03-17-2023, 11:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-21-2023, 05:04 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 4 times in total.)
Hello everyone! The DSFL season is deep underway, but that doesn't mean it can't be time for some good old fashioned DRAFT GRADING CONTENT.
That's right, we're going to be going pick by pick from Marie to O'Hullihan, and I'm going to be re-grading each pick of the first three rounds of the draft based on player's performances so far in their debut season.
Remember, this is just a bit of fun. The most important element a player can bring to a team is atmosphere & attitude, and I won't be commenting on, including, or factoring in this in anyway. This is simply based off of statistical performance in the sim so far for a bit of immersive analysis!
Anyway, this is going to be quite a long one, so let's cut the waffle and get right into it.
PICK 1.01 - MARY MARIE - SAFETY
With the first pick of the S40 DSFL Draft, the Bondi Beach Buccaneers selected safety Mary Marie. Marie has performed admirably so far in this year, tieing the lead in the league for interceptions, and posting top half numbers elsewhere. She perhaps hasn't had as much of a strangehold on the passing game as you'd hope for from a 1st overall pick, but the Interception numbers speak for themselves that she's generated key turnovers when required.
Grade: A-
PICK 1.02 - DUB REDD - DT
Dub Redd went second overall to the Tijuana Luchadores. At the time a slightly surprising pick simply because of the positional priorities but undeniably a great one. Redd has posted a great sack rate, popped out 3 fumbles and even forced back a Safety. DT is a tough position to find diamonds at, and there's arguably higher impact positions to take this early, but Redd's quality is undeniable.
Grade: B+
PICK 1.03 - LOOSE CANNON - LB
With the third overall pick, London brought back their waiver wire acquisition from last season, Loose Cannon. Currently the amongst the frontrunners for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cannon has let loose a massive broadside of 86 Tackles, leading the league in sheer output. There is a little bit of a lack of production elsewhere though, with a middling sack-rate producing 4 so far on the season, and 5 Tackles for Loss on the board. Still, through sheer volume of Tackles it's evident that Cannon is an every-down impact player, exactly what you want from a premium pick.
Grade: A
PICK 1.04 - BRUCE WHITE - DE
My personal pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bruce White has been an absolute menace on the field, to almost unimaginable levels. The monstrous DE has racked up 14 sacks in 10 games - on pace to tie or break DSFL records. Other stats are almost irrelevant in the face of that number, until you tack on 4 Forced Fumbles, and 7 TFLs. Oh and a safety for good measure. If this class was redrafted, it's difficult to imagine anyone but Bruce going first overall.
Grade: A+
PICK 1.05 - CRAIG BRAND - LB (for now)
It's a me!
Grade: Go Birddogs
PICK 1.06 - ARTEMIS ENTRERI - WR
Finally, offence has come back to the Draft! The first Wide Receiver and generally offensive player off the board was Entreri. They've put up a decent season so far. Unfortunately for personal glory's sake, Entreri slotted in at WR3 on the Grey Duck's offence. Honestly considering that, the numbers he's put up are thoroughly respectable currently sitting at over 500 yards on the season. Honestly though, given the Grey Ducks troubles so far this season, it's tough to say they shouldn't have looked at shoring up another area of the field this early.
Grade: C
PICK 1.07 - RICO SAVAGE - S
With the seventh overall pick, the Seawolves selected Rico Savage, Safety from Florida. A Ball Hawk who has progressed superbly throughout the season so far. However, in the Seawolves scheme Savage has largely been playing as a Strong Safety, and has generated 3 Sacks on the season, and a health amount of tackles at 55. A solid all round performance with no particular area of excellent, still hunting for that first INT, Savage looks primed to be a great pick this season & beyond.
Grade: B+
PICK 1.08 - JASON STEELE - DT
This is our first slightly awkward pick, at least from a numerical standpoint. Steele has been developing well through the season, but has largely been a quiet contributor other than playing against the run. With 17 Tackles, 1 TFL and 1 Sack on the season, it's not been a bad start for the young & talented DT, but fortune hasn't fallen in his favour so far. The numbers lie a little here, as Steele profiles as a talented DT with many better seasons ahead of him, but undeniably, for a first round pick, the impact hasn't been there this season.
Grade: C-
PICK 2.01 - OLIVER TOLLIVER - WR
Our second offensive player is officially off the board! Tolliver made his way to Bondi Beach at the top of the second round. Bondi is still in posession of elite WR Kairo Knight, who dominates target share, so it was always going to be a quieter rookie season for Tolliver. However, what is worth mentioning is that from the looks that do go his way - Tolliver is producing very nicely. Another weapon in the Buccs difficult to stop arsenal this season.
Grade: C
PICK 2.02 - BENJI AGUILERA - WR
Welp, the Wide Receivers are coming off the board now. Straight after Tolliver we see Aguilera make his way to Tijuana to begin his lucha training. Slotting in as Tijuana's secondary option in the passing game, Aguilera has immediately carved out a solid role for himself, and has generated the most offence of the three WRs taken so far. Because of that, he gets a slightly higher grade.
Grade: B+
PICK 2.03 - DIEGO LOPEZ ALONSO - WR
I'm beginning to detect a theme here early in the second round... anyway, here we go 3/3 on Wide Receivers so far. Alonso plays in the slot, so sees a little shallower target depth than many of his classmates, but has been producing excellent in his role. Looking to be a consistent contributor, and wracking up a healthy 4 TDs, he looks to be developing into a premier slot option in the DSFL.
Grade: B+
PICK 2.04 - JOHN STARK VIII - LB
Ah back to the gentleman's side of the ball, defence. John Stark was taken with the 12th pick overall. An instant contributor on defence, he's knocking on the door of Top 10 for tackles, and has punched out a couple of fumbles, including one he recovered himself. Honestly considering that the gap in value between his contributions & the defensive players taken in the 1st round isn't that wide, he's looking like a better and better value pick with every passing week.
Grade: A-
PICK 2.05 - CHRIS MAHLSTEDT - DE
You know when I thought this was a fun idea for an article, I then immediately remembered I'd have to assess this pick. I've already bullied Mike & Gadget about this one enough, but suffice to say Mahlstedt has failed to meet expectations on the field and developmentally so far. Still, he would be welcomed back with open arms and like any prospect, has plenty of promise.
Grade: F-
PICK 2.06 - BILLY JOR-EL - DT
One of my favourite picks of the second round in hindsight. Jor-El has been a monster on the D Line for the Grey Ducks and profiles to keep getting better and better. Outperforming his first round rivals in some categories, he is putting together a first class performance. Other picks may get more attention in this regard, but Billy Jor-El is one of my personal picks for best value in the draft, at least in the early rounds.
Grade: A+
Pick 2.07 - KADARIUS CLAYPOOL II - CB
2nd place Pass Defender in the league. More Forced Fumbles, more tackles than the player in 1st place. Three INTs to staple onto the stat line. What more can you say, fantastic pick. Look out for this guy in the ISFL.
Grade: A+
Pick 2.08 - Ray Baker - K/P
The punt god, the kicker god, the icon. The man, the myth, the legend, the Ray Baker. Some would tell you spending the 16th pick on a Kicker is foolhardy, and that judging by KCC's season they absolutely should have addressed a major defensive need, or hell any need. But it's ok. Those people don't understand Ray Baker.
Grade: Iconic+
PICK 3.01 - ROLUD ONYXGUT - DE
Now we're in the third, we'll start firing through these a little quicker for my sanity's sake. Rolud's having a solid season, with 4 sacks & 3 TFLs. A noticeable step down from the elite DE's this year but a solid contributor none the less. Good value for the third round.
Grade: B-
PICK 3.02 - EZRA AZAZEL - RB
Azazel quickly converted to Cornerback. A wise career move that's seen him develop into a strong pass defender. Need to see a full season to judge truly, but is developing well and looking like an absolute steal bearing the change in mind!
Grade: B+
PICK 3.03 - NICK WILLIAMS - TE
The big bodied Tight End from University of Townsend went 19th overall to the London Royals. A Possession specialist, Nick developed nicely throughout the season, although hasn't seen heavy usage in London's scheme. Notching up 28 receptions for 300 yards and 3 TDs in 10 games, London's latest TE hasn't broken any records but has still contributed solidly. In fact, he's top 3 in receiving yards for Tight Ends DSFL wide, after the league lost most of it's elite TE array to ISFL call ups. Still, a quieter rookie season for the talented TE, and one he'll be looking to build on in the future.
Grade: C+
PICK 3.04 - BENJAMIN DUVERNAY - CB
20th overall we saw Benjamin Duvernay head to Portland to join the pythons. Simply put, great rookie campaign underpinned by the spot at which Portland got this value. Duvernay leads the league in pass defence, and has a health 3 Ints & 1 Fumble to go along with it. Another great pick by Portland.
Grade: A
PICK 3.05 - JUSTIN WILLIS - OL
Finally a Birddog pick worth his salt! Willis has been a consistent contributor for us in Dallas and has developed well as the season has progressed. He's developing into a powerful, consistent Linesman who is giving us much needed time in the pocket. In a league woefully understaffed in the trenches, he was a great pick.
Grade: A-
PICK 3.06 - BILL CRAVY - CB
Back to the Greyducks at Pick 22 and we see Bill Cravy the CB out of University of Georgia. Cravy has had a decent rookie campaign, posting 32 tackles with a nice 2 fumbles & 2 ints to go along with it. His pass defence rate isn't too high and as the league develops around him he might be a little on the slower side to be matching up against high octane slot receivers. Still, showing plenty of promise and a decent stat line.
Grade: C+
PICK 3.07 - Legs McMillion - WR
It's hard to say anything other than the pair of legs was an absolute slamdunk of a pick. Posting up a monster 769 yard stat line with a purely absurd average yardage of 22.6 (seriously come on who is defending this guy) he's outshining almost every single other rookie in the league. He might be hunting a few more TD's, but that will come in time as more and more target share comes his way. Look out for this guys sophomore season.
Grade: A+
PICK 3.08 - ICEPICK O'HULLIHAN - S
Finally we make it to the bottom of the third! Leading tackles amongst safeties in the league, and with 4 sacks to boot, Icepick is a physical beast at the strong safety position. He hits and he hits hard, and has made an immense contribution in his rookie campaign. In a redraft, there's no way this guy slides this far.
Grade: A
So there we have it! the first three rounds regraded based on in game performance and my personal opinion of the value proposition posed by each pick's relative position. As you can see, the main takeaway here is that we have a seriously awesome class, and almost every player listed here is primed to raise hell in the ISFL once they make it there. Looking like one of the most impactful classes in recent history, it's a pleasure to be a part of it! If you would like to see me do this for the rest of the rounds and comment on some of the hidden gems found there within, let me know and I'll put myself through the grueling torture effort!
That's right, we're going to be going pick by pick from Marie to O'Hullihan, and I'm going to be re-grading each pick of the first three rounds of the draft based on player's performances so far in their debut season.
Remember, this is just a bit of fun. The most important element a player can bring to a team is atmosphere & attitude, and I won't be commenting on, including, or factoring in this in anyway. This is simply based off of statistical performance in the sim so far for a bit of immersive analysis!
Anyway, this is going to be quite a long one, so let's cut the waffle and get right into it.
PICK 1.01 - MARY MARIE - SAFETY
With the first pick of the S40 DSFL Draft, the Bondi Beach Buccaneers selected safety Mary Marie. Marie has performed admirably so far in this year, tieing the lead in the league for interceptions, and posting top half numbers elsewhere. She perhaps hasn't had as much of a strangehold on the passing game as you'd hope for from a 1st overall pick, but the Interception numbers speak for themselves that she's generated key turnovers when required.
Grade: A-
PICK 1.02 - DUB REDD - DT
Dub Redd went second overall to the Tijuana Luchadores. At the time a slightly surprising pick simply because of the positional priorities but undeniably a great one. Redd has posted a great sack rate, popped out 3 fumbles and even forced back a Safety. DT is a tough position to find diamonds at, and there's arguably higher impact positions to take this early, but Redd's quality is undeniable.
Grade: B+
PICK 1.03 - LOOSE CANNON - LB
With the third overall pick, London brought back their waiver wire acquisition from last season, Loose Cannon. Currently the amongst the frontrunners for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cannon has let loose a massive broadside of 86 Tackles, leading the league in sheer output. There is a little bit of a lack of production elsewhere though, with a middling sack-rate producing 4 so far on the season, and 5 Tackles for Loss on the board. Still, through sheer volume of Tackles it's evident that Cannon is an every-down impact player, exactly what you want from a premium pick.
Grade: A
PICK 1.04 - BRUCE WHITE - DE
My personal pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bruce White has been an absolute menace on the field, to almost unimaginable levels. The monstrous DE has racked up 14 sacks in 10 games - on pace to tie or break DSFL records. Other stats are almost irrelevant in the face of that number, until you tack on 4 Forced Fumbles, and 7 TFLs. Oh and a safety for good measure. If this class was redrafted, it's difficult to imagine anyone but Bruce going first overall.
Grade: A+
PICK 1.05 - CRAIG BRAND - LB (for now)
It's a me!
Grade: Go Birddogs
PICK 1.06 - ARTEMIS ENTRERI - WR
Finally, offence has come back to the Draft! The first Wide Receiver and generally offensive player off the board was Entreri. They've put up a decent season so far. Unfortunately for personal glory's sake, Entreri slotted in at WR3 on the Grey Duck's offence. Honestly considering that, the numbers he's put up are thoroughly respectable currently sitting at over 500 yards on the season. Honestly though, given the Grey Ducks troubles so far this season, it's tough to say they shouldn't have looked at shoring up another area of the field this early.
Grade: C
PICK 1.07 - RICO SAVAGE - S
With the seventh overall pick, the Seawolves selected Rico Savage, Safety from Florida. A Ball Hawk who has progressed superbly throughout the season so far. However, in the Seawolves scheme Savage has largely been playing as a Strong Safety, and has generated 3 Sacks on the season, and a health amount of tackles at 55. A solid all round performance with no particular area of excellent, still hunting for that first INT, Savage looks primed to be a great pick this season & beyond.
Grade: B+
PICK 1.08 - JASON STEELE - DT
This is our first slightly awkward pick, at least from a numerical standpoint. Steele has been developing well through the season, but has largely been a quiet contributor other than playing against the run. With 17 Tackles, 1 TFL and 1 Sack on the season, it's not been a bad start for the young & talented DT, but fortune hasn't fallen in his favour so far. The numbers lie a little here, as Steele profiles as a talented DT with many better seasons ahead of him, but undeniably, for a first round pick, the impact hasn't been there this season.
Grade: C-
PICK 2.01 - OLIVER TOLLIVER - WR
Our second offensive player is officially off the board! Tolliver made his way to Bondi Beach at the top of the second round. Bondi is still in posession of elite WR Kairo Knight, who dominates target share, so it was always going to be a quieter rookie season for Tolliver. However, what is worth mentioning is that from the looks that do go his way - Tolliver is producing very nicely. Another weapon in the Buccs difficult to stop arsenal this season.
Grade: C
PICK 2.02 - BENJI AGUILERA - WR
Welp, the Wide Receivers are coming off the board now. Straight after Tolliver we see Aguilera make his way to Tijuana to begin his lucha training. Slotting in as Tijuana's secondary option in the passing game, Aguilera has immediately carved out a solid role for himself, and has generated the most offence of the three WRs taken so far. Because of that, he gets a slightly higher grade.
Grade: B+
PICK 2.03 - DIEGO LOPEZ ALONSO - WR
I'm beginning to detect a theme here early in the second round... anyway, here we go 3/3 on Wide Receivers so far. Alonso plays in the slot, so sees a little shallower target depth than many of his classmates, but has been producing excellent in his role. Looking to be a consistent contributor, and wracking up a healthy 4 TDs, he looks to be developing into a premier slot option in the DSFL.
Grade: B+
PICK 2.04 - JOHN STARK VIII - LB
Ah back to the gentleman's side of the ball, defence. John Stark was taken with the 12th pick overall. An instant contributor on defence, he's knocking on the door of Top 10 for tackles, and has punched out a couple of fumbles, including one he recovered himself. Honestly considering that the gap in value between his contributions & the defensive players taken in the 1st round isn't that wide, he's looking like a better and better value pick with every passing week.
Grade: A-
PICK 2.05 - CHRIS MAHLSTEDT - DE
You know when I thought this was a fun idea for an article, I then immediately remembered I'd have to assess this pick. I've already bullied Mike & Gadget about this one enough, but suffice to say Mahlstedt has failed to meet expectations on the field and developmentally so far. Still, he would be welcomed back with open arms and like any prospect, has plenty of promise.
Grade: F-
PICK 2.06 - BILLY JOR-EL - DT
One of my favourite picks of the second round in hindsight. Jor-El has been a monster on the D Line for the Grey Ducks and profiles to keep getting better and better. Outperforming his first round rivals in some categories, he is putting together a first class performance. Other picks may get more attention in this regard, but Billy Jor-El is one of my personal picks for best value in the draft, at least in the early rounds.
Grade: A+
Pick 2.07 - KADARIUS CLAYPOOL II - CB
2nd place Pass Defender in the league. More Forced Fumbles, more tackles than the player in 1st place. Three INTs to staple onto the stat line. What more can you say, fantastic pick. Look out for this guy in the ISFL.
Grade: A+
Pick 2.08 - Ray Baker - K/P
The punt god, the kicker god, the icon. The man, the myth, the legend, the Ray Baker. Some would tell you spending the 16th pick on a Kicker is foolhardy, and that judging by KCC's season they absolutely should have addressed a major defensive need, or hell any need. But it's ok. Those people don't understand Ray Baker.
Grade: Iconic+
PICK 3.01 - ROLUD ONYXGUT - DE
Now we're in the third, we'll start firing through these a little quicker for my sanity's sake. Rolud's having a solid season, with 4 sacks & 3 TFLs. A noticeable step down from the elite DE's this year but a solid contributor none the less. Good value for the third round.
Grade: B-
PICK 3.02 - EZRA AZAZEL - RB
Azazel quickly converted to Cornerback. A wise career move that's seen him develop into a strong pass defender. Need to see a full season to judge truly, but is developing well and looking like an absolute steal bearing the change in mind!
Grade: B+
PICK 3.03 - NICK WILLIAMS - TE
The big bodied Tight End from University of Townsend went 19th overall to the London Royals. A Possession specialist, Nick developed nicely throughout the season, although hasn't seen heavy usage in London's scheme. Notching up 28 receptions for 300 yards and 3 TDs in 10 games, London's latest TE hasn't broken any records but has still contributed solidly. In fact, he's top 3 in receiving yards for Tight Ends DSFL wide, after the league lost most of it's elite TE array to ISFL call ups. Still, a quieter rookie season for the talented TE, and one he'll be looking to build on in the future.
Grade: C+
PICK 3.04 - BENJAMIN DUVERNAY - CB
20th overall we saw Benjamin Duvernay head to Portland to join the pythons. Simply put, great rookie campaign underpinned by the spot at which Portland got this value. Duvernay leads the league in pass defence, and has a health 3 Ints & 1 Fumble to go along with it. Another great pick by Portland.
Grade: A
PICK 3.05 - JUSTIN WILLIS - OL
Finally a Birddog pick worth his salt! Willis has been a consistent contributor for us in Dallas and has developed well as the season has progressed. He's developing into a powerful, consistent Linesman who is giving us much needed time in the pocket. In a league woefully understaffed in the trenches, he was a great pick.
Grade: A-
PICK 3.06 - BILL CRAVY - CB
Back to the Greyducks at Pick 22 and we see Bill Cravy the CB out of University of Georgia. Cravy has had a decent rookie campaign, posting 32 tackles with a nice 2 fumbles & 2 ints to go along with it. His pass defence rate isn't too high and as the league develops around him he might be a little on the slower side to be matching up against high octane slot receivers. Still, showing plenty of promise and a decent stat line.
Grade: C+
PICK 3.07 - Legs McMillion - WR
It's hard to say anything other than the pair of legs was an absolute slamdunk of a pick. Posting up a monster 769 yard stat line with a purely absurd average yardage of 22.6 (seriously come on who is defending this guy) he's outshining almost every single other rookie in the league. He might be hunting a few more TD's, but that will come in time as more and more target share comes his way. Look out for this guys sophomore season.
Grade: A+
PICK 3.08 - ICEPICK O'HULLIHAN - S
Finally we make it to the bottom of the third! Leading tackles amongst safeties in the league, and with 4 sacks to boot, Icepick is a physical beast at the strong safety position. He hits and he hits hard, and has made an immense contribution in his rookie campaign. In a redraft, there's no way this guy slides this far.
Grade: A
So there we have it! the first three rounds regraded based on in game performance and my personal opinion of the value proposition posed by each pick's relative position. As you can see, the main takeaway here is that we have a seriously awesome class, and almost every player listed here is primed to raise hell in the ISFL once they make it there. Looking like one of the most impactful classes in recent history, it's a pleasure to be a part of it! If you would like to see me do this for the rest of the rounds and comment on some of the hidden gems found there within, let me know and I'll put myself through the grueling torture effort!
Craig Brand - LB:
S40 DSFL First Team All Pro - DAL
S41 Defensive Rookie of the Year - CTC
S41 Ultimus Champion - CTC
S41 NSFC Pro Bowler - CTC