Purpose Driven Franchise
2006-07-06, 11:58
As promised, I will go ahead and do a brief recap of the 2006 Rookie Draft, with just a little "tongue in cheek." I dont know about you all, but I have never left a fantasy football draft without thinking I had my best draft ever, and I sure am glad I didn't get stuck with some of the players the other guys in my league did. You see, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. One man's beauty...is another man's beast. So, realizing that all of our rookie drafts had some sense of beauty to each of us, here is a slightly different recap of the draft.
Purpose Driven Team- (Grade: Poppy Montgomery) First time drafter, GM Jeff Thompson, gets a draft grade based on this Without a Trace cutie. Others, however, in the league, may be thinking it resembles Without A Clue, however Thompson felt like he addressed a number of needs on his team in a quiet way. Michael Huff taken in round 1 at pick 11 may be considered too early for DB's, but yet what the heck else are you suppossed to do at 1.11 when the offensive talent is gone? Just like his grade would indicate....this draft was purposeful, efficient, some sizzle at the right spots, and you dont have to be embarrassed about taking this draft home to meet mom.
Sol Diablos- (Grade:Shakira) TheSouth of the Border Sun Devils of GM Alan Ware, get a grade based on South of the Border hottie Shakira. A lot of sizzle.. a lot of intrigue....is the talent enough to carry it to the top of the charts? With Abdul Hodge at 2.07, the scouts are saying "shows some stiffness in his lower body and not very fluid in changing directions." As Shakira reminds us, The Hips Don't Lie.Tavaris Jackson is a nice project at QB, and Brandon Marshall definitely has all the right moves, just like Shakira. Champ Bailey recently asked about Marshall said, "I have no idea what other teams were drafting at WR if they passed on this guy." Marshall is a stud in the making. We all wanted him. GM Ware finished his draft with a Whimper, just likeany red-blooded guy would do at the conclusion of a Shakira concert.
Smashmouth Bucs- (Grade: Paris Hilton)Awfully thin, but packs an explosive punch. There's a lot of hype and talk aroundGM Tucker's draft, by snagging future stud Mario Williams at 1.06, and then taking a great flyer on the health-challenged Antonio Cromartie in the 4th round. With only 3 picks in the draft, it's hard to evaluate the talent and impact. We must look at the entire body of work accomplished in the off-season to fairly evaluate the improvements that were made.
Expect to Win- (Grade:Jill Wagner) Very nice "under the radar" draft by GM Mike Costaglio. Was able to sit back and have Vince Young fall tohim at 1.09. Added tremendous depth and solid OL help in mid-rounds with Justice, Colledge, Jean-Giles, and McQuistan. Just like Jill Wagner, you really don't appreciate how good this draft was until you sit down, look it over once again, and then you find your tongue hanging down your chin as you say, "Wow." Some of you may have to google Jill to find out who she is...that's what I am talking about! This draft was hot.....hot as Mercury. (as in Mountaineer).
Mass Destruction- (Grade: Rachel Ray) Not sure if this draft was an exercise in quickness (30-minute meals) or budget ($40 dollars a day). It only yielded 3 picks late in the draft at a bargain basement price. Rachel has that special way of finding something special that you normally wouldn't notice. GM John Barkow is hoping he can uncover that bargain diamond. With Curtis Martin nearing the end of a hall of fame career, Leon Washington would seem to get a few touches this year, and maybe more. Whitehurst may take a little longer to develop than desired. Leon Williams has showed some promise, but his IQ is somewhere between the 30 minute meal and the $40 dollar a day Rachel Ray specials....maybe about a 35! But he's an injury away from being a starting ILB.
69ers- (Grade: Jenn Sturger) FSU hottie Sturger comes face-to-face with FSU alum, GM Skip Vergon in this made to order draft grade. Sturger knows how to market herself and get visible. GM Vergon, one of the most respected owners and fantasy football thinkers, also looks for opportunity to shine in the fantasy football world. The draft by Vergon was well-ronded (u-hum) addressed every need you could have, and provides a nice tease of how good the draft really could be. Chad Jackson development in NE may be greatly enhanced by Tom Brady slinging the ball. With J-Smith gone in Jax, if Lewis can get to camp, and get acclimated, he has an excellent chance to snag a lot of Byron Leftwich's short stuff.
Polar Express- (Grade: Tonya Memme) What a relatively unknown.....pair. GM Barry Kohlhoff certainly didn't need an extreme makeover of his team after a 13-5 season last year...just needed a little tweak. Memme, if you need to google her also, comes from A&E's Sell this House show and specializes in tweaking those resale houses just enough to get maximum resale value for their customers....and does she look good doing it! Ingram has a chance to start in Jacksonville this year, if he can sneak ahead of Nick Griesen. Parys Haralson also stands a chance to start on a rebuilding 49er defense. The Polar Express may have a bust in these 2 unheralded picks, but by the same token, it may be the perfect tweak delivered to an already solid team.
Tuna Boys- (Grade: Tonya McQueen) Now, GM Tracy Bigsby may be looking for a little Extreme Makeover after his team's 5-13 outing last year, rather than just a tweak. That's why his grade is based on Extreme Makeover cutie carpenter, Tonya McQueen. And who better to draft for a makeover project than a Carpenter with the first pick! Bigsby jumped on OLB Bobby Carpenter to being the makeover and he gets a good one. Looking for a trim man to go with your carpenter? Try LenDale White.....he needs to trim down justa tad. Marcus McNeill is in a good situation to be a fantasy producer at OL, and Kelly Jennings picked up in round 5, is looking like a solid pick and possible starter in year 1. Let the Makeover begin.....
InOverMyHead- (Grade: Lindsey Lohan) This draft, like Lohan, didn't really start out as much to look at, but by the time it was done, it was pretty solid. I was not a fan of the Jason Allen pick at the end of round 1, based on his injury history at UT. It kind of reminded me of that teenage, freckle-faced Lohan...it could have been easily overlooked. But over the course of time during the draft, GM Steve Henson put together a solid draft class, snagging OLB Rocky McIntosh of the 'Skins who could contribute early, in addition to the Tongan Titans, Lutui and Ngata. Tye Hill was a good value pick in the mid 4th round. Double Anthony's (Fasano and Schlegel) also both stand solid opportunities to contribute in '06. Devin Hester may have been the drunk driving hiccup on this draft, but I don't think even that could spoil an otherwise stout draft.
4D2- (Grade: Teri Hatcher) Hatcher, born in 1964, is 42 years old, so that seems to be a good fit for 4D2 since I didn't know the full implications of the franchise name. This draft was complete from the functional (Matt Leinart) to the sexy (Manny Lawson) for GM Mike Krucek. Krucek looking for 1 of his 3 WR selections to hit paydirt (Brandon Williams, Mike Haas, Demetrius Williams) Hatcher known for her variety, as her credits run from Spy Kids to All Tied Up and the Adventures of Superman to Desperate Housewives. Great blend of a variety of talent taken my Krucek.
War Hawks- (Grade: Jennifer Lopez) A little more well-rounded and complete than the Sol Diablos. Pick 1.05 Vernon "The Physique" Davis should provide immediate rewards as an outlet for Alex Smith. GM Glenn Smith must have just wondered what fell in his lap when, lo and behold, there sits DeAngelo Williams at 2.05! Thomas Howard looks to contribute in 2006 as well for the Raiders at OLB. Shakira of the Sol Diablos looks good singing, but J-Lo brings the singing, the movies, the talk shows, etc. War Hawks, in the same manner, get help across the board at TE, RB, OLB, DL OL and QB. Well done.
Banned Camp- (Grade: Nellie Furtado) Banned Camp strikes a chord in the band with MTV staple Nellie Furtado. This draft looks good and has some cutting edge picks. Grabbing Cutler with the 1.4 may be reaching for a note that isn't quite there, but it didn't diminish the entrie soundtrack. Maroney at 1.08 and the heir apparent to Corey Dillon is a nice chord. Word from Bronco camp is that Dumervil is a painto block because he is shorter than most DL and is making some nice strides in camp. 6th round pick Pollard is a nice addition in the KC secondary, and could provide immediate help. At 4-13 last year, there were just too many flats in the music. This draft should provide some harmony, a few sharps along the way, and musical breakthrough beginning to unfold. GM Dave Mondt conducts a winner.
Grid Reapers- (Grade: Katharine McPhee) A solid draft all the way around, but just not quite enough to claim the top spot as American Idol Drafter.GM Tom Rossi had the best record in the league last year at 15-3 and was a division runaway. Chad Greenway at 1.14 should provide help immeidately at OLB. Greg Jennings at 2.09 is already in a heated battle for #2 WR at Green Bay with Gardner/Ferguson. Giants players are raving over Sinorice Moss and his potential contributions to the G-Men. I don't see too many hiccups in this draft, but with Katharine McPhee, you want to be sure the food stays down. As long as there are no hiccups here, this is a fine-looking draft.
RFLers- (Grade: Ava Longoria) Similar to Paris Hilton draft grade, in that it's awful skinny at only 3 picks, but the long-term potential of Longoria (RFLers Draft) seems a bit more predictable. DQ at 1.07 was a bit earlier than most mock drafts, but bottom line is you may not have gotten him at the 1.12 when time to pick again, so might as well go for the gusto. Addai at 1.12 should garner plenty of playing time, and would not surprise if he is a starter by early in the year. GM Mike Grimm did a lot with only 3 selections as he looks to gain ground on Grid Reapers. No Desperate situation here.....
Bucky Rules- (Grade: Angelina Jolie) Traded away virtually entire draft to get the guy he wanted (and it's not Brad Pitt). In order to get the coveted jewel of the LB position, GM Bob Segedi struck quickly and expensively in the RFA market, and then came back with only 2 rookie draft selections, but Hawk is a good one. Hawk is the Brad Pitt that Jolie got her hands on.....Jonathan Joseph may be the reminder that she once slept with Billy Bob Thornton.
Army of Darkness- Grade: (Halle Berry) Looked good from the start with Reggie Bush at 1.01. Quick-rising Ernie Sims grabbed at 1.10, just ahead of several teams waiting for Ernie to fall to them. Danieal Manning is already under contract and ready to go. It was just an impressive draft of good looking talent, but there's just a little "bad boy" influence in the middle with Santonio Holmes and Jimmy Williams. It kind of reminds me of sweet, personable Halle being the cream of the leading ladies, and then you get that quick little flashback of "Swordfish." Definitely a keeper by GM Ollie Radakovitz.
So, what do you think of your beauties??? Who would you think your draft looks like?? Let me know. Have a good one, guys.
Jeff
Purpose Driven Team- (Grade: Poppy Montgomery) First time drafter, GM Jeff Thompson, gets a draft grade based on this Without a Trace cutie. Others, however, in the league, may be thinking it resembles Without A Clue, however Thompson felt like he addressed a number of needs on his team in a quiet way. Michael Huff taken in round 1 at pick 11 may be considered too early for DB's, but yet what the heck else are you suppossed to do at 1.11 when the offensive talent is gone? Just like his grade would indicate....this draft was purposeful, efficient, some sizzle at the right spots, and you dont have to be embarrassed about taking this draft home to meet mom.
Sol Diablos- (Grade:Shakira) TheSouth of the Border Sun Devils of GM Alan Ware, get a grade based on South of the Border hottie Shakira. A lot of sizzle.. a lot of intrigue....is the talent enough to carry it to the top of the charts? With Abdul Hodge at 2.07, the scouts are saying "shows some stiffness in his lower body and not very fluid in changing directions." As Shakira reminds us, The Hips Don't Lie.Tavaris Jackson is a nice project at QB, and Brandon Marshall definitely has all the right moves, just like Shakira. Champ Bailey recently asked about Marshall said, "I have no idea what other teams were drafting at WR if they passed on this guy." Marshall is a stud in the making. We all wanted him. GM Ware finished his draft with a Whimper, just likeany red-blooded guy would do at the conclusion of a Shakira concert.
Smashmouth Bucs- (Grade: Paris Hilton)Awfully thin, but packs an explosive punch. There's a lot of hype and talk aroundGM Tucker's draft, by snagging future stud Mario Williams at 1.06, and then taking a great flyer on the health-challenged Antonio Cromartie in the 4th round. With only 3 picks in the draft, it's hard to evaluate the talent and impact. We must look at the entire body of work accomplished in the off-season to fairly evaluate the improvements that were made.
Expect to Win- (Grade:Jill Wagner) Very nice "under the radar" draft by GM Mike Costaglio. Was able to sit back and have Vince Young fall tohim at 1.09. Added tremendous depth and solid OL help in mid-rounds with Justice, Colledge, Jean-Giles, and McQuistan. Just like Jill Wagner, you really don't appreciate how good this draft was until you sit down, look it over once again, and then you find your tongue hanging down your chin as you say, "Wow." Some of you may have to google Jill to find out who she is...that's what I am talking about! This draft was hot.....hot as Mercury. (as in Mountaineer).
Mass Destruction- (Grade: Rachel Ray) Not sure if this draft was an exercise in quickness (30-minute meals) or budget ($40 dollars a day). It only yielded 3 picks late in the draft at a bargain basement price. Rachel has that special way of finding something special that you normally wouldn't notice. GM John Barkow is hoping he can uncover that bargain diamond. With Curtis Martin nearing the end of a hall of fame career, Leon Washington would seem to get a few touches this year, and maybe more. Whitehurst may take a little longer to develop than desired. Leon Williams has showed some promise, but his IQ is somewhere between the 30 minute meal and the $40 dollar a day Rachel Ray specials....maybe about a 35! But he's an injury away from being a starting ILB.
69ers- (Grade: Jenn Sturger) FSU hottie Sturger comes face-to-face with FSU alum, GM Skip Vergon in this made to order draft grade. Sturger knows how to market herself and get visible. GM Vergon, one of the most respected owners and fantasy football thinkers, also looks for opportunity to shine in the fantasy football world. The draft by Vergon was well-ronded (u-hum) addressed every need you could have, and provides a nice tease of how good the draft really could be. Chad Jackson development in NE may be greatly enhanced by Tom Brady slinging the ball. With J-Smith gone in Jax, if Lewis can get to camp, and get acclimated, he has an excellent chance to snag a lot of Byron Leftwich's short stuff.
Polar Express- (Grade: Tonya Memme) What a relatively unknown.....pair. GM Barry Kohlhoff certainly didn't need an extreme makeover of his team after a 13-5 season last year...just needed a little tweak. Memme, if you need to google her also, comes from A&E's Sell this House show and specializes in tweaking those resale houses just enough to get maximum resale value for their customers....and does she look good doing it! Ingram has a chance to start in Jacksonville this year, if he can sneak ahead of Nick Griesen. Parys Haralson also stands a chance to start on a rebuilding 49er defense. The Polar Express may have a bust in these 2 unheralded picks, but by the same token, it may be the perfect tweak delivered to an already solid team.
Tuna Boys- (Grade: Tonya McQueen) Now, GM Tracy Bigsby may be looking for a little Extreme Makeover after his team's 5-13 outing last year, rather than just a tweak. That's why his grade is based on Extreme Makeover cutie carpenter, Tonya McQueen. And who better to draft for a makeover project than a Carpenter with the first pick! Bigsby jumped on OLB Bobby Carpenter to being the makeover and he gets a good one. Looking for a trim man to go with your carpenter? Try LenDale White.....he needs to trim down justa tad. Marcus McNeill is in a good situation to be a fantasy producer at OL, and Kelly Jennings picked up in round 5, is looking like a solid pick and possible starter in year 1. Let the Makeover begin.....
InOverMyHead- (Grade: Lindsey Lohan) This draft, like Lohan, didn't really start out as much to look at, but by the time it was done, it was pretty solid. I was not a fan of the Jason Allen pick at the end of round 1, based on his injury history at UT. It kind of reminded me of that teenage, freckle-faced Lohan...it could have been easily overlooked. But over the course of time during the draft, GM Steve Henson put together a solid draft class, snagging OLB Rocky McIntosh of the 'Skins who could contribute early, in addition to the Tongan Titans, Lutui and Ngata. Tye Hill was a good value pick in the mid 4th round. Double Anthony's (Fasano and Schlegel) also both stand solid opportunities to contribute in '06. Devin Hester may have been the drunk driving hiccup on this draft, but I don't think even that could spoil an otherwise stout draft.
4D2- (Grade: Teri Hatcher) Hatcher, born in 1964, is 42 years old, so that seems to be a good fit for 4D2 since I didn't know the full implications of the franchise name. This draft was complete from the functional (Matt Leinart) to the sexy (Manny Lawson) for GM Mike Krucek. Krucek looking for 1 of his 3 WR selections to hit paydirt (Brandon Williams, Mike Haas, Demetrius Williams) Hatcher known for her variety, as her credits run from Spy Kids to All Tied Up and the Adventures of Superman to Desperate Housewives. Great blend of a variety of talent taken my Krucek.
War Hawks- (Grade: Jennifer Lopez) A little more well-rounded and complete than the Sol Diablos. Pick 1.05 Vernon "The Physique" Davis should provide immediate rewards as an outlet for Alex Smith. GM Glenn Smith must have just wondered what fell in his lap when, lo and behold, there sits DeAngelo Williams at 2.05! Thomas Howard looks to contribute in 2006 as well for the Raiders at OLB. Shakira of the Sol Diablos looks good singing, but J-Lo brings the singing, the movies, the talk shows, etc. War Hawks, in the same manner, get help across the board at TE, RB, OLB, DL OL and QB. Well done.
Banned Camp- (Grade: Nellie Furtado) Banned Camp strikes a chord in the band with MTV staple Nellie Furtado. This draft looks good and has some cutting edge picks. Grabbing Cutler with the 1.4 may be reaching for a note that isn't quite there, but it didn't diminish the entrie soundtrack. Maroney at 1.08 and the heir apparent to Corey Dillon is a nice chord. Word from Bronco camp is that Dumervil is a painto block because he is shorter than most DL and is making some nice strides in camp. 6th round pick Pollard is a nice addition in the KC secondary, and could provide immediate help. At 4-13 last year, there were just too many flats in the music. This draft should provide some harmony, a few sharps along the way, and musical breakthrough beginning to unfold. GM Dave Mondt conducts a winner.
Grid Reapers- (Grade: Katharine McPhee) A solid draft all the way around, but just not quite enough to claim the top spot as American Idol Drafter.GM Tom Rossi had the best record in the league last year at 15-3 and was a division runaway. Chad Greenway at 1.14 should provide help immeidately at OLB. Greg Jennings at 2.09 is already in a heated battle for #2 WR at Green Bay with Gardner/Ferguson. Giants players are raving over Sinorice Moss and his potential contributions to the G-Men. I don't see too many hiccups in this draft, but with Katharine McPhee, you want to be sure the food stays down. As long as there are no hiccups here, this is a fine-looking draft.
RFLers- (Grade: Ava Longoria) Similar to Paris Hilton draft grade, in that it's awful skinny at only 3 picks, but the long-term potential of Longoria (RFLers Draft) seems a bit more predictable. DQ at 1.07 was a bit earlier than most mock drafts, but bottom line is you may not have gotten him at the 1.12 when time to pick again, so might as well go for the gusto. Addai at 1.12 should garner plenty of playing time, and would not surprise if he is a starter by early in the year. GM Mike Grimm did a lot with only 3 selections as he looks to gain ground on Grid Reapers. No Desperate situation here.....
Bucky Rules- (Grade: Angelina Jolie) Traded away virtually entire draft to get the guy he wanted (and it's not Brad Pitt). In order to get the coveted jewel of the LB position, GM Bob Segedi struck quickly and expensively in the RFA market, and then came back with only 2 rookie draft selections, but Hawk is a good one. Hawk is the Brad Pitt that Jolie got her hands on.....Jonathan Joseph may be the reminder that she once slept with Billy Bob Thornton.
Army of Darkness- Grade: (Halle Berry) Looked good from the start with Reggie Bush at 1.01. Quick-rising Ernie Sims grabbed at 1.10, just ahead of several teams waiting for Ernie to fall to them. Danieal Manning is already under contract and ready to go. It was just an impressive draft of good looking talent, but there's just a little "bad boy" influence in the middle with Santonio Holmes and Jimmy Williams. It kind of reminds me of sweet, personable Halle being the cream of the leading ladies, and then you get that quick little flashback of "Swordfish." Definitely a keeper by GM Ollie Radakovitz.
So, what do you think of your beauties??? Who would you think your draft looks like?? Let me know. Have a good one, guys.
Jeff