The USFL Draft has wrapped up, teams are only 10 days from reporting to camp, and USFL diehards are already looking past the NFL Super Bowl and filling the airwaves of sports radio with predictions about their favorite USFL team and questions about the upcoming free agency pool available for the NFL-USFL Transfer Window. It may be a cold, dreary winter across much of the country, but it is also the season of anticipation for USFL Fans. Some are feeling very good about their potential rosters as the final pieces are ready to be put into place, others are looking at pretty large holes in the roster and wondering if the key to the season is an NFL import yet to be acquired. It is a period of transition across the league, with most rookies still debating conflicting offers from two different leagues, and most GM’s obsessing about missing pieces that still need to be filled. Sounds like a good time for us to assess the situation, review the Collegiate Draft, and take a look at just who might be ready to make the leap from the fall to the spring this February.
We will cover all the latest deals, free agent signings, and the recently completed USFL Draft, but we have to start with a story we have been following for the past 6 months, the story of the Texas Outlaws and their ever-worsening stadium situation. A new player has entered the game and that could cause a major upheaval for the Outlaws. We begin there and then will shift to the player personnel side of the league once again, reviewing all the major signings, trades, and draft results that will help to build the 28 clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
An Offer They Can’t Refuse?
Things turned dark for the Outlaws over the winter, with litigation initiated between the city of San Antonio and the insurers of the Alamodome, Chubb INA, with the former asserting that the denial of claims for the reconstruction of the facility were unwarranted, while the insurer seeks to present evidence that lays the blame for the large scale tornado damage to the facility largely on the city and its contractors for use of substandard materials and a structurally unsound design. It is a case that could last for months, and with voters in no mood to foot the bill for what could be a $2 billion dollar demolition and reconstruction, the fate of the Alamodome is very much in doubt. Initial demolition has already begun due to safety concerns with the exposed building regularly drawing trespassers onto the cordoned off grounds, but even that is moving slowly as the city is now required to warehouse the materials removed from the site due to the evidentiary needs in the argument of substandard construction. To put it shortly, the site itself, and the legal issues surrounding the facility’s collapse and ever-questioned reconstruction plan, are a huge mess, a fiasco about as convoluted and messy as the building itself.
So, what does this mean for the Texas Outlaws, gearing up to compete for the 2016 season across three different stadiums in three different Texas cities? It means that a return to normalcy could be both a long way off and at a considerable cost to owners Red McCombs and William Tatham. Projections of a possible completion date for a rebuilt Alamodome now stretch possibly as late as 2021, and even those are tentative. Expectations that the USFL and the Outlaw ownership in particular will be major contributors to the reconstruction efforts are becoming quite vocal and could potentially require a sign off from the team owners that would commit the team to significant funding, perhaps as much as $1B, before any steps are taken to put shovel to dirt and start the rebuild. Principle club owner Red McCombs has been consistent in his message that he is committed to seeing the Alamodome rebuilt and that the USFL will retain its longstanding presence in San Antonio. His minority partner and club founder, William Tatham, has seemed less than enthusiastic about both the financial and logistical pain of spending perhaps 3-5 seasons playing on the road as well as the incredible expense which will be asked of the Outlaw franchise to contribute to the reconstruction efforts.
Enter a third party, one which could very well be making an offer that the Outlaws cannot refuse. The OKC Football Group, a private lobbying and investment group headed by billionaire George Frazier of Tulsa and Clay Bennett, primary owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, is making a pitch to the ownership of the Outlaws, one which may very well offer a path forward that provides the Outlaws with a solution for the short term and the city of San Antonio with a longer term solution to the Alamodome situation. It is a solution that could appease many interests, though fans of the Outlaws may not be one of them.
The proposal is essentially this, OKC Football Group would buy out Red McCombs’s 51% share of the Outlaws, with the goal of relocating the Outlaw franchise to the newly completed OGE Energy Stadium on Oklahoma City’s south side. William Tatham, the club’s founder and the man who first brought USFL football to Oklahoma when the Outlaws began their USFL journey with one year in Tulsa in 1987, would retain his 42% share of the Outlaws and would have a role in the operational side of the franchise. The deal would allow the Outlaws to have a permanent home beginning in the 2017 season, rather than shuttling between Texas cities for up to 5 seasons, losing value and revenue each year. It would also provide McCombs with significant income from the sale of his shares, perhaps as much as $600 million, which could help to fund his efforts to rebuild the Alamodome.
The plan would also require the USFL to commit to returning a franchise to San Antonio within 2 years of the completion of the new Alamodome, a nod to McCombs’s dedication to the city and its presence within the league. It is an ambitious plan that would certainly improve the financial stability of the Outlaws almost immediately, but at the expense of the San Antonio and south Texas fanbase. The fans of the city and region would be losing their beloved Outlaws just as they were preparing to celebrate 30 years of Texas Outlaw football in 2017. It would ensure that a new franchise would call San Antonio home, but perhaps not until 2020 or 2021, and not the same franchise, of course. It would also increase the private funding available for the Alamodome project without committing the USFL to fund the project as they did in Las Vegas, a messy situation that the league is loathe to repeat.
It may well be an offer the league and the Outlaws cannot refuse. It solves so many financial and logistical issues for the Outlaws, provides the league with a “legacy” market and a brand new 55,000 seat stadium in a growing metropolitan area, and provides a timeline for San Antonio and current Outlaws owner Red McCombs to return to the league. There is, of course, a lot more complexity to this offer than we have described, and it will have to make its way through months of negotiation between the OKC Football Group, the USFL, the Outlaws, and the City of San Antonio, but this is an option which offers much to all parties, making it attractive both in the short term (particularly for the Outlaw ownership, the USFL, and the city and state of Oklahoma) while providing long term viability for the Alamodome project and the return of USFL football to the city of San Antonio. Expect more news on this proposal and the response of the Outlaws and the USFL as we move through the 2016 season.
Winter Free Agent Signings
Turning now to the ongoing offseason player personnel changes across the league, we start with a quick rundown of later signings across the league. As we typically see, the rush of signings in August and September slowed to a trickle over the winter, with only a handful of notable signings up until the period of the draft. We could still see a few significant additions as camps open up, particularly as teams come to learn that some of their prized draft picks have opted to join the NFL, leaving gaps in their clubs’ rosters, but as of right now, with only a few rookies having signed, the hot stove of free agency has turned cold. But, that said, there were several signings from November through January which we should note. We will start there and then provide you with our list of 10 players still on the market who could be looking for a home this February.
DE Malik Jackson (HOU to PHI)
Jackson’s release from the Gamblers was one of the early surprises across the league. The 1st year NFL import had rotated on the Houston D-line with veteran Antwan Applewhite and rookie Dante Fowler. The three had combined for 28 sacks, with Jackson’s 9 sacks settling between the 11 from Applewhite and 8 from the rookie Fowler. We had anticipated that Houston might opt to keep the two younger players, but instead opted to retain Applewhite and Fowler and let Jackson go. The beneficiary of that decision ended up being the Philadelphia Stars, who were able to sign Jackson to a 3-year deal and now plan to put the speed edge rusher on the opposite side of the line from veteran Anthony Hargrove. Jackson could share time with Muhammad Wilkerson or may, with a good camp, jump into a full time role in the right end slot.
G Deuce Lutui (NJ to STL)
The long-time Atlanta Fire starter at right guard, Lutui spent one year in New Jersey before hitting the market again. He lands in St. Louis, where he is expected to compete with Brett Williams for the starting right guard gig. Lutui could also serve as a swing lineman, taking snaps on the left side or at center. A solid run blocker, Lutui has been a full time starter since 2011, but could once again see himself playing spot duty on a line that is expected to both produce holes for Eddie Lacy and protect Josh Freeman.
LB Tavares Gooden (BAL to OAK)
Gooden has averaged only 5 starts per season but has seen regular action in his time in Baltimore, moving from weak to strong side over the past 2 years. He finished 2015 with 66 tackles, playing primarily in Baltimore’s nickel packages as a coverage linebacker. In Oakland he may finally get a shot to be a full-time starter, slotted in as the strong side linebacker at present, ahead of Nick Koutavides, who likely will see more action in the middle. Expect Gooden to remain on the field in nickel situations, a role he proved adept at with the Blitz.
C/OT Brian Schwenke (SD to NOR)
A solid swing lineman, Schwenke is not expected to overtake Chris Spencer as the starting center in New Orleans, but should see significant snaps both at center and tackle. Schwenke’s flexibility has been a strong suit for the 3-year veteran. After starting at center for the Showboats in 2015, injuries and a falling out with coach Rex Ryan had him serving the swing lineman role, but it suited him well, and could be why the Breakers opted to bring him in on a 2-year deal.
WR Reggie Brown (OHI to DAL)
Dallas had plenty of slots to fill in their WR group, and after signing slot receiver Tiquan Underwood in August, they added Brown in November. Brown is likely going to rotate with Percy Harvin in the slot, but could also see considerable action outside, sharing time with Underwood. At 34, and entering his 12th season in the league, Brown now joins his 4th team after long stints in Seattle and Texas as well as the past 2 years in Ohio. Brown had his best season with the Glory last year, targeted 44 times and catching 18 balls for 244 yards and 2 scores. Expect his role to again be a supporting one, though with Dallas’s uncertain receiver group, he could well see more opportunities.
HB Ronny Hillman (CHA to ARZ)
2nd year halfback Ronny Hillman was cut loose by the Charlotte Monarchs after what many would consider a solid first year with the club. Working behind both Darren McFadden and Taiwan Jones, Hillman still managed to see the field, both as a gunner on kick coverage and in the backfield. He finished 2015 with 86 attempts for 321, a pretty respectable 3.8 YPC average. He also added 4 touchdowns. In Arizona he will again likely play a dual role, serving on punt and kick coverages, but also spelling Frank Gore. With Gore the clear lead back and with Ka’Deem Carey seeing carries on third down and in spread formations, Hillman will likely have to fight for touches, but can be productive when given a chance.
Ten Free Agents Still Looking for a Home
FB Rick Razzano (SEA)—We are honestly surprised that no one has jumped on the 32-year-old former lead blocker for Michigan, Texas, and Seattle, but with the reduction of use of fullbacks in newer offenses, perhaps it is not surprising that he was not snapped up early.
WR Sidney Rice (MEM)—A 9-year veteran of the Showboats, Rice is a potential retirement candidate after suffering significant injuries in both 2013 and 2015. That uncertainty has kept teams away from serious negotiations with the receiver.
CB Drayton Florence (MGN)—After 5 seasons with Philadelphia and Michigan, the nickel back is looking for a home either as a kick returner or at cornerback. With only 4 interceptions in 5 years, there has been limited interest so far this offseason.
HB Leon Washington (PHI)—After 9 seasons in the league, with both the Panthers and Stars, Leon Washington is looking for a club that sees his 2015 season, where he had 896 yards and 8 touchdowns, as a sign that at 29 he still has a lot of gas in the tank. Washington is a solid 3-down option, with 19 receptions in 2015 and an ability to make the first tackler miss in the run game. He is one of the surprises on our list of free agents as yet unsigned.
DE Chris Canty (TEX)—Canty is another surprise on our list. A 12-sack DE back in 2012, Canty has not recovered that form over the past 3 years, topping out at 7 sacks in 2015 with the Outlaws. At 32 this may be an age issue, or it may just be that he has to wait to see which of the bigger DE names in the draft sign with the NFL before finding a landing spot in the USFL.
CB Carlos Rogers (TBY)—A 2-time All-USFL selection, Rogers is a 10-year veteran who has proven to be effective in both zone and man coverage. His best year from a takeaway perspective was 2010, when he finished with 6 interceptions. He garnered only 2 with the Bandits last year, while starting all 16 games. There have been rumors that the Bandits are trying to resign the veteran corner, but as of yet, no deal has emerged.
QB Vince Young (BAL)—Injuries and inconsistency have been the story for this former Heisman Trophy winner. After coming to the USFL with much fanfare in 2011, Young has yet to start a full 16 games, topping out at 11 games with Chicago in his 2nd year before injury cut his season short. He moved to Baltimore in 2014 to back up Ben Roethlisberger after 2 years with sub 70 QB Ratings as a part-time starter. Since then he has started only preseason games, and was lost for the year last season after suffering an injury during mop up duty for the Blitz. A major star in college, Young is now generally considered a bust in pro circles. That alone could be why no one has taken a flyer on the former star of the Longhorns.
WR Santana Moss (TBY)—At 35, there is much speculation that unless a deal comes in soon, Santana Moss could opt to retire from the game. Moss started all 16 games for the Bandits last year after having mixed roles in both Arizona and New Orleans. He finished the year as the Bandits’ top receiver with 101 receptions, 1,052 yards and 5 touchdowns. So, the question is, why did Tampa Bay let him go at the end of his contract and why is he not getting offers now?
CB Nnambi Asomugha (BAL)—There is no question why Asomugha has yet to sign. After a 7-pick, league title season in 2014, Asomugha regressed in 2015, dropping to only 2 picks, but also giving up 88 catches to opposing receivers. Despite this, Asomugha is insisting on getting All-USFL compensation before he will sign. He views himself as one of the top corners in the league and is looking to be compensated as such. Teams have been hesitant to deal with the ego they see in Asomugha and have been unwilling to offer the type of compensation that he is demanding.
WR Steve Smith (OHI)—This one truly baffles us. After 4 All-USFL nominations, an 1,100-yard season, and his second 100-reception season in the past 3 years, we just don’t know why teams are shying away from Steve Smith. This is a receiver who at times was single-handedly keeping the Ohio Glory in games. Yes, he is 37 years old, and yes, he is both extroverted and opinionated, but he has also been described as a locker room motivator. Could this really be all about his age, or is there something else happening here?
Draft Trades
The4 2016 USFL Draft saw some of the most active trading, particularly for the early picks of the first round of any draft in recent history. With 48 hours of the opening picks of the Territorial Draft we saw both of the top two picks change hands, with two more teams dropping out of the top 4 on the day of the Open Draft, significantly shifting the focus of the draft and creating ripples that ran through the first round.
46 Hours Prior to the Territorial Draft: Tampa Bay Trades for Rights to Jared Goff
Just two days before the first of the league’s two Collegiate Drafts, the question of who would make a move to obtain the rights to draft Cal QB Jared Goff was answered. The Tampa Bay Bandits, having collapsed from a playoff team to the 2nd pick in the Open Draft due in large part to a failure last year to land FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, and a disastrous trade with Los Angeles for Mark Sanchez, made a deal to try once again to acquire the top QB talent in the draft.
Tampa Bay would swap their 2nd overall pick in the Open Draft to the Oakland Invaders, holders of the key to Goff, the rights to select 3 players from Cal, Stanford, and Fresno State without competition from other USFL clubs. Oakland gave up their first pick in the T-draft, confident that Tampa Bay was targeting Goff, but earning the 2nd pick in the Open Draft with the possibility of landing their top selection in a position of need.
As expected, 2 days later, Tampa Bay would announce that Jared Goff was their pick, and the negotiations would begin. Oakland, with the second pick in the draft would go for the best defensive player in the open pool, Ohio State DE Joey Bosa.
27 Hours Prior to the T-Draft: Portland Trades Ryan Fitzpatrick to Chicago for 1st Overall pick
With Goff almost assuredly coming off the board in the T-Draft, the Chicago Machine, owners of the first pick in the Open Draft had a decision to make. Did they like North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz enough to spend the first pick in the draft on the 6’5” pocket passer, or would they use their position to make a deal. When Portland came to them with an offer for a QB solution that was already game tested, the Machine pulled the trigger on the deal.
Chicago would provide the Portland Stags with the first overall pick, allowing them the best chance of any team of landing a star player. In return, the Portland Stags send QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Machine. Fitzpatrick, coming off his best year as a pro and having guided the Stags to the Western Conference Finals, was a luxury that Portland could afford to lose thanks to the signing of Marcus Mariota out of the 2015 draft. He would step into Chicago as the opening day starter, allowing the Machine to groom Trevor Siemian, their own 2015 QB draft pick, while immediately improving their offense at the same time.
For Portland the motivation was clear. With Jonathan Stewart having retired unexpectedly at age 29 in September, the Stags were desperate to rebuild a run game that was the crux of their offense. They had already signed Felix Jones away from the Texas Outlaws, but they wanted more. The expectation was that either Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliot or Alabama’s Derrick Henry, perhaps both, would escape the T-Draft and be available with the Stags’ newfound draft-starting pick. The rights to both Elliott and Henry were held by teams, Ohio and Birmingham respectively, who had no pressing need at halfback, and with deep talent pools coming out of the Glory’s and the Stallions’ protected schools, they could afford to let the halfbacks slip into the Open Draft.
Even if another halfback-needy team, someone like Philadelphia, made a deal with either Ohio or Birmingham, the other highly-rated back would still be on the board with the first pick, all but assuring the Stags of having a shot at a lead back, a shot complicated by the NFL Draft, certainly, but a shot nonetheless. And so, Chicago had their QB, Tampa Bay had their chance to draft their preferred rookie QB, and the Stags and Invaders had found themselves with the two top picks in the Open Draft. But the swapping was not yet over.
24 Hours Before Open Draft: New Jersey & Jacksonville Trade down in Top 10
The next two trades would happen in the hours leading up to the Open Draft, after the protected lists of players from the T-Draft had been announced. Elliott, Henry, Joey Bosa, and a significant pool of prospective Top 20 picks had escaped the T-Draft process and were available. With everyone expecting Portland to go after a halfback and Oakland expected to use the 2nd overall pick on Joey Bosa, there was a flurry of interest in the next few picks, in part due to interest in QB Carson Wentz, but also simply out of desire to get one of the truly elite prospects in the early rounds.
The Los Angeles Express held the third selection in the draft, but after signing Sam Bradford in free agency, they were not viewed as a contender in the Carson Wentz quest. In fact, with LA looking primarily at Defensive Tackle and Offensive Line needs, the Express could afford to shift downwards and still get a player they coveted. They let it be known that the third pick was available for the right price. Several teams would make offers, all interested in Wentz, but in the end, the best offer came from the New Jersey Generals, the very team Sam Bradford had left in a huff.
New Jersey provided LA with what they wanted most, additional picks. The Generals would give LA their first round pick, number 10 overall, as well as their 3rd rounder for the rights to move up 7 slots. But, was New Jersey looking for a QB? Many believed that their earlier signing of Arizona backup Nick Foles pointed to a team that was going to move forward with their 2015 rookie pick, USC’s Brent Hundley, but wanted a solid 2nd option if that did not pan out. The expectation that New Jersey might not be in the QB market meant that it might be the 4th pick, not the 3rd where Carson Wentz would hear his name called.
And so, the owner of the 4th pick, the Jacksonville Bulls, were now getting calls from across the league. They too were not viewed as a QB-hungry team, having brought in Robert Griffin III from the NFL the year before, and having seen considerable improvement in their offense from 2014 to 2015. If Jacksonville was not in the QB hunt, others who might be could try to move up for Wentz. But, Wentz was not the only coveted player still expected to be on the board. With Portland clearly looking at halfbacks, Oakland well-known to be interested in Bosa, and New Jersey likely going after a position of need on either the offensive line or in the linebacking corps, there was a very good chance that the 4th pick in the draft would not be Wentz, but the other big name edge rusher in the draft, Oregon’s Deforest Buckner. Portland had passed up on Buckner in the T-Draft, so the big bullrushing end would be there, along with Wentz to the bidder who could convince Jacksonville to make a deal.
That trade partner emerged only 6 hours after the New Jersey – Los Angeles swap. The San Diego Thunder, trying to rebuild a once-domnant defense, was only 4 picks lower in the draft order, a minor drop for the Bulls, and when they threw in two additional picks, a 4th this year and another in 2017, it satisfied Jacksonville’s desire to build through the draft. The Bulls would drop down to pick 8, allowing San Diego to almost certainly get a shot at Buckner.
So, who was the biggest winner in all of these early first-round swaps? Well, that largely depends on who has the ability to sign the player they would draft, but the other obvious choice was Ohio, owners of the 5th pick in the draft. It looked very plausible that without making any moves at all, Ohio might have found themselves in the position to acquire the rights to QB Carson Wentz, a player that Coach Coughlin was said to be impressed with. The Glory could stand pat, retain all of their later picks, and still have a shot at the consensus number 2 QB in the draft.
Draft Day: Ohio Trades Troy Smith to Portland for 2nd Round Choice
But the moves did not stop there. There was still one more significant trade to be made. Following their first round selection of Carson Wentz, a move still viewed as fortuitous, Ohio decided to adopt a common strategy in the USFL draft, the double down. With the NFL likely to woo Wentz quite hard, there was no guarantee that the QB would opt to land in Columbus with the Glory, so the team opted to make their first move in the 2nd round.
Ohio had selected Wentz, as expected, with pick 5 in the first round. In the 2nd round they used their 5th pick to go for Safety Karl Joseph from West Virginia, but they saw at the end of the 2nd round a chance to move into the round for a second pick and they took it. The Glory approached the Portland Stags, who now had their HB chosen (Ezekiel Elliott), but who had traded away Ryan Fitzpatrick to obtain the pick for Elliott. This was a team that needed a backup QB and Ohio had just the player to send over to the Stags. The Glory offered Portland QB Troy Smith, a mobile, athletic QB who had split starts with Brock Osweiler in 2015. Smith would be able to play in the same high-mobility, dual-threat style that starter Marcus Mariota was set up for, making him an ideal backup for Portland’s newly christened starter.
Portland agreed, providing Ohio with their 2nd round pick. After all, the Stags had already made two picks in the first round (Elliott and CB Vernon Hargreaves at pick 26. So, with the need for a backup QB satisfied, why not give up their 2nd rounder to the Glory. The deal was cut just as Baltimore made their 2nd round pick, 2 slots before Portland’s pick. Ohio would move up for a 2nd pick in the round, and their objective was clear. They goal was to sign Wentz and have a similarly-built QB behind him in NFL import Brock Osweiler, but with Wentz still a risk to join the NFL, the Glory would double down at the position and take another pure pocket passer in Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg. Hackenberg was similar in build and style to Wentz and Osweiler, allowing Coach Coughlin to put in a traditional run-first, play action, vertical game that would suit whichever QBs he had in place by season’s start.
And so, five trades impacted the opening day of the USFL Draft and quite possibly the remaining draft as well, with the QB position again at the center of the action. Three prominent QBs were taken off the board in the T-Draft (Goff to Tampa after the trade, Paxton Lynch to Memphis as suspected, and Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott to the Bandits as well, as they two played the “double down” strategy). Three more would come off the boards in the first two rounds of the Open Draft, with Carson Wentz taken third, NC State’s Jacoby Brissett going with the 42nd pick to the Seattle Dragons, and Ohio making the move with Portland to get back into the round to take Christian Hackenberg at pick 54. More on all the moves and selections up next as we review the full draft and look at all 28 clubs.
While first round trades, all in the top 4 picks, were the story of the draft, there was still plenty of action throughout the 3 days of draft action. The T-Draft, held on Wednesday, saw several major talents taken off the board, and the Open Draft saw all the drama of teams taking their shots at potential impact players over two days of selections, with Friday Night providing the first and second round excitement and Saturday filling out the remaining 5 rounds. As we look back on the draft, fully aware that the NFL Draft will greatly influence who finds their way to each league, we expect that teams will have a mix of joy and pain as players use the two league structure to make the best deal for themselves and find the home that is best suited to their interests. We will review the draft in the original draft order (pre-trade), looking at each club’s T-Draft choices as well as the names from the Open Draft that are drawing attention, beginning with Chicago, who would trade out of the first round in order to acquire a QB with a proven track record.
CHICAGO MACHINE
T-Draft Selections: WR Will Fuller (NDame), DE Jihad Ward (Illinois), DE Dean Lowry (NDame)
First Round Story: The Machine traded away the first overall pick to Portland in exchange for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is expected to be the starter after a strong 2015 campaign in Portland.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Chicago drafted 3 linemen in the later rounds. The most promising is guard Donavon Clark from Michigan State, who could see some snaps with the first team in camp if he signs.
TAMPA BAY BANDITS
T-Draft Selections: CB Jalen Ramsey (FSU), QB Dak Prescott (Miss St), CB Javien Elliott (FSU), QB Jared Goff (Cal-pick from OAK)
First Round Story: Tampa Bay traded the 2nd overall pick in the Open Draft to Oakland in order to select QB Jared Goff from Oakland’s protected pool of players. In return, Oakland would select DE Joey Bosa of Ohio State with the Bandit’s Open Draft pick.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): We are intrigued by HB Devontae Booker. He may not have a big role with the Bandits, but when you look at his film there are some skills there.
LOS ANGELES EXPRESS
T-Draft Selections: C Max Tuerk (USC), LB Joe Schobert (Wisc), CB Kevon Seymour (USC)
First Round Story: Los Angeles traded down 7 slots to the 10-spot, With that pick they selected Mississippi State DE Chris Jones, also picking up a 3rd round selection which would be used to select HB Devontae Booker from Utah.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Just on quantity alone, we have to call this a solid draft for the Express. They had 14 picks between the 3 T-Draft and 7 Open Draft rounds. Now, as for quality, the player who we think could be a mid-round steal is HB Paul Perkins, a potential dual threat back out of UCLA.
JACKSONVILLE BULLS
T-Draft Selections: DE Shaq Lawson (Clemson), LB Kevin Dodd (Clemson), LB Antonio Morrison (Florida)
First Round Story: The Bulls traded down 4 spots in a deal with San Diego. Now with the 8th selection, the Bulls selected OT Ronnie Staley of Notre Dame. The trade also landed them a 4th round pick next year and another this year, with which they selected WR Kenny Lawlor from Cal.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): If he signs with the Bulls, WR Tajae Sharpe out of UMass could be an interesting prospect on both special teams and in the slot.
OHIO GLORY
T-Draft Selections: CB Eli Apple (Ohio St), DT Adolphus Washington (Ohio St), WR Jalin Marshall (Ohio St)
First Round Story: The Glory stood pat at pick 5 and saw Carson Wentz fall to them after all the trades in the first 4 selections. Ohio selected Wentz, the first QB taken in the Open Draft, and would later trade into the later 2nd round to obtain a 2nd QB, Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): LB Blake Martinez out of Stanford is a motor guy who could fit in well with the Glory defense. Ohio has to outbid the Packers to sign him as both teams picked him in the 4th round.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS
T-Draft Selections: QB Paxton Lynch (Memphis), DT Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss), HB Alex Collins (Ark)
First Round Story: Memphis had attempted to move up to the 4-spot in hopes of landing DeForest Buckner, but were unable to get Jacksonville to deal, so at pick 6 they went with their second option at DE, Clemson’s Shaq Lawson.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Temple LB Tyler Matakevich had a 5th round grade, but Ohio signed him in the 7th, as did the Pittsburgh Steelers. He could catch on as a special teams player for either team.
PHILADELPHIA STARS
T-Draft Selections: DT Austin Johnson (PSU), DE Carl Nassib (PSU), S Jordan Lucas (PSU)
First Round Story: Feeling very fortunate that Portland opted to use their first pick on Ezekiel Elliott, the Stars were overjoyed to have Alabama’s Derrick Henry on the board with the 7th pick. They are currently competing with the Tennessee Copperheads of the NFL for Henry’s signature on a deal.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): He may not grade out as first round talent but on name alone Prince Charles Iworah deserves a shot. He was a 6th round pick of the Stars out of Western Kentucky.
SAN DIEGO THUNDER
T-Draft Selections: DT Kenny Clark (UCLA), LB Myles Jack (UCLA), WR Devin Fuller (UCLA)
First Round Story: San Diego traded up to the 4 spot and got their choice of edge rushers, settling on Oregon’s DeForest Buckner, generally considered the most complete De on the board. They will compete with the NFL 49ers for Buckner’s talents.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Thunder are creating a kicker competition for incumbent Jeff Reed, signing Georgia State’s Will Lutz in the 7th and final round of the draft.
ATLANTA FIRE
T-Draft Selections: DT Adam Gotsis (UGA), WR Pharoh Cooper (So. Car.), OT John Theus (UGA)
First Round Story: The Fire hope to add Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadmill to their offense, providing both a deep threat and another option for QB Kyle Orton.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): It’s not too much further down, but the Fire’s 2nd round pick, Alabama HB Kenyan Drake, could quickly get on the field in rotation with trade acquisition Chris Ivory.
LAS VEGAS VIPERS
T-Draft Selections: DE Bronson Kaufusi (BYU), LB Nick Vigil (Utah St), S Marwin Evans (Utah St)
First Round Story: Las Vegas used the 10th pick in the draft to select DT Sheldon Rankins of Louisville. The big man also became the first of the USFL’s first round picks to sign with the league, with Rankin agreeing to a 4-year deal with the Vipers.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Keep an eye on 5th round pick Matthew Judon out of Division II Grand Valley State. He has not played against top competition, but what he has on film is impressive. He could be a steal for the Vipers.
NEW JERSEY GENERALS
T-Draft Selections: TE Tyler Higbee (WKU, LB Steve Longa (Rutgers), OT George Fant(WKU)
First Round Story: The Generals moved up from 10 to 3 with a deal that gave the LA Express their first and third round picks. Many expected them to select Carson Wentz with the pick, but New Jersey instead opted to select the best LT in the draft, Michigan State’s Jack Conklin. They will be competing with the Tennessee Copperheads for his rights after the NFL team traded several players to get a 2nd Top 12 pick in the NFL Draft.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Generals continue to look for a consistent kicker. Is UCLA’s Ka’imi Fairbairn the answer? New Jersey hopes so after spending a 6th round pick on him.
DENVER GOLD
T-Draft Selections: DT Maliek Collins (Nebr), OT Alex Lewis (Nebr), CB Ken Crawley (Colo)
First Round Story: Denver went for secondary help, selecting Miami of Florida’s Artie Burns with the 12th pick in the draft. Burns now has to choose between two notedly stingy teams, the Gold and the NFL Steelers.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Gold took two linebackers in the later rounds, Portland State’s Patrick Onwuasor and Louisville’s James Burgess. Both play a similar style and both could make the roster (if signed) as New Jersey tries to rebuild their LB group.
WASHINGTON FEDERALS
T-Draft Selections: S Kevin Byard (MTSU), LB Dadi Nicolas (Va Tech), G Lucas Patrick (Duke)
First Round Story: the Federals opted to build on their D-line by selecting Alabama’s A’Shawn Robinson. The Feds are reportedly close to a deal with the big man in the middle, hoping to outbid the Detroit Lions.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): We are keeping an eye on West Virginia HB Wendell Smallwood, and we think you should too. He was a 5th round pick for the Feds, who need to find a way to reduce Deuce McCallister’s workload now that he officially earned his AARP card.
SEATTLE DRAGONS
T-Draft Selections: G Joe Dahl (Wash St), LB Travis Feeney (UW), TE Joshua Perkins (UW)
First Round Story: Seattle looked for secondary help and believes they have found it in Baylor’s Xavien Howard, a speedy corner used to going up against those dynamic Big 12 receivers.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The selection of NC State QB Jacoby Brissett in the 2nd round may be an indication that Byron Leftwich has given the team a warning about his long term plans. We can see the similarities in the two players’ games, so this could be a 1-year mentoring program in the works for the Dragons.
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS
T-Draft Selections: C Ryan Kelly (Bama), LB Reggie Ragland (Bama), DT Jarran Reed (Bama)
First Round Story: After a strong T-Draft crop once again, Birmingham used the Open Draft’s 15th pick to select a player that rival Memphis passed on, Arkansas TE Hunter Henry. The Stallions continue to add receiving options for QB Cam Newton with the pick of the athletic receiving TE.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Stallions usually live and die by the T-Draft, but this year, they may have found a steal midway through the Open Draft, selecting Vandy’s Steven Weatherly, a LB who might have gone in the first 2-3 rounds had he played at a different SEC school.
DALLAS ROUGHNECKS
T-Draft Selections: WR Corey Coleman (Baylor), DT Hassan Ridgeway (Texas), DT Andrew Billings (Baylor)
First Round Story: Dallas felt very fortunate to see Georgia LB Leonard Floyd both escape the T-Draft unchosen and then drop to them at pick 16 in the first round of the Open Draft. They will need to outbid the Chicago Bears of the NFL to land the aggressive linebacker.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Another name game contestant, Illinois WR Geronimo Allison was taken in the 4th round and could see the field as part of Dallas’s very “in flux” receiver room.
OAKLAND INVADERS
T-Draft Selections: (TE Austin Hooper (Stan), HB Tyler Ervin (SJSU), 1st Pick Traded to TBY)
First Round Story: After their trade with the Bandits, Oakland found itself with both the 2nd overall pick and the 17th. With the 2nd pick in the draft, the Invaders did as everyone expected, selecting Ohio State’s disruptive DE Joey Bosa. Later on in the round they went defense again, selecting CB William Jackson III out of the University of Houston. Bosa was also selected by another Cali team, the San Diego Chargers, while Jackson was chosen in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): HB Darius Jackson had some very good games for Eastern Michigan. He did not grade out well on the tangibles, but his game film shows some intangibles, and that may help him make the roster in Oakland.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS
T-Draft Selections: DE Shilique Calhoun (MSU), C Graham Glasgow (Mich), WR Aaron Burbridge (MSU)
First Round Story: The Panthers look to beef up their O-line with the selection of Texas A&M tackle Germain Ifedi. Ifedi will now have to choose between the Panthers and the NFL Seahawks.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Indiana QB Nate Sudfeld could slot right in at the 3rd QB position if he signs with the Panthers, but we think he can move up to 2nd if he plays his cards right and pays attention to how Kirk Cousins prepares each week.
HOUSTON GAMBLERS
T-Draft Selections: OT Germain Ifedi (TAMU), CB Brandon Williams (TAMU), LB Brandon Roberts (Houston)
First Round Story: Houston looked to add some range to their LB group by selecting Boise State backer Kamalei Correa. They will be bidding against the Baltimore Ravens for Correa’s talents, but could be in a good position as Correa was a 2nd round choice by the Ravens, locking him into a lower salary on their rookie pay scale.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Gamblers took a 6th round flyer on La Tech QB Jeff Driskel. While we think Colt McCoy is the heir apparent for Hasselbeck, Driskel will have a chance to prove us and the Houston coaches wrong.
CHARLOTTE MONARCHS
T-Draft Selections: DT Vernon Butler (La Tech), HB Kenneth Dixon (La Tech), CB Justin Burris (NC State)
First Round Story: Charlotte also went for a linebacker, selecting Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith. Smith was also chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL 2nd round but has already signed on the dotted line with Charlotte.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Safety Kavon Frazier from Central Michigan may be one of our favorite prospects from the entire 2nd day of the draft. That he fell as far as the 4th round is a bit of a surprise.
ORLANDO RENEGADES
T-Draft Selections: S Deon Bush (Miami), S Sharrod Neasman (FAU), S Michael Pierce (Samford)
First Round Story: The Renegades hope to add another weapon for QB Russell Wilson by selecting WR Sterling Shepherd out of Oklahoma. The tall, lanky receiver now has his choice of sunny Florida or glitzy New York as he was also chosen by the NY Giants.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): TE Beau Sanford out of Montana State has good hands, can block the run, and is a big target, but needs to work on his routes if he hopes to move up the depth chart and actually get the ball thrown to him.
TEXAS OUTLAWS
T-Draft Selections: DE Emmanuel Ogbah (OK State), OT Le’Raven Clark (Texas Tech), DE Charles Tapper (OU)
First Round Story: The Outlaws went for a safety, selecting Florida’s Keanu Neal with the 22nd pick in the draft. They will have to outbid the NFL Falcons for Neal’s services.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Outlaws hope they found a diamond in the rough with 6th round pick Colby James, a LB out of Colorado State.
ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS
T-Draft Selections: S Deiondre Hall (N. Iowa), C Evan Boehm (Mizzou), HB Jordan Howard (IU)
First Round Story: St. Louis surprised many by taking a wide receiver, already a position of strength for the team, but they had Ohio State’s Michael Thomas high on their board, so with him still available they opted to go for the player they believed had the most upside.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): The Skyhawks’ first four picks were all defenders, and of those, the most intriguing may be 3rd rounder, DT Javon Hargrave from South Carolina State.
BALTIMORE BLITZ
T-Draft Selections: DE Yannick Ngakoue (Maryland), CB Eric Murray (Minn), DT Quinton Jefferson (Maryland)
First Round Story: The Blitz look to deal with the departure of Robert Quinn, choosing edge rusher Jihad Ward out of Illinois as their late first round selection. Ward has a coast to coast choice to make, having also been drafted by the recently relocated Las Vegas Raiders.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Despite signing Jake Locker this year, the Blitz still go after a project QB to put behind Big Ben. Trevor Boykin from TCU could have a special role, being used on short yardage as an option specialist for QB sneaks and bootlegs.
PITTSBURGH MAULERS
T-Draft Selections: WR Tyler Boyd (Pitt), LB Nick Kwiatkowski (WVU), S K. J. Dillon (WVU)
First Round Story: The Maulers decide to add more protection for the 2015 OPOTY, QB Andy Dalton, selecting tackle Jason Spriggs from Indiana University.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): QB Kevin Hogan from Stanford is unlikely to see snaps at that position. We think the Maulers chose him in the 5th round hoping to convince him to try his hand as a receiver.
PORTLAND STAGS
T-Draft Selections: S Darian Thompson (Boise), C Isaac Seumalo (Or State), LB Joe Walker (Oregon)
First Round Story: The Stags made perhaps the most controversial move of the draft, trading away the QB who took them to the Western Conference Finals, Ryan Fitzpatrick, in a quest to get a halfback. The trade gave them the first overall pick in the Open Draft, and they spent that pick on Ohio State’s bruising and blazingly fast Ezekiel Elliott. Now they find themselves in a bidding war with the one NFL owner who will not let cost keep a player from his squad, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. Portland did have a second pick in the round, but rather than double down on the halfback position, they opted to go for defense and get some help at cornerback by selecting Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): OT Fahn Cooper from Ole Miss could be a 4th round steal. He has the size and the power to be very effective as a run blocker, but needs to improve his footwork in pass protection.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS
T-Draft Selections: TE David Morgan (UTSA), WR Devin Lucien (ASU), LB Scooby Wright (ASU)
First Round Story: Many expected Arizona to trade down and get out of the first round, but they stayed put, selecting guard Cody Whitehair from Kansas State.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): One of our favorite picks in the entire draft is HB Peyton Barber in the 3rd round. This Auburn product could be a very effective stand-in for Frank Gore this year and could possibly earn the starter’s role in 2 years.
NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS
T-Draft Selections: LB Deion James (LSU), CB Rashard Robinson (LSU), HB Jalen Richard (So Miss)
First Round Story: The Breakers also stood pat late in the round, keeping their final pick of the round and selecting some O-line help in the form of Notre Dame center Nick Martin. Martin was also selected by the Houston Oilers early in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft, but the Breakers will still have to make a deal that attracts the lineman to the club.
Most Intriguing Later Pick(s): Another mid-round HB who could have a role this year, Southern Miss back Jalen Richard could be a special teamer as well as depth at the position for the Breakers.
Top 20 NFL Players Available & Best Matches
The draft will certainly provide a talent boost and help many teams fill key areas of need, but as we full-well know, with competition from the NFL for every single player, the draft is not enough. Every year half, if not more of the USFL draft picks end up playing in the senior league in the fall, not with their USFL teams. So, what is a team to do when camps open and their draft picks did not sign on? Well, the answer is the NFL-USFL transfer window. That is typically the last minute call, even in some cases with players coming on as the regular season starts. The Window lasts from February 15-March 15, meaning that there are players signing just as teams suit up for the first week of action. It means that some NFL imports may not see the field until Week 3 or 4, but it still provides hope that a key piece needed for a club to succeed is still available. So, as we look at the upcoming class of NFL Free agents, who do we see as potential targets of USFL interest? We picked the “high interest” players who appear to be headed to free agency (unless they sign in the next 2 weeks as we await the Super Bowl), and we offer you the best option for where they might end up. Here is our Transfer Window Primer.
QUARTERBACKS: Blaine Gabbert (SF), Geno Smith (NYJ), Christian Ponder (Min)
Most years the NFL free agent QB pool is filled with journeymen, lifelong backups, and maybe the occasional protesting veteran or aging former starter. This year is a little different. We have three past starters, all coming off their rookie deal, but all considered in one way or another a potential bust. They are in the pool because they have not delivered on the promise they showed in college, but with QB development very much an issue in both leagues, there is still hope that one or more of these players could develop. So, who is a prime target and where could they end up? Looking across the USFL, we think the best scenarios are teams that have a questionable QB situation and could be open for a QB competition. That includes clubs like San Diego, Las Vegas, Ohio, Tampa Bay, and Memphis. The last three largely determined by whether Goff, Wentz, or Lynch opt to join the NFL. If the top draft picks at the position bail on the USFL, then you can bet that Gabbert, Smith, and Ponder will get a lot of attention.
RUNNING BACKS: Adrian Peterson (Min), DeAngelo Williams (Pit), Isaiah Crowell (Cle), Jamaal Charles (KC)
With the exception of Crowell, what we have in the halfback pool is a game of “do you trust them now?”. AP is a superstar, and he had a stellar recovery from his ACL last year, but there are still concerns that he is not the player he once was, thus the free agent status. Jamaal Charles went over 1,000 yards with Kansas City in 2014, but this past year played in only 5 games and could be a high risk for any team to sign. DeAngelo Williams, once a monster in Carolina, struggled with injury, and while his one season in Pittsburgh was solid, much like AP, there are real questions about his longevity. Finally, there is Isaiah Crowell, who seems to be the only HB on an ascendant path, having gone form 607 yards in 2014 to 706 this past year in Cleveland. Is he a potential 1,000 yard rusher or is 700-800 yards his true cap? Teams likely to be interested in any of these backs are not likely those hoping for a bell cow, but those looking to partner them with another back for a 2-headed rushing attack. Who is in that boat? How about Atlanta (with Ivory/Drake), Charlotte (McFadden), Denver (Murray), Jacksonville (Williams), Las Vegas (Hardesty), Oakland (Brown), Pittsburgh (Lattimore), or Portland (Jones)? That is a pretty long list.
RECEIVERS: Torrey Smith (SF), Cordarelle Patterson (Min), Kenny Stills (Mia), TE Martellus
Bennett (GB)
In the receiver group it all depends on what you want. If you are looking for a deep threat who can take the roof off a defense, then you are likely looking for either Smith or Stills, both of whom make their living on fly routes. If you want a swiss army knife who can play outside, inside, and even get into the run game with jet sweeps and bubble screens, well that is Cordarelle Patterson. If your squad still needs a receiving TE, the only option is Bennett. So, let’s break these down by need. Needing speed: Dallas, Tampa Bay, Charlotte, or Chicago. Needing versatility or a clear slot receiver: Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, or New Jersey. How about at Tight End? Plenty to choose from but we see Pittsburgh, Orlando, or Michigan at the top of our lists.
OFFENSIVE LINE: OT Andrew Whitworth (Cin)
Sure, there are plenty of mid-range O-linemen available, but for true impact Whitworth is the only player truly worth targeting. We expect some of the others could sign with the USFL for depth, but who has the immediate need for a starter on the outside? Orlando, Chicago, and Jacksonville come to mind for us. Again, however, if the draft does not work out, then we add New Jersey, and Houston to the list.
DEFENSIVE LINE: DE Chandler Jones (Arz), DE Datone Jones (SF), DE Jacquies Smith (Det), DT Sen’Derrick Marks (Jax), DT Chris Baker (Wsh)
The biggest name on this list is clearly Chandler Jones from the Cardinals, with Datone Jones a solid runner up. And when you look for possible takers, it all comes down to which high profile rookie edge rushers sign with the NFL, making DE a priority for a last second signing. When we look at the top of the USFL draft we see plenty of teams trying to upgrade their pass rush, so expect action from one of these teams if the cited rookie DE does not sign: Oakland (Bosa), San Diego (Buckner), Memphis (Lawson), Baltimore (Ward). The same is true at DT, where we saw three picked in the first round of the draft, so Marks or Baker could get a call from one of these teams if their rookie pick does not sign: Las Vegas (Sheldon Rankins), Los Angeles (Chris Jones), or Washington (A’Shawn Robinson).
LINEBACKERS: Dont’a Hightower (NE), Ahmad Brooks (SF), Jamie Collins (Cle), Zach Orr (Bal)
Hightower and Brooks can be absolute disruptive forces. Collins and Orr are more group leaders, directing others and holding down their area, so we expect that teams will first take a shot at the more dangerous and potentially impactful pair on this list, but all 4 could get some looks. Linebacker is a position where no team feels they have the depth they want, but at least for Hightower or Brooks you are talking about major money, so the teams likely to be in the market are those with obvious need. Who is that? We think it is Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Orlando, or Tampa Bay, A big pool of teams all fighting over the same 2-4 names.
SECONDARY: CB Stephon Gilmore (Buf), CB Malcolm Butler (NE), CB Morris Claiborne (Dal), S Micah Hyde (GB), S Jahleel Addae (SD), S Ricardo Allen (Atl)
Corners and safeties are always in high demand in the pass happy USFL. From this group, Gilmore is the clear top dog, having proven himself in Buffalo and now looking for a more lucrative destination. Green Bay safety Micah Hyde is young and improving, so he could be a steal for a team. Similarly, Malcolm Butler has shown some flashes with the Patriots and could be ready to break out. So, who is interested? Well, at corner we see needs in Denver, Ohio, Seattle, Oakland, and Portland. For safety help, look at Texas, Oakland, Orlando, Chicago, and Charlotte.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Brandon McManus (Den), K Chandler Catanzaro (Arz), P Colton Schmidt, P Jeff Locke
Kickers and punters often end up rotating teams frequently as one bad game can sour a coach on either one. Will any USFL teams jump at the chance to sign a slightly higher-cost veteran over a rookie or free agent specialist? It happens, so who could be in the market? Kickers we could see getting offers in Dallas, St. Louis, or Orlando among others, while for Punters the obvious needs are in Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Washington, Arizona, or Oakland.
Our Top 5 Lists Heading into 2016
As football fans prepare to transition from the NFL Super Bowl to the USFL preseason and March opening weekend, we thought we would entice you, and maybe start some debates, with some quick and easy Top 5 lists. The kind of lists that fuel sports radio and online discussion as fans decry the undervaluing of their favorite star or their team as a whole, or come alive bragging about their top ranked superstar. So, we will keep this short and sweet, and let you fill in the gaps with your arguments. Feel free to use the comment section to add your thoughts to our speed rankings of the best of the USFL.
Top 5 Coaches in the USFL
5. Dennis Green (OAK)
4. Jim Harbaugh (PHI)
3. Wade Phillips (HOU)
2. Jim Tomsula (ARZ)
1. Jim Caldwell (BAL): A title in 2014 and a budding dynasty in only 2 years.
Top 5 Quarterbacks in the USFL
5. Drew Brees (NOR)
4. Andy Dalton (PIT)
3. Matt Hasselbeck (HOU)
2. Joe Flacco (TEX)
1. Ben Roethlisberger (BAL): The numbers over the past 2 years do not lie.
Top 5 Running Backs in the USFL
5. Frank Gore (ARZ)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew (NJ)
3. Carlos Hyde (HOU)
2. LeVeon Bell (MGN)
1. Deuce McCallister (WSH): On longevity and consistency alone he is at the top.
Top 5 Receivers in the USFL
5. D. J. Hackett (CHA)
4. Adam Thielen (PIT)
3. Mike Evans (HOU)
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey (BAL)
1. Marques Colston (TEX): Perhaps the best deep ball threat since Truvillion?
Top 5 Edge Rushers in the USFL
5. Aaron Kampman (NJ)
4. Von Miller (DEN)
3. Cliff Avril (OAK)
2. Jared Allen (PIT)
1. Calais Campbell (ORL): We expect no debate at number one.
Top 5 Linebackers in the USFL
5. Brian Orakpo (TBY)
4. Clay Matthews (LA)
3. Brian Urlacher (CHI)
2. Channing Crowder (POR)
1. Rolando McClain (CHA): A beast against the run and a nightmare in coverage too.
Top 5 Defensive Backs in the USFL
5. Asante Samuel (CHA)
4. Adam Archuleta (BAL)
3. Antrell Rolle (TBY)
2. Aqib Talib (DEN)
1. Troy Polamalu (ARZ): The scariest safety in all of football, not just the USFL.
Top 5 Stadiums in the USFL
5. Farmers Insurance Field (LA)
4. MetLife Stadium (NJ)
3. University of Phoenix Stadium (ARZ)
2. Columbia Sportswear Stadium (POR)
1. Lumen Field (SEA): Not the newest, but for amenities and atmosphere, the best.
Top 5 Traditions in the USFL
5. NJ/PHI Rivalry Games
4. Singing “Renegade” in Orlando
3. Memorial Day Celebrations at RFK in DC
2. The Ride of the Bandit before every Tampa Bay game.
1. Tailgating outside any MEM v. BIR rivalry game.
Top 5 Foods at USFL Stadiums
5. Just a classic Hot Dog in NJ or Philly.
4. Pierogies at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh
3. A new one, the Fish Tacos in San Diego
2. The Boudin Dog with Etoufee Sauce in N’awlins.
1. Brisket on a Bun in Houston
Top 5 Tailgate Scenes in the USFL
5. Jacksonville
4. Ohio
3. Baltimore
2. Memphis
1. Birmingham: We expect a helluva debate over our 1-2 picks of BBQ Tailgates.
Orlando Announces “Choose your Renegade” Logo Contest
The Orlando Renegades are ready to pick a new logo, but they don’t want to do it alone. After significant controversy with Native American groups over the team’s longstanding use of the tomahawk as a symbol of rebelliousness and aggression, the Renegades have opted to replace their Native American imagery with a new look, but they are asking fans to decide which look best captures the spirit of the club as a rowdy, fun-loving, and dominant sports franchise. The Renegades, along with the USFL Design Team and Adidas, the uniform providers for the USFL have set up a “Choose Your Renegade” logo competition that will allow fans from all over the country to help select the final design for Orlando’s new look.
Fans can vote online from February 1st through Week 3 of the USFL Season on three designs, each featuring an animal logo to represent the renegade spirit of the franchise. Voting will require that entries include location information, with votes from within the state of Florida weighed more heavily than those from outside the state. Additionally, all season ticket holders will be “superdelegates” with their votes recorded through a separate tally and given equal weight to the more open national poll.
So, what are the choices? Well, three animals with very different profiles, but all three known for aggression, power, speed, and force of will. The three different designs, all retain the team’s traditional color scheme of Renegade Blue and Black. Early images seem to indicate that the team will swap out their metallic silver for a matte grey, but otherwise the traditional colors will remain. So, to prime your interest as the competition begins in only 2 weeks, here are the three options for the New Look of the Orlando Renegades.
Option 1: The Wild Boar or Tusker
This animal, native to most of the American Southeast, is a ferocious wild hog, tusks at the ready to charge the opposition. Known to run in herds, the boar is a nasty opponent not afraid to get dirty, take on bigger animals, or defend its turf. Any hunter will tell you that a run in with a boar is nothing to take lightly, they are fast, powerful, and mean.
Option 2: The Black Tip Shark
The waters off Florida are certainly prime shark country, and no shark is more dangerous or more aggressive than the Black Tip. A lone “renegade” shark can wreak havoc on the coastline, shutting down beaches and going after prey large and small. A perfect eating machine, the shark is swift, agile, aggressive and strong.
Option 3: The Mammoth
This behemoth of a creature roamed the earth in the earliest days of humanity. A hulking figure, the mammoth is a dominant force in the wild, with huge tusks and enormous brute force, no one pushes around one of these renegade bulls. And for those doubting the connection to Orlando, a reminder that the largest ever mammoth remains were found in Central Florida’s Aucilla River and on display at the Florida Museum just up the road in Gainesville.
(Fans of The USFL Lives can vote between now and our publication of Week 3’s results. Select your favorite logo for the new look in Orlando and the winner will be revealed in Week 5. Check the index at the top of the screen for the Poll webpage.)
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