good cornerback throughout his career for the Yeti. His 937 TPE don't quite put him in the upper echelon of earners, but he has been solid throughout his career for the defending champs. Given that there were better options at the position, the Yeti receive a slightly lower grade.
Role: Starter
Grade: B
1.5: Marcell Toriki RB 1003 TPE
Toriki is the player of league commissioner, Bex. She has turned into a really good running back, but unfortunately for San Jose, she opted out of her contract after only one year to join the New Orleans Second Line. This was the right selection, taking one of the best players in the draft and an excellent user, but since they were unable to retain her, they receive a poor grade.
Role: Starter for NOLA
Grade: C-
1.6: Thudd Kassel LB 487 TPE Mysterious retirement
Kassel showed great promise early in his career. He never played for NOLA however, but went on to make the Pro Bowl as the league leader in tackles in S19, then mysteriously retired after S20. NOLA never got any production out of him. This pick stings even more given who was picked with the following selection.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
1.7: Maurice Virtanen LB 1080 TPE
The second highest TPE player in the class, Virtanen has had great success as a member of the Wraiths. He made the Pro Bowl twice in his first four seasons and is line to make it again this season with a stellar performance. In addition, he won the Ultimus Bowl XXI defensive player of the game award.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
1.8: Pete Parker S 840 TPE
Parker started off his career very well, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning a S18 Pro Bowl bid. He's been a very good contributor for the Yeti.
Role: Star
Grade: B+
1.9: Korrin Abernathy CB 1034 TPE
Another 1000+ TPE player for the Otters, Abernathy joined Biggums in the Fanta Curtain secondary. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl, but scored defensive touchdowns in his first three seasons as a pro. OCO also picked up their second GM with this pick.
Role: Star/GM
Grade: A
1.10: Net Gaines WR 810 TPE
One of three straight wide receivers off the board, he broke through and made his first Pro Bowl with a 1000 yd performance last season. Very good pick.
Role: Starter
Grade: B
2.1: Bender B. Rodriguez WR 865 TPE
Rodriguez has developed into a solid #2 wide receiver, though he never did that much for the team that drafted him. He played three years in NOLA, then left in free agency to join the Wraiths. Perhaps he'll eventually take over the #1 WR job when ageless Nate Swift finally hangs up the cleats, but until then, he's simply a third or fourth option on the Yellowknife offense.
Role: Starter for YKN
Grade: C+
2.2: Jake Dropson WR 456 TPE
Dropson is the third WR off the board in a row, and he's clearly the worst. He never developed into a starter, and is now the fourth best receiver on the Yeti roster and inactive. Given that his last name is Dropson, it was probably bound to not work out.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
2.3: Xavien Adams CB 716 TPE now on NOLA
Adams has turned into a solid player. He spent two seasons in Austin before signing with NOLA. Not a bad pick, especially for a second rounder, but they couldn't retain him.
Role: Starter for NOLA
Grade: B-
2.4: Ruff Ruff RB 500 TPE
Ruff had a wonderful start to his career. He won Offensive rookie of the year, and made the Pro Bowl in S19. His career was hampered by an injury, and he has failed to improve, fizzling out at 500 TPE. He was claimed by Honolulu in the S22 expansion draft, where he had a resurgent year as an inactive, placing second in S22 rushing yards. There were better options on the board at running back.
Role: Starter for HON
Grade: C+
2.5: Mike Hockhertz S 753 TPE
Hockhertz, who now plays linebacker, has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago through a dark part of their history. He has been a consistent player and even made the Pro Bowl in S20. He had an excellent season for a historically bad season in S22, and might make the Pro Bowl this year.
Role: Starter bordering on star
Grade: A-
2.6: Marlo Smart LB 287 TPE
Smart was a bust, plain and simple. He is the only player taken in the first two rounds who never played a single snap in the NSFL. This pick stings even more considering the next two players who were taken.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
2.7: Mathias Hanyadi RB 872 TPE
Hanyadi is the best back in football right now, and it's not close. He's already earned two Pro Bowl nods and will certainly get another for his S22 performance. He's already won awards, including running back of the year and offensive player of the year. He has a chance to capture those awards again this season as he led the league in rushing. He's one of the best players in the class, and the Wraiths got him deep in the second round.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
2.8: Jay Cue QB 1090 TPE
Cue is the current TPE leader of the S18 class. It's hard to fault other teams for passing on him as many already had their franchise players, but Cue is the best player in the class. Cue won the QB of the Year award, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and earned a Pro Bowl berth in S20. He'll continue to be one of the best QBs in the league for many years, and will likely win MVP at some point after Armstrong retires.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
2.9: Joseph Wozniak S 345 TPE
Wozniak has been a career back up. He's inactive and stopped earning at 345 TPE. He was claimed by Honolulu in the expansion draft to serve as a stopgap in the secondary until their young prospects develop.
Role: Backup on HON
Grade: C
2.10: Steco Ocewilder TE 607 TPE
Also claimed in the expansion draft, Ocewilder is now a DE on Sarasota's roster. He has decent TPE numbers, and has been a solid role player throughout his career.
Role: Starter on SAR
Grade: B-
3.1: David Rector CB 1049 TPE
One of the biggest steals of the draft, Rector is the latest drafted player who has reached 1000 TPE already. He had a huge breakout season this year with 5 interceptions for NOLA which will likely earn him his first Pro Bowl trip.
Role: Star
Grade: A
3.2: Fuzzy Dotson RB 635 TPE
The fourth RB off the board, Dotson has not been as great as Toriki or Hanyadi, but has stayed active and outearned Ruff. He has been a backup to Torensen his whole career, and has excelled catching passes out of the backfield as a change of pace back. A very solid selection for the third round.
Role: Backup
Grade: B
3.3: Junior Lopez LB 206 TPE
We're now starting to get to the point in the draft that teams were taking fliers on players. Lopez never panned out for New Orleans, and has spent the last six seasons playing for Tijuana in the DSFL. He'll be autoretired this offseason.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
3.4: Howard Ryan S 268 TPE
Same exact story as Lopez. He's been a DSFL star for Tijuana that never got called up.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
3.5: Fabricio Baldari DE 696 TPE
Unlike the previous two selections, Baldari got called up to the NSFL, and played a few seasons for Baltimore, making two Pro Bowl before retiring this season. He was a very good starter on the defensive line.
Role: Starter
Grade: B+
3.6: John-Caleb Bradberton DT 205 TPE
Bradberton had very low TPE, but at least he got called up. He's still on Austin's roster, albeit inactive and little used.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
3.7: Mike Franchet DE 305 TPE
Franchet had more success as a user than a player. He'll be remembered as the founder of DSFL franchise London Royals. He played some solid seasons in Philly before being claimed by Sarasota in expansion and retiring.
Role: Backup
Grade: C
3.8: Samuel Bakhtiari OL 262 TPE
This was a miss. The first offensive lineman off the board was the wrong one, as Bakhtiari never did much in the pros. He is inactive but still starting in Sarasota (expansion).
Role: Low end starter
Grade: C-
3.9: Earl Sauce TE 818 TPE now on Col
A great find this late in the draft, Sauce has been a solid contributor as a blocker, receiver, and a great locker room guy. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls for Baltimore before joining Colorado to win a trophy in S22.
Role: Star
Grade: A-
3.10: Juan Marston CB 415 TPE
The Hawks had a difficult year on defense last year, due in part to a weak secondary. Marston has never really developed and has been a low end starter his whole career.
Role: Low end starter
Grade: C
4.1: Stuart Little IV CB 238 TPE
Little has somehow managed to cling to a roster spot with Philly for five years, despite failing to improve since his rookie season.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
4.2: Baxter Frost K 214 TPE
Not a bad pick, as Frost was a serviceable kicker for two seasons. He retired early, and his user is now playing a much more successful and active player as a running back and GM for Sarasota.
Role: Starter who retired early
Grade: C
4.3: Wayne Howyanow LB 332 TPE
Despite very low earning, Howyanow has somehow stuck around the league, even winning a breakout player award. He again had a fantastic season in S22 as a member of the Liberty.
Role: Surprisingly decent starter, though now with Philly
Grade: B-
4.4: Givussafare Rubbe OL 968 TPE
Rubbe is the reason the Bakhtiari selection was such a poor grade. The second lineman selected in the draft has developed into one of the greatest linemen of all time, and has won multiple positional awards and been selected to the Pro Bowl. Best fourth round selection by far.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
4.5: Oswald Grimnir S 200 TPE
Made a Pro Bowl early on but was a flash in the pan. Has served as a backup for San Jose for the last several years.
Role: Backup
Grade: C+
4.6: Footballer Blockerman OL 198 TPE
A dart throw selection, Blockerman never made it to the pros despite his great name.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
4.7: Orien Drake RB 414 TPE
A backup to Hanyadi for several years, Drake was a solid if not spectacular selection. He is now a backup in San Jose.
Role: Backup
Grade: C
4.8: Michael Vincent RB 519 TPE
Another career backup running back, Vincent scored touchdowns in all three games of the Yeti's S22 Ultimus title run. A nice value pick here.
Role: Backup
Grade: B+
4.9: Johnson Harding QB 308 TPE
Harding struggled with weight his whole career and couldn't cut it at QB. Instead, he made the rare switch from QB to defensive tackle, where he has played for the Liberty for five seasons and made a Pro Bowl.
Role: Low end starter
Grade: B-
4.10: Charles Allan RB 177 TPE
The final pick of the fourth round, Allan never made it onto the Otters' roster.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
Other notable picks:
5.7: Diego Espinosa K 181 TPE
Espinosa is still kicking! He's been a mediocre kicker, but he's one of the few players past the fourth round who is still in the league. He played for Sarasota last season, but will likely be replaced by Jacob Small in S23.
Role: Starter
Grade: B-
5.9: Asher Quinn WR 654 TPE
The steal of the late draft, Quinn has turned into a good player for the Hawks. He's been a steady earner and a nice locker room presence for the Hawks.
Role: Starter
Grade: B+
Team Grades:
Arizona: A-
They didn't have many good players from this draft, but all is forgiven when you get your franchise quarterback. Cue alone earns Arizona an A-
Austin: B-
They came away with three starters and a backup, but lost both Adams and Howyanow. First rounder Gaines is a solid wide receiver, but that's about all they have.
Baltimore: B+
Sauce was a great find but has since left for Colorado. Quinn was a great late-round find, and Baldari was a good player for a few years. Considering they had no picks in the first two rounds, they did pretty well for themselves, pulling two multi-Pro Bowlers and two starters. Since they failed to retain Sauce or draft a 1000 TPE player, they don't quite get an A.
Chicago: C
Chicago only had two picks in the first four rounds. Their second round pick, Hockhertz, was a very good selections, but they failed to draft anyone else who even made the roster.
Colorado: B+
They did not make any spectacular picks, but that hit on all the important ones, finding starters and contributors with their first four picks.
New Orleans: A
Despite several busts in the first four rounds, they used their volume of picks to gain some spectacular pieces. They got their GM of the future in Ironside, and the two best picks of the third and fourth rounds with Rector and Rubbe, respectively. They lost Rodriguez in free agency, but picked up Toriki and Adams in free agency from this class as well.
Orange County: A-
They got two star players for their secondary in the first round including both their current GMs, but could not find a single contributor past the ninth overall pick. Whenever you can come away with two 1000 TPE players, you're doing well, but it would have been nice if they could have grabbed another contributor later on.
Philadelphia: C+
They found their GM, but they are the only squad to fail to draft a player who has at least 700 TPE. Their haul is mostly comprised of low end starters and back ups.
San Jose: F
An absolute disaster of a draft. They nailed their first pick with Toriki, but when she left after just one season, they were left with nothing to show from the S18 draft class.
Yellowknife: A
Despite limited draft capital with only three picks in the first four rounds, Yellowknife came away with two super stars, Virtanen on defense and Hanyadi on offense, and a solid backup running back in Drake. Rivals NOLA for the best draft of S18.
Edit: It was brought to my attention that I shortchanged Baldari and Baltimore a little, so I changed their grades accordingly.
Edit: Changed to reflect OCO's GM picks.
The prevailing wisdom in sports media suggests that it takes five years to evaluate a draft class. We love instant draft reactions and grades, but it truly takes a while to determine how well a franchise drafted. Did they develop their players well? Did they retain stars or let them walk after their rookie deals? The S18 class has now played five years in the NFL and this article will evaluate each pick in the first four rounds and the draft class for each franchise.
1.1: Bjorn Ironside DT 830 TPE NOLA
User isastarcrossed would call himself a bust as he didn't have great statistical success on the field. Such is the life of a defensive tackle. Yet, something tells me that NOLA would make this pick all over again. This pick was as much about the user as anything else. Isa is now one of the GMs for the Secondline, so it was certainly worth the pick. Plus, Ironside made a Pro Bowl as a starter in S20, racking up 12 sacks from the DT spot. He has since retired, playing his last snap for the franchise in S22.
Role: Starter/GM
Grade: A-
1.2: Zach Hall TE doesn’t exist any more. Now ILove Gimmy DE 541 TPE
Zach Hall is one of the most fascinating figures in this draft class. After some sort of strange life event, he chose to change his name to ILove Gimmy and switch positions to Defensive End. He has made one Pro Bowl so far for his 13 TFL effort in S21. He has stopped development at only 541 TPE, but again, the Liberty probably don't regret this pick, considering user Hallmonitor_20 eventually became the team's general manager.
Role: Starter/GM
Grade: B+
1.3: Tyrone Biggums WR 1071 TPE
Orange County found an absolute gem with this selection. After being drafted, Biggums immediately switched positions to play safety, and has spent the last five years as a member of the Fanta Curtain. At 1071 TPE, he is the third highest earner in the class, and the margin between him and the top two is quite narrow. He made a Pro Bowl in S20 with six sacks, four picks, and a TD. Oh yeah, he's also one of their GMs.
Role: Star/GM
Grade: A+
1.4: Louisiana Purchase CB 937 TPE
Purchase has been a very good cornerback throughout his career for the Yeti. His 937 TPE don't quite put him in the upper echelon of earners, but he has been solid throughout his career for the defending champs. Given that there were better options at the position, the Yeti receive a slightly lower grade.
Role: Starter
Grade: B
1.5: Marcell Toriki RB 1003 TPE
Toriki is the player of league commissioner, Bex. She has turned into a really good running back, but unfortunately for San Jose, she opted out of her contract after only one year to join the New Orleans Second Line. This was the right selection, taking one of the best players in the draft and an excellent user, but since they were unable to retain her, they receive a poor grade.
Role: Starter for NOLA
Grade: C-
1.6: Thudd Kassel LB 487 TPE Mysterious retirement
Kassel showed great promise early in his career. He never played for NOLA however, but went on to make the Pro Bowl as the league leader in tackles in S19, then mysteriously retired after S20. NOLA never got any production out of him. This pick stings even more given who was picked with the following selection.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
1.7: Maurice Virtanen LB 1080 TPE
The second highest TPE player in the class, Virtanen has had great success as a member of the Wraiths. He made the Pro Bowl twice in his first four seasons and is line to make it again this season with a stellar performance. In addition, he won the Ultimus Bowl XXI defensive player of the game award.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
1.8: Pete Parker S 840 TPE
Parker started off his career very well, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning a S18 Pro Bowl bid. He's been a very good contributor for the Yeti.
Role: Star
Grade: B+
1.9: Korrin Abernathy CB 1034 TPE
Another 1000+ TPE player for the Otters, Abernathy joined Biggums in the Fanta Curtain secondary. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl, but scored defensive touchdowns in his first three seasons as a pro. OCO also picked up their second GM with this pick.
Role: Star/GM
Grade: A
1.10: Net Gaines WR 810 TPE
One of three straight wide receivers off the board, he broke through and made his first Pro Bowl with a 1000 yd performance last season. Very good pick.
Role: Starter
Grade: B
2.1: Bender B. Rodriguez WR 865 TPE
Rodriguez has developed into a solid #2 wide receiver, though he never did that much for the team that drafted him. He played three years in NOLA, then left in free agency to join the Wraiths. Perhaps he'll eventually take over the #1 WR job when ageless Nate Swift finally hangs up the cleats, but until then, he's simply a third or fourth option on the Yellowknife offense.
Role: Starter for YKN
Grade: C+
2.2: Jake Dropson WR 456 TPE
Dropson is the third WR off the board in a row, and he's clearly the worst. He never developed into a starter, and is now the fourth best receiver on the Yeti roster and inactive. Given that his last name is Dropson, it was probably bound to not work out.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
2.3: Xavien Adams CB 716 TPE now on NOLA
Adams has turned into a solid player. He spent two seasons in Austin before signing with NOLA. Not a bad pick, especially for a second rounder, but they couldn't retain him.
Role: Starter for NOLA
Grade: B-
2.4: Ruff Ruff RB 500 TPE
Ruff had a wonderful start to his career. He won Offensive rookie of the year, and made the Pro Bowl in S19. His career was hampered by an injury, and he has failed to improve, fizzling out at 500 TPE. He was claimed by Honolulu in the S22 expansion draft, where he had a resurgent year as an inactive, placing second in S22 rushing yards. There were better options on the board at running back.
Role: Starter for HON
Grade: C+
2.5: Mike Hockhertz S 753 TPE
Hockhertz, who now plays linebacker, has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago through a dark part of their history. He has been a consistent player and even made the Pro Bowl in S20. He had an excellent season for a historically bad season in S22, and might make the Pro Bowl this year.
Role: Starter bordering on star
Grade: A-
2.6: Marlo Smart LB 287 TPE
Smart was a bust, plain and simple. He is the only player taken in the first two rounds who never played a single snap in the NSFL. This pick stings even more considering the next two players who were taken.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
2.7: Mathias Hanyadi RB 872 TPE
Hanyadi is the best back in football right now, and it's not close. He's already earned two Pro Bowl nods and will certainly get another for his S22 performance. He's already won awards, including running back of the year and offensive player of the year. He has a chance to capture those awards again this season as he led the league in rushing. He's one of the best players in the class, and the Wraiths got him deep in the second round.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
2.8: Jay Cue QB 1090 TPE
Cue is the current TPE leader of the S18 class. It's hard to fault other teams for passing on him as many already had their franchise players, but Cue is the best player in the class. Cue won the QB of the Year award, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and earned a Pro Bowl berth in S20. He'll continue to be one of the best QBs in the league for many years, and will likely win MVP at some point after Armstrong retires.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
2.9: Joseph Wozniak S 345 TPE
Wozniak has been a career back up. He's inactive and stopped earning at 345 TPE. He was claimed by Honolulu in the expansion draft to serve as a stopgap in the secondary until their young prospects develop.
Role: Backup on HON
Grade: C
2.10: Steco Ocewilder TE 607 TPE
Also claimed in the expansion draft, Ocewilder is now a DE on Sarasota's roster. He has decent TPE numbers, and has been a solid role player throughout his career.
Role: Starter on SAR
Grade: B-
3.1: David Rector CB 1049 TPE
One of the biggest steals of the draft, Rector is the latest drafted player who has reached 1000 TPE already. He had a huge breakout season this year with 5 interceptions for NOLA which will likely earn him his first Pro Bowl trip.
Role: Star
Grade: A
3.2: Fuzzy Dotson RB 635 TPE
The fourth RB off the board, Dotson has not been as great as Toriki or Hanyadi, but has stayed active and outearned Ruff. He has been a backup to Torensen his whole career, and has excelled catching passes out of the backfield as a change of pace back. A very solid selection for the third round.
Role: Backup
Grade: B
3.3: Junior Lopez LB 206 TPE
We're now starting to get to the point in the draft that teams were taking fliers on players. Lopez never panned out for New Orleans, and has spent the last six seasons playing for Tijuana in the DSFL. He'll be autoretired this offseason.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
3.4: Howard Ryan S 268 TPE
Same exact story as Lopez. He's been a DSFL star for Tijuana that never got called up.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
3.5: Fabricio Baldari DE 696 TPE
Unlike the previous two selections, Baldari got called up to the NSFL, and played a few seasons for Baltimore, making two Pro Bowl before retiring this season. He was a very good starter on the defensive line.
Role: Starter
Grade: B+
3.6: John-Caleb Bradberton DT 205 TPE
Bradberton had very low TPE, but at least he got called up. He's still on Austin's roster, albeit inactive and little used.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
3.7: Mike Franchet DE 305 TPE
Franchet had more success as a user than a player. He'll be remembered as the founder of DSFL franchise London Royals. He played some solid seasons in Philly before being claimed by Sarasota in expansion and retiring.
Role: Backup
Grade: C
3.8: Samuel Bakhtiari OL 262 TPE
This was a miss. The first offensive lineman off the board was the wrong one, as Bakhtiari never did much in the pros. He is inactive but still starting in Sarasota (expansion).
Role: Low end starter
Grade: C-
3.9: Earl Sauce TE 818 TPE now on Col
A great find this late in the draft, Sauce has been a solid contributor as a blocker, receiver, and a great locker room guy. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls for Baltimore before joining Colorado to win a trophy in S22.
Role: Star
Grade: A-
3.10: Juan Marston CB 415 TPE
The Hawks had a difficult year on defense last year, due in part to a weak secondary. Marston has never really developed and has been a low end starter his whole career.
Role: Low end starter
Grade: C
4.1: Stuart Little IV CB 238 TPE
Little has somehow managed to cling to a roster spot with Philly for five years, despite failing to improve since his rookie season.
Role: Backup
Grade: C-
4.2: Baxter Frost K 214 TPE
Not a bad pick, as Frost was a serviceable kicker for two seasons. He retired early, and his user is now playing a much more successful and active player as a running back and GM for Sarasota.
Role: Starter who retired early
Grade: C
4.3: Wayne Howyanow LB 332 TPE
Despite very low earning, Howyanow has somehow stuck around the league, even winning a breakout player award. He again had a fantastic season in S22 as a member of the Liberty.
Role: Surprisingly decent starter, though now with Philly
Grade: B-
4.4: Givussafare Rubbe OL 968 TPE
Rubbe is the reason the Bakhtiari selection was such a poor grade. The second lineman selected in the draft has developed into one of the greatest linemen of all time, and has won multiple positional awards and been selected to the Pro Bowl. Best fourth round selection by far.
Role: Star
Grade: A+
4.5: Oswald Grimnir S 200 TPE
Made a Pro Bowl early on but was a flash in the pan. Has served as a backup for San Jose for the last several years.
Role: Backup
Grade: C+
4.6: Footballer Blockerman OL 198 TPE
A dart throw selection, Blockerman never made it to the pros despite his great name.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
4.7: Orien Drake RB 414 TPE
A backup to Hanyadi for several years, Drake was a solid if not spectacular selection. He is now a backup in San Jose.
Role: Backup
Grade: C
4.8: Michael Vincent RB 519 TPE
Another career backup running back, Vincent scored touchdowns in all three games of the Yeti's S22 Ultimus title run. A nice value pick here.
Role: Backup
Grade: B+
4.9: Johnson Harding QB 308 TPE
Harding struggled with weight his whole career and couldn't cut it at QB. Instead, he made the rare switch from QB to defensive tackle, where he has played for the Liberty for five seasons and made a Pro Bowl.
Role: Low end starter
Grade: B-
4.10: Charles Allan RB 177 TPE
The final pick of the fourth round, Allan never made it onto the Otters' roster.
Role: Bust
Grade: F
Other notable picks:
5.7: Diego Espinosa K 181 TPE
Espinosa is still kicking! He's been a mediocre kicker, but he's one of the few players past the fourth round who is still in the league. He played for Sarasota last season, but will likely be replaced by Jacob Small in S23.
Role: Starter
Grade: B-
5.9: Asher Quinn WR 654 TPE
The steal of the late draft, Quinn has turned into a good player for the Hawks. He's been a steady earner and a nice locker room presence for the Hawks.
Role: Starter
Grade: B+
Team Grades:
Arizona: A-
They didn't have many good players from this draft, but all is forgiven when you get your franchise quarterback. Cue alone earns Arizona an A-
Austin: B-
They came away with three starters and a backup, but lost both Adams and Howyanow. First rounder Gaines is a solid wide receiver, but that's about all they have.
Baltimore: B+
Sauce was a great find but has since left for Colorado. Quinn was a great late-round find, and Baldari was a good player for a few years. Considering they had no picks in the first two rounds, they did pretty well for themselves, pulling two multi-Pro Bowlers and two starters. Since they failed to retain Sauce or draft a 1000 TPE player, they don't quite get an A.
Chicago: C
Chicago only had two picks in the first four rounds. Their second round pick, Hockhertz, was a very good selections, but they failed to draft anyone else who even made the roster.
Colorado: B+
They did not make any spectacular picks, but that hit on all the important ones, finding starters and contributors with their first four picks.
New Orleans: A
Despite several busts in the first four rounds, they used their volume of picks to gain some spectacular pieces. They got their GM of the future in Ironside, and the two best picks of the third and fourth rounds with Rector and Rubbe, respectively. They lost Rodriguez in free agency, but picked up Toriki and Adams in free agency from this class as well.
Orange County: A-
They got two star players for their secondary in the first round including both their current GMs, but could not find a single contributor past the ninth overall pick. Whenever you can come away with two 1000 TPE players, you're doing well, but it would have been nice if they could have grabbed another contributor later on.
Philadelphia: C+
They found their GM, but they are the only squad to fail to draft a player who has at least 700 TPE. Their haul is mostly comprised of low end starters and back ups.
San Jose: F
An absolute disaster of a draft. They nailed their first pick with Toriki, but when she left after just one season, they were left with nothing to show from the S18 draft class.
Yellowknife: A
Despite limited draft capital with only three picks in the first four rounds, Yellowknife came away with two super stars, Virtanen on defense and Hanyadi on offense, and a solid backup running back in Drake. Rivals NOLA for the best draft of S18.
Edit: It was brought to my attention that I shortchanged Baldari and Baltimore a little, so I changed their grades accordingly.
Edit: Changed to reflect OCO's GM picks.