In this draft breakdown, I will be taking a look at each teams best "value pick" or "steal" that they drafted. While both those terms are extremely subjective I will be basing the decision off of these categories in levels of importance:
1. User
2. Draft Position
3. TPE Earning
4. On field performance
5. Future outlook
Some of these might be funny choices, but here we go!
Baltimore Hawks - RB Busch Goose (1.2) @infinitempg
I know what you are thinking, that picking the second player on a back to back selection does not define a value pick. However, I would argue that once Busch Goose fell past the first overall pick, he was going to be the best value pick no matter where he went. Lucky for Baltimore, they had the first two picks and was afforded the luxury of grabbing him at pick 2 overall. While the player Busch Goose was great and worthy of a first or second round selection, the user behind the player, infinitempg, is the reason he is a value pick even at #2 overall. While I have only been in the league for a few seasons, I have clearly seen the value he adds to the league and his importance to it. He is one of the best users ever in the ISFL and will be extremely valuable to Baltimore’s on field and behind the scenes rebuild.
Berlin Fire Salamanders - QB Jacob Raske (3.37) @CLG Rampage
Although I believe Berlind got one of the better value picks with Dexter Zaylen (Laser) in round 2, the fact that Jacob Raske fell all the way to 37th overall is insane to think about. The user behind the player often known as CLG stated before the draft that he would be willing to position swap as long as he got to play one season as quarterback in the DSFL. CLG is a top 15 earner in the class, and also one of the most fun people to be around in general. He is athletic enough to switch from a QB to a dominant player at another position. Getting a first round earner and user late in the 3rd round is an absolute steal.
Chicago Butchers - S Tim Soulja (2.24) @Painted
This one was very easy. Although the Butchers did not have a pick past this, Painted was one of my favorite users this season and one of the best rookies from the Ducks. I thought that Chicago was going to grab him with their first round pick, but getting him all the way at the end of the second screams value. Tim Soulja was voted as safety of the year in the DSFL and is a top earner in the class as well. He has no shortage of on the field dominance that would make anyone think he is not worthy of a first round pick. However, combined with the awesome user that Painted is, I was surprised he fell this far. Good job CC (for once).
Colorado Yeti - CB Amy Wong (3.39) @pazuzu
Paz! Just recently in the offseason pazuzu was traded to the Minnesota Grey Ducks from Norfolk. Immediately, they were an awesome locker room presence and we know that we got a future elite playmaker on the boundary. On the field, Amy Wong was an elite cornerback. She finished second in the league with 31 passes defended, and also had a respectable 68 tackles and 2 interceptions to go along with them. Pazuzu is a very good earner and much better than the tail end of round 3. Like the users above her, pazuzu had no business falling this far and will end up as a star on the Yeti defense for years to come.
Philadelphia Liberty - CB C.J. Sonjack (3.29) @Ace
This was an extremely hard decision as a member of the Philadelphia Liberty. I really do believe we had the best draft this year and will have multiple pro bowlers and hall of famers from this class. This decision though for the best value pick came down to our two 3rd round picks Lonnie Jackson and C.J. Sonjack. I think they are both great users but what pushes Sonjack over the edge was his absolutely dominant once in a lifetime performance as a shutdown cornerback in the DSFL this year for the Royals. During the awards show, C.J. Sonjack took home: cornerback of the year, defensive rookie of the year, and defensive performance of the year for his week 11 game where he finished with 3 interceptions and 5 passes defended. The user Ace is a top earner, an experienced sim league guy, and one of the easiest people to have a conversation with. Everything about this guy says future Hall of Famer. Getting that in round 3 is an absolute steal.
Sarasota Sailfish - WR Saleem Spence (3.31) @StadiumGambler
I have no clue how this happened. Somehow the defending champs get the top earner in their class, but not with their first pick, not with their second pick, but with a third rounder they traded up to get. As of this article, Saleem Spence is the top earner in the S28 class. Even without a good user behind them, a top earner can usually find their way into the second or even first round depending on the team. However, StadiumGambler is one of the most active members of the community, and is in discord locker rooms all the time. In the few times I have interacted with them it was a pleasant experience. Although wide receivers have become oversaturated in recent years, there is no excuse for the top earner in the class and a great user behind the player should fall all the way to round 3. And of course it's Frost benefitting!
Yellowknife Wraiths - RB Eric Gaare (2.22) @maupassant
I really do keep trying to find picks in the 4th and 5th rounds but the more I look through the draft the more I cannot believe how some of these users fell. During the DSFL season, Gaare was an efficient runner, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 6 touchdowns on the year. He is also a threat to go yard on every touch with a 77 yard touchdown on the season. Not to mention, he was also a big threat in the passing game averaging 12.7 yards per reception. Maupassant is also just a great user. In this user, Yellowknife gets a future star to pair with James Vermillion. Look out for them to have one of the best run games in a few seasons.
Arizona Outlaws - LB Brooks Bane (4.50) @jhatty8
Finally! A super late steal! Jhatty8 has been one of my favorite users in the Ducks locker room since he arrived. He always brings a great attitude and is always around to get hyped up on game day. While not a top earner in his class, Brooks Bane makes up for it in attitude and performance. Bane finished with 66 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended. As a linebacker, he can take on any role the defensive coordinator asks him to while still playing to his strengths. The Outlaws should be confident that they got a great locker room guy and someone who will do whatever it takes to contribute on the field.
Austin Copperheads - DT Daniel O’Leary (3.30) @mango8154
Mangooooo. Another Minnesota Grey Duck, and a great user in general. He is near the middle of his class in TPE but is a fantastic user and produced when called upon. Minnesota’s defensive line was solid this year, but when O’Leary was called upon he made plays. Finishing with 3 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries he was just a playmaker on the inside. With more training in Austin, he has the chance to flourish into one of the better defensive lineman in the ISFL.
Honolulu Hahalua - DT Professor Godfrey Gravity (1.12) @z0rem
In a somewhat weak defensive tackle class, the Hahalua got great value by drafting Professor Godfrey Gravity late in the first round. He is near the top of the class in TPE, and was a force on the field. Gravity had 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and a safety from the inside. As a defensive tackle, he dominated from the inside like no other rookie did. It is so vital to get pressure, and pressure up the middle is good for both the run game and the pass game. Not to mention, the user himself z0rem is a great guy. I had the pleasure of scouting him for the Liberty and we had a long conversation that I really enjoyed. I don’t doubt that he will be a wrecking ball at the next level. Watch out ISFL.
New Orleans Second Line - RB Remus Roman (2.20) @Vaelynn
The second Roman twin went 5 picks after his brother, but he will make a huge impact at the next level nonetheless. Remus Roman is near the middle of the class in TPE, but much like the other value picks, the play on the field and the locker room presence make this a great value pick for New Orleans. On the field, Roman ran for 817 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 10 touchdowns, with a long of 89 yards. Easily a top rookie running back, his efficiency mixed with production is nothing short of elite. In the locker room, the user Vaelynn is one of the best people to talk to. I truly believe he will join C9Van and Rotchburns as a 3 headed trio that the ISFL will fear for years to come.
New York Silverbacks - LB Deandre Chuggs (3.34) @xQCFamous
As the newly appointed Co-GM of the Norfolk SeaWolves, xQCFamous is back with a vengeance with his new player Deandre Chuggs. Here, it is only right to talk about the user as a value pick first. xQCFamous easily has some of the best ISFL graphics I have ever seen. He is absolutely awesome at it and has done so much during his time in the ISFL to improve the department. I was really sad to see him go to Norfolk because of how much we liked him in the locker room, but he will do great there. In terms of his player, he is not a top tier earner as of now, but he was a force on the field this past season in the DSFL. Chuggs was 4th in tackles with 99 to go along with 7 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 passes defended. A do it all force for the Ducks, the Silverbacks can count on Chuggs to be a star at the linebacker spot.
Orange County Otters - K Dallas Dole (3.42) @Dallypole
Dallas Dole probably fell down draft boards due to his earning and position. However, he was one of the best kickers in all of the DSFL. He went 40/44 on XPs and 21/28 on FGs, good for 90.9% and 75% respectively. With a kicking long of 50 yards, Dole was a threat from anywhere on the field to kick a good field goal. Not to mention, Dallas was also a great punter who sent 76 punts for 40.3 yards per punt with 28 landing inside the 20. He was a great DSFL kicker and I have no doubt he will continue it at the next level. The last pick in the third round is a great value pick not because of the player Dallas Dole, but because of the user “Dallypole” behind him. One of the first people I got to scout, Dallypole was a pleasure to talk to. All he wanted to do was to be a great teammate and be the best kicker possible. One response he gave in particular makes me realize how great he will be. He wants to be a kicker because he wants to be the guy his teammates rely on to make a big kick. That's all you need to hear to make you think this guy will be special with the Otters.
San Jose SaberCats - CB Willie Miller (3.35) @Sebster
This 3rd round in the draft is absolutely insane. 8 of the 14 players that I have outlined as the best value picks for their teams have been 3rd round draft picks. Willie Miller continues that trend and boy does he deserve this. His on the field play left some to be desired, with Miller only finishing the year with 2 forced turnovers and 16 passes defended. However, he was used sparingly in London but effectively. I believe with the user Sebster behind Miller he will only get better with the great training program that San Jose has. Sebster was one of the people we really enjoyed having in the lobby at Philly and there was nothing but good things coming from London when we asked around and what we saw in the locker room. Sleep on Willie Miller at your own expense! The name is truly elite as well.
1. User
2. Draft Position
3. TPE Earning
4. On field performance
5. Future outlook
Some of these might be funny choices, but here we go!
Baltimore Hawks - RB Busch Goose (1.2) @infinitempg
I know what you are thinking, that picking the second player on a back to back selection does not define a value pick. However, I would argue that once Busch Goose fell past the first overall pick, he was going to be the best value pick no matter where he went. Lucky for Baltimore, they had the first two picks and was afforded the luxury of grabbing him at pick 2 overall. While the player Busch Goose was great and worthy of a first or second round selection, the user behind the player, infinitempg, is the reason he is a value pick even at #2 overall. While I have only been in the league for a few seasons, I have clearly seen the value he adds to the league and his importance to it. He is one of the best users ever in the ISFL and will be extremely valuable to Baltimore’s on field and behind the scenes rebuild.
Berlin Fire Salamanders - QB Jacob Raske (3.37) @CLG Rampage
Although I believe Berlind got one of the better value picks with Dexter Zaylen (Laser) in round 2, the fact that Jacob Raske fell all the way to 37th overall is insane to think about. The user behind the player often known as CLG stated before the draft that he would be willing to position swap as long as he got to play one season as quarterback in the DSFL. CLG is a top 15 earner in the class, and also one of the most fun people to be around in general. He is athletic enough to switch from a QB to a dominant player at another position. Getting a first round earner and user late in the 3rd round is an absolute steal.
Chicago Butchers - S Tim Soulja (2.24) @Painted
This one was very easy. Although the Butchers did not have a pick past this, Painted was one of my favorite users this season and one of the best rookies from the Ducks. I thought that Chicago was going to grab him with their first round pick, but getting him all the way at the end of the second screams value. Tim Soulja was voted as safety of the year in the DSFL and is a top earner in the class as well. He has no shortage of on the field dominance that would make anyone think he is not worthy of a first round pick. However, combined with the awesome user that Painted is, I was surprised he fell this far. Good job CC (for once).
Colorado Yeti - CB Amy Wong (3.39) @pazuzu
Paz! Just recently in the offseason pazuzu was traded to the Minnesota Grey Ducks from Norfolk. Immediately, they were an awesome locker room presence and we know that we got a future elite playmaker on the boundary. On the field, Amy Wong was an elite cornerback. She finished second in the league with 31 passes defended, and also had a respectable 68 tackles and 2 interceptions to go along with them. Pazuzu is a very good earner and much better than the tail end of round 3. Like the users above her, pazuzu had no business falling this far and will end up as a star on the Yeti defense for years to come.
Philadelphia Liberty - CB C.J. Sonjack (3.29) @Ace
This was an extremely hard decision as a member of the Philadelphia Liberty. I really do believe we had the best draft this year and will have multiple pro bowlers and hall of famers from this class. This decision though for the best value pick came down to our two 3rd round picks Lonnie Jackson and C.J. Sonjack. I think they are both great users but what pushes Sonjack over the edge was his absolutely dominant once in a lifetime performance as a shutdown cornerback in the DSFL this year for the Royals. During the awards show, C.J. Sonjack took home: cornerback of the year, defensive rookie of the year, and defensive performance of the year for his week 11 game where he finished with 3 interceptions and 5 passes defended. The user Ace is a top earner, an experienced sim league guy, and one of the easiest people to have a conversation with. Everything about this guy says future Hall of Famer. Getting that in round 3 is an absolute steal.
Sarasota Sailfish - WR Saleem Spence (3.31) @StadiumGambler
I have no clue how this happened. Somehow the defending champs get the top earner in their class, but not with their first pick, not with their second pick, but with a third rounder they traded up to get. As of this article, Saleem Spence is the top earner in the S28 class. Even without a good user behind them, a top earner can usually find their way into the second or even first round depending on the team. However, StadiumGambler is one of the most active members of the community, and is in discord locker rooms all the time. In the few times I have interacted with them it was a pleasant experience. Although wide receivers have become oversaturated in recent years, there is no excuse for the top earner in the class and a great user behind the player should fall all the way to round 3. And of course it's Frost benefitting!
Yellowknife Wraiths - RB Eric Gaare (2.22) @maupassant
I really do keep trying to find picks in the 4th and 5th rounds but the more I look through the draft the more I cannot believe how some of these users fell. During the DSFL season, Gaare was an efficient runner, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 6 touchdowns on the year. He is also a threat to go yard on every touch with a 77 yard touchdown on the season. Not to mention, he was also a big threat in the passing game averaging 12.7 yards per reception. Maupassant is also just a great user. In this user, Yellowknife gets a future star to pair with James Vermillion. Look out for them to have one of the best run games in a few seasons.
Arizona Outlaws - LB Brooks Bane (4.50) @jhatty8
Finally! A super late steal! Jhatty8 has been one of my favorite users in the Ducks locker room since he arrived. He always brings a great attitude and is always around to get hyped up on game day. While not a top earner in his class, Brooks Bane makes up for it in attitude and performance. Bane finished with 66 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended. As a linebacker, he can take on any role the defensive coordinator asks him to while still playing to his strengths. The Outlaws should be confident that they got a great locker room guy and someone who will do whatever it takes to contribute on the field.
Austin Copperheads - DT Daniel O’Leary (3.30) @mango8154
Mangooooo. Another Minnesota Grey Duck, and a great user in general. He is near the middle of his class in TPE but is a fantastic user and produced when called upon. Minnesota’s defensive line was solid this year, but when O’Leary was called upon he made plays. Finishing with 3 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries he was just a playmaker on the inside. With more training in Austin, he has the chance to flourish into one of the better defensive lineman in the ISFL.
Honolulu Hahalua - DT Professor Godfrey Gravity (1.12) @z0rem
In a somewhat weak defensive tackle class, the Hahalua got great value by drafting Professor Godfrey Gravity late in the first round. He is near the top of the class in TPE, and was a force on the field. Gravity had 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and a safety from the inside. As a defensive tackle, he dominated from the inside like no other rookie did. It is so vital to get pressure, and pressure up the middle is good for both the run game and the pass game. Not to mention, the user himself z0rem is a great guy. I had the pleasure of scouting him for the Liberty and we had a long conversation that I really enjoyed. I don’t doubt that he will be a wrecking ball at the next level. Watch out ISFL.
New Orleans Second Line - RB Remus Roman (2.20) @Vaelynn
The second Roman twin went 5 picks after his brother, but he will make a huge impact at the next level nonetheless. Remus Roman is near the middle of the class in TPE, but much like the other value picks, the play on the field and the locker room presence make this a great value pick for New Orleans. On the field, Roman ran for 817 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 10 touchdowns, with a long of 89 yards. Easily a top rookie running back, his efficiency mixed with production is nothing short of elite. In the locker room, the user Vaelynn is one of the best people to talk to. I truly believe he will join C9Van and Rotchburns as a 3 headed trio that the ISFL will fear for years to come.
New York Silverbacks - LB Deandre Chuggs (3.34) @xQCFamous
As the newly appointed Co-GM of the Norfolk SeaWolves, xQCFamous is back with a vengeance with his new player Deandre Chuggs. Here, it is only right to talk about the user as a value pick first. xQCFamous easily has some of the best ISFL graphics I have ever seen. He is absolutely awesome at it and has done so much during his time in the ISFL to improve the department. I was really sad to see him go to Norfolk because of how much we liked him in the locker room, but he will do great there. In terms of his player, he is not a top tier earner as of now, but he was a force on the field this past season in the DSFL. Chuggs was 4th in tackles with 99 to go along with 7 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 passes defended. A do it all force for the Ducks, the Silverbacks can count on Chuggs to be a star at the linebacker spot.
Orange County Otters - K Dallas Dole (3.42) @Dallypole
Dallas Dole probably fell down draft boards due to his earning and position. However, he was one of the best kickers in all of the DSFL. He went 40/44 on XPs and 21/28 on FGs, good for 90.9% and 75% respectively. With a kicking long of 50 yards, Dole was a threat from anywhere on the field to kick a good field goal. Not to mention, Dallas was also a great punter who sent 76 punts for 40.3 yards per punt with 28 landing inside the 20. He was a great DSFL kicker and I have no doubt he will continue it at the next level. The last pick in the third round is a great value pick not because of the player Dallas Dole, but because of the user “Dallypole” behind him. One of the first people I got to scout, Dallypole was a pleasure to talk to. All he wanted to do was to be a great teammate and be the best kicker possible. One response he gave in particular makes me realize how great he will be. He wants to be a kicker because he wants to be the guy his teammates rely on to make a big kick. That's all you need to hear to make you think this guy will be special with the Otters.
San Jose SaberCats - CB Willie Miller (3.35) @Sebster
This 3rd round in the draft is absolutely insane. 8 of the 14 players that I have outlined as the best value picks for their teams have been 3rd round draft picks. Willie Miller continues that trend and boy does he deserve this. His on the field play left some to be desired, with Miller only finishing the year with 2 forced turnovers and 16 passes defended. However, he was used sparingly in London but effectively. I believe with the user Sebster behind Miller he will only get better with the great training program that San Jose has. Sebster was one of the people we really enjoyed having in the lobby at Philly and there was nothing but good things coming from London when we asked around and what we saw in the locker room. Sleep on Willie Miller at your own expense! The name is truly elite as well.
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