Draft Post-Mortem Round 1

[Warhammer]

Just thought I'd put up a thread for analysis of each draft pick. I'll get things kicked off here in a minute.

[dberner30]

The Wichita Outlaws were surprised and pleased to see DT Johnny Basile drop to the 8th spot overall. He will help strengthen our DL that needs the extra help. In fact, rumor has it that he may slide outside and play DE.

[Warhammer]

With their first selection of the draft, the Hartford Grizzlies select Courtney Cleeland.

This should complete the Grizzlies efforts to switch to a 3-4 defense. It will also help the Grizzlies improve their run defense, and their pass rush off the edge. Additionally, Cleeland has shown skill in pass defense department which will hopefully reduce the need to run any nickel and dime defense for the Grizzlies in the future.

[Cringer]

The Wichita Outlaws were surprised and pleased to see DT Johnny Basile drop to the 8th spot overall. He will help strengthen our DL that needs the extra help. In fact, rumor has it that he may slide outside and play DE.

Not a surprise he would be moved to DE. I expected this might happen with him especially with the lack of real good DE's in this draft.

[Cringer]

With their first selection of the draft, the Hartford Grizzlies select Courtney Cleeland.

This should complete the Grizzlies efforts to switch to a 3-4 defense. It will also help the Grizzlies improve their run defense, and their pass rush off the edge. Additionally, Cleeland has shown skill in pass defense department which will hopefully reduce the need to run any nickel and dime defense for the Grizzlies in the future.

Why Cleeland over Goodwin though? Goodwin looks to have better coverage skills. Was is mainly because Cleeland is already at WLB and not SLB?

[Pirates]

I am not seeing the draft board anymore? Am I lost? Thanks.

[Warhammer]

One pick I am puzzled by is Boston's pick of Josh Sullivan. While he has talent, what good is that going to be when your endurance is as low as his is? It's not good if your #1 WR is riding the pine because he pulled a hammy!

But, if his endurance rating booms, he is a steal.

[dberner30]

If it means anything I had cleeland higher than Goodwin too.

[Cringer]

One pick I am puzzled by is Boston's pick of Josh Sullivan. While he has talent, what good is that going to be when your endurance is as low as his is? It's not good if your #1 WR is riding the pine because he pulled a hammy!

But, if his endurance rating booms, he is a steal.

Running a 4.31 means he won't have to run very long.

[Warhammer]

Another pick that I am a little surprised by is Donald Hanks. I understand that Cleveland needs a better passing game, but I was not sold on Hanks. I think there were better values out there over him.

[hawkster]

Glad to finally have a QB of the future. I contemplated sticking with Humphrey who's decent at best but lacks skill in all the throwing categories. I'll start Humphrey this season and see how things pan out. Ideally I'll make the full change over in at least a season if not two while Hanks matures.

[eckman]

we picked bart alexander qb... he has a long ways to go but finding a qb seems to be hard for this cleveland franchise

[MrBigglesworth]

Humphrey...decent at best but lacks skill in all the throwing categories.

There's a quote you won't see in the Matador media guide.

[Warhammer]

OOPS! Had the QB right, just wrong team!

I understand Cleveland's pick, I have issues with Alexander, but I know what I am getting with him. Plus, I think he may have some upside.

[Warhammer]

If it means anything I had cleeland higher than Goodwin too.

Yeah, Cleeland had a great combine, and was solid all across the board. I have changed my opinion on the endurance rating recently. Plus, he fills a HUGE need for us. I had one stud LB, one good LB, and one solid LB (Martin, Scott, and Boyer, respectively), but two were really ILBs, and I lacked a true WLB.

Now, I remember why I wanted to hold off on moving Scott to one of the outside positions, because I was hoping to either pick up Bond and move Scott to SLB, or take Cleeland or Goodwin and move Scott to WLB. Any of those moves were going to help our run defense, Bond would help out the secondary, but Cleeland in the long run is going to help out just as much.

I can find a system CB to fill the need there, LBs who are good at everything are much more difficult to find. Although, a stud CB is hard to find as well.