The Philadelphia Liberty come off a 5-9 season with a lot of questions surrounding QB1 Jameis Christ and a run game which failed to get going at times. The Liberty Co-GMs had a lot of questions heading into this draft and sought to improve them as quickly as possible.
Round 2 – Pick 3 (11th Overall) - Clifford Rove – Quarterback – Michigan
“Reeeeeaaaach,” rung out through the halls of Radio City Music Hall as Rove’s name was read out. But closer inspection sees this move could be one of the steals of the draft. Despite the panel of experts on NSFLN being split over the decision, it is clear the Liberty are hoping the long-lasting effect of this pick is upsetting Arizona’s plan for a threepeat.
Rove, a three-year starter at Michigan looks likely to become the new starter in a revamped Liberty team looking to make strides from their 5-9 finish last year. Whilst Christ was below average last season the Liberty GMs are hopeful Rove can come into camp with a good attitude and win the starting role.
Draft Grade – B
Round 3 – Pick 1 (17th Overall) - Cesar Millan – Offensive Line – Pacific Point Canine Academy
The Liberty address one of the most glaring needs on their team picking up Cesar Millar out of Pacific Point Canine Academy. Whilst not a FBS team, PPCA have a reputation of developing real junkyard dawgs in the offensive line. Several of these players transfer from PPCA after their “puppy pre-school” program which sees prospective offensive linemen undertake near Navy SEAL style training regiments.
Millan proved a leader of the pack though staying on with the program for four full years. The result is a real bulldog of a player, he’s willing to dig, claw, and fight to help his team advance the ball. A powerful and determined player who has overcome question marks hanging over him after a biting allegation was levelled against him after his helmet came off in his freshman year. Look for the offensive line breakout star of season 3.
Millan provides an injection of strength into a Philadelphia offensive line who will be looking to become the premier line-ups in the NSFL this season and beyond.
Draft Grade – A-
Round 3 – Pick 3 (19th Overall) - William Ridley – Linebacker – Tennessee
Tough and tenacious, Ridley joins a group of Linebackers on the rise. With the addition of AC Hackett in the off season; joining Luke Washington and Perry Tucker. Ridley provides some grunt to the middle of the field as a change of pace compliment, and provides handy depth to the linebacker position. Ridley also headlines as a rookie who could begin his career in the DSFL.
After a strong junior and senior campaign Ridley’s draft stock grew, with some experts tipping Ridley to be selected as a late 2nd round selection. Ridley slid to the third round, and could be a steal for the Liberty with at least two GMs exclaiming they wanted Ridley around that position in the NSFLN live-stream.
Philadelphia identified a need at the linebacker position and traded up to select the Tennessee prospect. Ridley will help contribute to stopping the run, and by seasons end will look to develop into one of the premier linebackers selected in the S3 draft. Ridley is a prospect who has tremendous upside and looks to play in the league for seasons to come.
Draft Grade – B
Round 4 – Pick 5 (29th Overall) – Sammy Walters – Offensive Line – Stony Brook
Much along the lines of Cesar Millan, Walters comes in at a position of need for the Liberty. Walters is an athletic beast with several pundits actually surprised Walters was available in this position. Walters brings an intensity and strong work ethic to his role; and will feature prominently in the NSFL this season.
Walters is a steal in the fourth round, and although the offensive line class of season 3 is deep; Walters has the opportunity of becoming a nightmare of opposing defensive lines.
His college career was stellar, an exemplary talent at Stony Brook where he lead the team in pancakes and sacks allowed. With the Liberty filling a need on the offensive line the Liberty continue to have a great draft filling needs.
Draft Grade – B+
Round 5 – Pick 1 (33rd Overall) – Eli Kamaka – Defensive End – Oregon
A prospect who declared for the draft at the death picked in the 5th. Kamaka comes into the league after a career of chasing QB’s around the park in the Pac-12. Kamaka has the benefit of lining up on the edge as a hand in the dirt end, or as a stand up 3-4 linebacker. How the Liberty look to use him is anyone’s question, however with defensive end a need for the team it could be Kamaka could slot into the starting line-up at some point during the coming year.
Kamaka also has the ability to be a beast in the DSFL, his combination of speed and power will make him difficult to stop in the developmental league, which could see him have dramatic growth for his return to the NSFL.
However, by addressing another need the Liberty are showing they are willing to take a chance on players who have not yet had the exposure to the league as some of the other prospects. Only time will tell if Kamaka can repay the faith and become a late-round steal.
Draft Grade – C+
Round 6 – Pick 3 (43rd Overall) – Budda Browning – Quarterback – Washington
Budda Browning comes into the league following a disappointing end to his time in Washington, the mercurial Browning is a human highlight reel, his consideration for the Heisman trophy is promise enough of that. Browning has been known to try to make plays with his feet too readily, tucking and running with the ball opposed to waiting for the play to develop. The Liberty select Browning with a couple of options available to them. Browning could be an ideal candidate for the DSFL inaugural season, with his tuck and run ability, coupled with his big game experience, he should be undaunted by the prospect of facing the competition in the DSFL.
The second and most interesting possibility involves Browning changing positions into a receiver. Browning has shown he is a playmaker first and foremost, and his ability to make plays with his feet put him in a unique situation. Browning could be a contributor straight away on offense with an eye to become Clifford Rove’s favourite target through his career. A player who will be looking to develop, and has a great attitude, look for him to make waves as he develops his game.
Draft Grade – B-
Round 7 – Pick 3 (51st Overall) – Joseph Lombardi – Kicker – Vanderbilt
Lombardi enters the league as a potential P for the Liberty, although Stephen Harris currently pulls double duty for Philly, there could be potential for Harris to focus exclusively on slotting them between the posts. With kicking opportunities limited in the NSFL Lombardi may have the opportunity to develop into a dominant kicker in the DSFL. Philadelphia have a difficult decision if they wish to stay with Harris pulling double duty, or if they want to deploy their 7th round selection.
Draft Grade – C
Round 8 – Pick 3 (59th Overall) – Gavin Graham - Safety – East Mississippi Community College
A prospect with a chequered past, being removed from the East Miss Community College roster mid-way through the season for inappropriate dealings with a teacher. Graham is the last safety off the board. Graham joins a stacked Philadelphia Defence, and will probably see his first game action in the DSFL. A natural playmaker who allowed off field indiscretions to derail his career this far. If Graham can shape up he could be a great change of pace option in the defensive backfield; however, if not he could be seen as a locker room distraction which could cause chemistry issues in the now loaded Philadelphia roster.
Draft Grade – C-
Overall Thoughts
Total Selections: 8
Offensive Selections: 4
Defensive Selections: 3
Special Teams Selections: 1
The Philadelphia Liberty made great use of their 8 selections, managing to upgrade their roster at several key positions without having a first round selection. The Liberty are gearing up for a playoff run this season and believe they have the tools necessary to make it into the Ultimus. The Liberty continue their great offseason, and are firmly in the drivers seat for winning the offseason; AC Hackett brings a wealth of experience and ability to an developing pass defence, and the savvy acquisition of Mark Ramiro improve the interior pass rush exponentially, which should see an increase in defensive production from an already improving unit.
The Liberty identified the offensive line as a priority and although they could have attempted moving up for some blue-chip prospects the Liberty waited and landed two impact players who will help improve the teams record instantly. Bringing in two quarterbacks could be seen as a miscalculation; however, Rove could become a day 1 starter, and will bring a strong offseason of development with him, and Browning has the opportunity to become an impact player wherever he lands.
The defensive side of the ball required fewer additions, with Ridley and Kamaka potentially making an instant impact if their development continues to be strong. While safety is a position of need for the Liberty, it is unclear if AC Hackett will start in the SS position, Graham will need to develop further, but has the opportunity to contribute in the defensive backfield through the season.
Lombardi looks to be a DSFL Pro-bowler, however, with a need a punter, will be interesting to see his development moving forward.
Overall Draft Grade – B+
Graded
Payout=$2,254,000
Round 2 – Pick 3 (11th Overall) - Clifford Rove – Quarterback – Michigan
“Reeeeeaaaach,” rung out through the halls of Radio City Music Hall as Rove’s name was read out. But closer inspection sees this move could be one of the steals of the draft. Despite the panel of experts on NSFLN being split over the decision, it is clear the Liberty are hoping the long-lasting effect of this pick is upsetting Arizona’s plan for a threepeat.
Rove, a three-year starter at Michigan looks likely to become the new starter in a revamped Liberty team looking to make strides from their 5-9 finish last year. Whilst Christ was below average last season the Liberty GMs are hopeful Rove can come into camp with a good attitude and win the starting role.
Draft Grade – B
Round 3 – Pick 1 (17th Overall) - Cesar Millan – Offensive Line – Pacific Point Canine Academy
The Liberty address one of the most glaring needs on their team picking up Cesar Millar out of Pacific Point Canine Academy. Whilst not a FBS team, PPCA have a reputation of developing real junkyard dawgs in the offensive line. Several of these players transfer from PPCA after their “puppy pre-school” program which sees prospective offensive linemen undertake near Navy SEAL style training regiments.
Millan proved a leader of the pack though staying on with the program for four full years. The result is a real bulldog of a player, he’s willing to dig, claw, and fight to help his team advance the ball. A powerful and determined player who has overcome question marks hanging over him after a biting allegation was levelled against him after his helmet came off in his freshman year. Look for the offensive line breakout star of season 3.
Millan provides an injection of strength into a Philadelphia offensive line who will be looking to become the premier line-ups in the NSFL this season and beyond.
Draft Grade – A-
Round 3 – Pick 3 (19th Overall) - William Ridley – Linebacker – Tennessee
Tough and tenacious, Ridley joins a group of Linebackers on the rise. With the addition of AC Hackett in the off season; joining Luke Washington and Perry Tucker. Ridley provides some grunt to the middle of the field as a change of pace compliment, and provides handy depth to the linebacker position. Ridley also headlines as a rookie who could begin his career in the DSFL.
After a strong junior and senior campaign Ridley’s draft stock grew, with some experts tipping Ridley to be selected as a late 2nd round selection. Ridley slid to the third round, and could be a steal for the Liberty with at least two GMs exclaiming they wanted Ridley around that position in the NSFLN live-stream.
Philadelphia identified a need at the linebacker position and traded up to select the Tennessee prospect. Ridley will help contribute to stopping the run, and by seasons end will look to develop into one of the premier linebackers selected in the S3 draft. Ridley is a prospect who has tremendous upside and looks to play in the league for seasons to come.
Draft Grade – B
Round 4 – Pick 5 (29th Overall) – Sammy Walters – Offensive Line – Stony Brook
Much along the lines of Cesar Millan, Walters comes in at a position of need for the Liberty. Walters is an athletic beast with several pundits actually surprised Walters was available in this position. Walters brings an intensity and strong work ethic to his role; and will feature prominently in the NSFL this season.
Walters is a steal in the fourth round, and although the offensive line class of season 3 is deep; Walters has the opportunity of becoming a nightmare of opposing defensive lines.
His college career was stellar, an exemplary talent at Stony Brook where he lead the team in pancakes and sacks allowed. With the Liberty filling a need on the offensive line the Liberty continue to have a great draft filling needs.
Draft Grade – B+
Round 5 – Pick 1 (33rd Overall) – Eli Kamaka – Defensive End – Oregon
A prospect who declared for the draft at the death picked in the 5th. Kamaka comes into the league after a career of chasing QB’s around the park in the Pac-12. Kamaka has the benefit of lining up on the edge as a hand in the dirt end, or as a stand up 3-4 linebacker. How the Liberty look to use him is anyone’s question, however with defensive end a need for the team it could be Kamaka could slot into the starting line-up at some point during the coming year.
Kamaka also has the ability to be a beast in the DSFL, his combination of speed and power will make him difficult to stop in the developmental league, which could see him have dramatic growth for his return to the NSFL.
However, by addressing another need the Liberty are showing they are willing to take a chance on players who have not yet had the exposure to the league as some of the other prospects. Only time will tell if Kamaka can repay the faith and become a late-round steal.
Draft Grade – C+
Round 6 – Pick 3 (43rd Overall) – Budda Browning – Quarterback – Washington
Budda Browning comes into the league following a disappointing end to his time in Washington, the mercurial Browning is a human highlight reel, his consideration for the Heisman trophy is promise enough of that. Browning has been known to try to make plays with his feet too readily, tucking and running with the ball opposed to waiting for the play to develop. The Liberty select Browning with a couple of options available to them. Browning could be an ideal candidate for the DSFL inaugural season, with his tuck and run ability, coupled with his big game experience, he should be undaunted by the prospect of facing the competition in the DSFL.
The second and most interesting possibility involves Browning changing positions into a receiver. Browning has shown he is a playmaker first and foremost, and his ability to make plays with his feet put him in a unique situation. Browning could be a contributor straight away on offense with an eye to become Clifford Rove’s favourite target through his career. A player who will be looking to develop, and has a great attitude, look for him to make waves as he develops his game.
Draft Grade – B-
Round 7 – Pick 3 (51st Overall) – Joseph Lombardi – Kicker – Vanderbilt
Lombardi enters the league as a potential P for the Liberty, although Stephen Harris currently pulls double duty for Philly, there could be potential for Harris to focus exclusively on slotting them between the posts. With kicking opportunities limited in the NSFL Lombardi may have the opportunity to develop into a dominant kicker in the DSFL. Philadelphia have a difficult decision if they wish to stay with Harris pulling double duty, or if they want to deploy their 7th round selection.
Draft Grade – C
Round 8 – Pick 3 (59th Overall) – Gavin Graham - Safety – East Mississippi Community College
A prospect with a chequered past, being removed from the East Miss Community College roster mid-way through the season for inappropriate dealings with a teacher. Graham is the last safety off the board. Graham joins a stacked Philadelphia Defence, and will probably see his first game action in the DSFL. A natural playmaker who allowed off field indiscretions to derail his career this far. If Graham can shape up he could be a great change of pace option in the defensive backfield; however, if not he could be seen as a locker room distraction which could cause chemistry issues in the now loaded Philadelphia roster.
Draft Grade – C-
Overall Thoughts
Total Selections: 8
Offensive Selections: 4
Defensive Selections: 3
Special Teams Selections: 1
The Philadelphia Liberty made great use of their 8 selections, managing to upgrade their roster at several key positions without having a first round selection. The Liberty are gearing up for a playoff run this season and believe they have the tools necessary to make it into the Ultimus. The Liberty continue their great offseason, and are firmly in the drivers seat for winning the offseason; AC Hackett brings a wealth of experience and ability to an developing pass defence, and the savvy acquisition of Mark Ramiro improve the interior pass rush exponentially, which should see an increase in defensive production from an already improving unit.
The Liberty identified the offensive line as a priority and although they could have attempted moving up for some blue-chip prospects the Liberty waited and landed two impact players who will help improve the teams record instantly. Bringing in two quarterbacks could be seen as a miscalculation; however, Rove could become a day 1 starter, and will bring a strong offseason of development with him, and Browning has the opportunity to become an impact player wherever he lands.
The defensive side of the ball required fewer additions, with Ridley and Kamaka potentially making an instant impact if their development continues to be strong. While safety is a position of need for the Liberty, it is unclear if AC Hackett will start in the SS position, Graham will need to develop further, but has the opportunity to contribute in the defensive backfield through the season.
Lombardi looks to be a DSFL Pro-bowler, however, with a need a punter, will be interesting to see his development moving forward.
Overall Draft Grade – B+
Graded
Payout=$2,254,000