WFL Way Too Early Draft Grades
Written by Daniel Devito and Claude Aeye
When Draft season comes around, you know that the very last thing that happens is everyone wants to jump out and make quick decisions on the draft decision making and immidiatley judge every little mistake that each team has made. And here in this computer screen, things are no different as we know what the people want and what will get us clicks. I mean, you are reading this article right now aren't you? Well keep this tab bookmarked so you can come back and tell us how bad we did. Lets start at the top with the first pick.
Dayton Aviators:
1. Andre Pope QB Virginia Tech
2. George Reed Jr DL
3. Big Papa Dre RB Riverside CC
4. Nicholas Handles TE
Claude's Grade: B+
The Aviators made a splash by selecting Virginia Tech QB Andre Pope with their first pick. Pope's strong arm and mobility make him an intriguing prospect who could develop into a franchise quarterback. George Reed Jr. provides solid value on the defensive line, while Big Papa Dre is a bruising running back who dominated at the JUCO level. Nicholas Handles is a developmental tight end prospect. His blocking technique needs refinement, but his basketball background (former power forward) (News to me but not a bad idea) suggests untapped potential in the passing game. Overall, a draft focused on offensive firepower.
Daniel's Grade: B-
Andre Pope is a tremendous Athlete and definately a great choice for a team looking at a QB. Even though Devante Moore was rated higher by some scouts, Pope has a lot of upside and I can see why they didn't want to pass up on his 4.3 speed. Reed was a good value pick since all of the DBs were gone and he should make a good tandem on the DL with Walter White something that no other team can say. However, Big Papa was a bit of a reach seeing how the best RB in college was still on the board and they went with a guy that hasn't proven anything at any high level of competition. If other RBs were off the board, I would have loved the pick but there were more proven commodites at this spot. And Handles was something they couldn't have predicted but I may have tried to get a WR or TE in Round 3 knowing that a RB (maybe even Dre) would most likely fall to me in the 4th. There is also space to consider if drafting a QB first was the best decision, knowing you would be able to get one and not knowing if there were going to be any DBs later which is a position of need. Overall this draft was fine and I think they have 4 good players but there may have been a better stratagey that could have been implemented.
Pottsville Maroons:
1. Nadeem Tahir CB Saudi Arabia
2. Jeff Duffy TE Purdue
3. Quick Six WR Buford (HS)
4. Levaneer Pinecroft TE
Claude's Grade: B
Taking Nadeem Tahir, the speedy cornerback from Saudi Arabia, shows the Maroons' commitment to finding talent globally. While raw in his technique, his athletic traits give him a high ceiling. Jeff Duffy is a reliable tight end who should contribute immediately. His immediate impact in the passing game could help offset some of the risk taken with Tahir. Quick Six is a high-risk, high-reward pick straight from high school, but his athleticism is undeniable. The Maroons will need to be patient with his development. Levaneer Pinecroft adds depth to their tight end room, though taking two TEs is questionable.
Daniel's Grade: C
Dave's draft started off in a very interesting way taking the cricet player from half-way around the world that has barely learned how to play his position. While CB was the smart choice, I don't know if this is the one that I would have chosen. Next came something that turned out to be a crazy reach because of positional value. Duffy is a great player but no other TEs came off the board until the 4th round and taking one in the second really screwed over Pottville in the end while there were still defensive players on the board. A WR in the 3rd was a position of need and taking the kid straight out of High School is a gamble but a gamble that I like as something that could really shake things up. However once again passing on another defensive piece I think is going to haunt Dave. He would not have been forced to draft a second TE if he was able to forsee a bit more what was valued in the spots he was in. But hey, maybe he'll get his FB after all.
West Virginia Wild:
1. Rob Hunt WR Clemson
2. OJ Alberga RB Jamaica
3. Ingleberg Humperdink DL
4. Graham Hicks TE Charleston WV
Claude's Grade: A-
Rob Hunt from Clemson could be the steal of the draft – he was projected by many to go earlier. OJ Alberga brings international flair and explosive potential to the backfield. His transition from track star to running back has been remarkable, showing natural instincts despite his limited football background. Ingleberg Humperdink,despite his unique name, is a no-nonsense defensive lineman who consistently commands double teams. He is a space-eating defensive lineman who should help their run defense. Local product Graham Hicks from Charleston gives them a reliable blocking tight end. His familiarity with the region suggest he could outperform his draft position.
Daniel's Grade: B+
Rob Hunt for my money is the best offensive player in this class. Usually I would caution against taking a second WR this high and there is an argument for that but for Hunt, I'm willing to make an exception. However that did mean that they needed a defensive piece that they liked to fall to them and it did not happen. Alberga has a lot of speed and I think has potential, esspecally in this scheme but it was a little rich for my blood here. Thank god that Humperdink knew the coaches or I would have been really scared for the Wild Defense. And while they didn't have much of a choice, I do think that Hicks has a lot of potential and he is going to have the highest ceiling of the 3 guys that were availible. When push comes to shove, if this was any random WR this would be a B rating but because Hunt is that good, they get the +.
Munich Metalheads:
1. Devante Moore QB Maryland
2. Daryll Bullock CB
3. Robert Thump WR
4. Kevin Seay RB
Claude's Grade: B
Devante Moore is a quarterback who put up impressive numbers at Maryland. Daryll Bullock adds depth to their secondary. Robert Thump lives up to his name as a physical receiver who excels in contested catch situations. While not a burner, his reliable hands and blocking ability make him a solid addition to their receiving corps. Kevin Seay could contribute immediately in their running back rotation. A solid if unspectacular draft class.
Daniel's Grade: A+
In my humble opinion, Devante Moore was the best QB on the board and they are lucky that they were able to get him when they did. And with this pick they knew they could afford to take the QB because the defense was already taken care of with Britton and Stover already taking spots on the roster. And then they made it better with the addition of Daryll Bullock. I fully expect this team to be No. 2 or No. 1 in defense this year. Thump and Seay were both at positions where there was going to be enough to go around and so Top waitied until the end and picked acourding to what was the more valued positions. And he still get the RB with the 2nd most expectations. So overall, The Metalheads put themselves in a very good position going forward and I expect a lot from this team
Dakota Bucks:
1. Greg Ward Jr S
2. Kev Seay Jr OLB
3. William H. W. Macy WR
4. Mac Chimah QB Bowie State
Claude's Grades: C+
The Bucks' draft raises questions about their overall strategy. Greg Ward Jr. fills their need at safety, but may have been a reach at their draft position. Similar talents were likely available later. Kev Seay Jr. has good bloodlines and potential as an outside linebacker. His pre-draft training with his father (former All-Pro) shows in his advanced understanding of defensive concepts. William H. W. Macy brings sure hands to the receiver position. Mac Chimah represents a project at quarterback. The Bowie State product has impressive arm talent but needs significant development in his footwork and progression reads.
Daniel's Grades: B
Drafting defense first in this draft was definately the right call and especally from pick 5. Greg Ward Jr. does indeed fill the need and should be able to become a fun young player to watch. Kev Seay Jr. does indeed has good bloodlines (Great guess Claude) and also builds out a defense that did need as much firepower as possible. W.H.W.M. is a WR and that was a spot that they needed and they didn't pass over anyone special at that position. And then you get the QB at the very end and yes he was the lowest rated draftable QB but he's still got the potential to be very solid and it won't be all on him to get the job done, being allowed to use the weapons in front of him to make a big splash.
Buffalo Blizzard:
1. Axel Raven MLB Wisconsin
2. Devin Seay S
3. Aiden Teixeira RB Ohio State
4. Leelan Taylor TE
Claude's Grade: A
The Blizzard's draft class could reshape their defense for years to come. Landing Axel Raven from Wisconsin is a major coup – he was widely considered the best linebacker in the draft. Devin Seay continues the family legacy in professional football. Aiden Teixeira from Ohio State could be an immediate impact player in the backfield. His combination of vision and burst helped him average 6.2 yards per carry against Big Ten competition. Leelan Taylor has the athletic profile to develop into a starting tight end.
Daniel's Grade: A-
Axel was a great pick and a great fit for a team that was looking for an identity. Having the Bear Wrestler from a small town in Wisconsin go to the Polar tundra makes too much sense. Devin Seay will of course be a great addition to the locker room and he will be bringing his families' great talent with him. Teixeira was a surprise to be sure and I'm still not sure why he went before a guy he couldn't beat out and take the job of but he is certainly talented in his own right. And then screwing over Colin at the very end was a great choice and when that I definately would have made myself. Well done Buffalo.
Scotland Legends:
1. Jake Mollineaux CB
2. Ty Ptak S
3. Kebus Pipe WR
4. Emmanuel Lunquit WR
Claude's Grade: B-
Jake Mollineaux brings needed experience to their cornerback room. His physical style of play should translate well to the WFL, though his age (26) limits his upside. (How are you able to guess that he has WFA experience without me telling you.) Ty Ptak is a hard-hitting safety who should contribute on special teams immediately. Ptak embodies the modern safety position with his ability to play in the box or deep. The back-to-back receiver selections of Kebus Pipe and Emmanuel Lunquit seem redundant. The duo gives them speed at receiver, though taking two WRs back-to-back is questionable given their other needs.
Daniel's Grade: A-
The Legends started the draft off hot with two defensive backs.This makes 3 on their roster, something that no other team can say, at least for now. If they are able to turn things around with their new Cornerback Island Jake Mollineaux, they have the ultimate advantage going into the season. They also put pieces around their young QB. With 2 WRs and no TE, They seem to be a vertical offensive team and the way that they play will be something that really only they can stop. With all these things in mind I think the Legends will be hard to stop if they are able to make teams bow to the way that they want to play.
Michigan Mauraders:
1. Mylin Thales WR Ireland
2. Sam Blotner S
3. Johnny Vennaro RB Ohio State
4. Zachariah Mercer LB
Claude's Grade: B+
Mylin Thales from Ireland is an intriguing prospect with exceptional route-running ability. Her route-running, while unorthodox, consistently creates separation. Sam Blotner adds depth to their secondary, while Johnny Vennaro from Ohio State could be the power back they've been missing. Zachariah Mercer is a versatile linebacker who can play multiple positions. His experience playing both inside and outside linebacker increases his value as a defensive chess piece.
Daniel's Grade: B
The Mauraders were behind the 8 Ball as they only brought one player on their roster into the draft. And while they don'thave the firepower of some of the teams in the leauge, they have put the bones together that shouldgive them some success in the future. A lotf has been said about Mylin Thales not being ready to be the primary option in an offense and while that is probably true, if any team should have drafted her, this is the one. The chemistry of the Emerald Duo is undeniable and while this pick may be a reach with what other prospects were on the board, it could pay back in spades. Blotner is a very intimadating figure at 6'9", 245 and that will be a very intimidating force across the middle. And then they were able to draft Johnny Vennaro at the end of the 3rd round. A player who had no right going that low and evens out the reach that they had in the first round. Add onto that the luck of still being able to get a second LB at the end of the draft and you are looking a very decent roster going into the season.
Claude's Draft Winners and Losers
Winners:
- Buffalo Blizzard - Landed the draft's top linebacker in Axel Raven and built a potential defensive cornerstone. Their class shows excellent balance between immediate impact players and high-upside prospects.
- West Virginia Wild - Rob Hunt's fall to them could be transformative. Their international gamble with OJ Alberga shows progressive thinking, while maintaining local connections with Graham Hicks demonstrates community awareness.
- Dayton Aviators - Addressing the quarterback position with Andre Pope while adding complementary pieces shows clear strategic vision. Big Papa Dre could be the surprise of the class if his JUCO success translates.
Losers:
- Dakota Bucks - Reached on several picks and seemed to draft without a clear plan. The development of Mac Chimah will be crucial to salvaging this class's grade.
- Scotland Legends - While individual picks show promise, the overall roster construction strategy raises questions. The duplicate receiver picks could have been used to address other needs.
Final Thoughts From Claude: Impact on the WFL
This draft class represents a significant milestone for the WFL's international expansion efforts. With picks from Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, and Ireland, the league continues to grow its global footprint. The success or failure of these international prospects could significantly influence future scouting strategies.
The trend toward specialized role players suggests teams are developing more sophisticated schemes. The variety of tight end selections, in particular, hints at evolving offensive strategies across the league.
The willingness to draft straight from high school (Quick Six) and JUCO levels (Big Papa Dre) could open new talent pipelines for future drafts, though their development will be closely watched.
Final Thoughts From Devito:
The innagural WFL Draft was a great night and a great start to what should be an action packed and exciting season. Stars were made tonight and I think this production is what we have been building towards for the last few years. Hopefully this is only the start of something truly fantasic in the world of Simulation Football. Thank you to all of the wonderful audience that we had there with us. Thank you to Colin and Dave, Top and Noah for hosting and we are very excited for what's coming down the road. See you in week 1!