1981 Training Camp Report

Indiana Jones, MLB, New Jersey

The USFL/WFL 1981 season has already begun with a league record — most happy owners after the first round of the draft.

Only three of the 32 first-round picks "busted," or sustained loss in potential of more than 3 points. That is almost certainly the best overall result for the league in its eight seasons.

The USFL/WFL history includes many memorable first-round busts, including The Commisioner's ill-advised pick of 98-volatility QB Andrew Reece last season (Houston Gamblers coach setherick is currently applying a defibrillator to Reece's career) and the Curse of Juan Bonnett (The Curse has kept the Denver Gold out of the playoffs via Week 16 losses in each of the last two seasons).

The Biggest Bust Award from the first round went to Los Angeles Express WR Dane Britt, the 17th overall pick, who lost 8 points. Britt still has 80 speed and 80 overall potential (my weights), so he likely will be a solid receiver for several seasons. Portland's second-round pick, WR Christopher Harland, lost 15 points.

Honolulu Hawaiians RB Ronald Boatman gained 6 points, the highest of any first-round pick. Wednesday was also a red-letter day for the New Jersey Generals, as MLB Indiana Jones and QB Ric Flair both boomed (+5 and +6). Jones now has an overall potential of 88 (my weights), the highest of any player to come out of this draft.

No. 1 overall pick Joseph Clark lost 3 points, but should still be a fine and productive receiver for the Boston Breakers. So should No. 2 overall pick Herbert Schuler (TE, San Jose), who also lost 3 points.

First-Round Busts

1-17, Dane Britt, WR, Los Angeles, -8
1-25, Rodney Garcia, WLB, Shreveport, -6
1-30, Peter Lewis, WR, Michigan, -7

First-Round Booms

1-10, Chris Cornell, WR, San Antonio, +3
1-16, Jose Miller, C, Michigan, +3
1-22, Indiana Jones, MLB, New Jersey, +5
1-24, Ronald Boatman, RB, Honolulu, +6
1-28, Thomas Bellanger, C, Portland, +4

Second-Round Busts

2-2, Jason Hopson, RG, Boston, -9
2-4, Donald Mercado, QB, Portland, -12
2-5, Christopher Harland, WR, Portland, -15
2-7, Lyle Maldanado, MLB, Florida, -6
2-9, Jose Rumsey, WLB, Birmingham, -8
2-13, Bob Marley, CB, New Jersey, -6
2-15, Steve Cole, SS, Michigan, -8
2-19, James Alonzo, MLB, Baltimore, -6
2-25, Don Quintinar, MLB, Tampa Bay, -7

Second-Round Booms

2-18, Troy Irwin, MLB, Los Angeles, +5
2-20, Michael Flores, MLB, Denver, +5
2-22, Alejandro Cavenaugh, RDE, NY Stars, +4
2-23, Ric Flair, QB, New Jersey, +6