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We finally have a full view of the entire 1977 USFL Draft class now that the league has released the list of underclassmen who have been granted entry. Of course, this means Mock Draft Season is upon us. With just a few days remaining until the real draft, which begins Feb. 7, here's the first iteration of how I could see the first round unfolding with a look at the top positional needs for every team.
1) Michigan Panthers (1-15)
29th in Offense – 27th Pass / 29th Run
22nd in Defense – 26th against the Pass / 12th against the Run
Picks #1, #25 (via Orlando)
Top needs: OL, WR, CB
The skinny: It might be time for Michigan to find a new left guard and I'm not sure that the right tackle position is where it needs to be even when all parties involved are healthy. It looks like Michigan is ready to start looking again for a WR of the future. PICK: WR Joseph Dailey – New Mexico State
2) Philadelphia Bell (1-15)
32nd in Offense – 32nd Pass / 27th Run
27th in Defense – 24th against the Pass / 25th against the Run
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: The Bell have addressed their QB need by drafting Roy Rhyne in last year’s draft, but finding a young WR1 is critical if you plan to build around him, as is an infusion of talent along the offensive line. The CB spot opposite rookie Vincent Tucker should be high on the priority list. And they mentioned that they will seek either a Center or WLB, so I think they will take the best player available, C-David Campos - Pittsburgh
3) Washington Federals (2-14)
24th in Offense – 21st Pass / 17th Run
23rd in Defense – 19th against the Pass / 23rd against the the Run
Top needs: DE, RB, CB
The skinny: The Feds aren't getting enough of a pass rush off the edge and that is likely their highest priority. It's hard to envision John Horn being the guy at RB next season. LB John Hughes is due to become a free agent and Washington could be looking for his replacement as well as better depth at cornerback. PICK: RDE Timothy Despres – Anderson
4) Southern California Sun (3-13)
27th Offense – 26th Pass / 25th Run
31th Defense – 26th against the Pass / 29th against the Run
Top needs: QB, LB, OT
The skinny: Upgrading the defense has to be the priority for the Sun. They need a QB, RB and WR3. They also need to improve their offensive line, most notably at tackle. But WLB Alton Pastor from Southern Mississippi is available and the need fits the priority
5) Denver Gold (3-13)
16th Ranked Offense – 9th Pass / 31st Run
29th ranked Defense – 25th against the Pass / 32nd against the Run
Picks #5, #17 via Boston
Top needs: RB, CB, DL
The skinny: The Gold have four draft picks inside the first two rounds so they will be looking for premium athletes at spots like RB and CB. Finding a WR is on the agenda, but when will they pull the trigger? Pick: DT William Lewis – Alabama
6) Charlotte Hornets (3-13)
28th Ranked Offense – 24th Pass / 28th Run
30th Ranked Defense – 30th against the pass / 30th against the Run
Top needs: DT, OG, S
The skinny: The Hornets seem to be choosing to let RDE Kevin Staten walk after this season. It seems likely that they'll be looking for help at DT. Charlotte hasn’t run the ball like they did last year and better guard play could help them rebound in that area. Adding a rangy free safety with ball-hawking ability is a possibility.
PICK: CB Joseph Abernathy – Notre Dame
7) Houston Gamblers (4-12)
22nd Ranked Offense – 18th Pass / 23rd Run
27th Ranked Defense – 29th against the Pass / 22nd against the Run
Top Needs: CB, DE, OL
The skinny: Houston can’t gamble any more. With the league moving more and more towards an arcade style game, they have to find a way to stop the passing game, be it by getting more pressure to opposing QB’s or by having nobody to throw to. But with the best of those two needs off the board, Houston settles for their #2 choice and pick CB Richard Brazier – Clemson
8) Jacksonville Bulls (5-11)
31st Ranked Offense – 32nd Pass / 14th Run
8th Ranked Defense – 8th against the Pass / 14th against the Run
Top needs: OT, WR, CB
The skinny: While many weren't happy with the DT Raphael Alvarez benching, it doesn't change the fact that the team needs to find Alvarez's eventual successor. Finding a quality WR shouldn't be hard in the 1976 draft if the Bulls make it an early priority. Speaking of priorities ... OL anyone? PICK: FS Eugene Holland – Nevada, Las Vegas
9) Tampa Bay Bandits from Birmingham (15-1)
2nd Ranked Offense – 5th Passing / 11th Run
7th Ranked Defense – 11th against the Pass / 2nd against the Run
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: It almost doesn’t seem fair that the team with the best record in the league have a top ten pick, but that’s the chances one takes with a trade. The Bandits have a lot invested in QB Tyrone Harvell and it's time to up that ante by giving him a WR3. Tampa could look to replace Bradley Davis at RT or even add depth behind veteran guards Brandon Roberge and John Burke. The Bandits might need to add another starting-caliber CB in the early rounds. PICK: Johnathan Nash
10) San Jose SaberCats (6-10)
13th Ranked Offense – 2nd Pass / 32nd Run
25th Ranked Defense – 27th against the Pass / 19th against the Run
Top needs: OG, ILB, RB
The skinny: San Jose should be looking for additional talent at guard, linebacker, defensive end and running back. PICK: SLB William McMartin – Ohio State
29th in Offense – 27th Pass / 29th Run
22nd in Defense – 26th against the Pass / 12th against the Run
Picks #1, #25 (via Orlando)
Top needs: OL, WR, CB
The skinny: It might be time for Michigan to find a new left guard and I'm not sure that the right tackle position is where it needs to be even when all parties involved are healthy. It looks like Michigan is ready to start looking again for a WR of the future. PICK: WR Joseph Dailey – New Mexico State
2) Philadelphia Bell (1-15)
32nd in Offense – 32nd Pass / 27th Run
27th in Defense – 24th against the Pass / 25th against the Run
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: The Bell have addressed their QB need by drafting Roy Rhyne in last year’s draft, but finding a young WR1 is critical if you plan to build around him, as is an infusion of talent along the offensive line. The CB spot opposite rookie Vincent Tucker should be high on the priority list. And they mentioned that they will seek either a Center or WLB, so I think they will take the best player available, C-David Campos - Pittsburgh
3) Washington Federals (2-14)
24th in Offense – 21st Pass / 17th Run
23rd in Defense – 19th against the Pass / 23rd against the the Run
Top needs: DE, RB, CB
The skinny: The Feds aren't getting enough of a pass rush off the edge and that is likely their highest priority. It's hard to envision John Horn being the guy at RB next season. LB John Hughes is due to become a free agent and Washington could be looking for his replacement as well as better depth at cornerback. PICK: RDE Timothy Despres – Anderson
4) Southern California Sun (3-13)
27th Offense – 26th Pass / 25th Run
31th Defense – 26th against the Pass / 29th against the Run
Top needs: QB, LB, OT
The skinny: Upgrading the defense has to be the priority for the Sun. They need a QB, RB and WR3. They also need to improve their offensive line, most notably at tackle. But WLB Alton Pastor from Southern Mississippi is available and the need fits the priority
5) Denver Gold (3-13)
16th Ranked Offense – 9th Pass / 31st Run
29th ranked Defense – 25th against the Pass / 32nd against the Run
Picks #5, #17 via Boston
Top needs: RB, CB, DL
The skinny: The Gold have four draft picks inside the first two rounds so they will be looking for premium athletes at spots like RB and CB. Finding a WR is on the agenda, but when will they pull the trigger? Pick: DT William Lewis – Alabama
6) Charlotte Hornets (3-13)
28th Ranked Offense – 24th Pass / 28th Run
30th Ranked Defense – 30th against the pass / 30th against the Run
Top needs: DT, OG, S
The skinny: The Hornets seem to be choosing to let RDE Kevin Staten walk after this season. It seems likely that they'll be looking for help at DT. Charlotte hasn’t run the ball like they did last year and better guard play could help them rebound in that area. Adding a rangy free safety with ball-hawking ability is a possibility.
PICK: CB Joseph Abernathy – Notre Dame
7) Houston Gamblers (4-12)
22nd Ranked Offense – 18th Pass / 23rd Run
27th Ranked Defense – 29th against the Pass / 22nd against the Run
Top Needs: CB, DE, OL
The skinny: Houston can’t gamble any more. With the league moving more and more towards an arcade style game, they have to find a way to stop the passing game, be it by getting more pressure to opposing QB’s or by having nobody to throw to. But with the best of those two needs off the board, Houston settles for their #2 choice and pick CB Richard Brazier – Clemson
8) Jacksonville Bulls (5-11)
31st Ranked Offense – 32nd Pass / 14th Run
8th Ranked Defense – 8th against the Pass / 14th against the Run
Top needs: OT, WR, CB
The skinny: While many weren't happy with the DT Raphael Alvarez benching, it doesn't change the fact that the team needs to find Alvarez's eventual successor. Finding a quality WR shouldn't be hard in the 1976 draft if the Bulls make it an early priority. Speaking of priorities ... OL anyone? PICK: FS Eugene Holland – Nevada, Las Vegas
9) Tampa Bay Bandits from Birmingham (15-1)
2nd Ranked Offense – 5th Passing / 11th Run
7th Ranked Defense – 11th against the Pass / 2nd against the Run
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
The skinny: It almost doesn’t seem fair that the team with the best record in the league have a top ten pick, but that’s the chances one takes with a trade. The Bandits have a lot invested in QB Tyrone Harvell and it's time to up that ante by giving him a WR3. Tampa could look to replace Bradley Davis at RT or even add depth behind veteran guards Brandon Roberge and John Burke. The Bandits might need to add another starting-caliber CB in the early rounds. PICK: Johnathan Nash
10) San Jose SaberCats (6-10)
13th Ranked Offense – 2nd Pass / 32nd Run
25th Ranked Defense – 27th against the Pass / 19th against the Run
Top needs: OG, ILB, RB
The skinny: San Jose should be looking for additional talent at guard, linebacker, defensive end and running back. PICK: SLB William McMartin – Ohio State
11) Florida Blazers (6-10)
30th Ranked Offense – 30th Pass / 21st Run
16th Ranked Defense – 10th against the pass / 26th against the run
Top needs: QB, LB, S
The skinny: Until or unless a new deal gets done with Dillion Zimmerman, CB is the top priority. Finding a rangy stud linebacker to captain the defense should be one of their top priorities. The Blazers' safety play is just average and they need to improve in that area. PICK: FS Joel Harness – Stephen F. Austin
12) Baltimore Stars (6-10)
20th ranked Offense – 13th Pass / 30th Run
6th ranked Defense – 6th against the Pass / 11th against the Run
Top needs: OL, WR, DE
The skinny: Baltimore is in desperate need of a bell-cow at left tackle. Replacing guard Frank Boyles could be a priority, as well, if he retires. Wide receiver is another spot that appears to be a must-have position at some point early in the draft. Baltimore needs a true edge bender with speed to get after the talented QBs in the NC Atlantic. Pick: RDE Richard Delgado – San Jose State
13) Honolulu Hawaiians (7-9)
23rd ranked Offense – 23rd Pass / 12th Run
19th ranked Defense – 9th against the Pass / 31st against the Run
Top needs: QB, LB, DT
The skinny: With TE Anthony Salgado gone, the Hawaiians might decide to lock in on finding a quality DT early in the draft. They need to improve at linebacker. QB could be the top priority, even though Michael Laboy is signed through next season. Pick: MLB Douglas Oneil – Eastern Kentucky
14) Memphis Showboats (7-9)
12th ranked Offense – 11th pass / 19th run
24th ranked Defense – 21st against the Pass / 27th against the Run
Top needs: ILB, OL, Edge
The skinny: The Showboats simply don't have the talent they need at inside linebacker. The offensive line could use a talent upgrade, as well, and Memphis won't stop looking for a terror off the edge. PICK: MLB Joseph Graham
15) Shreveport Steamer (7-9)
26th Ranked Offense – 29th Pass / 14th Run
11th Ranked Defense – 4th against the Pass / 24th against the Run
Top needs: CB, OL, WR
The skinny: They added a MLB (David Heim) thru free agency, and it might be time to go back to the well at the position. The Steam could look to add competition along the offensive line. LB John Cintron is a potential cap casualty, so that could become a priority. Pick: WR Clarence Scott – Brigham Young
16) New Jersey Generals (7-9)
18th Ranked Offense – 20th Pass / 7th Run
#2 Ranked Defense - #1 against the Pass / 16th against the Run
Top needs: OT, CB, OG
The skinny: The addition of RB Lonnie Woodward certainly helps in the short term but tackle is still a priority spot that's worth a look. Adding help at guard is very possible. Daniel Tosh’s status with the team will be worth keeping an eye on again this offseason, as the Generals might need to find another CB. PICK: DT John Hunter – Michigan State
17) Denver Gold (via Boston) (3-13)
The skinny: This is the pick Denver acquired when the Breakers traded to land WR William Delatorre. Finding a quality cornerback and running back should be an early priority for the Gold next year, and SLB still has to be a consideration. PICK: TE Gregory Drayton – Michigan
18) Chicago Blitz (8-8)
21st Ranked Offense – 22nd Pass / 8th Run
17th Rank Defense – 12th against the Pass / 28th against the Run
Top needs: CB, ILB, OT
The skinny: The Blitz have to make CB their top priority. The inside linebacker spot is a major concern. Chicago understands the importance of a strong OL, so OT could come into play. PICK: RG Taylor Marbury – Southern California
19) Oklahoma Outlaws (10-6)
3rd ranked Offense - #1 Pass / #13 Run
28th ranked Defense – 31st against the Pass / #5 against the Run
Top needs: Edge, OG, TE
The skinny: Finding a consistent edge presence could go a long way in helping the Outlaws' defense reach that next level. There is room for improvement and depth at guard. Finding another combination TE to eventually take over for Daniel Fields should be on their radar. PICK: MLB Jeffrey Alfaro
20) Arizona Wranglers (11-5)
9th ranked Offense – 16th Pass / #3 Run
21st ranked Defense – 20th against the Pass / 20th against the Run
Top needs: DL, QB, LB
The skinny: Arizona is struggling to stop teams from the running the ball and something has to be done about it up front. It wouldn't be surprising to see them looking around at QB. The Wranglers might also be looking for help at LB. PICK: DT Roberto Rogers
21) Michigan Panthers (via Orlando)
Top needs: OL, TE, RB, CB
The skinny: This is the pick the Panthers acquired when the Renegades traded to land CB Michael Ellis and RB Douglas Donald in the 6th week of this year’s season. The Panthers should have addressed a skill position, which was in desperate need of an upgrade, with the #1 overall pick. The offensive line should be in better shape once it gets healthy in the offseason, but there are positions that should be focused on with the intent of improving. While wide receiver was the biggest need, Michigan could use a three-down RB. The Panthers don't have much of a pass-catching threat at tight end, but those can wait 12 more picks PICK: RT David Fowler – North Texas
22) Portland Storm (11-5-1)
17th ranked Offense – 15th Pass / 18th Run
#4 Ranked Defense - #5 against the Pass / 6th against the Run
Top needs: ILB, QB, S
The skinny: Portland should be looking to add another playmaker in the middle of its defense at LB. Finding QB William Hill’s successor could become the priority. They need to find help at safety, too. PICK: CB Dennis Canning – Notre Dame
23) Georgia Force (12-5)
15th Ranked Offense – 10th Pass / 26th Run
18th Ranked Defense – 23rd against the Pass / #3 against the Run
Top needs: DE, OG, LB
The skinny: The Force could benefit from adding a strong edge rusher or maybe even two. Finding more talent and/or depth for the interior offensive line is a possibility, while adding another playmaker at LB should be under consideration. PICK: DE Donald Barry – Missouri
24) Cleveland Thunderbolts (13-4)
#1 Ranked Offense – 6th Pass / 4th Run
10th Ranked Defense – 16th against the Pass / #1 against the Run
Top needs: OT, DE, LB, DT
The skinny: The Bolts need to find Stephan Taylor’s future successor and this might be the year to do it. While the offense has some blue-chip talent, the defensive line does not. Cleveland could look to find a rangy inside linebacker to fortify the defense. PICK: DE Leo Thompson – Mississippi State
25) New York (NY) Stars (11-7)
25th Ranked Offense – 25th Pass / 16th Run
9th Ranked Defense – 7th against the Pass / 18th against the Run
Top needs: CB, OL, LB
The skinny: The Stars have built their defensive front over the years, but need to find a top-tier CB to add to the mix. They could look to add a guard or center inside the top three rounds to solidify that emerging unit. New York could be looking for another inside linebacker, as well, with SLB Russell Miller due to carry a big cap number next season. PICK: CB Edward Blanco – Ohio State
26) San Antonio Gunslingers (12-5)
4th Ranked Offense – 7th Pass / 9th Run
13th ranked Defense – 18th against the Pass / 9th against the Run
Top needs: LB, OG, WR
The skinny: The improved play of Travis Tucker has pulled RB off this list for now, but finding a quality pass-defender at the corner is still a high priority. Jeffery Graham will be a lot better if the Gunslingers can improve their guard play. If Michael Saine retires, San Antonio will need to add depth at LB. PICK: Carl Keslo – Appalachian State
27) Tampa Bay Bandits (via Oakland)
Top needs: TE, DT, CB
The skinny: This is the pick Tampa got from Oakland that sent the very first person picked in the league's allocation draft, CB Shawn Arzola, to Oakland. RDE Stanley Dale will turn 33 shortly after the draft and it's time to find the player who'll replace him. Adding a talented defensive tackle who can get upfield could be in play. The Bandits lack high-end CBs and might look for a top talent at that spot. PICK: RDE Stephen Coleman – Washington State
28) Pittsburgh Maulers (13-4)
10th Ranked Offense – 19th Pass / #1 Run
#3 Ranked Defense - #3 against the Pass / 8th against the Run
Top needs: QB, C, WR
The skinny: The Maulers' improved defense has changed the focus of this team's priorities to the offensive side of the ball. Finding an eventual replacement for Michael White should be high on the list, as should improving the recieving game. Pittsburgh have a good one at WR in Vito Moffett , but the rest of the corps could use an upgrade. PICK: WR Gerald Miller – Auburn
29) Los Angeles Express (13-6)
6th Ranked Offense – 4th Pass / 15th Run
14th Ranked Defense – 15th against the Pass / 17th against the Run
Top needs: CB, QB, Edge
The skinny: The Express must improve their secondary with another capable cornerback. With the trade of LT Charles Martin , Los Angeles have to address OL at some point. A true edge bender is missing from their rush. Pick: CB Jessie Castillo – Louisiana State
30) Tampa Bay Bandits (16-2)
Top needs: LT, LB, CB
The skinny: The Bandits addressed their need at CB with the addition of Brian Newberry , but the season-ending injury to DT Julian Kimmel will likely make the defensive tackle spot a high priority in the offseason. It would be surprising if they didn't look for help at linebacker, and the CB corps isn't quite where it needs to be. Pick: DT John Nelson – Louisiana Tech
New Orleans Voodoo (15-3)
19th ranked Offense – 28th pass / 5th Run
12th Ranked Defense – 14th against the Pass / 13th against the Run
Top needs: DT, DE, WR
The skinny: The Voodoo' defensive line simply isn't where it needs to be at tackle or end. Their offense is good that they can build around the offensive line this offseason. There aren't many areas to pick at along the offensive side of the ball, but adding depth on the outside and tight ends is always something New Orleans will want to do. Pick: WR Richard Lamp – Mississippi
Detroit Wheels (16-2)
7th ranked Offense – 8th Pass / 11 Run
#1 ranked Defense - #2 against the Pass / 7th against the run
Top needs: LB, WR, S
The skinny: The Wheels' roster is in great shape, but they could look to improve in the secondary by adding pieces at both cornerback and safety. Bolstering the WR position is a possibility, as well. Pick: CB Orville Davis – Stanford
No First-Round Pick
Birmingham Stallions (5-11)
11th ranked Offense – 14th Pass / 10th Run
20th ranked Defense – 22nd against the Pass / 15th against the Pass
Top needs: WR, OL, CB
James Greer was a huge steal in last year’s Free Agent market, helping shore up the Stallions’ needs on the back end, but corner is still an issue. Birmingham need an influx of young talent to develop across the field. Don’t be surprised if the they address this need before Day 3.
Oakland Invaders (11-4-1)
5th rank Offense – 17th Pass / 2nd Run
15th ranked Defense – 18th (tied) against the Pass / 10th against the Run
Johnathan King got a solid four-year extension just before the end of the regular season, but the Invaders could use an upgrade in the slot. Finding a right tackle might not be Oaklands’ highest priority, but don’t be surprised if they address it sometime in the middle rounds.
Orlando Renegades (7-9)
14th ranked Offense – 12th Pass / 17th Run
#5 Ranked Defense – 13th against the Pass / 18th (tied) against the Run
When healthy, Thomas Mandell looks like a stud who can be an impact player for the next decade or more, but Orlando need another young rusher to pair with him. Aging DE veterans are still solid rotational options for the time being, but finding a talented prospect to develop behind them next year should be on the Renegades’ wish list for this year’s draft.
