Analyze/Grade your draft

[Pat]

Again, another thread that could of gone into the draft discussion, but I think it is worth of its own thread. You can go through and grade each pick made, each trade made, or could just give yourself an overall grade.

1.6 LCB Leo Duffy
I have said this before, but I was really surprised I landed Duffy at six. Besides Peyton Manning re-born, Duffy was my #2 player in the entire draft. Arguably the best defensive player in the draft, and he fills a glaring need.

2.6 QB Henry Andrews
A lot teams were really high on this guy and I love what he brings to the table. His development percentage means he might not be starting right away, but this guy is probably the QB of the future for this team.

3.6 FS Bennie Farley
I was really high on this guy. Has great ratings besides play diagnosis and being a punishing hitter. Not a clear need for me, but my starting FS is getting up there in years.

3.29 DT Nolan Hinsley
Maybe one of my favorite picks of my draft. Could be the great run stuffing DT my team has needed for two seasons.

4.6 RB Craig Price
Not sure how I feel about this pick. He should be able to be a solid 3rd down/backup runner, but he also could be a dud.

Trade
I sent my 3rd string QB Billy Joe Drummond, and pick 4.13 for a 2nd rounder in 2009, Yuma's 2nd and 5th round picks last year. Both of the players, Ronald Dawson and OJ Foulke, fill depth needs for me. I probably would of drafted an offensive linemen or defensive linemen at 4.13.

5.6 RDE Ben McPherson
Not sure how I feel about this pick. I probably past on better talented players to try and find a guy who could help me out at DE.

6.6 C Graham Weaver
My starting center is nearing the end of the line, and I think Weaver could be a starter in this league.

6.18 LG Jeremy Wing
Is a bit of a project at guard, and shouldn't play, but he might have to.

Trade
Traded a WR I was about to cut for a future 6th round pick. Not bad.

Overall
I really liked my first two picks, but going into the draft I really wanted to land a player who can contribute immediately at defensive end, guard, and kicker, and I failed to get any of those three. I filled a starting need at CB, and possibly DT, but who knows how they will be when the ratings came out. I would grade my draft as a C+ with the players I landed, but I really like the trades I made, which I will bump my overall draft weekend grade to a B-.

[Acid]

1.8 SE Wally Lum - Starter from day one, he'll definitely balance out my offense. Depending on his ratings, I could have a gamebreaker at RB, TE, and both WR spots.

1.31 RT J.C. Patton - Possible starter, depends on his ratings, but Burt Sampson will mostly likely be gone after this season, so Patton would take over next season at RT. I needed OL help desperately, and I lucked out with Patton lasting this long, I was contemplating taking Eugune Ellison, but I went for the WR with my first pick.

2.12 WILB Donny Salomon - Will see significant playing time this season opposite Greg Moore in the middle. Adds depth to my linebackers and could benefit from playing alongside Isaac Creamer and Greg Moore.

4.17 LDE Monty Hodges - Adds depth at DE, and is a physical specimen, 6'7'' 297 lbs with a 4.79 40. Hopefully he pans out and play alongside Roger Boren.

5.13 QB Mark McKoy - Incredibly raw quarterback, but my scouts were in love with him. Could possibly be my QB of the future if he pans out. Filled a need for a 3rd QB.

5.27 SLB Ricardo Heath -Adds depth to my OLB's, and will probably see most of his time on special teams.

7.31 No idea yet

Overall, I really like my draft and I think I definitely improved my team and I can hopefully hang on and win the division this year.

[SoMiss2000]

I ought to kick your ass for taking Weaver Diesel! I logged in at work and saw he was gone. I was crushed! Kick a man who's trying to rebuild his offensive line in the nuts why don't you.

[Guest]

I ought to kick your ass for taking Weaver Diesel! I logged in at work and saw he was gone. I was crushed! Kick a man who's trying to rebuild his offensive line in the nuts why don't you.

You gotta give him the nickname of Vin though. ..Vin Diesel . .!

[BillL130]

Hitmen Draft Class

1.12 (12) RDT Tito Roby (6-2 / 295 lbs)
We traded out fo our 4th overall pick (Boston) and picked up 1.12 and 2.15 picks, as well as veteran QB Claude McIntyre. We knew we needed to replace stud DT Hugh Adams (lost via Free Agency), especially since we'd be going with the 4-3 defense this season. DT Tito Roby is a solid player, ready to step into the starting lineup from day one of Training Camp. He's the quickest of the DL in the draft, and was highly rated by our scouts. We felt fortunate to still be able to pick him up at the 12th pick.

2.3 (35) MLB Daniel Fletcher (5-11 / 221 lbs)
We lost a few LBs via Free Agency, and needed to build the depth back up. MLB Fletcher may be a little on the small side, but we think he has great potential. Built in the "Zach Thomas" mold, Flectcher is a quick, agile 'Backer with great Leadership skills (4 year Captain at Louisville). Our scouts loved this kid, and believe he plays well above his numbers. He's got a shot to start for us in Week 1.

2.10 (42) SLB Harvey Ross (6-1 / 222 lbs)
With one of the picks we picked up from Pearl Harbor, we again went defense, and we again went LB, this time OLB. Ross comes from defensive powerhouse Virgina Tech, where he was a 3 year starter. This guy can play the run and rush the QB, and has the speed to fly all over the field. Another underrated player loved by our scouts, Ross will compete for a starting job form the start of camp.

2.28 (60) RB Ricky Buning (6-1 / 236 lbs)
The second pick obtained by Pearl Harbor, we took this bruising RB. He was Georgia Tech's leading rusher the past 2 seasons, and is a load to bring down. He will compete with RBs Mark Burton and Glen Conway as backup to Tim Hartman. Coaches have also bounced around the idea of moving him to FB.

6.3 (163) LG Mercury Ramsay (6-3 / 301 lbs)
Ramsay will add depth to our Offensive Line, and perhaps compete for a starting job in a season or two.

7.2 (194) FB Deron Diem (5-11 / 230 lbs)
Diem will add some depth to our backfield, and perhaps see some time on Special Teams this year.

[Mistwood]

I ought to kick your ass for taking Weaver Diesel! I logged in at work and saw he was gone. I was crushed! Kick a man who's trying to rebuild his offensive line in the nuts why don't you.

He was at the top of my list that round too, he's going to be good, but I opted for an upgrade at PK instead of taking him on my previous pick to when you snatched him. One of these days I'll learn not to do that.

[Lintyfresh85]

Remember, I had no chance to scout so if my guys are flops... don't blame me lol.

1. 2.22 LDT- Jose Booker (6-0/297)- I got Jose late in the second round with my first pick... He's looks like he's going to be a great run stopper with even some upside as a pass rusher. In this draft I really wanted to build up the D-line... I think Jose is a great start to that.

2.2.29 LG- Mitchell Lengel (6-3/294) - Mitchell was someone I needed to help shore up the Guard spot for my club. Infact, I'm counting on him to be a starter right out of the gate. He's got great potential as a pass blocker and he's decent in the run game. With the change coming in my offense, I think Mitchell fits the new offense perfect.

3.3.5 RDE- Norm Wilkerson (6-2/272) - Norm is another guy that I want to be a star on my revamped D-Line. He's quick, a great pass rusher, picks up on what the play will be very quick and he can hit. He's the type of DE I want.

4.3.27 RDT- Earl Scholl (6-2/288) - This one hurts... I thought for sure Hinsley was going to fall to be a 4.5 so I didn't jump up and grab him yet. I now wish I did. :( Scholl is/was going to be my starting LE this year, but with losing Hinsley I don't know what I'll do till I get everyone into camp.

5.4.5 QB- Walter Whiting (6-2/214) - Another misread on my part. Whiting was taken WAY too early on my part. He throws a good deep ball, and he can read the defense, but this was definitely a bad pick on my part. Probably second behind the Scholl pick who should have been Hinsley.

6.4.22 RG- Ted Parker (6-0/298) - A likely starter from day 1, Parker is a good value pick for me in the 4th round... He can't pass block, but he looks to be a great run blocker.

7.4.26 MLB- Chuck Poock (6-1/243) - Chuck is interesting... He's a great run stopper, and he's also a great pass rusher. I expect him to see the field early for my team.

8.4.27 WR- Neal Akins (5-11/190) - Neal I think was another pick I got for good value. He's a great route runner, and is perfect on his 3rd down catching ratings... but he's horrible at drops. Could make a good Kick Returner.

9.5.4 WR- B.J. Gomes (6-1/210) - B.J. will be a good possession receiver for me hopefully. He's just a solid player that should make my team.

10.5.7 WR- Nathan Turner (6-3/213) - Nathan is quick and could make some big time catches for us. Plus he played for UVA... so I had to draft him.

11.6.11 WLB- Scott Dodge (5-9/225) - He's a great run stopper... very small, but hopefully he'll be a good back up for years to come.

12.6.28 RB- Duane Wallace (5-11/214) - I think he's going to be a good back with time. He's got great inside power, perfect elusiveness and decent breakaway speed. I think a year or two of practice and Duane will be a 1,000 yard back...

13.7.10 LCB- Emmitt Gilmore (6-2/214) - Great size, great at man to man, pretty decent speed, and has amazing play diagnosis skills... Obviously since I didn't get the chance to scout before the draft, he must of been one the guys scouts just didn't like...

14.7.27 SS- Brant Clark (6-0/204) - I'm going to try him out at Nickel back as he's great in coverage but not so much in the run game. I think he definitely has a good shot at making the team.

[SoMiss2000]

1.10 (10) LG Ralph (Tresvant) Strikwerda 6'3 303lbs
Hardly a sexy pick for the #10 overall pick but I was a need that had to be filled with the BPA at the position. With veteran Butch Reynolds retiring, Tresvant (his name will be changed, remember the guy from New Edition) that left a huge hold on my left side. My starting running back is great running inside and decided to do what's best for my running game. Thus we have a Guard taken with my #1 pick. He'll start day 1 and hopefully will become cornerstone and leader of my offensive line. My scouts couldn't get a read on him either way so I hope he pans out. I actually liked the Guard taken after him so we'll see how that plays out.

2.9 (41) RB Conrad Szumnarski 6'3 235 lbs
This guys last name will obviously have to be changed. Anyways, I lost both my backup running back in the off-season. I lost long time vet Grady Meier to retirement and lost veteran Harris Farmer in free agency. My scouts love this guy and listed him as "very underrated". The dude has size and can run inside and has speed to the outside. He appears to do everything well. He will be a nice change of pace back with starter Wesley Bornstein. Hopefully then will form my new Thunder and Lightning combination!

3.8 (72) RG Randy Miller 6'2 306
In a continuing effort to upgrade the interior of my line, Randy Miller was the next Guard on my board after the guy I was targeting, Graham Weaver, was selected before my pick came up. He's rated pretty well and has the size i'm looking for to open up holes in the middle. Again, my scouts don't have a read on him but I'm hoping that I can get balance in the run. We've been very left handed the first to years. Miller will help us learn to run to either side. He's another guy that should start from Day 1 over the incumbent starter.

4.7 (103) FB Sean Gunn 5'11 232
Mr. Gunn was taken in an effort to continue to improve the offense. I want Wesley Bornstein to fulfill his potential and become a star. This one arguably the fullback in the draft according to his ratings. He does everything, I mean everything well so we think. I will have to find a way to get him the ball in the running and passing game. Another guy, another rookie that I will rely on starting early.

5.11 (139) P Blaine Hawkins 6'3 219
This pick was made primarily because my punter retired. Also, it was made to improve my special teams and to help the defense. He's very highly thought of and hopefully he can put the opposing offense in some bad spots. The defense should definitely benefit from this move. What more can I say, he's a punter.

6.10 (170) RB Blake Snedeker 5-11 213lbs
This was a pick to add depth to the position. As I stated earlier, I lost both back up running backs. This guy is not a burner with a 4.7 40 time but he does everything else well.

7.9 (201) C Trent Dennis 6'5 331 lbs

The last pick was another effort to improve the line. Not sure if he's start but he's rated adequately and should be a good offensive lineman.


There you have it, with losses on the offensive side of the ball, it forced me to go heavy on offense in this draft. I would've liked to add a receiver and I had one targeted in the 6th but he was taken before my pick came. I added one in free agency so I should be fine to go with stud TE Irv Furnas, the #2 pick from a year ago and Joe Gerhardt who had a pretty good rookie year. The bottom line is, my offense was my downfall after last year so I had to make it a priority to upgrade it. I saw a lot of UFDA on the defensive side of the ball that i'll try to pick up in free agency.

[Guest]

New Faces For the Aces

1.27 Erik Person, 6-2, 252 lb. SLB out of Moorhead State
Early Ratings:43/69
Person looks to be an immediate starter at SLB for us, and has a mentor to learn from as well as a couple capable backups, should he falter. He is impressive physically, running a 4.6 flat 40 and 7.17 second agility drill, so the speed of the game should be the least of his worries.

3.15 LDT Bryant Koplitz, 6-2, 299 lb. NT out of St. Francis
Early Ratings:21/52
I had him ranked 5th amongst DT's based on my scouts info on him, and he'll come in to compete with incumbent starter William Lake for PT at DT. Both have similar styles, so we may use him as part of an occasional 4-3. He has room to grow, and if my scout was right, he'll be a fixture here in the near future.

4.8 Bryan Carlson, 5-11 224 lb. RB out of Illinois
Early Ratings:33/56
This is my second straight year of drafting a RB in the middle rounds after initially intending to pick one up early.. The class was pretty weak this year, but I like Carlsons potential as a receiver out of the backfield. He may split time with Derrick Reader early, but if he shows potential, he'll be the unquestioned starter by midseason.

4.13 Glen Pennington, 6-0, 193 lb. WR out of Iowa State
Early Ratings:24/41
Pennington is a project guy we brought in to hopefully take over the number 3 slot when Al Cole decides to retire. He has a lot of strength and good enough speed and acceleration to keep defenders on their toes, but he hasn't played a lot of football and his skills are raw. He'll likely get some PT as a 4th WR, but we'll work his ass off in the preseason to see what he is made of.

6.24 Victor Daly, 5-11, 240 lb. MLB (Moving from SLB) out of Arkansas
Early Ratings:19/60
Daly was selected strictly for depth, and looks like he has the potential to earn a little time in the MLB rotation. He's raw, but has the physical tools to be a top backup from day one and will likely learn on the job behind the starters Mobley and Taylor.

7.29 Stanley Lefebvre, 6-6, 338 lb RT out of Arizona State
Early Ratings:16/47
Lefebvre was another depth pick, to replace the departed O.J. Foulke. He looks to have about the same skill set as Foulke, but is also a project and will need a lot of work.

Overall, we got a lot of value out of Daly at 6.24 and Carlson at 4.8, but its early, and we still have a lot to learn about these players. We're happy with our draft though, as it improves our depth and overall quality in a lot of spots.

[Delandis]

North Liberty Draft

Honestly, potential wise, this is my worst draft yet, in 4 FoF MP years of drafting. I have nobody with potential greater than 55, which is slightly disappointing since I was hoping to draft for replacements of today's stars in 3 years or so.

1.25 Conrad Bronson(48/52), Illinois RB

Illinois must have had a hell of a year in the backfield as 2 halfbacks were drafted this year. Anyway, we hope that Bronson can be that every down, balanced back that can run between as well as outside the tackles. He's already better than both of the backs starting last year, so it looks like he'll be able to come in and play from the first snap although we probably would have liked his potential to be a bit higher.


2.13, Leroy Terwey(27/48), Wake Forest WR

Leroy was scouted to be "very underrated" by my scout, but I'm severely disappointed with what I've seen so far. However, I did choose Leroy over some of the other receivers in the draft for his ability to adjust to the ball. Unfortunately, Myron looks to have McNabb's gift of being an inaccurate quarterback with amazing abilities and a good head on his shoulders. Hopefully, Leroy's adjustment, juking, and great hands will make him a type Chris Chambers or even just Derrick Mason, caliber receiver.


2.24, Levon Pippin(28/40), Wisconsin DT

This is definitely my fault. Instead of going with a couple of people I scouted, I kind of panicked, thinking about losing Kenyon Goodwin to free agency, and drafted Levon. A little on the slow side, Levon didn't show the upside I expected and it looks like either right or left tackle will be run by committee this year.


3.14, Benny Baxter(21/42), California DE

Looking to help our dominate ends that are starting to age a bit, Benny was another surprise in potential for us, as our scout also said he was very underrated. A jack of all trades, master of none, Benny may surprise me, but hopefully our dominant ends, Paul Reid and Sam Barrett, do not get any injuries year so that I have to worry about this.


4.15, Ted Stephens(19/50), Alabama WR


More help for Mr. Allen. A big 6'4, 220 lb guy, this will give Myron a HUGE target to lock into. As an added plus, Ted looks to run good routes, has decent speed(4.48), and can make guys miss to get that extra yardage after the catch. He is also not afraid to take that 6'4 frame across the middle, which is always good. I am really hoping to see Ted make an impact on the offensive side of the ball.

[Delandis]

North Liberty Draft

Honestly, potential wise, this is my worst draft yet, in 4 FoF MP years of drafting. I have nobody with potential greater than 55, which is slightly disappointing since I was hoping to draft for replacements of today's stars in 3 years or so.

1.25 Conrad Bronson(48/52), Illinois RB

Illinois must have had a hell of a year in the backfield as 2 halfbacks were drafted this year. Anyway, we hope that Bronson can be that every down, balanced back that can run between as well as outside the tackles. He's already better than both of the backs starting last year, so it looks like he'll be able to come in and play from the first snap although we probably would have liked his potential to be a bit higher.


2.13, Leroy Terwey(27/48), Wake Forest WR

Leroy was scouted to be "very underrated" by my scout, but I'm severely disappointed with what I've seen so far. However, I did choose Leroy over some of the other receivers in the draft for his ability to adjust to the ball. Unfortunately, Myron looks to have McNabb's gift of being an inaccurate quarterback with amazing abilities and a good head on his shoulders. Hopefully, Leroy's adjustment, juking, and great hands will make him a type Chris Chambers or even just Derrick Mason, caliber receiver.


2.24, Levon Pippin(28/40), Wisconsin DT

This is definitely my fault. Instead of going with a couple of people I scouted, I kind of panicked, thinking about losing Kenyon Goodwin to free agency, and drafted Levon. A little on the slow side, Levon didn't show the upside I expected and it looks like either right or left tackle will be run by committee this year.


3.14, Benny Baxter(21/42), California DE

Looking to help our dominate ends that are starting to age a bit, Benny was another surprise in potential for us, as our scout also said he was very underrated. A jack of all trades, master of none, Benny may surprise me, but hopefully our dominant ends, Paul Reid and Sam Barrett, do not get any injuries year so that I have to worry about this.


4.15, Ted Stephens(19/50), Alabama WR


More help for Mr. Allen. A big 6'4, 220 lb guy, this will give Myron a HUGE target to lock into. As an added plus, Ted looks to run good routes, has decent speed(4.48), and can make guys miss to get that extra yardage after the catch. He is also not afraid to take that 6'4 frame across the middle, which is always good. I am really hoping to see Ted make an impact on the offensive side of the ball.

5.14, Burt Fredrick(23/40), Texas Christian LB

Starting with Burt we began drafting purely based on combine numbers as pretty much everyone else we scouted had already been drafted. Listed as weak-side linebacker in the draft, Burt has significantly more experience on the strong side, which is probably where we will need the help. I'm still unsure whether or not to move back to the 3-4 with the loss of Kenyon at tackle, Burt may end up getting a significant roll if that happens.


6.15, Irv Archibald(19/28), Temple

I'm not sure how my scout rated him, but I slated Irv as a late round pick in the back of my mind solely based on his intelligence and volatility. He looks like the kind of player that may surprise you, since his combine numbers really aren't too bad. If last year's 2nd round pick, Benny Saul, doesn't improve dramatically, Irv may even get a chance to show his stuff regularly on Sundays.

7.1, Thomas Glenn(13/33), Auburn

Glenn was stab in the dark attempt by our scout to find a diamond in the rough, to become a pupil under outstanding safety, David Schwartz. So far looks like we missed our target.

7.12, Kyle Norris(23/49), Indiana

Kyle will most likely make the team. Norris looks to be one of the premier receiving TE's in the draft, and we wanted to get Myron as many targets as possible this year.

P.S-Can we change out edit post time?

[Acid]

1.8 SE Wally Lum - Starter from day one, he'll definitely balance out my offense. Depending on his ratings, I could have a gamebreaker at RB, TE, and both WR spots.

1.31 RT J.C. Patton - Possible starter, depends on his ratings, but Burt Sampson will mostly likely be gone after this season, so Patton would take over next season at RT. I needed OL help desperately, and I lucked out with Patton lasting this long, I was contemplating taking Eugune Ellison, but I went for the WR with my first pick.

2.12 WILB Donny Salomon - Will see significant playing time this season opposite Greg Moore in the middle. Adds depth to my linebackers and could benefit from playing alongside Isaac Creamer and Greg Moore.

4.17 LDE Monty Hodges - Adds depth at DE, and is a physical specimen, 6'7'' 297 lbs with a 4.79 40. Hopefully he pans out and play alongside Roger Boren.

5.13 QB Mark McKoy - Incredibly raw quarterback, but my scouts were in love with him. Could possibly be my QB of the future if he pans out. Filled a need for a 3rd QB.

5.27 SLB Ricardo Heath -Adds depth to my OLB's, and will probably see most of his time on special teams.

7.31 No idea yet

Overall, I really like my draft and I think I definitely improved my team and I can hopefully hang on and win the division this year.

1.8 36/70

1.31 32/60

2.12 35/64

4.14 14/42

5.13 3/50

5.27 20/45

7.13 11/22

I definitely like my first 3 picks. Hodges (4.14) and Heath (5.27) are decent as well. I'm not too happy with how McKoy and Tate turned out, however.

[Guest]

Ridin' the Storm Out. . .

Cue the Reo, throw out that old Ace album, sit back with the bass turned all the way up and light up. It's the new draft class of the Phoenix Riders.

Ridin the storm out. . .

The Phoenix Riders experienced a lot of upheaval last season as they missed the playoffs for the first time in their short history. The Utah Bee's not only handed Phoenix a season ending loss, they handed the Riders their first loss in the AC west division and knocked them out of a wild card spot. The Phoenix Zephyr Times reported extensively on the OSFLeague offices work behind the scenes to convince G.M./Owner David "Hoosier" Owens not to sell the franchise.

Offensively, troulbed yet stellar second year center Bruce Brooks career ended with a serious head injury and the young offensive line fell apart. The Riders' qb's were sacked an embarassingly high number of times and the running game looked more like burros from the Ace Ranch in Yuma than OSFL quality running backs. It doesn't matter how good you are, if your line can't create running lanes, you aren't going anywhere.

Defensively, the Riders on that side of the ball kept the ball game close. Cornerback Brendan Korinek, a fourth year veteran from Oklahoma State, became the Riders' all time leader in interceptions, passes defensed, pass defense percentage, and in games started. Despite this, the 2006 All League First Team CB wasn't voted to the 2007 All League First or Second Team. He vows a return to prominence this season.

Waitin for the fallout. ..

Six players taken in the Allocation Draft of 2006 were not offered contracts and all are now on the free agency list. "It was important to upgrade our offensive line and to continue growing our defense. Decisions had to be made on personnel and once the turmoil in the offseason quieted down, players were given their walking papers."
When asked about the philosophy of the 2008 Draft, G.M. Hoosier Owens stated, "We needed to upgrade our linemen on both sides of the ball. Our focus this season is to run and to stop the run, it's as simple as that."

I'm not missing a thing . . .

The Draft Class of 2008.

1.17 OG Otis Fedolfi, 6'8", 322 lbs, from Boston College. The initial ratings are good as Fedolfi hits the roster with a rating of 41/51. "Fedolfi was a no brainer at that position. He's a monster." The former Eagle comes in with a reputation of being equally adept at both pass blocking and run blocking, a seriously strong lineman, with good endurance. Fedolfi will be moved to the left side of the line and will play alongside perennial all pro LT Cornell Zielinski. Former starter Bryant Terrell, a second year player and former second round selection from UTEP, will be a longtime and capable backup to Fedolfi.

2.16 OT Austin Lynn, 6'8", 333 lbs, from Bowling Green. Again, this rookies initial ratings are very good as he hits the roster with a rating of 30/68. "Lynn wasn't supposed to be there in the second round, our scouts had him going much sooner, and we were surprised to see him still on the board." Lynn comes in with a reputation as being a very hard working lineman who has outstanding technique despite having average strength for a tackle. "He's a better run and pass blocker than Fedolfi and has better stamina." G.M. Owens. Lynn will start at RT where he'll play alongside 2007 First Round pick RG Ronnie Browning, who held out last season and only played in ten games. Last year's starter at RT, Sherman Callahan, will be a capable backup in only his third year.

3.20. DT Dominic Creekmuir, 5'11", 289 lbs, from Arizona. Ratings: 37/51. The Riders' defensive weakness last year was the defensive line, and with this pick and the next one in the fourth, Phoenix addressed this problem area. The former Arizona Wildcat comes into camp known as a ferocious hitter who excels in run defense. "He'll not only plug up running lanes, he has outstanding pass rush strength and can collapse the pocket. Creekmuir will start at the left side of the line where he'll share time with former starter LDT Johnnie Goldade.

4.19. DT Levon Morehead, 6'0", 280 lbs, also from Arizona. He comes into camp with a nice rating of 23/57. "Compatability will not be a problem for Levon, since his teammate from Arizona will continue playing beside him in the pros. We're excited to have these two local defensive stalwarts on our team," G.M. Hoosier Owens, "and we hope the fans take note of our work to bring in the best talent from the state of Arizona and the surrounding southwest region." Morehead is the yin to Creekmuir's yang. Where Creekmuir is a brusing d lineman, Morehead enters the roster with a strong reputation as a cereberal technician against the run and pass. Morehead will start with either Mills or Fiefa serving as backup.

Rounds Five through seven posted in a second installment. .

[Guest]

Ridin' the Storm Out. . .

Cue the Reo, throw out that old Ace album, sit back with the bass turned all the way up and light up. It's the new draft class of the Phoenix Riders.

Ridin the storm out. . .

The Phoenix Riders experienced a lot of upheaval last season as they missed the playoffs for the first time in their short history. The Utah Bee's not only handed Phoenix a season ending loss, they handed the Riders their first loss in the AC west division and knocked them out of a wild card spot. The Phoenix Zephyr Times reported extensively on the OSFLeague offices work behind the scenes to convince G.M./Owner David "Hoosier" Owens not to sell the franchise.

Offensively, troulbed yet stellar second year center Bruce Brooks career ended with a serious head injury and the young offensive line fell apart. The Riders' qb's were sacked an embarassingly high number of times and the running game looked more like burros from the Ace Ranch in Yuma than OSFL quality running backs. It doesn't matter how good you are, if your line can't create running lanes, you aren't going anywhere.

Defensively, the Riders on that side of the ball kept the ball game close. Cornerback Brendan Korinek, a fourth year veteran from Oklahoma State, became the Riders' all time leader in interceptions, passes defensed, pass defense percentage, and in games started. Despite this, the 2006 All League First Team CB wasn't voted to the 2007 All League First or Second Team. He vows a return to prominence this season.

Waitin for the fallout. ..

Six players taken in the Allocation Draft of 2006 were not offered contracts and all are now on the free agency list. "It was important to upgrade our offensive line and to continue growing our defense. Decisions had to be made on personnel and once the turmoil in the offseason quieted down, players were given their walking papers."
When asked about the philosophy of the 2008 Draft, G.M. Hoosier Owens stated, "We needed to upgrade our linemen on both sides of the ball. Our focus this season is to run and to stop the run, it's as simple as that."

I'm not missing a thing . . .

The Draft Class of 2008.

1.17 OG Otis Fedolfi, 6'8", 322 lbs, from Boston College. The initial ratings are good as Fedolfi hits the roster with a rating of 41/51. "Fedolfi was a no brainer at that position. He's a monster." The former Eagle comes in with a reputation of being equally adept at both pass blocking and run blocking, a seriously strong lineman, with good endurance. Fedolfi will be moved to the left side of the line and will play alongside perennial all pro LT Cornell Zielinski. Former starter Bryant Terrell, a second year player and former second round selection from UTEP, will be a longtime and capable backup to Fedolfi.

2.16 OT Austin Lynn, 6'8", 333 lbs, from Bowling Green. Again, this rookies initial ratings are very good as he hits the roster with a rating of 30/68. "Lynn wasn't supposed to be there in the second round, our scouts had him going much sooner, and we were surprised to see him still on the board." Lynn comes in with a reputation as being a very hard working lineman who has outstanding technique despite having average strength for a tackle. "He's a better run and pass blocker than Fedolfi and has better stamina." G.M. Owens. Lynn will start at RT where he'll play alongside 2007 First Round pick RG Ronnie Browning, who held out last season and only played in ten games. Last year's starter at RT, Sherman Callahan, will be a capable backup in only his third year.

3.20. DT Dominic Creekmuir, 5'11", 289 lbs, from Arizona. Ratings: 37/51. The Riders' defensive weakness last year was the defensive line, and with this pick and the next one in the fourth, Phoenix addressed this problem area. The former Arizona Wildcat comes into camp known as a ferocious hitter who excels in run defense. "He'll not only plug up running lanes, he has outstanding pass rush strength and can collapse the pocket. Creekmuir will start at the left side of the line where he'll share time with former starter LDT Johnnie Goldade.

4.19. DT Levon Morehead, 6'0", 280 lbs, also from Arizona. He comes into camp with a nice rating of 23/57. "Compatability will not be a problem for Levon, since his teammate from Arizona will continue playing beside him in the pros. We're excited to have these two local defensive stalwarts on our team," G.M. Hoosier Owens, "and we hope the fans take note of our work to bring in the best talent from the state of Arizona and the surrounding southwest region." Morehead is the yin to Creekmuir's yang. Where Creekmuir is a brusing d lineman, Morehead enters the roster with a strong reputation as a cereberal technician against the run and pass. Morehead will start with either Mills or Fiefa serving as backup.

Rounds Five through seven posted in a second installment. .(the wife is . . . yelling at me about something, to put it kindly. . .)

[Pat]

1.6 LCB Leo Duffy - 65/78

2.6 QB Henry Andrews - 23/64

3.6 FS Bennie Farley - 35/71

3.29 DT Nolan Hinsley - 22/61

4.6 RB Craig Price - 46/63

5.6 RDE Ben McPherson - 21/47

6.6 C Graham Weaver - 20/56

6.18 LG Jeremy Wing 19/41

Plus the trades...wow.