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FLEET CAPTURE #1 Draft Pick: A Season Sunk in Norfolk
By: I.P. Freely | Leave ’Em In Our Wake
If you’re looking for a silver lining in the harbor this morning, you’ll have to squint through a thick fog of disappointment. The Norfolk Fleet didn’t just hit a rocky shore; they capsized, sank, and are currently resting at the bottom of the ocean floor.
A final record of 2-14 is a tough pill to swallow, even if late-season victories over Dakota and West Virginia proved the team hadn't completely thrown in the towel. But let's be honest: those wins were like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The only real "victory" here is securing the #1 overall pick.
No unit truly thrived this year. While the trenches (O-Line and D-Line) were arguably the "best" parts of the team, that’s like saying a leaky bucket is better than a broken one. As we head into a pivotal offseason, here is the state of the Fleet:
Quarterback: The Signal-Caller Stagnation
The entire room—Rodriguez, Burkhart, and Basso—is slated to return, but the confidence level in Norfolk is at an all-time low. The front office’s "big splash" trade for Burkhart resulted in a total belly flop; when he finally got his shot, he failed to keep the offense afloat. Rodriguez posted his best numbers since his rookie campaign, but "stat-padding" doesn't translate to wins. With the #1 pick in play, don't be surprised if the Fleet drafts a new captain to steer this ship.
Running Back: A Backfield in Flux
This unit lost its identity when the team traded away Howes. Chandler looked like the heir apparent until a trip to the IR killed the positive vibes. Selmon and Eblen return, but they’ll be looking over their shoulders. Sims and Pettus are free agents; they could return as cheap depth, but expect the Fleet to look for a high-octane engine in the draft or free agency to ignite this ground game.
Wide Receiver: Promising but Patchy
After shipping off Crotti mid-season, Peterson stepped up as the de facto #1. There’s potential here with Parson and Williamson returning, and expect the team to retain Jacox via his restricted tag. However, change is coming: special teams ace Benjamin is likely on the trade block, and the trio of Masterson, Kattus, and Dennis will have to fight for their lives in camp to stay on the roster.
Tight End: The "Zero-TD" Disaster
Keith was a second-round "hiccup" that gave fans heartburn. While he technically led the group in every category, the entire unit’s failure to find the end zone even once was a massive anchor on the offense. Keith returns, likely in a diminished role, while King and Duran are on the bubble. This group needs a complete overhaul if they want to be a threat in the red zone.
Offensive Line: Regressing in the Trenches
The "volatility" award goes to this group. Between the mid-season trade of T Mathews and the release of veteran C Brooks, the line was a revolving door. Jordan was the lone anchor, while youngsters Tarver and Huntley actually took a step backward when given full-time snaps. Coggins needs more burn next year, and with Burnett hitting free agency, the protection scheme needs a serious infusion of talent.
Defensive Line: The Only Solid Ground
This was the most stable unit on the team. Prior is the long-term pillar, and rumors suggest Gibson is headed for the Franchise Tag to keep the duo together. While the line played well, they were "polite" to opposing QBs; that has to change. We need more pressure and more forced turnovers if this defense is going to get off the field. Hamilton (RFA) is the only question mark in a room otherwise signed through next year.
Linebackers: The Leaky Middle
A massive weakness. Bagette and Flowers were supposed to be the stars, but Flowers’ poor camp set a tone of mediocrity that lasted all year. Fulton showed some flashes of hope, but with Flowers, Carter, and Fulton all hitting free agency, expect a total "scorched earth" rebuild of this position group.
Secondary: Youth Movement
The Fleet are betting on the "kids." Levine, Armstrong, Slater, and Riley represent a high-ceiling group of young talent, flanked by veterans Roberson and Hoover. Everyone is under contract, but don't get comfortable—the front office is desperate for cost-effective playmakers, meaning a few veterans could be shown the gangplank to make room for cheaper, faster options.
Special Teams: Kicking the Can
Nickle and Edwards are safe for now, but Dorman and Price are RFAs in a league where "just okay" doesn't cut it. Unless they find a bargain in the bargain bin, expect some new faces competing for these spots in August.
The Bottom Line: The Fleet need a heartbeat. Whether it's a new QB or a revamped pass rush, the #1 pick needs to be a franchise-altering move. Because right now, Norfolk is just treading water.
By: I.P. Freely | Leave ’Em In Our Wake
If you’re looking for a silver lining in the harbor this morning, you’ll have to squint through a thick fog of disappointment. The Norfolk Fleet didn’t just hit a rocky shore; they capsized, sank, and are currently resting at the bottom of the ocean floor.
A final record of 2-14 is a tough pill to swallow, even if late-season victories over Dakota and West Virginia proved the team hadn't completely thrown in the towel. But let's be honest: those wins were like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The only real "victory" here is securing the #1 overall pick.
No unit truly thrived this year. While the trenches (O-Line and D-Line) were arguably the "best" parts of the team, that’s like saying a leaky bucket is better than a broken one. As we head into a pivotal offseason, here is the state of the Fleet:
Quarterback: The Signal-Caller Stagnation
The entire room—Rodriguez, Burkhart, and Basso—is slated to return, but the confidence level in Norfolk is at an all-time low. The front office’s "big splash" trade for Burkhart resulted in a total belly flop; when he finally got his shot, he failed to keep the offense afloat. Rodriguez posted his best numbers since his rookie campaign, but "stat-padding" doesn't translate to wins. With the #1 pick in play, don't be surprised if the Fleet drafts a new captain to steer this ship.
Running Back: A Backfield in Flux
This unit lost its identity when the team traded away Howes. Chandler looked like the heir apparent until a trip to the IR killed the positive vibes. Selmon and Eblen return, but they’ll be looking over their shoulders. Sims and Pettus are free agents; they could return as cheap depth, but expect the Fleet to look for a high-octane engine in the draft or free agency to ignite this ground game.
Wide Receiver: Promising but Patchy
After shipping off Crotti mid-season, Peterson stepped up as the de facto #1. There’s potential here with Parson and Williamson returning, and expect the team to retain Jacox via his restricted tag. However, change is coming: special teams ace Benjamin is likely on the trade block, and the trio of Masterson, Kattus, and Dennis will have to fight for their lives in camp to stay on the roster.
Tight End: The "Zero-TD" Disaster
Keith was a second-round "hiccup" that gave fans heartburn. While he technically led the group in every category, the entire unit’s failure to find the end zone even once was a massive anchor on the offense. Keith returns, likely in a diminished role, while King and Duran are on the bubble. This group needs a complete overhaul if they want to be a threat in the red zone.
Offensive Line: Regressing in the Trenches
The "volatility" award goes to this group. Between the mid-season trade of T Mathews and the release of veteran C Brooks, the line was a revolving door. Jordan was the lone anchor, while youngsters Tarver and Huntley actually took a step backward when given full-time snaps. Coggins needs more burn next year, and with Burnett hitting free agency, the protection scheme needs a serious infusion of talent.
Defensive Line: The Only Solid Ground
This was the most stable unit on the team. Prior is the long-term pillar, and rumors suggest Gibson is headed for the Franchise Tag to keep the duo together. While the line played well, they were "polite" to opposing QBs; that has to change. We need more pressure and more forced turnovers if this defense is going to get off the field. Hamilton (RFA) is the only question mark in a room otherwise signed through next year.
Linebackers: The Leaky Middle
A massive weakness. Bagette and Flowers were supposed to be the stars, but Flowers’ poor camp set a tone of mediocrity that lasted all year. Fulton showed some flashes of hope, but with Flowers, Carter, and Fulton all hitting free agency, expect a total "scorched earth" rebuild of this position group.
Secondary: Youth Movement
The Fleet are betting on the "kids." Levine, Armstrong, Slater, and Riley represent a high-ceiling group of young talent, flanked by veterans Roberson and Hoover. Everyone is under contract, but don't get comfortable—the front office is desperate for cost-effective playmakers, meaning a few veterans could be shown the gangplank to make room for cheaper, faster options.
Special Teams: Kicking the Can
Nickle and Edwards are safe for now, but Dorman and Price are RFAs in a league where "just okay" doesn't cut it. Unless they find a bargain in the bargain bin, expect some new faces competing for these spots in August.
The Bottom Line: The Fleet need a heartbeat. Whether it's a new QB or a revamped pass rush, the #1 pick needs to be a franchise-altering move. Because right now, Norfolk is just treading water.
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