October 13, 2003
The USFL offseason always brings about a mix of emotions. For many there is a sadness as the season closes, while others quickly shift gears and start preparing for NFL action in this year-round obsession with the pigskin. In some cities there is a palette change as Breaker teal & navy or Stars red & gold turn to Saints black & gold and Eagles green & silver. For others, particularly fans in USFL-only cities like Birmingham, Memphis, San Antonio, and Oakland, the long wait for the return of football begins. But it is also a time of great optimism as each team tries to find the right pieces, on the sideline and on the field, to take a crack at the title in the year to come. Players say goodbye to the game, others prepare to be drafted and to decide whether they keep playing the game they love in the fall or jump to the new kids, not so new anymore, in the spring. There are departures that fans wish were not so, and new arrivals they cannot wait to see in their team’s colors. While the players get some well-deserved rest and rehabilitation, the GM’s, scouts, coaches, and owners get to work building what they hope will be a team that makes their fans proud and their stadiums full of excitement. Success on the field in March begins now, in the Fall, as the USFL builds for the future.
Sometimes building for the future means looking back to the past. That is what the fans hoped the Tampa Bay Bandits would do, and that is what they have done. Two weeks ago, amid no small amount of turmoil between the USFL and NFL, the Tampa Bay Bandits came to an agreement with Steve Spurrier to join the club this January at the conclusion of his current season with the Washington Redskins. It required a significant buyout from the Bandits to the Redskins to make it happen, but the “Ole Ball Coach” is coming back to where it all began, the team he led to the 1983 USFL Championship, the league’s first.
The move caused a bit of a stir because up until this deal future contracts have been largely frowned upon, with both player and personnel deals only routinely made for those who were no longer under contract. Spurrier’s contract extended through the 2003 NFL season, but it seemed clear that he was looking for an exit strategy as working with Washington owner Dan Snyder has been a rough go from the start. Enter the USFL and the Bandits and it seemed both parties were willing to move ahead with a futures deal that allows the Redskins a season to search for a replacement and assures Spurrier that in January he can fully turn his attention to his new team. This, of course, means that much of free agency and the draft will be handled by the GM and front office staff, though they are planning on consulting with Spurrier as his schedule allows. An odd setup, to be sure, but one that will certainly please Bandit fans, who have been clamoring for a return of their Hall of Fame coach ever since he left for the University of Florida.
The Steve Spurrier hiring brings the coaching carousel to an end for this offseason. We now know the four new head coaches who will be joining the USFL coaching club this March (well, sooner really). Spurrier will take over the Bandits just before the draft and the 2nd NFL-USFL window, the one that tends to bring more NFL talent into the spring league. In Michigan Coach Dick LeBeau is already in town and evaluating players and needs as part of the offseason strategy, one already well under way across the league. In Baltimore Coach Coughlin has one huge question on his hands, will he start the season with Ryan Leaf as the undisputed starter at QB, or will he seek an alternative? And, finally, in Arizona, new Head Coach Jim Fassel is charged with improving both the defense and the run game of the Wranglers to ensure that the team lives up to their potential, or at least the potential of their All-USFL quarterback, Jake Plummer. New OC Greg Landry will be in charge of designing an offense that complements Plummer’s skills, but also diversifies the attack to take the full glare of the spotlight off the team’s dual threat QB.
The USFL Free Agency period kicked off in earnest following the Summer Bowl, and this year there was a bit of a twist. Thanks to the shift to a 14-week season, the USFL free agency period actually was able to open for 5 days before the NFL-USFL transfer window became active. This gave USFL teams a bit of a head start in the frenzy to sign talent, and that certainly helped some teams. A similar advantage will exist for the NFL in January, but for now the benefit for the USFL is that several of the top free agents were scooped up quickly, a move that may have required a bit of overpayment to get signatures on contracts quickly, but one that makes fans happy because a top tier player may be headed to their team even before the NFL starts opening their checkbooks.
Several high profile players were among those snatched up in the first days of free agency. We will highlight eight who found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or who will be starting new after sour departures from their clubs this year. These eight players highlight the initial frenzy of activity during the first week of free agency.
8) Free Safety Mike Prior moves from Michigan to Texas. One of the better players on a pretty bad Panther defense, Prior leaves Michigan after 7 seasons. Injuries limited Prior to only 3 starts this past season, but when healthy, he is one of the more effective “centerfielders” among league safeties.
7) Baltimore QB Jeff Garcia becomes the backup to Byron Leftwich. The writing was on the wall for Garcia after a very rough 2003 season and the trade that brought Ryan Leaf to the Charm City. Garcia’s numbers were not good this year, throwing 17 picks to only 13 touchdowns. This was the second consecutive season where the TD-INT balance has gone far into the red for the QB. His role in Seattle is clear, hold a clipboard, prepare for games, but the Dragons hope he never has to take the field for them as they put their trust in Rookie of the Year Byron Leftwich.
6) Chicago DT Sean Gilbert will now man the pivot in Tampa Bay. We don’t know if this decision was made with or without Steve Spurrier’s input, but regardless of the origin of the move, the signing is a very good one for a Bandits team that struggled to get D-line pressure this past season. Gilbert has been a reliable starter and solid runstuffer in Chicago, both elements of his game that Tampa could use.
5) Jeff Blake heads South. Pittsburgh brought Jeff Blake over from the NFL to compete with Charlie Batch. The move led to Batch having his best season as a starter, and that made Blake somewhat expendable. The Orlando Renegades saw the value of that move and are clearly trying to replicate it, bringing Blake in to help motivate, push, and mentor young QB Joey Harrington. Harrington backslid a bit after a strong rookie season. While Harrington’s overall yardage total went up in 2003, this is largely due to him starting 13 of 14 games instead of the 9 he led in 2002. His 14-11 TD-INT average was nearly identical to the 15-10 mark in 2002, and needs to improve if Harrington is going to get his 3-year rookie deal extended. Orlando must be hoping that Blake can either help him get there, or step in if he falls further behind the learning curve.
4) LA loses a good one to the Maulers. Pittsburgh made a good run this year, and already look stronger for 2004 after signing the Express’s best edge rusher in DE David Rocker. Rocker has played 12 seasons in the league, and it appears Pittsburgh believes he has more in him. The speedy end has missed only 1 game in the last 4 seasons, so we know he is in good shape, but this does still feel like a risk for the Maulers.
3) KGB Defects. While Rocker is a solid player, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was the undisputed #1 edge rusher in the free agent pool, and he did not have to wait long before a lucrative deal was offered to him. It only took until the 2nd day of free agency for the three-time 10-sack rusher to find a home with the Nashville Knights. This is a big loss for the Blitz, who helped develop the somewhat raw DE into a regular 10-sack producer. For Nashville, the move clearly points to coach Jim Johnson trying to reestablish the dominating defensive style that helped make the Knights a playoff regular in St. Louis.
2) Ochocinco moves on. Two players were at the top of the free agent pool by a wide margin, and both were snapped up within 72 hours of the official signing period commencing. For Chad Ochocinco, fresh of a 2nd consecutive title, a third straight 1,000 yard, 10+ TD season with the Ohio Glory, Ochocinco let his rookie deal run out, and now finds himself one of the newest, and one of the richest, members of the Boston Cannons. Ochocinco had expressed an interest in finding a more lucrative media market, something Boston could offer, and with the Cannons having major cap room this offseason, the Cannons were able to make a deal that Ochocinco did not need much time to accept. The tall, but speedy, receiver will move immediately to the top of the depth chart for the Cannons, where he will now catch balls from Drew Bledsoe.
1) Prime Time in the Big Apple. Well, sort of, since the Generals officially represent New Jersey and not New York, but close enough. Yes, if there was one player more sought after than Ochocinco, it was the legendary shutdown corner from the Stallions, Deion Sanders. Prime Time signed a 3-year deal with the New Jersey Generals that makes him the highest paid defender not only in the USFL, but in all of pro football. In Sanders, the Generals get a true shut-down corner, a player who can simply make an opponent’s top wideout an afterthought. It is a pairing that will allow Sanders to maximize his effervescent personality and extroverted ways in a media market that will soak up every second of it, while the Generals now look even more like a serious contender.
Those were the eight players whose early signing sent shockwaves throughout the league. But these were hardly the only quality players to change hands even before the NFL could get a bid in on them. Others who signed quickly include Portland QB Rick Mirer, who heads to Michigan to back up Drew Brees; Texas cornerback DeShea Townsend, who will set up shop in Las Vegas with the Thunder; Houston LB Allen Aldridge, headed to Jacksonville, and Seattle LB Mike Maslowski, the newest member of a proud Baltimore Blitz LB legacy. We also saw SS Je’Rod Cherry leave Philly for Arizona, TE Jay Riemersma sign with Birmingham, Houston TE David LaFleur head to Denver, Portland LB Greg Biekert sign with the Panthers, and Orlando 3rd stringer, Jason Garrett, head up to Chicago.
NFL Goes Heavy for Wideouts
With Chad Ochocinco already off the board, the wideout pool was only slightly less impressive when the NFL-USFL transfer window opened, but that did not dissuade NFL clubs from hitting the free agent transfer window hard, and very much Wideout was the position of choice.
The biggest loss for the USFL, and in this case the Bulls, was that of Terrell Owens, who departed Jacksonville to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, another wideout diva looking for a bigger market in which to take over the spotlight. But Owens was not the only wideout snatched up by NFL teams during the month-long transfer window. In addition to the flamboyant Owens, we saw Boston’s Terrance Mathis head to the NFL Falcons, Johnnie Morton to the Chiefs, Darnay Scott to the Chargers, and JuJuan Dawson to the Raiders.
And receiver was not the only area of interest for NFL teams. There was plenty of talent available and the fall league, just weeks away from the start of their own regular season, was happy to dive right in and snap up players fresh off a full spring season. Seattle took a big hit, losing strong safety John Lynch to the NFL Broncos. Lynch was a rare quality player on a pretty average Dragons defense, but now heads to the NFL where he hopes to find more success with the Broncos. Another big hit was taken by New Jersey, who gain Deion Sanders but lose RT Leon Searcy to the NFL Bills. Another big lineman gone is Nashville’s Gennaro DiNapoli, who will stay in town to play for the NFL Tennessee Copperheads. Oakland loses FS Antuan Edwards, Portland will lose any chance of resigning HB Correl Buckhalter, who head off to the Eagles, and cornerback Bobby Taylor leaves the Maulers for the Detroit Lions.
So did the USFL benefit at all from the NFL-USFL transfer window? Well, as usual, this first round has to be considered a win for the NFL, as few of their top free agents were still unsigned by this late in the summer, but remember that when the January-February window comes around it will be the USFL that has most of their players under contract and the NFL that has to fear departures for the spring. That is to say that while we did not see a lot of big name players jump to the USFL, there were still a few who could be impactful for their USFL clubs come March.
We love the signing of DT Ted Washington by the Chicago Machine. Washington is just a space eater who will make inside runs even tougher against an already solid Machine front. Another good DT signing was pulled off by the Washington Federals, who landed Copperheads’ DT Robaire Smith. Still searching for the elite DT they lost when Jerome Brown retired, Washington brings in a good one in Smith. The last big name among defensive signings was in the secondary, where Jacksonville got some help by inking former Bill Antoine Winfield to a 3-year deal. Winfield is a high energy corner who is not afraid to take on running backs in the open field and has excellent ballhawking skills.
On offense perhaps the best signing was executed by the Stars, who landed former Patriot cemter Damien Woody. With a few holes in the O-line to fill, this was a good start for Philadelphia. Another lineman picked up from the fall league is center Cory Withrow, who leaves the NFL Vikings for a warmer spot with the Birmingham Stallions. Top flight “skills” players were hard to come by in this round of transfers, but two who could have an impact are former Niners’ receiver Tai Streets, who is headed to the Bulls, and former Patriot halfback Patrick Pass, who will become a role player and special teamer behind Eddie George in Ohio. We also saw two special teams moves as kicker Matt Stover is now a Nashville Knight after several seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Finally, punter Josh Bidwell leaves the Green Bay Packers for a much warmer clime in Oakland.
Free Agency Not Done By a Long Shot
While it certainly has been a dynamic start to the free agency period that lasts into early February, to say that the free agency pool is now depleted is far from the truth. The NFL-USFL window and the early rush to sign top players has certainly taken a chunk out of the pool of available talent, but there are still some big names and some quality contributors available to be signed over the next few months. Looking at the best players left, we would put them into three categories: Potential All-USFL players, Potential Starters, and Potential Contributors. Here is our look at the top 5 in each category
Potential All-USFL players still available to sign.
C Jim Pyne (WSH)—Not the first name that pops up when you discuss the position, but a player who has been at the top of the game for a few years now.
LB Randall Godfrey (BOS)—Being on bad teams in Atlanta have not hidden the talent of this versatile LB.
CB Fred Smoot (ARZ)—Always near the top of the interception leader board and about as good in zone coverage as a DB can get.
K Mike Vanderjagt (TBY)—Did not get the opportunities to kick enough to reach the top of the scoring leaders list, but deadly accurate and good under pressure.
DE Renaldo Turnbull (BIR)—In the right defense, Turnbull could shift form a 10-sack guy to a 15-20 sack guy pretty easily.
Potential Starters
HB Stephen Davis (PHI)—While not as dynamic as he once was, Davis can still must you a 1,000 yard season if given the carries.
TE Fred Baxter (CHI)—Underappreciated because he is not a “streak down the seam” kind of TE, but he is a reliable blocker, has good hands, and will do the dirty work in the run game.
DT Norman Hand (MEM)—A solid option, particularly at the nose in a 3-4, who will occupy space and take on doubleteams.
WR Amani Toomer (LA)—Best as a #2 receiver who makes teams pay for overemphasizing coverage to the #1.
TE Kyle Brady (BAL)—Better as a receiver than a blocker, best suited for a more spread offense that wants an option over the middle.
Potential Contributors
DT John Thornton (OAK)—Not the most athletic of DT’s but has good skills and can effectively take on blockers to free up the LB.
FS Jerome Woods (TBY)—Neither a true centerfielder or a come to the line guy, but effective in coverage.
T Matt Stinchcomb (ARZ)—Might be best suited to swap from LT to RT as his run blocking is definitely better than his ability to protect the blind side.
DE Antonio Edwards (SEA)—Was never able to break out as a pass rusher, but a good, versatile guy who will help maintain containment of the QB and outside runs.
QB Jon Kitna (OAK)—Not a true starter at this stage of his career, but a savvy, still somewhat athletic, and accurate passer who can certainly provide stability as a backup.
Before we talk about some of the early offseason trades that have raised an eyebrow, we should acknowledge that several players from the top 4 teams in last year’s playoffs have since announced they are going to step away from the game. As we reported earlier on the non-playoff teams and the early exiters from the playoffs, seems only fair we remind everyone of these announced retirements as well.
Denver took the biggest hit of the 4 teams that played in the conference title games this year, losing 4 contributors within 2 weeks of their season concluding. LB Marvcus Patton, a team captain after the retirement of Kurt Gouveia, stepped away after 13 seasons in the league. Wideout Dedric Smith came over from LA after making a name for himself with the expansion Express in 1995. He had two 1,000 yard seasons before the emergence of Peerless Price resulted in a drop in production, but still had 57 catches for 785 yards this year with the resurgent Gold offense. Free Safety Mark Carrier is also retiring after 13 years in the USFL, most of it with Jacksonville before a 3-year stint in Denver. Carrier only saw action in 3 games this season. Finally, Center Jay Leeuwenberg, who has started all but 2 games at center for the Gold since 1999 is ending his 11-year career at the age of 35. That is a lot of talent for one team to replace all at once, and that does not even count free agency losses. Expect Denver to be very active as free agency continues.
Ohio had two players announce after their back-to-back titles, with the biggest impact likely that of CB Corey Raymond, who split time as a starting DB or as the nickel. Raymond started all 30 games between 2001 and 2002, but found himself as the nickel this year. Ohio also lost the services of tackle Mark Van Der Poel, a long time starter at RT for both the Glory and previously the Stars, but who again saw himself moved to a swing roll in 2003 as Ohio added new talent.
New Orleans bid farewell to Moe Gardner, the long time Pittsburgh Mauler DT who came over to the Breakers in 2001 and started all 14 games in the Breaker D-line this season. Gardner had 3 sacks in his final season long with 42 tackles, one of his strongest years at the position.
Finally, the Washington Federals said goodbye to DE Steve Bates after only 1 year with the club. Bates, who started with Seattle, and was a 3 year starter for the Dragons, racking up 15 sacks in his three seasons, spent a year in New Orleans, where he only started 2 games, and came to Washington as a backup action, but saw almost no time on the field, sitting behind Brackens, Hamilton and Greg Spires on the depth chart.
To have only a few trades in the early going of free agency should not be a shock. As we get closer to the draft, and as teams miss on the targeted players in the free agency pool, we will start to see more action, but that is not to say that the moves we haves seen are not intriguing.
The New Orleans Breakers made a very interesting move, sending backup QB Aaron Brooks to Portland, where he will back up, and perhaps help mentor a very similar QB in Akili Smith. Brooks was a full time starter in Atlanta before coming to the Breakers, where he backed up Trent Dilfer. In return the Breakers get a young prospect at receiver, Jerome Pathon, and a 3rd round pick, but all the talk is about what the departure of their #2 QB might mean for the Breakers.
The excitement in the Big Easy is pretty palpable as everyone and their uncle is hoping that this is a sign that the Breakers are going to make a major effort to draft and sign Ole Miss QB Eli Manning. With the immediate success of his brother Peyton in the NFL, Eli is looking like an elite prospect, and while Trent Dilfer has been very solid at QB since coming to the Breakers from the NFL, the chance to have the son of a New Orleans legend, Archie Manning, play for the Breakers, and one who seems to have all the tools for success, is a prospect that has the city abuzz.
The key will be who gets the top pick in the NFL Draft after the conclusion of their season. There are clearly teams that Eli would want to avoid, and if he is the #1 pick, as many suspect, the odds are that he would be picked by a truly horrible team. With New Orleans holding his rights in the Territorial Draft as an Ole Miss player, he has the shot to avoid going to the worst team in the NFL and signing instead with a very solid club that just appeared in a league championship game. That could be a very persuasive reason to not join his brother in the NFL. It is a prospect that likely has every resident of New Orleans except for Trent Dilfer excited to see what happens.
In a far less dramatic QB trade, Ohio 3rd stringer and former Heisman winner Koy Detmer has been traded to Orlando to compete with Jeff Blake to be the #2 behind Joey Harrington, a position that could become a #1 if Harrington does not show more promise in his 3rd year. Detmer has not gotten much of a chance to get on the field in his USFL career, starting one game with Ohio in 2000 and none at all since then. Ohio might be getting the better of the trade, at least for immediate impact, as Orlando sends DT Gabe Wilkins to the Glory for Detmer. Wilkins is a solid run stuffing DT who could help the Glory with that aspect of their defense, something teams often try to exploit to slow down the pace of games and keep that dangerous Ohio offense off the field.
Finally, the third notable trade saw two defenders swap from one also-ran team to another as the Stars tried to enhance their D-line as Oakland hoped to add some energy to their linebacking corps. Philly sends LB Henri Crockett, a 3-year starter with Birmingham (and for 1 year in Philly) who is useful on blitz packages and as a weak side backer, to the Invaders. In return, they land a young prospect who showed some flashes in his rookie year, DE Robert Mathis. Mathis saw limited action most of the year, but started the final 3 games and recorded 2 sacks in those starts. Coming out of HBCU Alabama A&M, Mathis was a low round pick in the 2002 draft for Oakland, but showed enough to garner attention around the league. Philadelphia has their star DE in Regan Upshaw, but have not been happy with the rotation of Derrick Burgess and Carl Powell at DE, so Mathis may very well get a chance to start far more games in 2004 with the Stars.
We have looked at the flurry of free agency, mentioned the key retirements, even seen some interesting trades to start off the offseason, and now we start thinking about this January’s draft. Always a highlight of the offseason, and often a catalyst for a 2nd flurry of free agent signings in the weeks of USFL minicamps as well, the Draft is where USFL teams come to make a splash. Ever since the league’s early days of snagging Heisman winners like Walker, Rozier, and Flutie, the league has put an emphasis on competing with the NFL at this stage of player development, signing big name college players, including underclassmen, rather than outbidding the NFL for established pro stars. That has been the strategy and it has been a good one.
Unlike the NFL, the USFL began with, and has now returned to, a format that includes a territorial draft, where players coming out of 72 of the best university programs in the country can be selected only by the one franchise that owns the rights to that school. The pool is limited, as only 4 players from each team’s 3 schools can be selected, with all others eligible for the Open Draft, but the strategizing around which players to pursue, the value of signability, and the exclusive rights within the T-Draft have made it one of the most exciting features of each offseason. With its return 2 years ago, the league set up the T-Draft to run one week before the standard draft, often leading to long hours in each team’s war rooms as they readjust their boards after the results are known. Every year teams will jump on some “home run” picks, while others might bypass the biggest names in their protected schools and opt for quality contributors who are eager to sign rather than await their fate in the NFL draft. Strategies vary, but occasionally there are players who are so iconic in their USFL team’s region, that the USFL club has to take a shot at them.
So, looking at the best of the best in this year’s T-Draft pool, here is who we see as the Top 10 prospects to be snatched up by USFL clubs before both the USFL Open Draft and the NFL Draft.
10) HB Stephen Jackson, Oregon State > Invaders
A really interesting scenario here as the Invaders get Oregon State as a school only because the Thunder move to Las Vegas shook up the rights and the Thunder opted to keep Oregon but not the Beavers. So, one of the best HB prospects falls into the laps of the Invaders. But will Oakland bite, or are they hitching their wagon to the hopes that Rashaan Salaam will reemerge in his first full season after suspension?
9) DE Will Smith, Ohio State > Glory
Just what Ohio needs, but exactly what the USFL does not want to see, a dominant defensive player falling to the Glory. The issue for the Glory is cap room, but with Chad Ochocinco already jumping ship, there may be space now, with some other shrewd moves, if the Glory want to roll out the red carpet for the big man.
8--- LB Jonathan Vilma, Miami > Bandits
For years teams like New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Oakland have complained that the T-Draft provides far more benefits to clubs like the Bandits, Stallions, and Outlaws, who have deep beds of prospects in their home states and at their regional schools. If ever there was an argument to be made it is this year’s crop of players coming out of the U. of Miami, a Tampa Bay protected school. Easily 5-6 players in the top 30 come out of Miami. Tampa Bay cannot select them all, and certainly cannot afford to sign even their 4 picks, but we have 3 Bandit prospects on this list. Expect 1 of them to be the target of an all out recruiting campaign. Vilma, an outstanding LB prospect, should be one of them.
7--- WR Roy Williams, Texas > Outlaws
The Longhorn pool is not as deep this year as it has been in the past, but Roy Williams seems an ideal fit for an Outlaws team who have been underwhelming at the position for several years.
6--- CB DeAngelo Hall, Va Tech > Blitz
Arguably the best corner coming out in this year’s draft (in debate with South Carolina’s Dunta Robinson and Arkansas’ Ahmad Carroll), Hall should be a target for a Blitz team that is desperate to rebuild a dominant defense and which just hired a defensive-minded coach in Tom Coughlin.
5--- TE Kellen Winslow, Miami > Bandits
Our second of three Hurricane players the Bandits should consider. The question is whether or not Tampa Bay likes Jeremy Shockey enough to bypass Winslow and go for one of the other options they have in their smorgasbord of Hurricanes.
4--- S Sean Taylor, Miami > Bandits
If we were in the Bandit war room, this is the player we would be targeting. One of the best prospects at the position in years (along with Polamalu last year) and an immediate starter for a Bandits defense that has lacked killer instinct for a long time.
3--- OT Robert Gallery, Iowa > Stars
You cannot go wrong finding a quality LT in the draft, and Philadelphia has a good one thanks to their selection of Iowa as their one non-regional choice of protected schools. Gallery could plug in at LT right away, a move that would make Brian Griese very happy. Problem is, he will be a major target for several NFL clubs as well, and could play the wait-and-see game to see which of his two suitors he likes best.
2--- WR Larry Fitzgerald, Pitt > Maulers
Picturing Fitzgerald lined up alongside Andre Rison has to make Mauler fans salivate. A local star with Pitt, Fitzgerald is a singular talent and would immediately help Pittsburgh become a more viable title contender. This one just feels natural, and we fully expect the Maulers to make an effort to sign him before the NFL Draft.
1--- QB Eli Manning, Ole Miss > Breakers
We already talked about Manning as an absolute coup for the Breakers, especially if he is chosen, as we expect, by the worst team in the NFL. If you have a choice to play for a truly bad team or a title contender that has already made room on their roster for you, where do you go? Yes, it is likely that a move to the Breakers means at least 1 year if not more behind Trent Dilfer, but it could also give you the chance to develop as a young player on a team that will be competing for league championships. That is a prospect that is inviting for both Manning and the Breakers. I think we join Breaker fans in wanting to see the club put their best effort into making this happen.
Will QB Talent Lead to Trades?
That is the big question as we look at the draft. Even if Eli Manning is off the table due to the Territorial Draft, there are still two potential Top 5 picks at the QB position in unprotected NC State star Philip Rivers and the athletic QB from Miami of Ohio Ben Roethlisberger. Add to that a solid cluster of second tier signal callers like Tulane’s J.P. Losman, Virginia’s Matt Schaub, Louisiana Tech’s Luke McNown, and Ohio State’s Craig Krenzel, and you have all the makings for a gold rush at QB, and that could lead to trades throughout the draft as teams try to position themselves.
The biggest question is what to expect from the Michigan Panthers. The Panthers earned the #1 pick by going 0-14 this season, but they are one of few non-playoff teams who feel solid at QB with Drew Brees growing into the role. So, what do they do? We all expect Oakland to take a QB with the #2 pick, so that means someone who wants a shot at one of the high level QB’s needs to make a deal with Michigan, and making a deal for the #1 overall pick never comes cheap. Who do we think is in the running?
Tampa Bay is a possibility, especially if Coach Spurrier does not like the premise of starting the year with Trent Green as his #1. The Bandits sit at #4, which is not far for Michigan to drop. A pick swap with perhaps a 2nd or 3rd rounder and a player might be enough for Tampa Bay to move up 3 spots and take a shot at either Rivers or Roethlisberger.
What do we think about Houston at #5 and Philly at #6. Both have veteran QB’s who have had solid seasons, but who have also disappointed. If either club felt they could use either Hasselbeck or Griese as a bridge for a year, they may take a shot at someone like Roethlisberger and give him a year to develop. Of course, both clubs also have glaring needs at other positions, which is what you expect from anyone with a Top 10 pick. So will they mortgage multiple picks in a swap to get a potential franchise QB? That is a very good question.
After those two, we get back to a team in clear QB transition, the Baltimore Blitz. The Blitz traded for Ryan Leaf, and then let their starter, Jeff Garcia, go into free agency. Could that mean they are happy with Leaf, or are they also a potential suitor for Michigan’s top pick? A trade with the Panthers would almost certainly require multiple picks as a drop from #1 to #8 is significant, but if they put the right package together they could swing it.
Anyone below the Blitz is likely to need to offer multiple #1s to have any shot at getting that top pick. Is there anyone out there desperate enough to do that? Honestly, we don’t think so. While there are rumblings that Las Vegas wants more out of Akili Smith, or that Nashville is concerned that Todd Collins needs a defensive juggernaut in order to win games, there is really not a club after the Blitz that we would say is actively seeking a QB solution this year. So, if Michigan is hoping to rack up some picks and give someone else a shot at one of the two elite QB’s who are sure to be in the open draft, they should be taking all calls from the Bandits, Gamblers, Stars, and Blitz, because those are the contenders right now.
Winning is About More than Quarterbacks
This is absolutely true, you need a team around a QB to win championships. So, for those clubs who are happy at QB, who are the top prospects we already know are going to be available in the opening round of the draft. Remember that a good number of top T-Draft prospects will go unpicked, as they are every year, but that cannot be known until teams make their picks and protect their 4 players each from the protected schools. If we look only at unprotected schools, and we drop the QB’s from the equation, who are the top choices in the draft that teams can safely scout at this point.
The top prospect may just be Western Michigan’s Jason Babin, an explosive edge rusher who could be a good fit for a club looking to shore up their front line with a pure speed rusher. Next up is likely one of two Oklahoma State prospects, either wideout Rashaun Woods or halfback Tatum Bell. Both clearly have first round talent, and both are there for teams hoping to improve their offensive skills positions. We also should not overlook a some smaller school talent like Montana State CB Joey Thomas, Tusculum’s Ricardo Colclough, or TE Chris Cooley from Utah State. NC State also has a receiver who could be a top pick along with QB Rivers, wideout Jerricho Cotchery may be a product of working with Rivers, but it seems like he also has legit skills which would translate well to the USFL.
This mix of players will be joined by many others who simply were not among the Top 4 prospects each USFL club protected from their 3 protected schools, sometimes for cost reasons, for positional need, or because they simply felt more confident that others were more willing to sign on early. Don’t be surprised if some of the biggest names in the draft, from WR Larry Fitzgerald to safety Sean Taylor come out of the T-Draft unclaimed and available one week later in the open draft. It has happened every year that a T-Draft has been in place.