Crusaders Offseason Breakdown

[iceman99]

Preseason Preview:

QBs - Project Starter - Don Barrett (R)

The QB position has been an issue in Chicago for sometime now. Many players have lined up behind center. All 3 returning QBs from last season could be on their way out as the team appears content going with Barrett and fellow rookie Greer. There are rumors the team is in search of a mentor for the 2 younger QBs. If this holds true the team will have 3 new QBs this season

RB - Projected Starter - Daryl Wiggins (3yr)

Wiggins is coming of his first 1000 yard season and appears to be one of the main beneficiaries of the new gunslinger in town. The team is still thin at the RB position overall and they appear to be willing to add another player to the backfield. The only question is will it be via trade or will the team wait for rosters to be paired down and pick up player off the free agency wire.

FB - Projected Starter - Unknown

FB is one of the few areas of concern going into the new season for Chicago. After their inability to draft a FB (in a very weak class), the team may be forced to run with the aging Cornyn for one more season. But recent locker room issues may force the team to look elsewhere.

TE - Projected Starter - Quintin Moss (3yr)

Moss has to be one of the most excited players in the IFL. He finally appears to have a QB that can get him the ball on a regular basis. After only 50+ targets over the last 2 seasons the Crusaders offense needs to find a way to get Moss the ball. Maybe even take advantage of his size on multiple wideout formations.

SE - Projected Starter - Steven Rolfe (R)

Rolfe was a player that many felt was a reach in the 3rd round. But if he can have a good camp there is a chance he could be out vet Derek Curtis for the starting SE position. Chicago is deep at WR so it will be important for Rolfe to have a strong camp

FL - Projected Starter - Isaac Houlihan (2yr)

The #1 draft pick from last season returns for his sophomore season with a new QB flinging him the ball and a new set of weapons along side him at WR. Could this be a break out season for the young wide out from Kentucky?

C - Projected Starter - DJ Burks (3yr)

Considering he is the only one on the roster. Its not a surprise that he is being penciled in as the starter. While the team is very happy with Burks do not be surprised if they add another C for backup purposes and depth on the offensive line.

LG - Projected Starter - Alvin Sullivan (R)

With Brock Colon on the block, Sullivan pulls into the starting position on the left side. With project back up Jerry Drain providing leadership and helping the young rookie develop his skills

RG - Projected Starter - Troy Sipes (6yr)

Sipes comes to the team from SLC and is penciled in as the starter for the upcoming season. This could change if the team is unable to move Brock Colon. If Colon is still on the team after camp, expect Colon to take the starting role. Unless he gets beat out.

LT - Projected Starter - Broderick Green (R)

T was a major concern for Chicago going into the draft. After attempts to bring in free agents at that position failed the team turned to the draft. While there are a few younger players who will push for backup roles. Its clear at this point that it could be hard for any of the former T on this team will beat out Green

RT - Projected Starter - Tim Fabian (R)

The oversided G is moving to the outside to take advantage of his wing span and agility. Fabian will have to have a solid camp as last year starter Damon Perron will be pushing hard for his spot from last season.

P - Calvin Lin (6) - No question who will be punting for the team this season. Barring injury.

K - Harvey Flynn (9) - No question who will be kicking field goals for the team this season. Barring injury.

[iceman99]

LDE - Projected Starter - Bennie Milnes (4yr)
RDE - Projected Starter - Randal Meyer (5yr)

DE has been solid of Chicago for the last 4 seasons. This season does not appear to be any different as the team tries to implement new ways to open lanes for these two studs to get to the QB. Depth behind them is questionable and the team appears to be working on ways to improve the overall depth of the teams defense as a whole.

NT - Projected Stater - JC Manning (R)

DT has also been a strong position for Chicago, but the addition of Manning has taking the DT position to the next level for the Crusaders. Manning, Milnes, and Meyers could turn out to be one of the best defensive front lines every to put on the Chicago Uniform. Not to mention Sacco and Reed providing depth, when they could easily start somewhere else.

SILB - Projected Stater - Dean Mage (R)
WILB - Projected Stater - Jimmie Barlow (2yr)

ILB became a weakness when the Crusaders traded away starter Ammons in the off-season. A move that was not met well by the fans. Despite the move the Crusaders were able to go younger at the position with the addition of Mage. If Mage can hold his post camp hype, he could end up being one of the steals of the draft.

SLB - Projected Stater - Leland Sherman (R)
WLB - Projected Stater - Brett Price (R)

Could the team be sporting 3 rookie LBs this season? Price and Sherman will likely be the team starters but there is plenty of depth to help out with the breathers and breaks during the game.

LCB - Projected Stater - Brad Berryhill (3yr)
RCB - Projected Stater - Karl Heath (R)

With backups in rookie Blades, 2nd year Hartman the team has some depth at the CB position. Not to mention that CB Van Hoose who is moving to FS could come back to the CB position in a pinch if needed. Also Mercury Sheldon (who is being shopped) could return to the team.

FS - Projected Stater - Dominic Van Hoose (4yr)
SS - Projected Stater - OJ Hou (4yr)

S was another concern that was not addressed in the draft. But with Van Hoose moving to S and Rodriguez and Garner in the wings. The S position should be solid enough to get thru the season to where the position could be addressed next draft.

[Kobeck]

that is going to be a young D

I say start the rookie LB trio

It worked out for me when I retooled the Mules back in like 2010ish

[iceman99]

Young all together. Other then the punter and kicker combo... only one player with 6th years of service in the lineup unless we stick with last years starter at FB.... 10 Rookie starters projected...

[GGill]

It was very hard to pass on Manning and I may regret doing so. Good draft, Chicago like Louisiana is slowly turning the corner.