Quarterback – Top 3
1. QB Jameis Winston: STRONG arm [THP = 98] and above average knowledge of the game [AWR = 69]… at this stage, he’s not going to impress anyone with his accuracy [THA = 78]. Definitely worthy of being selected in the top half of the 1st round – would benefit from a mentor (nearly required) and needs to get playing time and a team / GM who is dedicated to the long view vs requiring immediate results.
2. QB Sean Mannion: STRONG arm [THP = 98] with average knowledge of the game [AWR = 58]… inconsistent accuracy [THA = 77]. I could see someone being intrigued enough to select him in the 2nd round – it’s a wasted pick if a mentor isn’t a part of the plan… knowing Mannion is already 23, might want to get this project started sooner than later (seeing the field year 1 for progression would be good.
3. QB Marcus Mariota: Average arm at best [THP = 90] with average knowledge of the game [AWR = 59]… probably has the most accurate arm in the draft class [THA = 81] but certainly not elite. Trouble is, Mariota comes from a scheme that allowed him to leverage his ability to make plays with his legs – that will NOT translate well to the SFL… I could see a team selected him in the 3rd round – it’s a wasted pick if he’s not converted from his Scrambler tendency and a mentor isn’t a part of the plan… Mariota is on the younger side at 21, which might give him some extra time to be groomed (but a GM is going to want to invest Activity points in his THP). Definitely a LONG whether he’s be able to be a starter at the next level.
Halfback – Top 3
1. HB Melvin Gordan: One of two ELITE options in this year’s draft, EASILY a top 10 selection… Gordan and Gurley are LIKELY the best HB’s to ever be offered up in an SFL draft class (certainly in the past 4 classes anyway). There are currently 4 players that can boast the following attributes… SPD = 92 / STR = 80 / AGI = 92 / ACC = 92 / BTK = 85 (CIN Ryan Mathews, NO Mikel LeShoure, CHI Alex Green and KS Trent Richardson). I think Gordon is more ready to take on a complicated scheme [AWR = 63], has an amazing first step [ACC = 97] and will NEVER be taken down with a simple arm tackle [STR = 82 / BTK = 89]. He has above average top end speed [SPD = 92] and GREASY hips [AGI = 93]. Very durable back in college, never missed a game [STA = 93 / INJ = 91].
2. HB Todd Gurley: One of two ELITE options in this year’s draft, EASILY selected in the top half of the first round… Gurley and Gordon are LIKELY the best HB’s to ever be offered up in an SFL draft class (certainly in the past 4 classes anyway). There are currently 4 players that can boast the following attributes… SPD = 92 / STR = 80 / AGI = 92 / ACC = 92 / BTK = 85 (CIN Ryan Mathews, NO Mikel LeShoure, CHI Alex Green and KS Trent Richardson). I think Gurley is going to catch some eyes because he didn’t put in a lot of year in college [20 years old] but comes to the table with less knowledge of the game [AWR = 54]. He has above average top end speed [SPD = 94] and his north south running approach when he hits the hole will make it hard to take him down on initial contact [STR = 80 / BTK = 85]. He can get out of the blocks quickly [ACC = 92] and GREASY hips [AGI = 93]. There was talk that Gurley exited the college game early over worry of injury and missing his opportunity as a pro [STA = 85 / INJ = 77], he missed some game time due to being dinged up on occasions.
3. HB Jay Ajayi: There have been a TON of comparisons to Demarco Murray… that should be taken as a compliment! Doubtful Jay Ajayi will be able to enter the SFL and after 4 seasons have 6000 yards and 40 TDs, but his game style could lend a HEALTHY contribution if put in the right situation. Known for his bullish running style [STR = 78 / BTK = 90] and respectable first step and ability to run with most on the field [ACC = 90 / SPD = 92]… he still has much to learn in the way of pro scheme [AWR = 51] and is frequently tight in the hips [AGI = 86] and has missed time due to being gassed and injury [STA = 84 / INJ = 77 / TGH = 80]… it’s still hard to ignore the rumors that Ajayi was called a “LITTLE bitch” by his position coach at halftime because the ball carrier had to take himself out of the game.
|
