Quite an exciting time for football fans. The NFL is in the midst of playoffs headed towards Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys hoping to pull off only the second undefeated season in league history, led by former USFL quarterback Tom Brady, and the USFL is only 2 months away from its season opener, as we prepare for the 26th USFL College Draft. And as much as we would love to join the chorus of media outlets hyping up the Cowboys, our focus today is on the USFL, the offseason moves, the expansion franchises, and the preparations in the works for the Open portion of the College Draft to be held this weekend. We will recap the past three months, take a look at where the Portland Stags and Charlotte Monarchs stand, review the players selected in this past week’s Territorial Draft, discuss team needs going into the open draft and the upcoming NFL-USFL transfer window, and finish off with our best guess at a mock first round draft for the 28 USFL squads. We get started with Birmingham’s double dip from the Great White North.
Stallions Head North, Way Up North, for Head Coach and New QB
Back in August we wondered if Birmingham, having struggled to find a winning formula by hiring coaches with a connection to the state of Alabama would stick to that strategy or would go back to finding a coach with NFL experience as they had in better days (with Rollie Dotsch and Ron Erhardt). Well, this November we got our answer, and it was “a little of both, but with a twist”, hiring defending Grey Cup Champion coach Kent Austin as their new head coach. Austin, a graduate of Ole Miss, where he played quarterback from 1983-1986, had just completed his first year as a head coach, leading the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a surprise Grey Cup Title. Austin had played most of his pro career in Canada, and for 5 years had been the offensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL before moving up to the head coach position with the Roughriders. Known as a player’s coach and an innovative play caller, Austin will bring a wide open style of play to the Stallions, but, what is more he has already brought a quarterback to the team as well.
Only 2 weeks into the job, and before either Jason Campbell or Anthony Wright came to the team facility for minicamps, Austin brought in another CFL import, quarterback David Dickerson of the BC Lions. Dickenson. Dickenson, a product of the University of Montana, had played for several teams in the CFL, most recently leading the Lions to a Grey Cup title in 2006. Austin signed the free agent CFL quarterback to a 3-year deal to come back to the USA and compete for the starting job in Birmingham, familiar with his talents, having faced him many times in Canada.
Fans in Birmingham are being cautiously optimistic about Austin and Dickenson, recognizing that their greatest successes have come when the team hired outside of the region, but concerned that the CFL game and the USFL game are quite different. For now, he will have a chance to build a team he believes can compete in a tough division, home to the current USFL champions, but the pressure will be on for a club that is clearly in transition.
Expansion Draft Review
Two other teams that are also clearly in transition are the expansion Charlotte Monarchs and Portland Stags. This past October they filled most of their roster through the USFL Expansion Draft, and over the past three months have added more free agent signings to bolster key positions. With the College Open Draft just a few days away, there remain some holes, but for the most part we now know who will make up the inaugural rosters of both clubs.
Charlotte, led by former Stars head coach and son of a legendary USFL head coach, Jim Mora Jr. looks like a team that will have a heated QB competition in camp. In addition to early NFL free agent QB Chris Weinke, the Monarchs used the expansion draft to sign two contenders in Washington backup Henry Burris and last year’s 10-game starter for New Jersey, former NFL QB Kelly Holcombe. One of Coach Mora’s first tasks will be to determine which of these three gives the club the best chance to earn some wins in their first season on the field.
At HB it appears that former Bandit and Gold backup Travis Prentice will be the starter, backed up by Autrey Denson and 3rd down back Travis Minor. There is still space for a 3rd HB, so drafting a top quality back may not be out of the picture. Free Agent FB Justin Green appears to have that position locked up.
The line will be led by All-USFL tackle Wayne Gandy, who at 34, was left unprotected in the T-Draft. Gandy will be joined by Sean Bubin, guards Sean Locklear and Chester Pitts and center Aaron Graham. At Tight End, the likely starter is former Gambler Dan Campbell, though Mark Bruener will also likely get a lot of snaps.
Wideout is a solid position for this expansion club, having signed former Breaker slot receiver Az-Zahir Hakeem in November as well as former Machine #1 Curtis Conway, also in free agency. The group is rounded out by Expansion Draft selections Brandon Marshall, D. J. Hackett, and Lance Moore.
On defense, the big move for the Monarchs was signing top DE free agent Julius Peppers, the former UNC star will certainly be a big figure in Charlotte this year. He is joined on the line by ED selections Chance McCarty and Darryl Tapp. Charlotte rounded out the DE position by signing CFL sack leader Fred Perry from Saskatchewan (I think this makes the most times we have referenced the province of Saskatchewan in over 25 years of USFL reporting), while at DT, free agent Ryan Simms will likely line up alongside Williams.
The LB Corps will be led by ED selections Scott Fujita, Jeff Ulbrich and Andra Davis, though this is an area where we expect an early draft pick to be used to bring in some speed and youth. At corner, veteran free agent Tyrone Poole and ED selection Carlos Rogers should be expected to start. The starting safeties should be Chris Crocker at FS and Reggie Tongue, the veteran free agent from Philly, at Strong Safety. Finally, in the Territorial Draft, Charlotte believes they have found their kicker in NC State product Steven Haushka.
Portland, and former Oregon Head Coach Rich Brooks, went with a slightly different strategy. Happy with former NFL player A. J. Feeley as the frontrunner at QB, they signed only backup Ken Dorsey in the Expansion Draft, while using a T-Draft pick on another Oregon QB, Dennis Dixon. They also used their T-Draft to snag their potential starting HB. If he signs, Oregon Duck Jonathan Stewart would be the clear frontrunner at the position over free agent Chris Perry and ED pick Derrick Blaylock.
Portland definitely prepared to support Stewart, if he signs, by bringing in one of the best fullbacks in the league, Ovie Mughelli from the Thunder. They also made sure to protect their QB’s blindside by signing the best veteran FA at left tackle, Korey Stringer. Stringer will likely line up with Todd Wade at RT, guards Marcus McFadden and Benji Olsen, both ED picks, and center Brad Meester, another O-line free agent signing.
At wideout, we expect the starting 3 to be former Gambler Koren Robinson, FSU product Craphonso Thorpe, and Roddy White, but don’t be surprised if free agent acquisition Andre Davis also gets into the mix. Inside, at TE, the Stags again used their cap room to sign a top free agent, former Federal Bubba Franks, who will be backed up by Seattle’s Visanthe Shiancoe.
On defense, LB corps seems solid, as Portland’s free agent spending spree continues with the signing of Mike Maslowski away from Baltimore. He will line up with Ben Leber, Channing Crowder and josh Stamer. On the line in what appears to be a 3-4 we have Elvis Dumervil and Ebenezer Ekuban outside with free agent Jason Fisk and ED selection Barron Tanner rotating at the nose.
The secondary will be led by SS Terreal Adams, along with FS Terrance Kiel, and corners James Trapp and Marquand Manuel. The nickel position remains unfilled, so expect a draft pick to be used there. Portland must have seen our advice, selecting Mason Crosby in the Expansion Draft to be their kicker. They also landed punter Frank Whalen with their final pick in the ED.
So, two clubs pieced together from across the league, both free to spend in free agency, and still looking for a few key pieces in the draft. But, of course, their selections also influence how the other 26 clubs will also draft this weekend, as well as where they went in free agency from mid-October until now.
With the Expansion Draft behind them, and with holes on every roster in the league, Free Agency resumed in late October with every team hoping to fill some gaps before the college draft. As we cited in our October report, many of the big names, the Randy Mosses and Shaun Alexanders, were scooped up within the first week of free agency in August, but there was still plenty of talent left to be signed, and November saw a lot of players make deals to sign on with new teams.
As you may have noticed in our rundown of the expansion draft, both Charlotte and Portland were very active in free agency as well, and as we all expected. Portland’s haul included center Brad Meester (MGN), LB Mike Maslowski (BAL), LT Korey Stringer (PIT), DT Jason Fisk (OAK), TE Bubba Franks (WSH), and “second chance” players like HB Chris Perry and WR Andre Davis.
For Charlotte, the free agent frenzy included the signing of Julius Peppers very early, followed by the addition of FB Justin Green (BOS), WRs Curtis Conway and Az-Zahir Hakeem, Philadelphia safety Reggie Tongue, veteran CB Tyrone Poole (BOS), DT Ryan Sims (BIR), and HB Autrey Detson (TBY).
So, with these two free-spending teams in the mix, how did the rest of the league fare? Well, some frustration that the expansion clubs had fewer cap issues to worry about, but likely more frustrated with their own cap limitations, though that did not stop some major signings from occurring in November. Here is our list of the most impactful of those free agent signings.
Wideout Tory Holt found a new home with the Baltimore Blitz, where he will certainly be a top target for Ben Roethlisberger.
Generals FS Brian Hawkins heads to the Valley of the Sun, signing with the Wranglers.
Arizona also hopes they found themselves a halfback, landing former Renegade Sedrick Irvin.
Corner Terrell Buckley signed a 1-year deal with the Knights.
Las Vegas landed two coveted targets in WR Amani Toomer and FB Manuel White.
Oakland filled their pivot position with center Jake Grove.
The Federals hope they have found a #2 to pair with Deion Branch, signing away rival Baltimore’s top receiver, Eddie Kennison. The Feds also bolstered their O-line by landing both OT Jerry Wunsch (OHI) and guard Chad Ward (NJ).
Pittsburgh gave Cody Pickett a slot option with wideout Kevin Johnson.
Philadelphia added SS Lance Schulters after the departure of Reggie Tongue.
OT Tra Thomas leaves Houston for Ohio.
LA will try to replace the departed Tory Holt with former Machine wideout Brandon Lloyd.
Boston lost Justin Green but signed former Outlaw FB Daiman Shelton to fill the spot.
And finally, veteran QB Jeff Blake moves from a backup role in Seattle to a possible starting gig with Coach Doug Williams and the St. Louis Skyhawks.
Pre-Draft Team Needs
Before the first of the USFL’s two College Drafts (Territorial and Open) this past weekend, our staff put together a study of each team’s roster as it currently stands, and selected the three most vital positions of need as we enter the Draft season. What you will see below is the result of that study, along with our assessment of whether or not the Territorial Draft has produced results that support these positions or, as is often the case, pressure will be on for the Open Draft to address areas where there simply were not any good options within a team’s three protected schools.
ARIZONA
Areas of Need: The Wranglers are in the market for a starting center, a slot receiver, and a backup for Jake Plummer. Add in some linebacker depth and you likely have their draft right there.
Protected Schools: Arizona, Arizona State, New Mexico
T-Draft Reaction: Arizona thinks they may have found their center in ASU’s Mike Pollak. Their other two selections, DE Lionel Dotson and HB Ryan Torain will need to battle to find spots on the roster if they sign.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: LB or WR seem the most pressing needs.
ATLANTA
Areas of Need: With the retirement of Terrell Davis, HB seems an obvious need. Atlanta could also use help at LB, FB, and a possible QB to compete with Garrard.
Protected Schools: Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern
T-Draft Reaction: Other than longshot FB Mike Cox (Ga Tech) we are not sure if Atlanta found value in this group. Their other two picks, DE Marcus Howard and K Brandon Coutu don’t are not in areas of obvious need.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Halfback is still a glaring need.
BALTIMORE Areas of Need: Linebacker is a huge hole, with 2 open starting spots after free agency. Add to that tackle and tight end.
Protected Schools: Maryland, Louisville, Kentucky
T-Draft Reaction: WR Harry Douglas of Louisville and TE Jacob Tamme of Kentucky are two solid pickups, if they both sign. Still no help at LB though.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be LB, maybe 2 or 3 times in the draft.
BIRMINGHAM
Areas of Need: Another team that lost their starting halfback. That and cornerback are the two biggest needs, though Tackle and DE are also potential need areas.
Protected Schools: Alabama, Auburn, Troy State
T-Draft Reaction: A weak crop for the traditional powerhouses at Bama and Auburn, but two corners were chosen, Patrick Lee and Jonathan Wilhite, both of the Tigers, along with DE Quentin Groves, an Auburn sweep. Signing either corner would be solid. Groves would also be a big addition.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: The Stallions need to find a potential lead back in the first round. The pool is not deep enough to go much later.
BOSTON
Areas of Need: Yet another team that lost their starting halfback. They could also use help at WR, LB, and TE.
Protected Schools: Boston College, Wisconsin, UConn
T-Draft Reaction: The Cannons could have tried to land Matt Ryan, but with Bledsoe stating he would be back, they did not. Instead they selected OT Gosder Cherilus of BC, then took fliers on Wisconsin wideout Paul Hubbard and guard Donald Thomas of UConn.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Man, this halfback class is going to be competitive. So many teams still desperately need to find a starter and there are not many options outside the draft.
CHARLOTTE
Areas of Need: Still many positions open, but we would say that linebacker, center, safety and corner are the most pressing.
Protected Schools: UNC, NC State, UNC Charlotte
T-Draft Reaction: Well, we did not have kicker at the top of the list, but they do need one, so picking Steven Hauschka from NC State makes some sense. UNC DT Kentwan Balmer and NC State safety DaJuan Morgan are also good value picks.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Linebacker will be a priority for Charlotte, and since they have the #1 pick, they will have a good chance at landing the one they feel best about.
CHICAGO
Areas of Need: Finding a replacement for Curtis Conway is a priority, as is adding depth to the D-line and the secondary.
Protected Schools: Illinois, Notre Dame, Northwestern
T-Draft Reaction: We like the pick of DT Trevor Laws from Notre Dame, and TE John Carlson, while not a position of need, is at least a solid talent. We are not sure if long snapper J. J. Jansen is a value or not.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be a wideout. Such a glaring need.
DENVER
Areas of Need: Linebacker, tackle, tight end, and strong safety are the biggest needs.
Protected Schools: Colorado, Nebraska, Colorado State
T-Draft Reaction: Buffs LB Jordon Dixon is a no brainer pick. Adding LB Bo Ruud of Nebraska gives Denver 2 picks at the position before we even get to the Open Draft. Their third pick, Co State QB Caleb Hanie is an interesting one, but likely a developmental player if he even signs with the USFL.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: With LB likely filled, Denver can focus on Tackle or Safety.
HOUSTON
Areas of Need: Offensive line (all 3 spots), kicker, and linebacker are areas of need for the Gamblers.
Protected Schools: Texas A&M, TCU, Houston
T-Draft Reaction: We like the choice of A&M center Cody Wallace, because he could easily shift to any of the O-line positions. LB David Hawthorne of TCU is another need position, and then there is a shot with TE Martellus Bennett of A&M.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: They won’t go kicker, so perhaps more help for the O-line.
JACKSONVILLE
Areas of Need: Defensive Tackle, Corner, Linebacker and depth at wideout is on their radar.
Protected Schools: Florida, Clemson, Florida Atlantic
T-Draft Reaction: We get why the Bulls picked WR Andre Caldwell (UF) and DE Phillip Merling, but OT Barry Richardson seems a luxury pick when the Bulls should be focused on basics.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: DT is still a big hole, as is Corner.
LAS VEGAS
Areas of Need: Losses at DT in free agency make that a priority. Linebacker and O-line also could use help.
Protected Schools: BYU, Utah, and UNLV
T-Draft Reaction: LB Bryan Kohl is a solid player in a position with some need and honestly the only real prospect coming out of the 3 schools this year. The other picks feel like camp bodies at best.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We would go with DT here. They really need to add 2 this offseason.
LOS ANGELES
Areas of Need: CB, DE, LB, SS---basically every level of defense needs help.
Protected Schools: USC, UCLA, San Diego State
T-Draft Reaction: Hard to go wrong with the Trojans and Bruins in your pool, and LA did what they needed to do, selecting LB Keith Rivers, DE Lawrence Jackson and CB Terrell Thomas. Now they just have to sign them.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If they feel good about signing their three picks, they will likely look at safety. If not, then they will double dip.
MEMPHIS
Areas of Need: Corner, D-line and Tight End seem to be areas where rookie additions would help.
Protected Schools: Arkansas, Memphis, Mississippi State
T-Draft Reaction: Not a great pool this year, but they may have found value in the 3 Razorbacks they selected: DT Marcus Harrison, OT Nate Gardner, and FB Peyton Hillis.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Tight End or Corner are still big areas of need.
MICHIGAN
Areas of Need: Several after some bad free agent losses. FS, G, TE, WR, and OT come to mind.
Protected Schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Toledo
T-Draft Reaction: The Panthers went for offensive skill positions, selecting WR Mario Manningham, HB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne. Seems unlikely they can sign all three.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: The Panthers still need talent at some less glamourous positions like Safety and Guard.
NASHVILLE
Areas of Need: O-line (C and T), Safety, and general depth.
Protected Schools: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss
T-Draft Reaction: If they can sign Vandy OT Chris Williams, they will have found a good one. TE Brad Cottam from Tennessee is a bit of a luxury pick, and we are intrigued by HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis from Ole Miss.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: A center and a safety would be places to look.
NEW JERSEY
Areas of Need: The Generals still have not addressed the retirements of Curtis Enis or Terry Glenn, so halfback and wideout are big flashing red lights. Safety and LB are other areas of need.
Protected Schools: Rutgers, Syracuse, and Oklahoma
T-Draft Reaction: Normally we expect OU to salvage New Jersey’s T-Draft, but this year it is Rutgers that comes up big. As expected the Generals drafted Scarlet Knight HB Ray Rice, who could be a plug and play HB for them. LB Curtis Lofton of OU is a solid pick as well. They also selected WR Malcolm Kelly, so three very good need picks for the Generals. Now open that checkbook and get them in camp.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If they feel good with Rice and Kelly, they may not double dip in either position, but adding another HB/WR prospect would be wise, just in case.
NEW ORLEANS:
Areas of Need: The Breakers basically need to rebuild their entire offense. Halfback, Wideout, Line, you name it. Oh, and at 1-13, the D is not great either.
Protected Schools: LSU, Tulane, La Tech
T-Draft Reaction: Tulane HB Matt Forte could be a steal if they can land him. WR Early Doucet from LSU is another potential contributor from the T-Draft. The Breakers also picked S Matt Dillard of La Tech to round out the picks.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Forte could be a top NFL pick, so the Breakers need to either sign him quickly or pick another back as a security blanket.
OAKLAND Areas of Need: A lot of defensive help is needed (DT, CB, LB) but also a slot receiver and a TE would be good pick ups.
Protected Schools: Cal, Stanford, Fresno State
T-Draft Reaction: WR DeSean Jackson is a bit of a home run swing, since he could be a top NFL pick, but if they can get him, their slot need is likely filled. Safety Thomas DeCoud is a bit of a stretch, and DT Jason Shirley is a bit undersized for Oakland’s scheme.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We expect defense to be the pick. We just don’t know which position.
OHIO
Areas of Need: Top needs are a backup for Eddie George, to lighten his carry total, and then perhaps LB and DT.
Protected Schools: Ohio State, Cincinnati, Akron
T-Draft Reaction: It is boom or bust with OSU at the center of every T-Draft for the Glory. This year feels like a bust. Yes, DE Vernon Gholston is a beast, but he seems intent on waiting for the NFL draft before making a choice, and that is never a good sign for a USFL team. Cincinnati actually got two picks of the three this year with safety Haruki Nakamura and DE Angelo Craig.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If there are any solid halfbacks when Ohio picks at #26, expect them to jump on that.
ORLANDO
Areas of Need: The Renegades need to find a replacement for Sedrick Irvin, but that may not come until the Open Draft. DE, CB, and G are the other key positions for the ‘Gades.
Protected Schools: Miami (FL), UCF, FAMU
T-Draft Reaction: We love the pick of Miami’s Calais Campbell, not so sure about TE Mike Merritt of UCF or guard Josh Stitton. Why did they pass on Miami HB Kevin Smith? Not big enough for their scheme?
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Without Smith picked, it has to be halfback, but that is a position a lot of teams will be fighting over.
PHILADELPHIA
Areas of Need: Linebacker and Free Safety seem most important, though Philly would love to get a HB behind Ahman Green.
Protected Schools: Penn State, Temple, Villanova.
T-Draft Reaction: Once again Penn State dominates, with Philadelphia selecting LB Dan Connor and CB Justin King.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: We like Connor, but we would still advise the Stars to look for another LB prospect in the open draft.
PITTSBURGH
Areas of Need: Guard, Tackle, and Wideout are all areas where Coach Rivera needs to up the talent level.
Protected Schools: Pitt, West Virginia, Marshall
T-Draft Reaction: OT Jeff Otah is a solid pickup for the Maulers, if they can sign him. FB Owen Schmitt hardly seems a need position, and we are just not sure that safety Ryan Mundy of WVU will be able to make the squad at a pretty deep position.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: O-line is still the top priority for the Maulers
PORTLAND
Areas of Need: As with Charlotte, the Stags could use upgrades all across the roster. Halfback is an obvious choice, as is their option in the T-Draft. Beyond that, wiedout, safety and corner come to mind.
Protected Schools: Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State
T-Draft Reaction: It was no surprise that Portland picked, and is lobbying hard to sign Ducks HB Jonathan Stewart. They also selected his teammate, QB Dennis Dixon and went for LB Joey Larocque of Oregon State.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: If Stewart signs, then Portland can use that #3 pick on a wideout or safety, if he is hemming and hawing they may snag another Top 5 back to lock in the position one way or the other.
SEATTLE
Areas of Need: Line depth, Cornerback help and maybe a backup for Leftwich after Pickett went to Pittsburgh last year and Blake departed this year.
Protected Schools: Washington, WSU, Montana
T-Draft Reaction: The Dragons selected UW QB Alex Brink, a possible backup for Leftwich, as well as FB Marcel Reese, another Husky prospect. Finally, they are hoping to add K Dan Carpenter to compete with Dave Rayner at the position.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Line depth is still a top priority. Center or Tackle, or a player who can fill both if needed.
ST. LOUIS
Areas of Need: Coach Williams may have solved his QB problem with Jeff Blake coming over from Seattle. So, now he can look for weapons at wideout and maybe a bit of D-line or LB help.
Protected Schools: Missouri, Iowa, Kansas State
T-Draft Reaction: WR Jordy Nelson is a speed burner from K-State who could be a huge help if Williams wants to bring the vertical ball to the Skyhawks. TE Martin Rucker is more of a blocker than a pass catcher, and DE Kenny Iwebema would be a depth addition for St. Louis.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: A DT or LB would be a shrewd pickup.
TAMPA BAY
Areas of Need: Wideout, Edge Rusher, and a big run-stuffing DT are all needed additions.
Protected Schools: FSU, South Carolina, USF
T-Draft Reaction: CB Mike Jenkins is a good talent, even if it is not a high priority position. DT Andre Fluellen and LB Geno Hayes make this a very defensive minded T-Draft for Coach Spurrier.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Still looking for a wideout, not to replace Moss, but to at least make life a bit easier for Culpepper by providing another target.
TEXAS
Areas of Need: QB, DE, LB, TE, WR, basically name a position and Texas needs it.
Protected Schools: Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor
T-Draft Reaction: We love the selection of WR Limas Sweed, and TE Jermichael Finley is another talented receiver to add to the mix. No QB in the T-Draft for Texas this year, but WR Danny Amendola is an interesting 3rd selection, likely to make his impact on special teams as a return man.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Got to be QB. Texas picks 7th, but we here they are hoping to move into the Top 4 to try to land either Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.
WASHINGTON
Areas of Need: Edge rush is essential for Coach Payton, as is depth at tackle and TE.
Protected Schools: Uva, Va Tech, Wake Forest
T-Draft Reaction: Ask and ye shall receive. Uva’s Chris Long is a perfect fit for Coach Payton’s need at DE. LB Xavier Adibi of Va Tech is athletic but needs some coaching up, and CB Brandon Flowers could be a nickel on day one.
Possible Open Draft Round 1 Pick: Still looking for a possible right tackle.
Draft Preview Mock 1st Round
Having already looked at each team’s needs and their (relative) success with the Territorial Draft, we arrive at this week’s Open Draft. Seven rounds of picks, with all 28 teams trying to balance talent with signability, fully aware that 50% or more of players selected will opt for the NFL instead. Will we see some trades as teams desperate for help at a few crowded positions (HB, OLB) try to snag the top tier talent? Who will be drafting one of the projected 1st round quarterbacks, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco? Who will not only select, but sign the biggest impact player of the year? Last year Las Vegas made a huge move to get a shot at HB Marshawn Lynch, and that paid off with 1,200 yards and a Rookie of the Year. Who will be this year’s big mover and big signee?
We preview our 2008 Open Draft by asking our staff to select the first round. No trades (which is a bit unrealistic because there are always a few), just the straight draft order. If we were the 28 GM’s here is what we would predict for the draft this year.
1. CHARLOTTE: QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
A potential franchise QB for a new franchise.
2. NEW ORLEANS: HB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The Breakers rebuild their offense with the top rusher available, unless Forte signs quickly.
3. PORTLAND: OT Jake Long, Michigan
They think they have their QB in Feeley, now they need to protect him.
4. ST. LOUIS: LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
Linebacker is their biggest need and Mayo is the top prospect.
5. ARIZONA: OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
They would love to land Mayo, but with him gone, they go for muscle up front.
6. WASHINGTON: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
The Feds need to bring more pressure, and Harvey can get to the QB.
7. TEXAS: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
We hear Texas likes Flacco better, but will gladly take Ryan as the 2nd option.
8. TAMPA BAY: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
They would love a wideout, but there just is not a player who ranks high enough.
9. BIRMINGHAM: HB Felix Jones, Arkansas
Another team desperate for a halfback, so another Razorback rusher goes off the board.
10. PITTSBURGH: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Not their position of greatest need, but the obvious Best Player Available.
11. NEW JERSEY: HB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
Another big back for the Generals offense, replacing Curtis Enis.
12. ATLANTA: QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
A bit early, but Atlanta is hoping he proves worth a Top 12 pick.
13. DENVER: OT Branden Albert, Virginia
A need pick. They would love to have a shot at Long or Clady, but not at 13.
14. LAS VEGAS: DT Kentawn Balmer, UNC
Coach Glanville wants to plug up the run and Balmer can do that.
15. BALTIMORE: LB Tavares Gooden, Miami
The Blitz need to replace two starting LBs so they stretch a bit for 2nd round talent.
16. MICHIGAN: S Kenny Phillips, Miami
It is good to have a need that most others don’t. Even at 16 Michigan gets their pick of the safeties.
17. NASHVILLE: OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
To get more athleticism, the Knights might try to sign a top tackle and then move them to center.
18. LOS ANGELES: CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
LA needs speed at WR and CB, but the CB prospects are stronger in this draft.
19. HOUSTON: OT Sam Baker, USC
A good draft for tackles creates a bit of a run in the first round.
20. PHILADELPHIA: HB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
The stars would prefer a bigger back like Mendenhall, but they have to make a pick here.
21. OAKLAND: CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy State
With LA taking Rogers-Cromartie, the pick is obviously McKelvin for the Invaders.
22. ORLANDO: CB Antoine Cason, Arizona
The “Gades really want a halfback, but there just is not first round talent left.
23. BOSTON: WR Donnie Avery, Houston
At 23 the Cannons can stretch for what many see as 2nd round talent at wideout.
24. SEATTLE: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
Seattle also is hoping to find a #2 to line up opposite David Boston.
25. JACKSONVILLE: DT Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan
Jones is a 3-technique DT who could fit well in the Bulls’ system.
26. OHIO: CB Mike Jenkins, USF
The Glory go with Best Player Available in a position every team needs.
27. CHICAGO: WR Eddie Royal, Va Tech
The Machine need to find someone to replace Conway. Royal is a big receiver who can make tough catches.
28. MEMPHIS: QB Chad Henne, Michigan
Brett Favre is not going to play forever. Perhaps Memphis feels good building for the future with a QB who can learn from one of the best.