Sporting News, December 3, 1989
With the 8th USFL Draft only days away, and with the trade and free agency wire finally winding down, the 20 spring league franchises are beginning to get a sense of how they have navigated this rough offseason. Some had big shoes to fill as top players jumped to the NFL, while others had cap concerns that forced them to trade away talent in order to meet their financial limits. Every team still has gaps, some need to add depth, nearly all need at least one impact player who can start from day one, and while some teams have hoarded draft picks ahead of the draft (often by trading established players) others will have few picks and many positions of need to fill.
But, before we get to our pre-draft analysis, there has been some news over the past month which should be reported. We begin in Houston, where, after an extensive search and interview process, the Gamblers believe they have their man, and just in time before the draft. The Gamblers in early November announced that former Cal head coach and longtime NFL assistant coach Ray Willsey will be the new leader of the squad. Willsey, who played briefly in the CFL as a DB has served as Defensive Coordinator for the NFL Cardinals and Washington Redskins. He recently switched from defense to offense and has been serving as the RB coach for the LA Raiders since 1979.
The other news of the month was made just yesterday by the Memphis Showboats, who have revealed their new look from Russell Athletic. While there are some tweaks to the uniform itself, the main change is to the team’s color scheme. Previously scarlet red and light silver, the Showboats felt that their look too closely mirrored that of the rival Tampa Bay Bandits. To create their own look, the Showboats worked with Russell Athletic, testing out alternatives to silver as a team color. As the paddlewheelers which the Showboats use as their primary iconography were usually red and white, the team tested a single color design, but felt that a second color was essential. They tested black, navy blue, pewter grey, and sky blue before settling on a color new to professional sports. The color, dubbed Silver Sky, is a metallic silver with strong blue notes, meant to evoke both the morning sky and its reflection on the Mississippi River.
The blue-silver tone is the first of its kind in pro sports, though some point to the Dallas Cowboys’ greenish silver pants as a parallel. The new color features prominently into the Showboats’ look, with Silver Sky helmets (now stripeless), pants, and sleeves on the new jerseys. Memphis head coach Vince Tobin, while somewhat skeptical that uniform colors mattered in the grand scheme of things, added that he liked the new tone of silver-blue, stating that it worked well to distinguish the club and felt almost patriotic when paired with Memphis’s scarlet.
With league business complete, it’s time to get to the draft and the needs each USFL club finds on their roster. As we look at each team, let’s review the moves made to date and look at what kind of roll they will have in this year’s draft. We will present the teams in order of the first round of the upcoming Open Draft.
PORTLAND THUNDER (1-15)
Departures: WR Flipper Anderson (NFL)
Acquisitions: QB D. Archer (NFL), WR C. Carter (NFL), CB Gill Byd (NFL) WR Webster Slaughter (from WSH),
Trade News: Portland was very active in NFL signings, but also traded 2 draft picks to the Federals for wideout Webster Slaughter.
Draft Picks: 5 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: CB, LB, FS, HB
Draft Preview: Portland was one of the most active teams this offseason, and with good reason. Their roster last year lacked playmakers, and their defense was atrocious. Despite this they seemed to focus more on offense, signing a QB and 2 WR’s, while only adding one defender in CB Gill Byrd. They will need to do more in the draft, but have only 8 total picks. Expect them to go after more DB’s to boost the pass defense, and an athletic LB if they can find one in the mid rounds.
PHILADELPHIA STARS (5-11)
Departures: T W. Wolford (NFL), CB C. Dishman (NFL), HB S. Howell (Ret)
Acquisitions: None
Trade News: No Trades
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: DT, TE, G, LB, S
Draft Preview: Coach Bicknell inherits a team with solid talent on offense, though some of the starters are getting a little long in the tooth. The defense still hasn’t recovered from the retirement of LB Sam Mills (who has since unretired and rejoined Coach Mora now with the NFL Saints). The Stars lost two solid players in Wolford and Dishman, but both were positions of depth to begin with, so we expect them to go after other areas which were already weak. Defensive Tackle is the weakest defensive position, so do not be shocked if the Stars take more than one player here.
PITTSBURGH MAULERS (5-11)
Departures: T D. Massey (to MEM), WR S. Collins (to TEX)
Acquisitions: None
Trade News: The Maulers found themselves in significant cap distress this year due to some bubble years in contracts. Their solution was to trade off two higher priced players in exchange for low cost backups and a 4th rounder from Texas.
Draft Picks: 8 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: FS, DT, HB, C, LB
Draft Preview: Pittsburgh needs more defensive help as once again the defense simply was not solid enough to help the offense out when points were tough to earn. Expect a combination of defensive line and DB picks, along with depth on the O-line and perhaps a shot at a a more dynamic backup behind Mike Rozier. Expect the Maulers to use a late pick on local favorite, Pitt’s Tony Siragusa at DT, a need position.
WASHINGTON FEDERALS (6-10)
Departures: HB C. James (NFL), TE M. Bavaro (NFL), WR W. Slaughter (to POR), WR R. Johnson (Ret)
Acquisitions: T. D. Massey (from PIT),
Trade News: Washington used the trade wire to snag a very good tackle from Pittsburgh and to grab some draft picks from Portland. They will miss Webster Slaughter, but hope to add a speedster in the draft.
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: TE, WR, CB, HB, LB
Draft Preview: The Federals seem content with the backs they had behind Craig James, so don’t expect them to draft a back early, but perhaps in the later rounds. WR and TE are the areas of immediate need, especially if this will remain a team defined by QB Don Majkowski’s magic touch.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS (6-10)
Departures: C K. Carter (NFL), QB K. Stouffer (to TEX), HB J. Wilder (to JAX), TE K. McKeller (to HOU)
DE B. Williams (to NOR)
Acquisitions: HB L. James (NFL), QB B. Kiel (from TEX), C W. McKinnon (from JAX), TE M. Boyer (from NOR)
Trade News: Arizona’s dire cap issues forced their hand. The good news is that in trading high price players like Wilder and Stouffer the Wranglers got solid backups and a ton of draft picks.
Draft Picks: 11 Open, 3 Terr.
Areas of Need: G, HB, SS, T, DE, QB
Draft Preview: Arizona is flush with picks, but a 6-win team usually also has a lot of needs. The Wranglers will likely devote multiple picks to the Guard and Safety positions, and will likely take a shot at Utah QB Scott Mitchell with one of their territorial picks.
JACKSONVILLE BULLS (6-10)
Departures: HB G. Adams (NFL), WR G. Clark (NFL), HB S. Tillman (to LA), C W. McKinnon (to ARZ)
Acquisitions: HB J. Wilder (from ARZ)
Trade News: The Bulls used two trades to land a new starting HB in former Wrangler James Wilder and to add a draft pick, trading away little used HB Spencer Tillman.
Draft Picks: 6 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: SS, FS, TE, DE, LB
Draft Preview: The Bulls need to address the safety positions, which were the clear weakness of their defense last year. Having acquired James Wilder to replace the departed George Adams, the offense has most of the weapons it needs, though a good dual use TE would certainly help QB Chris Miller out of trouble. The good news for Jacksonville is that if they can sign him, one of the best strong safeties in the country is at a Bulls territorial school, Florida State’s LeRoy Butler.
BALTIMORE BLITZ (6-9-1)
Departures: WR. S. Morgan (Ret)
Acquisitions: None
Trade News: None
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: WR, SS, CB, G/T, HB, QB
Draft Preview: Baltimore was one of the teams least impacted by this offseason’s craziness. Other than the retirement of wideout Stanley Morgan there were really no changes of note to a roster that started strong and faded down the stretch of 1989’s season. They will need to use the draft to fill in some depth at the skill positions, but they also need to strengthen both the defensive backfield and the offensive line. Will they take a shot at QB Neil O’Donnell from Maryland, or will they use those territorial picks on positions of higher need?
LOS ANGELES EXPRESS (7-9)
Departures: QB S. Young (NFL), HB C. Okoye (NFL), SS C. Cecil (NFL), FS J. Skinner (Ret)
Acquisitions: QB W. Lewis (from MEM), HB S. Tillman (from JAX)
Trade News: LA used a trade with Memphis to bring a viable starter to the team as they groom 2nd year QB Rodney Peete. They also got a solid HB in Spencer Tillman from Jacksonville. In both cases the Express gave up draft picks to get talent, trading future for present.
Draft Picks: 5 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: HB, FS, WR, SS, CB, G
Draft Preview: Tillman is a solid contributor, but he is not a lead back. LA feels comfortable at QB, though it will he hard to replace Young, but at HB they know they have to spend an early pick to get a possible year one starter. Unfortunately this is a rare year where neither USC or UCLA have a prime back for LA to snag with their protected picks, so they will have to compete with the rest of the league to find one.
CHICAGO MACHINE (7-9)
Departures: QB S. Beuerlein (NFL), LB C. Matthews (NFL),
Acquisitions: DT D. Hampton (NFL), LB D. Talley (NFL)
Trade News: No Trades
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: DE, DT, CB, QB, WR
Draft Preview: Chicago had money to burn below the cap, so it is no surprise that they signed two good talents from the NFL, linebacker Darryl Talley from Buffalo and former Bear Dan Hampton at DT. They still have more need along the D-line, both inside and outside, and they could upgrade at a few key skill spots as well. Expect a mid-to-late round pick to be spent on a QB. They will not try to go after U. of Illinois star Jeff George, not with Chuck Long and Rusty Hilger already on the roster.
TEXAS OUTLAWS (8-8)
Departures: QB D. Williams (NFL), HB S. Mitchell (NFL), QB B. Kiel (to ARZ), DT D. Butz (to DEN)
HB S. Stamper (Ret)
Acquisitions: QB K. Stouffer (from ARZ), DT L. Short (from DEN), WR S. Collins (from PIT),
HB L. Rousson (from DEN)
Trade News: After getting hit hard by 2 big NFL defections, Texas used the trade route to try to rebuild, bringing in QB Kelly Stouffer from Arizona, and got HB Lee Rousson from Denver as part of the Butz-Short swap, but they still need a bellcow back.
Draft Picks: 5 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: HB, FB, G, DE, TE, C, DT
Draft Preview: This is a very good year for backs, so Texas should be able to find an immediate contributor in the early rounds. Full back is always tricky, and the D-line will likely be a late round priority. With only 8 total picks, the Outlaws have to choose wisely, because signing only 4 of 8 would not fill their needs.
TAMPA BAY BANDITS (10-6)
Departures: HB G. Anderson (NFL), C D. Goodrich (Ret)
Acquisitions: None
Trade News: No Trades
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: HB, LB, C, CB, TE
Draft Preview: The Bandits only lost one player to the NFL this offseason, but it was Gary Anderson, so they need to find an answer at HB. The answer is right there for them in territorial pick Emmit Smith from Florida, but can they sign a player who may well be a top 5 NFL draft pick? Will they even try? There are so many solid backs in this year’s draft that they could double up, just in case Smith proves an impossible task. They have several areas that are not urgent but which they would love to improve, so expect them to use all 10 picks to try to add depth across several fronts.
OAKLAND INVADERS (10-6)
Departures: G. K. Gogan (NFL),
Acquisitions: None
Trade News: None
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: T, G, DT, LB, QB
Draft Preview: Expect the Invaders to try to shore up their O-line early in the draft. They have good talent at the skill positions on offense, but could also use more depth on defense. We also expect a developmental QB to be taken late in the draft.
HOUSTON GAMBLERS (10-6)
Departures: DE S. Fletcher (NFL), WR R. Sanders (NFL), SS K. Moody (Ret)
Acquisitions: DE/DT A. Carreker (NFL), TE K. McKeller (from ARZ)
Trade News: Houston upgraded at TE by bringing in McKeller from the Wranglers.
Draft Picks: 6 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: WR, DT, DE, SS
Draft Preview: Houston will almost certainly try to find a good route-running wideout early in the draft, and then focus a lot of attention to their defense. Signing Carreker from the NFL helps the line, but they need more athleticism across the line. They will also likely seek a replacement for retired SS Keith Moody. Baylor’s Robert Blackmon may be an early target for the Gamblers at safety.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS (10-6)
Departures: WR A. Carter (NFL), C D. Dawson (NFL),
Acquisitions: WR D. Knight (from BIR)
Trade News: Acquiring Danny Knight from the Stallions helps the WR corps, but he is no Anthony Carter.
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: DE, DT, WR, C, G
Draft Preview: Michigan will try to find a speedy playmaker at wideout and then concentrate on D-line over several picks. Wideout Chris Calloway from the Wolverine seems a natural T-draft pick, and there is good talent at both DE and DT between the Spartans and Wolverines, so Michigan needs to draft well and sign their territorial picks.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (11-5)
Departures: QB W. Lewis (to LA)
Acquisitions: WR R. Thomas (from LA)
Trade News: In one move Memphis garnered several draft picks and a solid WR to pair with Mel Gray. They also removed the potential complaining of Walter Lewis by sending him to LA and investing fully in Mike Kelley as their starter.
Draft Picks: 8 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: CB, G, LB, DT, QB
Draft Preview: Memphis would love to add some run-stopping power to the DT position, some speed at LB, and some athleticism to the guard position. They have an additional early pick from LA, so they could do all three and still have room to add a QB for depth behind Kelley.
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (12-4)
Departures: DE A. Still (NFL), CB K. Howard (NFL), WR D. Knight (to MGN), TE D. Whittaker (to ORL)
Acquisitions: WR W. McKall (from MGN)
Trade News: Birmingham was forced to trade away Knight and Whittaker due to cap restraints. But, in getting picks for those players they have a chance to improve at both positions.
Draft Picks: Open 9, Territorial 3
Areas of Need: DE, T, TE, CB, S
Draft Preview: Birmingham wants to get stronger along both lines, so expect some big beefy picks. They also want to add a receiving TE, a part of their offense that has been lacking in recent years. They have a lot of picks to throw around, so don’t be surprised if they package some to move up in early rounds.
ORLANDO RENEGADES (8-8)
Departures: SS B. Bates (NFL),
Acquisitions: DE R. Childress (NFL), TE D. Whittaker (from BIR)
Trade News: Orlando’s only trade was for some TE depth.
Draft Picks: 5 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: SS, TE, DE, DT, S
Draft Preview: Orlando traded away some picks last year as they played the trade wire. This year they largely stood pat, though they did bring in a big TE. They also gave as good as they got in the battle with the NFL, losing safety Bill Bates but bringing in the disruptive DE Ray Childress. In the draft, they need to find a new strong safety, and perhaps one more TE along with depth across the D-line.
NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (11-5)
Departures: SS Joe Restic (NFL), TE M. Boyer (to ARZ)
Acquisitions: DE B. Williams (from ARZ)
Trade News: Traded their 2nd TE to Arizona for more DE help.
Draft Picks: 7 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: T, LB, CB, S, TE
Draft Preview: Aside from the loss of Defensive MVP Joe Restic, the Breakers have solid starters across the roster. They were unable to lure a top NFL safety to the Big Easy, so they will turn to the draft to find a young talent. They would also love to find a rangy LB who can play weak or strongside with veteran Marcus Marek in the middle.
DENVER GOLD (10-6)
Departures: HB H. Sydney (NFL), CB S. Wilcots (NFL), DT L. Short (to TEX), HB L. Rousson (to TEX)
Acquisitions: DT D. Butz (from TEX)
Trade News: In a bit of an odd swap, Denver sent DT Laval Short to Texas for DT Dave Butz. They gain a player 3 years younger but not as proficient. This, along with Lee Rousson thrown in for cap space, means that they essentially stand pat.
Draft Picks: 8 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: HB, TE, WR, CB, LB, DE
Draft Preview: While Timmy Smith is a fun back to watch, we don’t see him carrying the ball 25 times a game. Denver needs to find a grinder, someone who will relish the chance to pick up a 3rd and 2. They will also look to shore up the LB corps and the D-line with their 11 picks.
NEW JERSEY GENERALS (10-5-1)
Departures: TE B. Jones (NFL), FB K. Byars (NFL),
Acquisitions: FB M. Carthon (NFL)
Trade News: No trades but an intriguing NFL-USFL swap. The Philadelphia Eagles signed FB Keith Byars away from the Generals, but New Jersey turned around and renewed their relationship with former General and NY Giant Maurice Carthon. Carthon is not the receiver Byars was, but he can carry the rock among the best FB’s in the game.
Draft Picks: 8 Open, 3 Territorial
Areas of Need: TE, C, G, T, LB, SS
Draft Preview: The new league champions are still not satisfied with their offensive line, and look to add depth across the front. They need to start, however, with TE. Brent Jones was a huge part of the Generals’ offense, so they need to do what they can to bring in a tight end with good ball skills and solid route running, otherwise, without Byars and Jones, Doug Flutie will have to spend a lot more time scrambling.