05-06-2019, 03:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-08-2019, 07:56 AM by Fordhammer.)
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Ready to be Graded - Double Draft Media - 3653 Words
Last week I wrote a lengthly article that you can find here, that ranked the top 3 at each position for the then upcoming NSFL Draft. With the draft now in our rearview and the preseason right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at where each one of those ranked players landed and give my opinion on why. So here we go:
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Quarterback[/div]
1. Franklin Armstrong - @moonlight - Round 3, Pick 8 (28th Overall) -
This was a pick that caught the whole league by surprise if you ask me. Franklin Armstrong falling all the way to the third round was something that no one saw coming and then adding in that he was drafted by the Otters was even more head scratch worthy. Having a 100 overall quarterback in Guz Showbiz and being a part of the conversation for the Ultimus each season, I was really caught off guard by this pick, that is until I put my GM hat on. When you look at this pick from a strategic standpoint it begins to make sense. What the Otters did here could end up being phenomenal in the sense that they either have their QB of the future or they now have the ultimate trade bate for other NSFL teams. Franklin Armstrong will be a starter in the NSFL for sure and a damn good one by all accounts, so while it may have floored some by this selection, I think that Armstrong fell to a point where you had to take him!
2. Jay Longshaw - @dropbear - Round 5, Pick 3 (43rd Overall) -
Jay Longshaw was in the green room for a little while, but I feel like it was something that he expected. Everyone knew that the highest rated quarterback was Franklin Armstrong and given that he did not hear his name called until the 3rd round, Jay must have known that his night would be filled with more cigarettes than usual while waiting to hear his name. With the retirement of Micycle McCormick looming, I feel like this pick could lead Jay Longshaw to a starting roll very early, whether he's ready for it or not. With rumors swirling that Micycle could play this last season for the Yeti, Longshaw could have some time to develop a little more, but we won't know until the season starts. Overall, I do understand and like this pick for the Yeti because they now have an active guy and someone who should be the replacement for McCormick in the coming seasons.
3. Apollo Lange - @RohnJobert - Round 7, Pick 7 (67th Overall) -
Are they Yeti looking to create some competition at the QB position? To be completely honest I doubt it. More than anything I think that they are looking for an insurance plan for Jay Longshaw with their pick of Apollo Lange in the seventh round. Apollo assured me last week that he is still alive and well, so getting drafted here is a step in the right direction for sure. Although, I am sure that he will spend another season down in the DSFL leading the Solar Bears while gaining experience and TPE so that he can make a bigger impact when he is called up to the NSFL. Only time will tell.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Running Back[/div]
1. Morgan Marshall - @`EnfysNest` - Round 2, Pick 4 (14th Overall) -
Here is another pick that caught everyone by surprise for sure. From looking at all the mock drafts that were done, majority of people were all in on the fact that Morgan Marshall would be a first round selection, so when he slid to the second round, I think that a lot of people were in awe. After being the most productive back in the DSFL last season, Marshall becomes a Wraith and will be taking his talents to the North. Yellowknife already has a strong running back with Wizardry, but I think that pairing these two together could spell disaster for defenses in the NSFL. I certainly don't think that Marshall will spend anymore time down in the DSFL, so we should get a sense of how this combo works together this week when the preseason starts.
2. Forrest Gump - @TomHanks - Round 2, Pick 3 (13th Overall) -
As I mentioned above, no one thought that Marshall would make it to the second round, let alone be the second running back taken, so this pick was a surprise as well. However, when you sit back and think about it, Forrest Gump did lead the DSFL in rushing touchdowns and points are what wins games (#captainobvious). Given that Gump also just took on the role as a DSFL gm, I think that had something to do with him being picked here because it is believed that he may be more involved than most. I think that the difference between Gump and Marshall really comes down to speed, but I really do see these two as more of a 1A and 1B type situation when judging their talents. With Nola having some issues at the running back position, I have a lot of confidence in saying that Gump will be a day 1 starter and big time contributor for the Secondline this coming season.
3. Terry Taffy - @KingCollins - Round 4, Pick 1 (31st Overall) -
While I am partial to this guy, I really believe that this could be in contention for steal of the draft! Getting Terry Taffy in the fourth round, when some people including myself, had him as a first round talent is amazing value. With Taffy you are getting someone who is great in the locker room and also someone who is committed to making himself the best running back around! He is incredibly versatile and I think that the Yeti made a great choice by selecting him. When you look at the rushing stats for the Yeti last season, you quickly see the type of impact that Taffy should make from day 1 and I think that the starting job should be his to lose moving forward. This is not the last you have heard of Terry Taffy and I think that he will use the fact that he fell to the 4th round as fuel to motivate him moving forward.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Wide Receiver[/div]
1. Ahri Espeeyeeseetee[/URL] - @`steelsound` - Round 1, Pick 10 (10th Overall) -
At the end of the first and second round, I think that the defending champions got closer to repeating with their selections. Making Ahri a Sabercat, in my opinion, made an already stout team offensively, even better. While Ahri may find himself behind Flash and Oles this season, they also now have an incredibly strong receiving core with this pick. Obviously, the Sabercats will lose Oles after this season as he takes over the Chicago Butchers, but what better situation for Ahri to learn under than that? Great pick.
2. Brock Landers - @gucci - Round 1, Pick 1 (1st Overall) -
Here we make our way to Mr. S15 NSFL Draft himself with Brock Landers who was the 1st overall pick to the Arizona Outlaws. I sure wish that I would have stuck with my original mock draft (damn peer pressure) because I had Brock going to Arizona there originally and I think that this pick makes complete sense. Arizona is in rebuild mode and they just got their #1 receiver for the next 5+ seasons borrowing something crazy happening. Landers did a great job this past season in the DSFL and I don't see how that wouldn't translate seamlessly to the NSFL this season.
3.Rod Tidwell - @SDCore - Round 2, Pick 5 (15th Overall) - Austin Copperheads
Offense, offense, offense was the strategy for one of the expansion teams and that is how Rod Tidwell found his way into Round 2. Drafted after the two men listed previously, Tidwell will also have to wait 1 more season before he is able to battle against the other receivers on this list. Being drafted to an expansion team means that Rod Tidwell will return to the Luchadores for one more season while the final preparations are made for the team's NSFL debut. As long as Tidwell is able to continue down the path he has already chosen and continues to get better, I think that he will be right back in the top receiver conversation when he finally brings his talents to the NSFL in season 16!
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Tight End[/div]
1. Chase Jensen - @dizzyDC - Round 1, Pick 5 (5th Overall) - Austin Copperheads
While they may be a different positions, you have two Copperheads back to back on this list. Chase Jensen, who was taken in the first round is the inaugural pick for the Austin franchise and while it was surprising to some for a tight end to be selected this early, I am ok with the pick. Jensen has been around for a while and he has created a name for himself that shows he is dependable and that he will continue to grow as a player. Being drafted to an expansion team means that Jensen will return to the Solar Bears for one more season while the final preparations are made for the team's NSFL debut.
2. Cameron Olsen - @Rradum - Round 2, Pick 10 (20th Overall) -
When this pick took place, I made the comment to Rradum that the "rich get richer" and I think that is 100% true when considering this pick for the Sabercats. I also mentioned that the Sabercats reminded me a lot of the New England Patriots with the way their draft played out. Adding Cameron Olsen to a team that is already loaded everywhere else gives me another reason to believe that they will continue their reign as NSFL Champions. There's not much more that I can say about this guy that hasn't already been said, so congrats and I hope that you destroy things at the next level bud!
3. Jammerson Irving - @contacts - Round 5, Pick 1 (41st Overall) -
The Outlaws continued to bolster the offensive side of the ball here with their selection of Jammerson Irving. As I mentioned previously about Irving, he is a speedster and I think that you will see him playing at both receiver and tight end at the next level for the Outlaws. I do not mind this pick one bit, especially given when they were able to get Irving. Most likely not a day 1 starter like the two tight ends before him, but I love the idea of having someone waiting in the wings and learning while they get better as a player.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Offensive Line[/div]
1. Brave Ulysses - @PaytonM34 - Round 4, Pick 8 (38th Overall) -
Maybe the NSFL Gm(s) knew something that I didn't but regardless, Brave Ulysses fell to the 4th round where he will now be a part of the Secondline. I have a feeling that given their already strong offensive line, Brave will most likely spend another season down in the DSFL solely for the reason of gaining TPE before being thrusted in to a starting role against players much stronger and higher rated. Either way, I have a soft spot for offensive lineman and I think that this is a great pick by Nola when it's all said and done.
2. Edmond Beaver-Dantes - @Beaver - Round 4, Pick 2 (32nd Overall) - Austin Copperheads
When talking about the Copperheads earlier in this article, I mentioned that they went heavy offense in this draft and that is what happened here with the selection of Edmond Beaver-Dantes. While he was not the highest rated offensive linemen in terms of TPE, Beaver is incredibly active on the site and will have more than enough time to recoup some of that lost TPE while playing another season down in the DSFL.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Defensive Line[/div]
1. Nero Alexander - @shadyshoelace - Round 1, Pick 4 (4th Overall) -
Someone that many people, including myself, had pegged as a top 5 pick became just that when the Wraiths took Nero Alexander with the 4th overall selection. Nero is someone that could have gone earlier in the draft and no one would have questioned it for a second. A stud defensive lineman that can move around and play on or off the ball, Alexander should be a force at his position for years to come and the Wraiths made a great decision by choosing him. I look for Nero to undoubtably be a day 1 starter and wouldn't be surprised one bit if he won DROY in the NSFL this coming season.
2. Ricardo Morris - @Roly - Round 1, Pick 7 (7th Overall) -
With their second first round pick Arizona got their star on defense after drafting their star on offense with the 1st overall pick. Ricardo Morris joined this entire group of defensive lineman when he became a first round pick and I believe the pick was very deserving. Morris was a nightmare to block in the DSFL and given the state of the Outlaws right now, he automatically becomes a day 1 starter and contributor for this Outlaw defense. Morris is a "once in a blue moon" talent and the Outlaws made a great selection here.
3. AJ Lattimer - @TeyonSchavari - Round 1, Pick 9 (9th Overall) -
With their first pick the Otters got stronger along the front with their selection of AJ Lattimer. Pairing the big man with Skarsgard should be something that opposing GMs are already worrying about because that is a strong tandem. I'm not 100% sure that Lattimer will start right away from looking at the Otter's roster, but I also don't know many first round picks outside of the qb position, that are taken this high and then don't get the opportunity to be starters from the get go. This pick is another example of the rich getting richer, even if the Otters did lose a few guys this season.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Linebacker[/div]
1. Johnny Slothface - @slothfacekilla - Round 1, Pick 3 (3rd Overall) -
The man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Johnny Slothface was the second linebacker taken and will now be a part of a very scary pairing in New Orleans. Nola made a very blatant choice to put the NSFL on notice in terms of their defense with this draft. Slothface will man the middle for the Secondline for many seasons and being a linebacker myself, I love the pick. Very deserving!
2. Lanzer Grievous - @Rising Equinox - Round 2, Pick 8 (18th overall) -
Lanzer Grievous became the second defensive pick in a row for Orange County in this draft and I believe that he fills a hole on that defense. With Orange County having a pretty obvious need at the linebacker position, especially when they are playing the 4-3, Grievous should be able to step in and contribute from day 1. When the team goes to the Nickel, Lanzer being a coverage linebacker, could find himself playing the nickel cornerback position and therefore giving the Otters more size and strength to help stop the run from that coverage.
3. Quenton Bode - @terriblehippo - Round 1, Pick 2 (2nd Overall) -
That awesome pairing I was referring to earlier is now complete when you get to Quenton Bode. I guess that it doesn't really matter who was selected first given that Bode and Slothface were picked back to back, but it does matter for the teams that have to play against these guys. While I am a part of a strong pairing in Chicago, I am man enough to admit that right now, Nola could have the strongest linebackers in the NSFL after taking these two guys.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Cornerback[/div]
1. Xerxes Ridley - @plantane - Round 2, Pick 6 (16th overall) - Chicago Butchers
I am very blessed to have been the first pick ever taken by the Chicago Butchers, but if you told me that I had to switch places with Xerxes Ridley just to have him on my team then I would in a heartbeat. The best available corner in this draft, I was very surprised to see Xerxes make it back to the Butchers and become my teammate in the second round of the draft. I love the emphasis that the team took on getting defensive playmakers and they certainly got a good one here. Like myself and others, Xerxes will spend one more season in the DSFL while things get straight in Chicago, but that just gives us more time to become the best we can!
2. Lucas Knight - @ven_knight - Round 3, Pick 1 (21st overall) -
As I write this follow-up, you quickly begin to see how the Outlaws are rebuilding and I have to admit that I really love their draft. Getting the second best available corner in the draft in the third round is very steal worthy if you ask me. I know that Knight is very committed and given the other corners on the roster in Arizona, I think that he immediately becomes their best cover option for sure.
3. Deon Taylor - @BrewCrew - Round 3, Pick 7 (27th Overall) -
Deon Taylor continues the Secondline's commitment to defense and helps paint a complete picture of what you could possibly see from New Orleans in coming seasons. I think that it is very possible that this defense could be stifling if they continue to make great moves like this one. Deon Taylor will takeover as the number 1 corner in New Orleans and rightfully so. I look forward to seeing him blossom alongside Slothface and Bode.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Free Safety[/div]
1. Walt Green - @Duilio05 - Round 2, Pick 7 (17th Overall) -
Talk about an absolutely loaded defense that just got even better. The Hawks did not have a first round pick in this draft, so what do they do once it was their turn to pick? They took two of the top safeties in this draft and got even stronger on the defense. Walt Green is a stud and someone I have grown to love watch playing this game. I don't see how he will not start from Day 1, but at the same time, I see a lot of talent across that defense so I do wonder about where he fits in until things shake out.
2. Richard D'Attoria - @124715 - Round 1, Pick 9 (9th Overall) -
I may be partial to defensive players and the safety position as a whole, but I can say with complete confidence that this way the Liberty's best pick in the draft. Now I know you might say "duh, it's their first overall pick in the draft" and to that I would "touche", but I would also say this: Richard D'Attoria is an all around great pick for any organization. He is a great locker room presence and he is someone that truly cares about this league. When I was traded away from Portland, he was the first one to reach out to me and wish me good luck and that has stuck with me. I was happy to see him go in the first round and I wish him nothing but success.
3. Logan Uchiha - @CalvinP - Round 3, Pick 4 (24th Overall) -
In the third round, the human stat sheet was picked by the Wraiths when they made Logan Uchiha their new starting free safety. Now that hasn't been confirmed by anyone, but given the other members on the roster, I am pretty confident that we do not have to worry about seeing Logan back in the DSFL any time soon. Go create crazy stat lines in the NSFL my friend.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Strong Safety[/div]
1. Fatih Terim - @Eco - Round 2, Pick 2 ( 12th Overall) -
My number 1 ranked overall strong safety was drafted as such when the Hawks took Fatih Terim with the 12th overall pick in the second round of this draft. I love this pick and hate it at the same time. Fatih deserved to be picked high because he is an incredible talent and I have no problem there at all. The problem I do have is figuring out where Fatih and Walt Green fit into this already loaded defense at. Maybe the two of them play down one more season as the older guys fight regression, or maybe there are things going on that I am not privy to in the Hawks organization. Regardless, this is a great pick by them and I am happy for Fatih Terim.
2. Lamont McKinnie - @SouljaBoy2007 - Round 3, Pick 5 (25th Overall) -
Here is another player that is a part of the rebuild in Arizona and another day one starter. Lamont McKinnie should come in and be a leader on the Outlaw defense almost immediately. He was lucky to be paired with Lucas Knight and together the two of them could really cut the field in half for opposing quarterbacks.
3. Giannis Kroustis - @`AirCrou` - Round 4, Pick 4 (34th Overall) -
I feel like I have mentioned the Wraiths just as much as the Outlaws in this article and for those of you out there wondering, that is a good thing! Giannis Kroustis became a Yellowknife Wraith in the 4th round and I think that it could be considered another steal if Kroustis stays active and continues to build himself. Pairing Giannis with Logan Uchiha could be a lethal tandem for many seasons to come if everything pans out as planned for the Wraiths.
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]Season Stats
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]Season Stats - MVP - QBOTY - 1st Team Pro Bowl
[option]Season Stats - MVP - QBOTY - 1st Team Pro Bowl
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]Season Stats - 2nd Team Pro Bowl
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]S23 - London Royals
[option]|Completions: 274
[option]S23 - London Royals
[option]|Completions: 274
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]S22 - London Royals
[option]|Completions: 168
[option]S22 - London Royals
[option]|Completions: 168
[option]|S26 Ultimus Champion
[option]|S26 ISFL Quarterback of the Year
[option]|S26 ISFL MVP
[option]|S26 1st Team Pro Bowl QB
[option]|S26 Fantasy Points Leader
[option]|S27 2nd Team Pro Bowl
[option]|S28 Ultimus Champion
[option]|S28 2nd Team Pro Bowl
[option]|Set Single Season Passing Record - S29 - 5758 Yards
[option]|S29 ISFL Quarterback of the Year
[option]|S29 ISFL MVP
[option]|S29 1st Team Pro Bowl QB
[option]|S29 ISFL MVP
[option]|S29 1st Team Pro Bowl QB
[OPTION]Lightsout Lewis | Safety | YK Wraiths | 1124 TPE
[OPTION]Height: 6'2"
[OPTION]Weight: 215
[OPTION]Birthplace: Laurel, Idaho
[OPTION]Number: 32
[OPTION]===========================================
[option]Season Stats
[option]|Touchdowns: 1
[/div]
[option]Season Stats
[option]|Pass Deflections: 12
[option]S18 - Yellowknife Wraiths - 1st Team Pro Bowl
[option]|Pass Deflections: 13
[option]S17 - Chicago Butchers - 1st Team Pro Bowl
[option]|Pass Deflections: 18
[option]S16 - Chicago Butchers (Moved to Safety)
[option]|Pass Deflections: 9
[option]S15 - Kansas City Coyotes
[option]|Tackles: 180
[option]|Pass Deflections: 4
[option]|Blocked Punts: 1
[option]S14 - Portland Pythons/Kansas City Coyotes
[option]|Tackles: 63
[option]|Pass Deflections: 3
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION]S14 DSFL Draft: Round 6 - 33rd Overall
[OPTION]S14 DSFL Pro Bowl Reserve - LB
[OPTION]S15 NSFL Draft: Round 1 - 6th ovr
[OPTION]S15 DSFL Pro Bowl Starter - LB
[OPTION]S16 NSFL Pro Bowl Reserve - S
[OPTION]S17 NSFL Pro Bowl Starter - S
[OPTION]S18 NSFL Pro Bowl Starter - S
[OPTION]S19 NSFL Pro Bowl Starter - S
[OPTION]S20 NSFL Pro Bowl Starter - S