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| Charles Bowles, CB, Florida St. |
Offensive Rank 12th (4th Passing / 32nd Run)
Defensive Rank 32nd (32nd vs Pass / 26th vs. the Run)
Needs: DB, WR, LB, OL
To me, it seems obvious whom Boston is going to take with the first overall pick in this draft. What I do not know is if the Breakers are going into rebuild mode or are trying to fix things now. With 31 players who have more than 7 years’ experience, 16 of those in double digits, it’s pretty safe to say I would be starting a rebuild. Problem is, Boston doesn’t hold a lot of choices over the next three seasons to begin this long-term task. They have to pick correctly for the right here, right now so they can at least plug a small hole in the leaking boat. With that being said, I think the Breakers will pick safe with CB Charles Bowles out of Florida State unless Pdoug20 wheels and deals the No. 1 pick.
2) San Jose SaberCats (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 23rd (12th Pass / 25th Run)
Defensive Ranks 29th (18th vs Pass / 32nd vs. the Run)
Needs: OL, LB, RB, DL
Being fair-to-middling with an average talent roster, I believe San Jose will address its weakest link—in my opinion, the DL. Having the No. 2 pick, the SaberCats have a chance to go after a big-time playmaker to fit that role and take DE John Thompson from Sacramento State. Thompson has the size, strength, and speed to be a very, and I mean VERY, disruptive force in the opposing backfield. And, he doesn’t have very far to travel.
3) Jacksonville Bulls (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 26th OA (19th / 21st)
Defensive Ranks 30th OA (25th / 29th)
Needs: DB, WR, DL
Jacksonville doesn't have any cornerbacks that are taking the ball away, and will likely add more help at CB and safety. The inside linebacker spot also needs to be addressed. The Bulls should be looking for a long-term solution at left tackle. Jacksonville could benefit from adding a disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line. With all these defensive needs, the Bulls will choose CB Paul Maldonado from Tennessee State.
4) Charlotte Hornets (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 29th OA (21st / 22nd)
Defensive Ranks 22nd OA (21st / 25th)
Needs: LB, DB, Edge Rusher, C
Charlotte should stop focusing on offensive players and spend all their picks this season of the other side of the ball. In my opinion, I truly think this will help their team. They have some great talent on offense, but what good is all that talent while it is sitting on the bench? Meanwhile, other teams are attacking their weaknesses and scoring at will. I think they should take a look at LB William Fields, whose pass defense skills makes him a serious threat as a WLB or CB, which will make other teams think twice about throwing the ball all the time.
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| Kelly Acosta, CB, Texas |
Offensive Ranks 20th (10th / 28th)
Defensive Ranks 28th (31st / 13th)
Needs DB, WR, TE, LB, RG
Ah, my favorite time of my mock draft … when I get to look all hypocritical because I can look over another team and say what they need but can’t do the same for my team. And after last year’s horrible draft, sometimes I just want to walk away and forget everything. But that’s not my style. After giving away one of the best CBs in the league, Cory Vargas, to a playoff-bound team, and having found a good No. 1 CB in Phillip King, Houston will once again focus on the defensive side of the ball, mainly at DB. The Gamblers will take a gamble on another high-risk CB, Kelly Acosta out of University of Texas, with the first of two picks in the first round.
6) Georgia Force (4-12)
Offensive Ranks 30th OA (20th / 26th)
Defensive Ranks 19th OA (17th / 23rd)
Needs: QB, LB, CB
Oh look. A team that needs a QB has one drop into their laps. Now, will a new owner look at building the team for the futur or will he address the current needs? This is the only time in the league’s history a QB has been defaulted rated to be within the top 10 of the draft. With that being said, I think the Force will skip past getting a CB in the pass-happy USFL/WFL and will chase QB Andrew Reese of the Maryland Terrapins. If you can’t beat them, might as well join them.
7) Birmingham Stallions (4-12)
Offensive Ranks 32nd OA (32nd / 23rd)
Defensive Ranks 12th OA (15th / 9th)
Needs: QB, TE, Slot WR, DL, LB, Secondary
A season removed from the playoffs, Birmingham can start focusing on rebuilding their offensive tools. With two extremely dangerous weapons lined up on the outsides, and the best QB taken just before them, the Stallions should focus on an edge rusher. Instead, they will end taking the best WR in this year’s draft, Michael Steffies from North Carolina.
8) Southern California Sun (5-11)
Offensive Ranks 25th OA (23rd / 14th)
Defensive Ranks 20th OA (27th / 5th)
Needs: RB, DE, TE, OL
One of the best-balanced offensive teams in the league knows that putting pressure on opposing QBs is key to slowing them down. Also, QBs can’t throw the ball if they have no one to throw to. And that is why the Sun will take CB Jeffery Danko from Tennessee with the eighth overall pick.
9) Michigan Panthers (5-11)
Offensive Rank 13th OA (5th / 30th)
Defensive Rank 31st OA (26th / 30th)
Needs: RB, WR, C, CB, DE
All the O-weapons are in place and Michigan needs to start placing their D weapons in position. They can start with their LB corps, even though they could use a CB to replace declines from age. By taking MLB Paul Declue out of Memphis, the Panthers can kill two birds with one pick. He is short for his natural position but what he lacks in size he makes up in the skills to be a great CB (speed, strength, tackling ability, and coverage skills). Could also be moved to the WLB position on short passing situations, which is closer to his natural playing style.
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| William Heller, LB, Wyoming |
Offensive Ranks 15th OA (24th / 3rd)
Defensive Ranks 24th OA (19th / 28th)
Needs: WR, RT, LDE, LB,
A team that loves to run the ball has a hard time stopping it. This is because of their weak LB corps, in my opinion. With an average D against the pass, Florida should concentrate on getting one of the best run-stopping MLBs in this year’s draft, William Heller from Wyoming. He is a little risky with a 78 VOL, but his 70 speed, a potential pass rush of 96, and possible 100 run defense along with 81 strength makes him a promising project.
11) Chicago Blitz (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 28th OA (28th / 15th)
Defensive Ranks 15th OA (13th / 20th)
Needs: RB, OL, DE, WR
With two aging RBs and a RT who gave up nine sacks on the decline, Chicago will address this part of their offense. With that, they will choose RB Tom Grossman out of Texas A&M, then focus their attention on a RT in the later rounds or through trade/free agency
12) Baltimore Stars (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 31st (22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th (12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB
This is the first of three picks Baltimore has in the first round of this year’s draft, and this is the pick that they received from the Philadelphia Bell. They have the chance to pick a lot of top quality guys, and with this pick the Stars will pick the “Dude” by going after WR Mark Moody from USC. He has the size, speed, and skills to be a top receiving threat for years to come. Baltimore will then address fixing its screen door of an O-line with its later choices.
13) Washington Federals (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 14th (9th / 24th)
Defensive Ranks 27th (4th / 27th)
Needs: OL, LB, DB
Although its offensive line gave up 73 sacks last season and four O-line starters gave up double digit sacks, Washington still had two WRs with 1,000+ yards and a RB who averaged 4-plus yards per carry. So my first instinct is to predict the Federals would choose an O-linemen. But studying their roster says that even though the O-lineman is a NEED, they can’t stop opposing teams, especially the other team’s air game. Washington fixes this by selecting CB Clifford Blackburn out of Nebraska to pair with their No. 1 CB on the other side.
14) Arizona Wranglers (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 7th OA (15th / 6th)
Defensive Ranks 26th (29th / 18th)
Needs: RB, DT, LB, CB
Looking at their bottom-dwelling pass defense, my first thought is for Arizona to strengthen its DB corps. But the Wranglers have a CB who had 10 picks, and nine other players with at least one pick, so that isn’t a trouble spot considering the pass-happy division they are in. Once again, in my opinion, by not getting opposing QBs to speed up their decision-making with hurries or sack threats, that division’s QBs are picking them apart. So the Wranglers will choose DE Larry Gantt from Kansas and might move him to DT to hurry everyone up.
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| Randall Swink, C, Penn State |
Offensive Ranks 31st ( 22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th ( 12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB
This is Baltimore’s second pick in the first round, the Stars’ original pick. They also get the 15th spot due to their loss to the Oakland Invaders. Earlier I talked about Baltimore fixing a screen door of an O-line and this might be the spot they do that. This year’s draft is LOADED with great O-line prospects, but one that stands out is C Randall Swink out of Penn State. He is an above-average risk with a 60 vol, but with his size, strength, and speed, along with his already above average run/pass blocking skills with the potential to grow, he is definitely a foundation for anyone’s future.
16) Oakland Invaders (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 6th OA (8th / 17th)
Defensive Ranks 21st OA (30th / 2nd)
Needs: LB, DB, TE
This team is the model of excellence. After missing the playoffs for the second time in their existence, what is the secret formula for their return to success? How about a great DB to improve their pass defense? And that DB is Calvin Binion, the second best CB from Tennessee but the second Volunteer chosen in the top 20.
17) Honolulu Hawaiians (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 18th (14th/ 20th)
Defensive Ranks 14th OA (2nd / 31st)
Needs: RB, RT, LB,
Teams can’t throw against Honolulu, but they sure can run against them. With teams averaging 153 yards against the Hawaiians, it’s obvious Honolulu needs a run stopper in the second layer of their defense. Coach trslick will attempt to repair his team’s weakness by taking WLB Luis Torres out of Iowa.
18) San Antonio Gunslingers (9-7)
Offensive Ranks 11th OA (7th / 27th)
Defensive Ranks 23rd OA (23rd / 22nd)
Needs: LB, DB, DE
The three time divisional champion has ridden their strength as long as they could, but now their weaknesses are starting to show. To address the weakness in their linebacking corps, the Gunslingers will take Jamie Bueno from Oklahoma.
19) Baltimore Stars (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 31st (22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th (12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB
This is Baltimore’s third pick in the first round of this year’s draft, which they received thru a trade with Denver. And with this pick, I predict Baltimore will go after an end rusher or a LB. Why not go for both in their 3-4 defensive style with a WLB/LDE hybrid prospect in Nickolas Taylor out of Arkansas State? He has the size and strength to be a great Jack prospect and could grow into a real terror as a pass rusher/run defender. He is not going to be a “right now” guy, but can mature into someone a future opposing coach will plan plays away from.
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| Max Howard, RB, Utah (2) |
Offensive Ranks 22nd OA (27th / 8th)
Defensive Ranks 6th OA (5th / 14th)
Needs: DE, LB, WR, DB
This year’s best team to not make the playoffs is scratching their head and asking how they missed it. They have all the tools in the right places. Could it be that their slot WR is faster than their No. 2? This gives opposing teams a chance to focus on the No. 1 WR and to slow him down by double-teaming him. In my opinion, the Renegades need to go after another speedy wideout to stretch the field and give their starting QB another target. By that, I foresee Orlando going after RB Max Howard from Utah and switching his position.
21) Houston Gamblers (3-13)
Offensive Ranks 20th (10th / 28th)
Defensive Ranks 28th (31st / 13th)
Needs DB, WR, TE, LB, RG
This is Houston’s second pick in the first round of this year’s draft, thanks to a trade with Portland, and current management has already stated they are willing to trade down to get more picks. But, just in case the Gamblers are unable to work out a deal, they plan to look at a WR to assist with their aging corps. People they have targeted could (and should) already be gone by now so they might be looking at a mixture of WR/TE hybrid. Once again, they will take a chance on a high-risk potential candidate, TE John Croskey out of UCLA.
22) Shreveport Steamer (9-7)
Offensive Ranks 19th OA (31st / 2nd )
Defensive Ranks 7th OA (4th / 17th)
Needs: TE, DE, DB
Always a threat to ground and pound, Shreveport just needs a QB’s second-best friend to toss the ball to on quick slants and to split the seams to help keep opposing defenses honest by not loading up the box. Low-to-no risk is also a plus and TE Fredrick Skeen from Penn State fits everything a team could look for at that position.
23) Washington Federals (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 14th (9th / 24th)
Defensive Ranks 27th (24th / 27th)
Needs: OL, LB, DB
This is Washington’s second pick in this year’s first round, which they acquired thru a trade with New Orleans. Earlier I mentioned how the Federals needed an O-lineman and this is the spot where Washington takes advantage of this year’s abundant premier trench warriors. If the Federals are in it for the long haul, they might take a look at C Gaston Gross, who has potential of 100 pass blocking / 100 run blocking but with a downside of 94 VOL. Even if he busts in training camp, he will be still be better than average.
24) Los Angeles Express (11-5)
Offensive Ranks 16th OA (17th / 15th)
Defensive Ranks 8th OA (6th / 10th)
Needs: WR, CB, RT,
Last year’s champions found out that the hardest part of being a champion is defending it. Although they had no problem with defending their division title, once the Express began meeting the best in the league, the cream came to the top. With 15 players on the decline, is it too early to declare a “rebuild?” If not, then Los Angeles could focus on their declining WR corps and reach for WR Richard Holmes from Colorado.
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| MLB Francisco Kelly, Alabama |
Offensive Ranks 10th OA (16th / 10th)
Defensive Ranks 9th OA (9th / 19th)
Needs: TE, WR, DE, LB
The only two-peat champion in the league has nine players on the roster on the decline and its starting to show as Detroit chases two-time division champion Cleveland. The Wheels’ nine-year veteran WLB is pondering retirement as well as the meat and potatoes of Detroit’s ground game. But with a defense that has an unbelievable plus-33 turnover margin, it is hard for me to suggest the Wheels should look at getting another defensive player. I think adding MLB Francisco Kelly out of Alabama could be a great accumulation for their team.
26) New York Stars (12-4)
Offensive Ranks 17th (13th / 18th)
Defensive Ranks 3rd (7th / 7th)
Needs: TE, OL, LB, SS
The Stars’ greatest challenge seems to be keeping their players healthy. With their second-string RG, who allowed ninesacks last season in the 12 games he played, heading up their O-line, New York might want to beef up. Of their 59 total sacks allowed 23 came from three players on the right of center, It would be best, in my opinion, for the Stars to take RT Joseph Thill. With a 99 pass block potential and a natural RT, he may add some glue to that side.
27) Tampa Bay Bandits (13-3)
Offensive Ranks 1st OA (1st / 9th)
Defensive Ranks 10th OA (8th / 21st )
Needs: OL, LB, S
I cannot believe MLB Edward Standley from Iowa dropped this far because there are plenty of teams picking before Tampa Bay who could use a LB. But somehow the Bandits owner always gets lucky and isn’t going to share the wealth.
28) Oklahoma Outlaws (14-2)
Offensive Ranks 3rd OA (6th / 13th)
Defensive Ranks 13th OA (20th / 3rd)
Needs: TE, CB, LB
A team is only as strong as its weakest link and Oklahoma’s frailest position is at CB. Of course, it doesn’t help that they play in the Southwest Division, where they play Houston (10th ranked passing offense), San Antonio (seventh), and Memphis (third) twice a season. They can use the experience of a good secondary player to go along with their seven-year veteran, who is starting to decline at his position. With that, the new owner of Oklahoma welcomes SS David Kirby out of Clemson to Southwest Airlines, based in OKC.
29) Tampa Bay Bandits (13-3)
Offensive Ranks 1st OA (1st / 9th)
Defensive Ranks 10th OA (8th / 21st )
Needs: OL, LB, S
Remember how I said just two picks ago that somehow, some way, Tampa Bay is lucky? Well, I rest my case with this being the pick they received in a trade with the Pittsburgh Maulers, who beat them 13-10 in the second round of the playoffs. With this pick I predict the Bandits steal another player that was supposed to go higher but dropped again into their laps. Do I sound jealous? Well I am. The Bandits will pick RG Victor Gallagher and switch him to LT to learn the position from their 11-year veteran to be the heir apparent.
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| Danny Keating, TE, Nebraska |
Offensive Ranks 8th (29th / 1st)
Defensive Ranks 4th (11th / 3rd)
Needs: TE, WR, DE
My dad used to tell me “If you can’t stand a nosebleed, then don’t pick a fight.” Well, the newest bully on the block not only likes a bleeding nose, the Thunderbolts ask for more after asking their opponents if that is the best that they’ve got. Do not let their questionable 29th-ranked passing offense lure you into a false sense of “this is what they need to fix.” Who needs to throw the ball when their three-headed monster of a ground game is averaging 5.2 yards and a cloud of dust every time they touch the ball? And when they DO throw the ball, their top three WRs average 21, 20, and 16 yards per catch respectively. This is close to being the No. 1 receiving corps in the league. But, in my opinion, they need another offensive weapon to get them to the dance. And that firearm should be a receiving TE with great RBK skills who is not afraid to catch the ball while splitting the seams. Oh, and look, corn husking TE Danny Keating out of Nebraska, who fits that description, is still available.
31) New Jersey Generals (13-3)
Offensive Ranks 21st (25th / 7th)
Defensive Ranks 5th (10th / 9th)
Needs: WR, DT
How does a team get to the World Bowl with the No. 21 overall offense and No. 25 passing offense, you might ask. One way is by having a young stud RB like Rudi Johnson. The other is by having a defense so good that your team doesn't require a lot of points to win games. The only flaw in the Generals' defense is at DT, but the best DT prospect, Eric Harris of Iowa, also has 70 VOL. New Jersey will roll the dice with Harris anyway.
32) Memphis Showboats (10-6)
Offensive Ranks 2nd (3rd / 16th)
Defensive Ranks 25th (28th / 12th)
Needs: OL, DL, LB, DB
How does a team get to the World Bowl with the No. 28 pass defense, you might ask. First, that number is skewed a bit from Memphis playing in the pass-happy Southwest Division. Having said that, taking a DB, like visiting Paris, is always a good idea. So the Showboats will play it safe with Washington State CB Jim Jansen.
