1980 Draft/Offseason Roundup

John Thompson (96), Charlotte Hornets

The first round of the 1980 USFL/WFL draft offered few surprises.

As expected, Florida State CB Charles Bowles was the first player taken, by the Boston Breakers. Bowles has a 92 overall default rating and only 24 volatility, so he could be the cornerstone around which Boston begins its rebuilding program.

Bowles was followed by RDE John Thompson (Sacramento State/Charlotte Hornets) and MLB William Fields (Other/Jacksonville Bulls). The Houston Gamblers had picks 5 and 7 overall and took CB Kelly Acosta and WLB Paul Declue.

Nine linebackers and eight cornerbacks were chosen in the first round.

Of the 32 picks projected by Booger926 in his mock draft as first-rounders, only nine slipped into the second round. Oddly enough, two projected first-round RB were nabbed in the second round—Max Howard by the Chicago Blitz and Tom Grossman by the Arizona Wranglers.

The draft wraps up today (Thursday), followed by late free agency and training camp.

Free Agency

Antonio Wilson

Quarterback Antonio Wilson, the MVP of World Bowl VII, is back for one more season with the Memphis Showboats. Wilson briefly tested the free agent waters before signing a one-year, $210,811 deal with Memphis. He is in his 15th pro season. Wilson split time with James Perry under center last season. He threw four interceptions against Cleveland in the playoffs, but bounced back with a memorable 459-yard four-TD performance against New Jersey in the World Bowl.

Former league defensive MVP Oscar Rodriguez signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Express. Rodriguez had a big season with Shreveport in 1975, but has struggled with injuries since and was allowed to walk by the Steamer management.

Former New Orleans wide receiver Thomas Canale has left the VooDoo to play for the Portland Storm. The 10th-year pro caught 23 TD passes in 1974, including seven in one game against Orlando, still a league record.

The New Jersey Generals allowed one of their most recognizable names, RB Herschel Walker, to walk away after six seasons. Walker signed the only free agent contract offer he received, from Tampa Bay. New Jersey took Walker with its third-round pick in the 1974 expansion draft. His overall rating had fallen from 89 to 70 over that time, and his production had fallen off from 1,276 yards in 1976 to 728 last season, when he eventually passed the torch to rookie sensation Rudi Johnson.

Fullback Kevin Youkilis, the Greek god of walks (and with 26 speed, walking is about all he can do), signed a one-year deal with the New York Stars.

Retirements

Leon Crisman

The biggest name among the retirees in the 1980 offseason was San Antonio Gunslingers CB Leon Crisman. His final season was his best, accumulating 103 tackles and intercepting 11 passes in 1979 while earning All-Pro honors for the second time. Crisman was also All-Pro in 1974.

Former Boston center Donald Lopez finally retired at age 39. Lopez played three seasons for the Breakers, two for the Portland Storm, and one for the Denver Gold. The 1974 All-Pro selection had a default rating of 90 when he hung up the cleats. Lopez allowed only three sacks in nearly 5,000 career snaps.