Now that the overall ratings for the start of season 2 are out, I wanted to take a look at the season 2 draft and see how teams did drafting and how players look. Obviously this is not a surefire sign that players will or won’t pan out in the long run but it is interesting to look nonetheless.
Quarterbacks:
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2 Philadelphia Liberty
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2 San Jose Sabercats
Quarterback was a position that was already more or less filled. No starters were needed and the only two quarterbacks taken in the middle of the draft are both back-ups now. Neither is terrible, but neither is expected to start.
Running Backs:
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1 Orange County Otters
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2 Baltimore Hawks
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2 Orange County Otters
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2 San Jose Sabercats
77th Domantas Sabonis out of league? Yellowknife Wraiths
83rd John Goose 63 RB3 San Jose Sabercats
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2 Yellowknife Wraiths
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2 Arizona Outlaws
Running Back is an interesting position, where a lot of the starters had already been found as well. The Otters got their starter early in the draft. Cobb was another great pick by them as the back-up to Savea, barely worse than their first pick. The Wraiths and Outlaws got great value very late in the draft, getting back-up Running Backs very late in the draft. Darlane Farlane seems like he got picked too early, barely better than Teez Tobin, who was picked 60 spots later.
Wide Receiver:
7th Fox North 73 WR1 Philadelphia Liberty
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2 Arizona Outlaws
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3 Arizona Outlaws
47th John Ross 69 WR3 Colorado Yeti
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2 Phladelphia Liberty
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2 Baltimore Hawks
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2 Yellowknife Wraiths
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3 Las Vegas Legion
60th John Baker 67 WR4 Baltimore Hawks
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3 Philadelphia Liberty
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5 Las Vegas Legion
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4 Colorado Yeti
The three wide receiver that were picked earliest are also the best three, but in very different spots. While Fox North is the number one receiver for the Liberty, Evans will be the number two receiver in Arizona, right in front of the other rookie CA Chess, who will be the 3rd receiver. Darren Smallwood at 53 could end up a great pick, as he tied for 4th among wide receiver in overall rating, but was picked 53rd in the draft. He will also be the 2nd wide receiver for the Wraiths and should see the field all game long. A very late pick, Hunter Mason could also be a great value pick, with a 66 overall and he will be the third wide receiver for the Philadelphia Liberty, while being picked 81st.
Tight Ends:
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1 Philadelphia Liberty
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1 Colorado Yeti
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1 Baltimore Hawks
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2 Baltimore Hawks
Paul DiMirio might have been picked too early, as similar talent was available much later. Rich Gucci and especially Carmel Gibson were mid-draft picks in the 50s and are all starters as well. Gibson so far has the advantage in terms of being the best tight end in this draft and could be a big steal.
Offensive Line:
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1 Arizona Outlaws
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1 San Jose Sabercats
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2 Orange County Otters
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1 Philadelphia Liberty
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3 Baltimore Hawks
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3 San Jose Sabercats
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3 Arizona Outlaws
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3 Baltimore Hawks
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1 Baltimore Hawks
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4 Baltimore Hawks
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4 Yellowknife Wraiths
42nd Matt James 72 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty (traded)
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4 Orange County Otters
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2 Colorado Yeti
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5 Arizona Outlaws
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5 San Jose Sabercats
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1 Baltimore Hawks
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7 Yellowknife Wraiths
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5 Arizona Outlaws
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4 Colorado Yeti
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4 Arizona Outlaws
Offensive Line was the big factor in this draft. Many teams needed many starters, to the point that almost every lineman picked will be a starter. By that virtue, everyone was great value. Brokk Lee looks like an early bust, only rated 19th among all offensive linemen taken, despite being picked in the top ten of the draft and as the fifth lineman overall. Similarly, Charles, Koch and Blocksdale (all Hawks, all picked in the 20s) might disappoint. Matt James is great value, but we saw how his personality made him drop in the draft and subsequently traded. Gui Worthy looks great, despite being picked last among linemen, he ranks 10th out of 23 linemen.
Defensive Tackle:
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1 Yellowknife Wraiths
38th Ben Green 63 DT1 Orange County Otters
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3 Las Vegas Legion
92nd Frederick Smith out of league Baltimore Hawks
Not much to say here. Bjornsson was picked high and he deserves it. Green was picked in the middle of the draft, not great ratings but he should be the starter for the Otters.
Defensive End:
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2 Colorado Yeti
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1 Philadelphia Liberty
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2 Baltimore Hawks
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2 San Jose Sabercats
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2 Philadelphia Liberty
39th Big Bot 67 DE3 Colorado Yeti
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1 San Jose Sabercats
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1 Las Vegas Legion
91st Mac Donald 66 DE4 San Jose Sabercats
Some really amazing Defensive Ends were picked in this draft. Drew Davidson leads the pack, with a fantastic 77 rating and only picked 17th. Some mid-draft players really stand out here. Ottokar Von Gerhardt with a 71 rating picked 33rd, Chidubem Okonkwo picked 43rd with a 72 rating and especially great Thaddeus Bullard with a 71 rating picked very late at 66. He could end up one of the biggest steals of the draft, at least as of now. Enchilada Charlton could be a disappointment, especially in this really fantastic draft for Defensive Ends.
Linebacker:
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2 Yellowknife Wraiths
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End) Philadelphia Liberty
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2 Philadelphia Liberty
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2 Arizona Outlaws
45th James Wright 72 LB2 Baltimore Hawks
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3 San Jose Sabercats
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4 Yellowknife Wraiths
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3 Philadelphia Liberty
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4 Colorado Yeti
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4 San Jose Sabercats
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4 Arizona Outlaws
Another very deep position at linebacker. As of yet, the players have not made a push to really stand out yet. Luke Luechly is the best so far with a 75 rating and picked 40th in the draft, a great value pick. It will be particularly interesting to see how this position evolves over time.
Cornerback:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1 Yellowknife Wraiths
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1 Baltimore Hawks
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2 Philadelphia Liberty
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2 Orange County Otters
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1 Philadelphia Liberty
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2 San Jose Sabercats
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3 Las Vegas Legion
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3 Yellowknife Wraiths
Dermot Lavelle was the consensus number one pick and he shows why with a staggering 78 overall rating. But there are some quality picks here, Turner at 9 and 74 overall is still very good. O’Sullivan at 73 rating and 31st pick was also great value. The best value though may be Leon Morgan with a 70 overall rating was only picked 73rd overall.
Safety:
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1 Colorado Yeti
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2 Baltimore Hawks
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2 Orange County Otters
25th Marcus Kane 67 S3 Yellowknife Wraiths
35th Allen Davis 70 S3 Arizona Outlaws
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3 Orange County Otters
76th James Lillico 63 S4 Baltimore Hawks
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB) Colorado Yeti
Safety looks to be a rather disappointing position so far. Kronen could be a stand out and good value at 22nd. The most amazing pick of the draft could be an unexpected one. Torque Lewith was picked 87th overall – as a quarterback, but the position change did well for him, as he is tied for 3rd among Safeties.
Kicker/Punter:
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1 Arizona Outlaws
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1 Orange County Otters
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2 Yellowknife Wraiths
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3 Arizona Outlaws
Not much to say here, Ronaldo and Langdon are starters, but could have probably been picked later in the draft.
Starters and bench players:
For starters I used 1 Quarterback, 1 Running Back, 5 Offensive Linemen, 1 Tight End and 2 Wide Receiver, 1 Defensive Tackle, 2 Defensive Ends, 3 Linebacker, 2 Cornerbacks, 2 Safeties and 1 Kicker/Punter. For Fringe I used 1 Running Back, 1 Offensive Lineman, 1 Tight End, 1 Wide Receiver, 1 Defensive Tackle, 1 Linebacker, 1 Cornerback. Anything else I used for bench.
Starters:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2
31st Kristoffer Sullivan 73 CB1
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2
38th Ben Green 63 DT1
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
42nd Matt James 72 OL3
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3
45th James Wright 72 LB2
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB)
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4
Most of the top picks are obviously starters and deservedly so. But there was great value in this draft until very late. Even many mid-draft picks will end up starters on their team, with some stand outs even late. Many of the late picks are offensive linemen, the position where most starters were needed but there are also some others there, such as Torque Lewith at Safety and Thaddeus Bullard at defensive end, who far exceed the value you would expect that late in the draft.
Fringe:
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2 to Savea
47th John Ross 69 WR3
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2
Some of the top players here will likely end up seeing a lot of time on the field, like CA Chess and Kyle Cobb. Guys in the middle of the draft, like Chunk, Austin, Morgan and Paz could end up being solid contributors from a late spot. Farlane looks like a disappointment for now.
Bench:
25th Marcus Kane 67 S3
35th Allen Davis 70 S3
39th Big Bot 67 DE3
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2
60th John Baker 67 WR4
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7
76th James Lillico 63 S4
77th Domantas Sabonis out of league?
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5
83rd John Goose 63 RB3
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3
90th Mac Donald 66 DE4
92nd Frederick Smith out of league
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3
While you would expect some of these later choices to be bench players, some very early picks will end up warming the bench. It looks that way for Marcus Kane, the safety that was picked 25th. You would not expect someone picked that high to warm the bench, so it will be interesting to see if he can turn things around.
Let’s look how each team did individually!
Yellowknife Wraiths:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7
77th Domantas Sabonis (out of league?)
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2
The Wraiths had some very early picks and then a few more late in the draft. With Lavelle, Bjornsson, Cushing and Smith they took some solid players early on, but Bjornsson and Smith may have been taken a bit too early. Smallwood and Chunk look like really decent picks in the middle of the draft. Reyes could also end up contributing very well as a late pick.
Starters added: 6
Colorado Yeti:
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1
39th Big Bot 67 DE3
47th John Ross 69 WR3
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB)
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4
The Yeti only had two early picks, both of which seem decent. Gucci and Austin could be great picks and contributors in the middle of the draft, while Lewith could end up being the steal of the draft after his position change.
Starters added: 6
Arizona Outlaws:
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3
35th Allen Davis 70 S3
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3
Arizona basically drafted an entire Offensive Line and a lot more. They had a large number of picks in early stages of the draft and used them well. Luke Luechly is one of the best picks of the draft so far and Evans will be a major threat in the passing game. They bolstered their line and also their kicking.
Starters added: 7
San Jose Sabercats:
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4
83rd John Goose 63 RB3
91st Mac Donald 66 DE4
The Sabercats impressed me more in the later stages of the draft than early on. With Okonkwo, Adams, Parker and Paz they added some nice players, while their 19th overall pick Charlton is disappointing.
Starters added: 6
Orange County Otters:
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2
38th Ben Green 63 DT1
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4
The Otters focused mainly on the early and middle picks in the draft and almost all the players they added are starters or should be solid contributors. It was a very selective process but the Otters did a fairly good job. Ben Green may be the only disappointment but even he will be starter.
Starters added: 7
Philadelphia Liberty:
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3
The Liberty as an extension team wanted to build through the draft and did so quite well. With a lot of early picks, they made very good choices, adding players with a rating over 70 in every single one of their first nine picks. Davidson was one of the great picks in the draft, O’Sullivan and Washington will be good as well and Maric was a great later pick.
Starters added: 13
Las Vegas Legion:
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3
The Legion only had five picks late in the draft, but added a great Defensive End in Bullard. Morgan could contribute quite well as well.
Starters added: 1
Baltimore Hawks:
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2
45th James Wright 72 LB2
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
60th John Baker 67 WR4
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1
76th James Lillico 63 S4
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2
92nd Frederick Smith (out of league)
The Hawks might have had the worst draft of any team. While they added some nice players in Turner, Taylor, Wright and Gibson, a large number of others are under 70, even high picks like Brokk Lee (arguably the worst pick in the draft as of now). Their entire offensive line was basically picked in this draft, but none of them are over 66 in rating, showing a definitive problem with scouting.
Starters added: 11
Best rookies overall:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
45th James Wright 72 LB2
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
As we can see, Dermot Lavelle was taken first overall correctly. After that, Davidson already looks like a huge steal, even at 17th where he was taken. Luke Luechly could end up being the biggest steal, as he is already fifth of any rookie, yet was taken 40th. The only two players taken in the top ten who are missing from this best rookies list are Bork Bjornsson, taken at 5th and 70 overall and Brokk Lee, taken 10th and only 64 overall – perhaps the bust of the draft.
Quarterbacks:
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2 Philadelphia Liberty
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2 San Jose Sabercats
Quarterback was a position that was already more or less filled. No starters were needed and the only two quarterbacks taken in the middle of the draft are both back-ups now. Neither is terrible, but neither is expected to start.
Running Backs:
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1 Orange County Otters
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2 Baltimore Hawks
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2 Orange County Otters
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2 San Jose Sabercats
77th Domantas Sabonis out of league? Yellowknife Wraiths
83rd John Goose 63 RB3 San Jose Sabercats
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2 Yellowknife Wraiths
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2 Arizona Outlaws
Running Back is an interesting position, where a lot of the starters had already been found as well. The Otters got their starter early in the draft. Cobb was another great pick by them as the back-up to Savea, barely worse than their first pick. The Wraiths and Outlaws got great value very late in the draft, getting back-up Running Backs very late in the draft. Darlane Farlane seems like he got picked too early, barely better than Teez Tobin, who was picked 60 spots later.
Wide Receiver:
7th Fox North 73 WR1 Philadelphia Liberty
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2 Arizona Outlaws
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3 Arizona Outlaws
47th John Ross 69 WR3 Colorado Yeti
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2 Phladelphia Liberty
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2 Baltimore Hawks
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2 Yellowknife Wraiths
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3 Las Vegas Legion
60th John Baker 67 WR4 Baltimore Hawks
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3 Philadelphia Liberty
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5 Las Vegas Legion
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4 Colorado Yeti
The three wide receiver that were picked earliest are also the best three, but in very different spots. While Fox North is the number one receiver for the Liberty, Evans will be the number two receiver in Arizona, right in front of the other rookie CA Chess, who will be the 3rd receiver. Darren Smallwood at 53 could end up a great pick, as he tied for 4th among wide receiver in overall rating, but was picked 53rd in the draft. He will also be the 2nd wide receiver for the Wraiths and should see the field all game long. A very late pick, Hunter Mason could also be a great value pick, with a 66 overall and he will be the third wide receiver for the Philadelphia Liberty, while being picked 81st.
Tight Ends:
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1 Philadelphia Liberty
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1 Colorado Yeti
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1 Baltimore Hawks
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2 Baltimore Hawks
Paul DiMirio might have been picked too early, as similar talent was available much later. Rich Gucci and especially Carmel Gibson were mid-draft picks in the 50s and are all starters as well. Gibson so far has the advantage in terms of being the best tight end in this draft and could be a big steal.
Offensive Line:
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1 Arizona Outlaws
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1 San Jose Sabercats
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2 Orange County Otters
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1 Philadelphia Liberty
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3 Baltimore Hawks
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3 San Jose Sabercats
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3 Arizona Outlaws
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3 Baltimore Hawks
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1 Baltimore Hawks
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4 Baltimore Hawks
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4 Yellowknife Wraiths
42nd Matt James 72 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty (traded)
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4 Orange County Otters
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2 Colorado Yeti
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5 Arizona Outlaws
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5 San Jose Sabercats
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1 Baltimore Hawks
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7 Yellowknife Wraiths
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5 Arizona Outlaws
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3 Philadelphia Liberty
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4 Colorado Yeti
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4 Arizona Outlaws
Offensive Line was the big factor in this draft. Many teams needed many starters, to the point that almost every lineman picked will be a starter. By that virtue, everyone was great value. Brokk Lee looks like an early bust, only rated 19th among all offensive linemen taken, despite being picked in the top ten of the draft and as the fifth lineman overall. Similarly, Charles, Koch and Blocksdale (all Hawks, all picked in the 20s) might disappoint. Matt James is great value, but we saw how his personality made him drop in the draft and subsequently traded. Gui Worthy looks great, despite being picked last among linemen, he ranks 10th out of 23 linemen.
Defensive Tackle:
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1 Yellowknife Wraiths
38th Ben Green 63 DT1 Orange County Otters
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3 Las Vegas Legion
92nd Frederick Smith out of league Baltimore Hawks
Not much to say here. Bjornsson was picked high and he deserves it. Green was picked in the middle of the draft, not great ratings but he should be the starter for the Otters.
Defensive End:
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2 Colorado Yeti
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1 Philadelphia Liberty
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2 Baltimore Hawks
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2 San Jose Sabercats
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2 Philadelphia Liberty
39th Big Bot 67 DE3 Colorado Yeti
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1 San Jose Sabercats
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1 Las Vegas Legion
91st Mac Donald 66 DE4 San Jose Sabercats
Some really amazing Defensive Ends were picked in this draft. Drew Davidson leads the pack, with a fantastic 77 rating and only picked 17th. Some mid-draft players really stand out here. Ottokar Von Gerhardt with a 71 rating picked 33rd, Chidubem Okonkwo picked 43rd with a 72 rating and especially great Thaddeus Bullard with a 71 rating picked very late at 66. He could end up one of the biggest steals of the draft, at least as of now. Enchilada Charlton could be a disappointment, especially in this really fantastic draft for Defensive Ends.
Linebacker:
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2 Yellowknife Wraiths
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End) Philadelphia Liberty
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2 Philadelphia Liberty
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2 Arizona Outlaws
45th James Wright 72 LB2 Baltimore Hawks
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3 San Jose Sabercats
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4 Yellowknife Wraiths
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3 Philadelphia Liberty
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4 Colorado Yeti
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4 San Jose Sabercats
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4 Arizona Outlaws
Another very deep position at linebacker. As of yet, the players have not made a push to really stand out yet. Luke Luechly is the best so far with a 75 rating and picked 40th in the draft, a great value pick. It will be particularly interesting to see how this position evolves over time.
Cornerback:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1 Yellowknife Wraiths
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1 Baltimore Hawks
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2 Philadelphia Liberty
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2 Orange County Otters
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1 Philadelphia Liberty
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2 San Jose Sabercats
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3 Las Vegas Legion
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3 Yellowknife Wraiths
Dermot Lavelle was the consensus number one pick and he shows why with a staggering 78 overall rating. But there are some quality picks here, Turner at 9 and 74 overall is still very good. O’Sullivan at 73 rating and 31st pick was also great value. The best value though may be Leon Morgan with a 70 overall rating was only picked 73rd overall.
Safety:
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1 Colorado Yeti
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2 Baltimore Hawks
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2 Orange County Otters
25th Marcus Kane 67 S3 Yellowknife Wraiths
35th Allen Davis 70 S3 Arizona Outlaws
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3 Orange County Otters
76th James Lillico 63 S4 Baltimore Hawks
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB) Colorado Yeti
Safety looks to be a rather disappointing position so far. Kronen could be a stand out and good value at 22nd. The most amazing pick of the draft could be an unexpected one. Torque Lewith was picked 87th overall – as a quarterback, but the position change did well for him, as he is tied for 3rd among Safeties.
Kicker/Punter:
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1 Arizona Outlaws
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1 Orange County Otters
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2 Yellowknife Wraiths
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3 Arizona Outlaws
Not much to say here, Ronaldo and Langdon are starters, but could have probably been picked later in the draft.
Starters and bench players:
For starters I used 1 Quarterback, 1 Running Back, 5 Offensive Linemen, 1 Tight End and 2 Wide Receiver, 1 Defensive Tackle, 2 Defensive Ends, 3 Linebacker, 2 Cornerbacks, 2 Safeties and 1 Kicker/Punter. For Fringe I used 1 Running Back, 1 Offensive Lineman, 1 Tight End, 1 Wide Receiver, 1 Defensive Tackle, 1 Linebacker, 1 Cornerback. Anything else I used for bench.
Starters:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2
31st Kristoffer Sullivan 73 CB1
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2
38th Ben Green 63 DT1
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
42nd Matt James 72 OL3
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3
45th James Wright 72 LB2
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB)
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4
Most of the top picks are obviously starters and deservedly so. But there was great value in this draft until very late. Even many mid-draft picks will end up starters on their team, with some stand outs even late. Many of the late picks are offensive linemen, the position where most starters were needed but there are also some others there, such as Torque Lewith at Safety and Thaddeus Bullard at defensive end, who far exceed the value you would expect that late in the draft.
Fringe:
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2 to Savea
47th John Ross 69 WR3
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2
Some of the top players here will likely end up seeing a lot of time on the field, like CA Chess and Kyle Cobb. Guys in the middle of the draft, like Chunk, Austin, Morgan and Paz could end up being solid contributors from a late spot. Farlane looks like a disappointment for now.
Bench:
25th Marcus Kane 67 S3
35th Allen Davis 70 S3
39th Big Bot 67 DE3
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2
60th John Baker 67 WR4
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7
76th James Lillico 63 S4
77th Domantas Sabonis out of league?
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5
83rd John Goose 63 RB3
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3
90th Mac Donald 66 DE4
92nd Frederick Smith out of league
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3
While you would expect some of these later choices to be bench players, some very early picks will end up warming the bench. It looks that way for Marcus Kane, the safety that was picked 25th. You would not expect someone picked that high to warm the bench, so it will be interesting to see if he can turn things around.
Let’s look how each team did individually!
Yellowknife Wraiths:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
5th Bork Bjornsson 70 DT1
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
29th Tyron Smith 69 OL4
53rd Darren Smallwood 69 WR2
61st Luke Chunk 70 LB4
69th Jazzy J 60 OL7
77th Domantas Sabonis (out of league?)
85th Rafael Reyes 68 CB3
93rd Eric Kennedy 64 RB2
101st Jason Jerek 64 K/P2
The Wraiths had some very early picks and then a few more late in the draft. With Lavelle, Bjornsson, Cushing and Smith they took some solid players early on, but Bjornsson and Smith may have been taken a bit too early. Smallwood and Chunk look like really decent picks in the middle of the draft. Reyes could also end up contributing very well as a late pick.
Starters added: 6
Colorado Yeti:
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
15th Roman Thomas 73 S1
39th Big Bot 67 DE3
47th John Ross 69 WR3
55th Rich Gucci 70 TE1
63rd Gadget Tech 69 OL2
71st Steve Austin 71 LB4
79th Bernard Forthward 67 OL4
87th Torque Lewith 70 S2 (drafted as QB)
95th Santana Moss 63 WR4
The Yeti only had two early picks, both of which seem decent. Gucci and Austin could be great picks and contributors in the middle of the draft, while Lewith could end up being the steal of the draft after his position change.
Starters added: 6
Arizona Outlaws:
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
24th Scotty Timlin 70 OL3
32nd CA Chess 71 WR3
35th Allen Davis 70 S3
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
48th Christiano Ronaldo 69 K/P1
64th Connor MacManus 64 OL5
72nd Buster Brownce 66 OL5
80th Hingle Mcringleberry 64 LB 4
88th Gui Worthy 68 OL4
96th Teez Tobin 65 RB2
104th Jack Vanderjagt 65 K/P3
Arizona basically drafted an entire Offensive Line and a lot more. They had a large number of picks in early stages of the draft and used them well. Luke Luechly is one of the best picks of the draft so far and Evans will be a major threat in the passing game. They bolstered their line and also their kicking.
Starters added: 7
San Jose Sabercats:
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
11th Jordan Yates 71 OL3
19th Enchilada Charlton 67 DE2
37th Xavier Newman 69 CB2
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
50th Christian Adams 70 QB2
57th Denzel Diaz 66 RB2
59th Noah Parker 71 LB3
67th Braden Sharp 64 OL5
75th Manny Paz 70 LB4
83rd John Goose 63 RB3
91st Mac Donald 66 DE4
The Sabercats impressed me more in the later stages of the draft than early on. With Okonkwo, Adams, Parker and Paz they added some nice players, while their 19th overall pick Charlton is disappointing.
Starters added: 6
Orange County Otters:
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
30th Marc Spector 71 CB2
38th Ben Green 63 DT1
41st Kyle Cobb 71 RB2
46th Isaiah McGinn 70 S3
54th Joey Langdon 68 K/P1
62nd Shjom Finkenlarkin 68 OL4
The Otters focused mainly on the early and middle picks in the draft and almost all the players they added are starters or should be solid contributors. It was a very selective process but the Otters did a fairly good job. Ben Green may be the only disappointment but even he will be starter.
Starters added: 7
Philadelphia Liberty:
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
12th Tyler Oles 71 CB2
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
23rd Paul DiMirio 70 TE1
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1
33rd Ottokar Von Gerhardt 71 DE2
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
44th Brett Dodggy 66 OL3
49th Shawn Brady 69 QB2
51st Damien Kroetch 67 WR2
65th Donovan Maric 71 LB3
74th Bradley T. MadLad 66 OL3
81st Hunter Mason 66 WR3
The Liberty as an extension team wanted to build through the draft and did so quite well. With a lot of early picks, they made very good choices, adding players with a rating over 70 in every single one of their first nine picks. Davidson was one of the great picks in the draft, O’Sullivan and Washington will be good as well and Maric was a great later pick.
Starters added: 13
Las Vegas Legion:
56th Johnny Rocket 67 WR3
66th Thaddeus Bullard 71 DE1
73rd Leon Morgan 70 CB3
82nd Ryan Lecavalier 61 WR5
89th Typical Newenglander 53 DT3
The Legion only had five picks late in the draft, but added a great Defensive End in Bullard. Morgan could contribute quite well as well.
Starters added: 1
Baltimore Hawks:
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
10th Brokk Lee 64 OL3
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
20th Jorge Masvidal 67 S2
26th Alonzo Charles 65 OL3
27th Dieter Koch 66 OL1
28th Avon Blocksdale 64 OL4
36th Darlane Farlane 67 RB2
45th James Wright 72 LB2
52nd Matthew Vincent 67 WR2
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
60th John Baker 67 WR4
68th Pat Pancake 66 OL1
76th James Lillico 63 S4
84th Jesse Sanderson 63 TE2
92nd Frederick Smith (out of league)
The Hawks might have had the worst draft of any team. While they added some nice players in Turner, Taylor, Wright and Gibson, a large number of others are under 70, even high picks like Brokk Lee (arguably the worst pick in the draft as of now). Their entire offensive line was basically picked in this draft, but none of them are over 66 in rating, showing a definitive problem with scouting.
Starters added: 11
Best rookies overall:
1st Dermot Lavelle 78 CB1
17th Drew Davidson 77 DE1
2nd Blaster Blade 76 DE2
4th Vincent Sharpei 76 OL1
40th Luke Luechly 75 LB2
3rd Tim Pest 74 OL1
9th Darnell Turner 74 CB1
16th Dustin Evans 74 WR2
18th Owen Taylor 74 DE2
6th Gregor Clegane 73 OL2
7th Fox North 73 WR1
8th Micah Hendrix 73 OL1
13th Kevin Cushing 73 LB2
21st Perry Tucker 73 LB1 (drafted as Tight End)
22nd Ragner Kronen 73 S2
31st Kristoffer O’Sullivan 73 CB1
14th Ardie Savea 72 RB1
34th Luke Washington 72 LB2
43rd Chidubem Okonkwo 72 DE1
45th James Wright 72 LB2
58th Carmel Gibson 72 TE1
As we can see, Dermot Lavelle was taken first overall correctly. After that, Davidson already looks like a huge steal, even at 17th where he was taken. Luke Luechly could end up being the biggest steal, as he is already fifth of any rookie, yet was taken 40th. The only two players taken in the top ten who are missing from this best rookies list are Bork Bjornsson, taken at 5th and 70 overall and Brokk Lee, taken 10th and only 64 overall – perhaps the bust of the draft.