Python S24 Prospect Draft Review
only mostly inaccurate and baseless
Quick Season Recap:
After languishing in the basement for some time, the Portland Pythons were able to break through to the playoffs this past season. Although they were unable to get past the first round, the 6-8 Pythons fought its way to the top of the standings despite an inability to win at home and the reliance upon a buttload of rookies. The team’s 316 points for were the highest amount in NFC North. The kids can thank MVP candidate and quarterback Sam Howitzer for holding the team together and finding ways to win while the rest of the young roster hung on and built up their players. Special teams was also a huge boon for the Pythons – without the near perfect season from kicker Psuedo QB, the presicion and power punter of Blagot Kokot, and the electrifying punt and kick returns from wide receiver Korbin Brown – who amassed an amazing 11 touchdowns between returns and receptions. The Pythons may very well sweep the special teams player of the year awards along with wide receiver of the year and Howitzer’s nominations.
Ok with all that said, Portland’s new found success must also be credited to terrific drafting and roster manipulation. Below is a review of the Pythons’ draft, player by player, pick by pick (up to #87).
Pick 1 –Davriel Lavine, Safety
With the first pick in the entire draft, the Pythons chose Lavine to quarterback the defense. To be honest, I’m not sure you could’ve gone wrong selecting any of the first 20 or so guys drafted as they’re all being mocked to be top picks again in the ISFL. Lavine is getting mocked a bit lower than some others – but wherelese is there to go after you were selected #1 overall? Lavine’s DSFL numbers weren’t eye popping, but the Pythons’ secondary was filled with talent. Nevertheless, Lavine has built his player up to a 78+ overall already and is clearly going to be a big earner going-forward.
Draft Grade: B+
Pick 9 – Dan Foster, Corner back (drafted as tight end)
Thus begins Portland’s run on tight ends. Foster made the switch the corner and didn’t miss a beat. Basically what can be said for Lavine is directly applicable to Foster. He was right in that mix of 15-20 players who were all terrific picks. Built himself into an impressive 76 overall and is poised to be selected in the first round or two of the ISFL draft. His DSFL numbers were also similar to Lavine’s, finishing with two interceptions. He did put up 15 passes defensed, good for 3rd in the DSFL.
Draft Grade: B+
Pick 22 – Darren Pama, Running back (drafted as tight end)
This is where the Pythons began to distinguish themselves. Both for savvy picking and taking all the tight ends available. Many folks have seen the recent combine results, in which Pama put up eye-opening numbers across the board (besides the wonderlic). Again there were some great players taken after Pama, but his cash earnings are ridiculous and he’s clearly passionate about his build. Somehow his DSFL numbers didn’t shine through, but everyone sees the potential. A surprise if he isn’t a first round selection coming up.
Draft Grade: A-
Pick 25 – Dave Batista, Tight end
A trend and a first for Portland in 1 pick. The 3rd tight end taken in a row and yet the first to actually stay at the tight end position. Though to be fair Batista was shuffled around to fullback and split out as a wide receiver at times throughout the year as well. Batista’s DSFL numbers were stifled a bit as he shared time with TE Nick Marksmen, who was Howitzer’s favorite check-down and finished with the most receptions in the league for qualified tight ends. Still, Batista is a player to covet in the upcoming draft, being mocked as the first or second tight end off the board.
Draft Grade: A-
Pick 33 – Etrigin Slayer, Defensive end
As we get into the 30s and 40s, picks become murkier, with less gems to be found. Slayer was a terrific pick here by the Pythons and his player really shined in the DSFL, leading the league in tackles for a loss. That’s why it’s a bit shocking to see Slayer being mocked in the third or fourth rounds by some. I expect that, come draft day, GM’s won’t let him slip quite that far. A true disruptor off the edge.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 41 – Chuck Roth, Offensive line
The fifth offensive lineman off the board last year means Portland got really strong value here. Roth had an outstanding year, finishing second in pancakes while only allowing two sacks. He continues to rack up TPE and cash, an earner that will be an asset on an ISFL’s offensive line for years to come. He may have trouble leapfrogging the entire group of lineman, but he’s cemented himself in the top-3 in this group.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 47 – Donald McBobby, linebacker
This is a hard pick to grade as McBobby was an absolute stud for the Portland defense, and yet the linebacking core of rookies was so deep that it’s tough to tell who seperates themselves. What’s clear is that he was a great pick at 47, and made big play after big play. 85 tackles, 6 sacks, a safety, an interception – he was everywhere. A potential round-1 pick in the ISFL draft.
Draft grade: A
Pick 48 – Angelo Cirelli, Defensive tackle
Cirelli at 48 is again impressive value. Between the 40s—60s the Pythons hit home run after home run. Cirelli’s season started a bit slow and was in part hampered by an accounting error with TPEs; however, once straightened out Cirelli went on to record 9 tackles for loss. One of just two defensive tackles to have more than 4. Combined with his two sacks he lead DT’s in sacks/TFL combined and was the only DT to record 10+ sacks/TFLs combined. He’s being a bit overlooked in some mocks but could prove to be another steal if not taken until the third or fourth rounds.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 49 – Ben Anabender, Cornerback
Anabender rounded out the Pythons secondary and built his player up to a 72. While a good pick at this point in the draft, he’s a bit overshadowed by a few of the try-hards drafted before and after him in this general area. In credit to the war room and to Anabender he did outperform most of the other corners drafted after him, so again a solid pick.
Draft grade: B
Pick 57 – Honky-Tonk Haywood, Defensive tackle
Awww yeaah that’s right baby. #57 off the board but #1 in your hearts. Haywood’s DSFL numbers weren’t terrific but he played his role as a fat load in the middle. Between HTH and Cirelli, the Pythons really picked up a great pair of DTs in the mid rounds. While Haywood’s stats are very pedestrian, his TPE and dollars earned from writing long articles that are super biased have vaulted him up the mocks to as high as a potential first round pick. No doubt he is the best S24 player in the draft. No doubt.
Draft grade: A++
Pick 65 – Marc Hamel, Ofensive lineman
Hamel hasn’t been mocked super high for the upcoming draft but he certainly made a…mark…in the DSFL this season. 5th in pancakes for the intergalactic lineman. A solid TPE earner and a 75 overall build. If you get this at 65 you really lucked out. If he doesn’t quite make the jump to the ISFL the Pythons will have a force on the middle once again.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 70 – Bobby Hoffman, Defensive end
Hoffman acquitted himself extremely well as a rookie despite all the talent at defensive end both on the Pythons and around the league. Despite going as pick 70, Hoffman finished 9th in tackles for loss and added two sacks. He’s likely going to stay grinding in the DSFL for a bit, but assuming he keeps his build going strong he should be a difference maker for the Pythons again next year. Excellent value pick.
Draft grade: B+
Pick 73 – Buster Bawls, Running back
Another amazing pick by Qwest and his war room team. Bawls seems to be the ultimate team guy. He was moved to full back where he was charged with creating running lanes for two of his fellow rookies. Despite the limitations to his stats, he continued to grind his player build and is now poised to be one of the top 5 or so running backs drafted this year. Here’s to hoping he finally gets his chance to toe the rock a bit more, be it in the ISFL or DSFL.
Draft grade: B+
Pick 76 – TJ Evans, Wide receiver
Evans had a tough go of it this year. Not only is the wide receiver position stacked, but Evans was taken one pick before L’Gazzy Burfict, a max owner at linebacker who is likely a first round pick. And two picks before Mark Walker, who is a very active wide receiver. Maybe Evans will pan out next year as an offensive threat, and in fairness to Portland it’s a crap shoot at this round in the draft, but they missed the boat on this one.
Draft grade: D
Pick 81 – Elijah Torres, cornerback
A solid get at pick 81, Torres didn’t have much of a path to playing time but did get on the box score with a sack and an interception, so clearly we have a capable build here. Torres has a home in Portland next year and will likely see more slot duty if he can continue to add to his game. Unfortunately there were a solid number of great picks in the 80s-90s that were still available here.
Draft grade: C
Pick 89 – Matty Martinsson, Linebacker
Ok so I started to lose steam a while ago but I had to make sure to at least get to Matty M. An untouted prospect drafted all the way back at 89, Martinsson went on to tie for the Pythons’ lead in tackles with 103. Good enough for 8th in the league and the 4th most tackles by a rookie. Martinsson has a ton of competition in the linebacker spot for the upcoming draft so there’s a good chance he may need some more seasoning in the DSFL. The pythons would love to have this guy back tackles anything that moves.
Draft grade: A
Portland’s remaining picks from number 97 through 137 dind’t yield any superstars (yet), and because my fingers are about to fall off, I will leave them with an N/A grade for the time being.
Obviously these rankings are super subjective and at least slightly misinformed as I did not review every teams’ draft nor am I familiar with every players’ TPE earned, money earned, and notoriety around the league. Still, I have to believe the Pythons scored quite highly on the S24 draft. Qwest and his team should be lauded for the chances they took. They really set the Pythons up for future continued success. While I’m not sure what my future holds as a DT being drafted, I would very much be open to trying to help the Pythons reach another postseason and maybe even getting on the board individually a bit more this year.
Good luck to all my teammates in the draft and beyond. This was a very fun group of guys to be drafted and learn the league with. This is Honk-Tonk Haywood signing off and hoping he can afford some player equipment sooner than the second to last week of the season.
only mostly inaccurate and baseless
Quick Season Recap:
After languishing in the basement for some time, the Portland Pythons were able to break through to the playoffs this past season. Although they were unable to get past the first round, the 6-8 Pythons fought its way to the top of the standings despite an inability to win at home and the reliance upon a buttload of rookies. The team’s 316 points for were the highest amount in NFC North. The kids can thank MVP candidate and quarterback Sam Howitzer for holding the team together and finding ways to win while the rest of the young roster hung on and built up their players. Special teams was also a huge boon for the Pythons – without the near perfect season from kicker Psuedo QB, the presicion and power punter of Blagot Kokot, and the electrifying punt and kick returns from wide receiver Korbin Brown – who amassed an amazing 11 touchdowns between returns and receptions. The Pythons may very well sweep the special teams player of the year awards along with wide receiver of the year and Howitzer’s nominations.
Ok with all that said, Portland’s new found success must also be credited to terrific drafting and roster manipulation. Below is a review of the Pythons’ draft, player by player, pick by pick (up to #87).
Pick 1 –Davriel Lavine, Safety
With the first pick in the entire draft, the Pythons chose Lavine to quarterback the defense. To be honest, I’m not sure you could’ve gone wrong selecting any of the first 20 or so guys drafted as they’re all being mocked to be top picks again in the ISFL. Lavine is getting mocked a bit lower than some others – but wherelese is there to go after you were selected #1 overall? Lavine’s DSFL numbers weren’t eye popping, but the Pythons’ secondary was filled with talent. Nevertheless, Lavine has built his player up to a 78+ overall already and is clearly going to be a big earner going-forward.
Draft Grade: B+
Pick 9 – Dan Foster, Corner back (drafted as tight end)
Thus begins Portland’s run on tight ends. Foster made the switch the corner and didn’t miss a beat. Basically what can be said for Lavine is directly applicable to Foster. He was right in that mix of 15-20 players who were all terrific picks. Built himself into an impressive 76 overall and is poised to be selected in the first round or two of the ISFL draft. His DSFL numbers were also similar to Lavine’s, finishing with two interceptions. He did put up 15 passes defensed, good for 3rd in the DSFL.
Draft Grade: B+
Pick 22 – Darren Pama, Running back (drafted as tight end)
This is where the Pythons began to distinguish themselves. Both for savvy picking and taking all the tight ends available. Many folks have seen the recent combine results, in which Pama put up eye-opening numbers across the board (besides the wonderlic). Again there were some great players taken after Pama, but his cash earnings are ridiculous and he’s clearly passionate about his build. Somehow his DSFL numbers didn’t shine through, but everyone sees the potential. A surprise if he isn’t a first round selection coming up.
Draft Grade: A-
Pick 25 – Dave Batista, Tight end
A trend and a first for Portland in 1 pick. The 3rd tight end taken in a row and yet the first to actually stay at the tight end position. Though to be fair Batista was shuffled around to fullback and split out as a wide receiver at times throughout the year as well. Batista’s DSFL numbers were stifled a bit as he shared time with TE Nick Marksmen, who was Howitzer’s favorite check-down and finished with the most receptions in the league for qualified tight ends. Still, Batista is a player to covet in the upcoming draft, being mocked as the first or second tight end off the board.
Draft Grade: A-
Pick 33 – Etrigin Slayer, Defensive end
As we get into the 30s and 40s, picks become murkier, with less gems to be found. Slayer was a terrific pick here by the Pythons and his player really shined in the DSFL, leading the league in tackles for a loss. That’s why it’s a bit shocking to see Slayer being mocked in the third or fourth rounds by some. I expect that, come draft day, GM’s won’t let him slip quite that far. A true disruptor off the edge.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 41 – Chuck Roth, Offensive line
The fifth offensive lineman off the board last year means Portland got really strong value here. Roth had an outstanding year, finishing second in pancakes while only allowing two sacks. He continues to rack up TPE and cash, an earner that will be an asset on an ISFL’s offensive line for years to come. He may have trouble leapfrogging the entire group of lineman, but he’s cemented himself in the top-3 in this group.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 47 – Donald McBobby, linebacker
This is a hard pick to grade as McBobby was an absolute stud for the Portland defense, and yet the linebacking core of rookies was so deep that it’s tough to tell who seperates themselves. What’s clear is that he was a great pick at 47, and made big play after big play. 85 tackles, 6 sacks, a safety, an interception – he was everywhere. A potential round-1 pick in the ISFL draft.
Draft grade: A
Pick 48 – Angelo Cirelli, Defensive tackle
Cirelli at 48 is again impressive value. Between the 40s—60s the Pythons hit home run after home run. Cirelli’s season started a bit slow and was in part hampered by an accounting error with TPEs; however, once straightened out Cirelli went on to record 9 tackles for loss. One of just two defensive tackles to have more than 4. Combined with his two sacks he lead DT’s in sacks/TFL combined and was the only DT to record 10+ sacks/TFLs combined. He’s being a bit overlooked in some mocks but could prove to be another steal if not taken until the third or fourth rounds.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 49 – Ben Anabender, Cornerback
Anabender rounded out the Pythons secondary and built his player up to a 72. While a good pick at this point in the draft, he’s a bit overshadowed by a few of the try-hards drafted before and after him in this general area. In credit to the war room and to Anabender he did outperform most of the other corners drafted after him, so again a solid pick.
Draft grade: B
Pick 57 – Honky-Tonk Haywood, Defensive tackle
Awww yeaah that’s right baby. #57 off the board but #1 in your hearts. Haywood’s DSFL numbers weren’t terrific but he played his role as a fat load in the middle. Between HTH and Cirelli, the Pythons really picked up a great pair of DTs in the mid rounds. While Haywood’s stats are very pedestrian, his TPE and dollars earned from writing long articles that are super biased have vaulted him up the mocks to as high as a potential first round pick. No doubt he is the best S24 player in the draft. No doubt.
Draft grade: A++
Pick 65 – Marc Hamel, Ofensive lineman
Hamel hasn’t been mocked super high for the upcoming draft but he certainly made a…mark…in the DSFL this season. 5th in pancakes for the intergalactic lineman. A solid TPE earner and a 75 overall build. If you get this at 65 you really lucked out. If he doesn’t quite make the jump to the ISFL the Pythons will have a force on the middle once again.
Draft grade: A-
Pick 70 – Bobby Hoffman, Defensive end
Hoffman acquitted himself extremely well as a rookie despite all the talent at defensive end both on the Pythons and around the league. Despite going as pick 70, Hoffman finished 9th in tackles for loss and added two sacks. He’s likely going to stay grinding in the DSFL for a bit, but assuming he keeps his build going strong he should be a difference maker for the Pythons again next year. Excellent value pick.
Draft grade: B+
Pick 73 – Buster Bawls, Running back
Another amazing pick by Qwest and his war room team. Bawls seems to be the ultimate team guy. He was moved to full back where he was charged with creating running lanes for two of his fellow rookies. Despite the limitations to his stats, he continued to grind his player build and is now poised to be one of the top 5 or so running backs drafted this year. Here’s to hoping he finally gets his chance to toe the rock a bit more, be it in the ISFL or DSFL.
Draft grade: B+
Pick 76 – TJ Evans, Wide receiver
Evans had a tough go of it this year. Not only is the wide receiver position stacked, but Evans was taken one pick before L’Gazzy Burfict, a max owner at linebacker who is likely a first round pick. And two picks before Mark Walker, who is a very active wide receiver. Maybe Evans will pan out next year as an offensive threat, and in fairness to Portland it’s a crap shoot at this round in the draft, but they missed the boat on this one.
Draft grade: D
Pick 81 – Elijah Torres, cornerback
A solid get at pick 81, Torres didn’t have much of a path to playing time but did get on the box score with a sack and an interception, so clearly we have a capable build here. Torres has a home in Portland next year and will likely see more slot duty if he can continue to add to his game. Unfortunately there were a solid number of great picks in the 80s-90s that were still available here.
Draft grade: C
Pick 89 – Matty Martinsson, Linebacker
Ok so I started to lose steam a while ago but I had to make sure to at least get to Matty M. An untouted prospect drafted all the way back at 89, Martinsson went on to tie for the Pythons’ lead in tackles with 103. Good enough for 8th in the league and the 4th most tackles by a rookie. Martinsson has a ton of competition in the linebacker spot for the upcoming draft so there’s a good chance he may need some more seasoning in the DSFL. The pythons would love to have this guy back tackles anything that moves.
Draft grade: A
Portland’s remaining picks from number 97 through 137 dind’t yield any superstars (yet), and because my fingers are about to fall off, I will leave them with an N/A grade for the time being.
Obviously these rankings are super subjective and at least slightly misinformed as I did not review every teams’ draft nor am I familiar with every players’ TPE earned, money earned, and notoriety around the league. Still, I have to believe the Pythons scored quite highly on the S24 draft. Qwest and his team should be lauded for the chances they took. They really set the Pythons up for future continued success. While I’m not sure what my future holds as a DT being drafted, I would very much be open to trying to help the Pythons reach another postseason and maybe even getting on the board individually a bit more this year.
Good luck to all my teammates in the draft and beyond. This was a very fun group of guys to be drafted and learn the league with. This is Honk-Tonk Haywood signing off and hoping he can afford some player equipment sooner than the second to last week of the season.
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