Although the NFL just had a court ruling stating the lockout will remain in place until at least the hearings restart on June 3rd, Egofest Dynasty has had some roster cuts over the past week, I presume to make room for the new rookie class.
Boco's Ballin' Army released Troy Smith QB (SFO) and Randy McMichael TE (SD). Shenanigans let go of two Miami QBs in Chad Pennington and Tyler Thigpen. He also cut another QB in Rusty Smith (TEN). C-Springs Asphalt Walri cut Matt Flynn QB (GB) Buster Davis WR (SD), Laurent Robinson WR (STL), and Daniel Fells TE (STL). Finally, Yo Bitches released Max Hall QB (ARI), one-hit-wonders Steve Slaton RB (HOU) and LenDale White RB (DEN), and Donald Jones WR (BUF).
These cuts probably don't mean much for the future of the teams involved, but expect more cuts from the league over the next several months. Only Cape May Scallops, C-Springs Asphalt Walri, and Yo Bitches are compliant with the 26-players roster limit.
Full roster cuts are not required until kickoff of week 1, but there will be a need for additions and subtractions well before then.
In addition, it appears that Egofest Dynasty will be awarding digital trophies this year for the performances of each week. It is unclear a this point what trophies will be awarded, but in the past commissioner Haven Barnes has has such awards as the Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda, the Lowest Score, Highest Score, and Brian Bosworth Award. We are all looking forward to the announcement of this year's digital trophies.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
2011 Draft Report
Oh, the glimmer in their eyes. The hopes and dreams of victories abound flutter through their heads. They can almost see their team-colored confetti falling from the top of the stadium. The parades and front page headlines scroll through their imaginations. All the while, searching for the "steal", "hidden gem", and "diamond in the rough" amongst the looming possibility of a JaMarcus Russell-esque failure.
This off-season is a difficult one for owners due to a lack of free agency, but all 14 owners in the Egofest Dynasty competed in the 2011 Rookie Draft last week, with varying levels of success. Each owner has his own research techniques, or lack thereof it seems, when scouting potential draft picks. I don't dare assume who uses what style, but only time will tell how effective it might be. In this entry I will give my sleepers, busts, winners, and losers in this year's Egofest draft.
SLEEPERS
It's difficult to call a pick in the top 10 a "sleeper" but I'm going to do it anyway.... Shenanigans' selection of Daniel Thomas. Thomas could have been the overall #1 and I wouldn't have batted an eye. He is in a great position to start sooner rather than later with the possible free agency departure or Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. It appears that Chad Henne will be back under center for the Fins this season, so Brandon Marshall (barring he doesn't continue to get stabbed by his wives that are tired of being abused) and passing game could continue to be mediocre. Thomas will need some free agency help on the offensive line to be successful, but if Miami can give him that, we could see a star in the making.
A future star that was dropping on most draft boards, but has an unbelievable upside is Leonard Hankerson of Yo Bitches. Hankerson was a standout WR at the University of Miami and has the size and speed (6'3", 205lbs, and a 4.4 40 yard dash) to scare any DB in the NFL. He quietly had a senior season with 72 catches and 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns in a conference with quality DBs that were focusing on him. Once the Redskins find their quarterback, Hankerson will be the main target.
A player that falls more into the category of "steal" than a "sleeper" is Titus Young of Stone Testies. He was selected with pick 3.06 and could have easily been a one of the first three or four receivers taken. In this draft he was the 12th receiver selected, and even went after his teammate at Boise State, Austin Pettis. Matthew Stafford will be glad to have a WR with such good hands and crisp route running. Although think he would have been a better fit in St. Louis, he will benefit from the attention paid to Calvin Johnson.
It's embarrassing to write this, but my final sleeper is Alex Henery of LA Patriots. Yes, folks, it's a kicker. He was the only kicker selected (not only in Egofest but in the NFL as well) and for good reason. He has an amazing leg and accuracy to boot (pun intended). Although David Akers was the #3 fantasy kicker last season, he is approaching his 14th year in the league and should start to see a decrease in achievable distance over the next several years. Henery will be on tap to dominate for the next decade and a half.
Honorable Mention: Jake Locker (Big Swingin' D), Colin Kaepernick (Boco's Ballin' Army), Da'Rel Scott (Big Swingin' D), and Evan Royster (Asphalt Walri)
BUSTS
Although things are beginning to look up for the NFL team that drafted him (Detroit), Mikel Leshoure does not look like an NFL-ready RB. Stone Testies may see something that I don't, but based on his selection of a kicker in the middle rounds of last season's draft (whom he ended up dropping), I doubt it. Leshoure is not a bruising back and only a 4.6 40-yard dash, in a year with 7 running backs under 4.5. In addition, he has been drafted by a team that had relative success last season with Jahvid Best, a player in his first year. Leshoure would have been a great pick in the 2.3 - 2.8 range, but 1.6 is entirely too high.
Small wide receivers on a team with diminishing talents, and an already young receiving core will not fair well. Jerrel Jernigan falls into this category for sure. Cape May Scallops reached for this pick with selection 1.13, his first of the draft. The 5'9" 185 lb. receiver from the Sun Belt Conference's Troy University is a great addition in the return game, but will not contribute enough in the receiving stats to make a difference for Scallops.
Fantasy players don't score points from the bench, and that's exactly where Ryan Mallett will be sitting for as many years as he remains in New England. Maybe this is a long-term project for Tube Socks, or maybe he's hoping for Mallett to be traded somewhere else, but this move was a risky one at 2.13. Mallett has all the physical tools, and was viewed by many as the top quarterback in the draft, but an attitude problem (and some might argue a lack of brain cells.... youtube his interviews) had him slipping on most team's big boards. Do we have a Ryan Leaf without the enormous contract?
Honorable Mention: Cam Newton (Harry Brown Bush's Aroma), Randall Cobb (Asphalt Walri), Andy Dalton (Shenanigans), and Shane Vereen (Boats 'n Hoes)
WINNERS
Boco's Ballin' Army: Already possessing a strong core of running backs, Boco went on an tear of wide receivers, obtaining some of the top names in this year's class. In addition, he filled a possible hole at tight end when Antonio Gates hangs them up in the next several years. He nabbed a quarterback that that has the size and skills to be successful (Kaepernick) in San Francisco.
C-Springs Asphalt Walri: Trading for several early picks can be a risky move, but Walri may just have pulled it off. Three running backs and two wide receivers that all performed well over their last couple of years in college, and have serious sleeper potential, can't hurt. My only concern is with the rookie wide receivers. The size of Cobb and the character issues of Little could catch up with these play-makers. It will be interesting to see how the roster cuts affect this young team.
Shenanigans: Taking two top-rated quarterbacks, Shenenigans may have given up the possibility to fill a large hole at the wide receiver position. However, the first round selection of my top running back prospect may have covered this possible gap. I can certainly see a rookie quarterback being on the trade block soon, in exchange for a wide receiver with some stats under his belt. Shenanigans could pull off an early season mega trade, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
Big Swingin' D: Defending champs, Big Swingin' D, took my top quarterback prospect in Jake Locker and then also made the call to draft a sleeper candidate in Da'Rel Scott with a late pick. I don't see Locker or Scott being a force in the first year or two, but a solid build for an already top franchise. If DJ Williams can pan out at tight end, and the Steelers remain a top-performing defense, we could see the beginning of a dynasty here.
LOSERS
Kennesaw Kannons: There is a large weakness in Kannon's squad at quarterback and this draft did not address that for them. I don't fault the first round selection of Julio Jones, because the need at WR was equally as great, but a second selection (which did not come until the 3rd round) of Dion Lewis was questionable. Lewis is looking to be back up for LeSean McCoy for a LONG time. McCoy was the #14 running back last year on an offense that has featured the position in the past, if you remember back to the days of Brain Westbrook. Michael Vick's improved passing skills have diminished the position a bit, leaving less of a need for a two RB system. Then, just to be sure the final selection was completely irrelevant, Kannons took another rookie RB in Philadelphia in Stanly Havili. I'll be interested to see how quickly some of those selection are cut.
Cape May Scallops: With only three selections in this year's draft, Scallops used them all on wide receivers. Although all three may be solid kick returners, none of them appear to be top-level wide receivers. Only one of the three is over 6'0" and 200 lbs, and he also happens to be the only one that went to a school with any football competition. With Austin Collie, Steve Smith, and Reggie Wayne on their way out in the next two years (or sooner if your last name is Collie), I'm not sure this need was filled. There is also a glaring need at quarterback, and every prospect but Newton was available with Scallops first selection, and the quality of WR taken in that spot is unjustified.
Durangatang Monkey Squirts: I really liked Squirts first overall selection as it filled a need and removed a future star WR. However, trading a second round selection away when a enormous running back problem looms, is ill-advised. Although running backs may have been trimmed down considerably at selection 2.01, Squirts could have selected one of several backs that can expect more points than Mike Hart, Jerious Norwood, or Fred Taylor. To take a tight end, in a year when the class was as weak as it gets, with a 3.01 is mind-shattering. Considering Luke Stocker (whom I consider the second best TE in the class) was available until selection 5.05, a waiting game might have been more effective.
L.A. Patriots: Coming off a solid season in 2010, Patriots best draft pick consisted of a kicker. Yes, Jon Baldwin in a talented athlete, and yes he will make plays for Patriots, but he needs to keep his head on straight. We've watched the prima donna WRs being pushed aside for the last few years and experts say Balwin is another T.O. or Randy Moss waiting to happen. I see a large need for a backup QB and a defense. Although a defense is off the table, a quarterback is not. We can all expect Vick to be injured at some point in 2011 and Shaun Hill or Joe Webb are not going to be the answer. Being at least two deep in RB and many deep in WR, we can expect Patriots to be making some off-season moves for a backup QB. I see a Shenanigans-L.A.Patriots whopper coming down the pike.
With new hope rising for all owners in the Egofest Dynasty, it will be an interesting year, assuming there is one. The rookie drafting skills will be tested, and the blockbuster trades could be plentiful. I know I'll be keeping my eyes glued to this top-notch league. Expect to hear my ramblings throughout the season, and feel free to comment on anything you see/hear/feel.
Nevah Senrab
Independent writer for the Egofest Dynasty
This off-season is a difficult one for owners due to a lack of free agency, but all 14 owners in the Egofest Dynasty competed in the 2011 Rookie Draft last week, with varying levels of success. Each owner has his own research techniques, or lack thereof it seems, when scouting potential draft picks. I don't dare assume who uses what style, but only time will tell how effective it might be. In this entry I will give my sleepers, busts, winners, and losers in this year's Egofest draft.
SLEEPERS
It's difficult to call a pick in the top 10 a "sleeper" but I'm going to do it anyway.... Shenanigans' selection of Daniel Thomas. Thomas could have been the overall #1 and I wouldn't have batted an eye. He is in a great position to start sooner rather than later with the possible free agency departure or Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. It appears that Chad Henne will be back under center for the Fins this season, so Brandon Marshall (barring he doesn't continue to get stabbed by his wives that are tired of being abused) and passing game could continue to be mediocre. Thomas will need some free agency help on the offensive line to be successful, but if Miami can give him that, we could see a star in the making.
A future star that was dropping on most draft boards, but has an unbelievable upside is Leonard Hankerson of Yo Bitches. Hankerson was a standout WR at the University of Miami and has the size and speed (6'3", 205lbs, and a 4.4 40 yard dash) to scare any DB in the NFL. He quietly had a senior season with 72 catches and 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns in a conference with quality DBs that were focusing on him. Once the Redskins find their quarterback, Hankerson will be the main target.
A player that falls more into the category of "steal" than a "sleeper" is Titus Young of Stone Testies. He was selected with pick 3.06 and could have easily been a one of the first three or four receivers taken. In this draft he was the 12th receiver selected, and even went after his teammate at Boise State, Austin Pettis. Matthew Stafford will be glad to have a WR with such good hands and crisp route running. Although think he would have been a better fit in St. Louis, he will benefit from the attention paid to Calvin Johnson.
It's embarrassing to write this, but my final sleeper is Alex Henery of LA Patriots. Yes, folks, it's a kicker. He was the only kicker selected (not only in Egofest but in the NFL as well) and for good reason. He has an amazing leg and accuracy to boot (pun intended). Although David Akers was the #3 fantasy kicker last season, he is approaching his 14th year in the league and should start to see a decrease in achievable distance over the next several years. Henery will be on tap to dominate for the next decade and a half.
Honorable Mention: Jake Locker (Big Swingin' D), Colin Kaepernick (Boco's Ballin' Army), Da'Rel Scott (Big Swingin' D), and Evan Royster (Asphalt Walri)
BUSTS
Although things are beginning to look up for the NFL team that drafted him (Detroit), Mikel Leshoure does not look like an NFL-ready RB. Stone Testies may see something that I don't, but based on his selection of a kicker in the middle rounds of last season's draft (whom he ended up dropping), I doubt it. Leshoure is not a bruising back and only a 4.6 40-yard dash, in a year with 7 running backs under 4.5. In addition, he has been drafted by a team that had relative success last season with Jahvid Best, a player in his first year. Leshoure would have been a great pick in the 2.3 - 2.8 range, but 1.6 is entirely too high.
Small wide receivers on a team with diminishing talents, and an already young receiving core will not fair well. Jerrel Jernigan falls into this category for sure. Cape May Scallops reached for this pick with selection 1.13, his first of the draft. The 5'9" 185 lb. receiver from the Sun Belt Conference's Troy University is a great addition in the return game, but will not contribute enough in the receiving stats to make a difference for Scallops.
Fantasy players don't score points from the bench, and that's exactly where Ryan Mallett will be sitting for as many years as he remains in New England. Maybe this is a long-term project for Tube Socks, or maybe he's hoping for Mallett to be traded somewhere else, but this move was a risky one at 2.13. Mallett has all the physical tools, and was viewed by many as the top quarterback in the draft, but an attitude problem (and some might argue a lack of brain cells.... youtube his interviews) had him slipping on most team's big boards. Do we have a Ryan Leaf without the enormous contract?
Honorable Mention: Cam Newton (Harry Brown Bush's Aroma), Randall Cobb (Asphalt Walri), Andy Dalton (Shenanigans), and Shane Vereen (Boats 'n Hoes)
WINNERS
Boco's Ballin' Army: Already possessing a strong core of running backs, Boco went on an tear of wide receivers, obtaining some of the top names in this year's class. In addition, he filled a possible hole at tight end when Antonio Gates hangs them up in the next several years. He nabbed a quarterback that that has the size and skills to be successful (Kaepernick) in San Francisco.
C-Springs Asphalt Walri: Trading for several early picks can be a risky move, but Walri may just have pulled it off. Three running backs and two wide receivers that all performed well over their last couple of years in college, and have serious sleeper potential, can't hurt. My only concern is with the rookie wide receivers. The size of Cobb and the character issues of Little could catch up with these play-makers. It will be interesting to see how the roster cuts affect this young team.
Shenanigans: Taking two top-rated quarterbacks, Shenenigans may have given up the possibility to fill a large hole at the wide receiver position. However, the first round selection of my top running back prospect may have covered this possible gap. I can certainly see a rookie quarterback being on the trade block soon, in exchange for a wide receiver with some stats under his belt. Shenanigans could pull off an early season mega trade, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
Big Swingin' D: Defending champs, Big Swingin' D, took my top quarterback prospect in Jake Locker and then also made the call to draft a sleeper candidate in Da'Rel Scott with a late pick. I don't see Locker or Scott being a force in the first year or two, but a solid build for an already top franchise. If DJ Williams can pan out at tight end, and the Steelers remain a top-performing defense, we could see the beginning of a dynasty here.
LOSERS
Kennesaw Kannons: There is a large weakness in Kannon's squad at quarterback and this draft did not address that for them. I don't fault the first round selection of Julio Jones, because the need at WR was equally as great, but a second selection (which did not come until the 3rd round) of Dion Lewis was questionable. Lewis is looking to be back up for LeSean McCoy for a LONG time. McCoy was the #14 running back last year on an offense that has featured the position in the past, if you remember back to the days of Brain Westbrook. Michael Vick's improved passing skills have diminished the position a bit, leaving less of a need for a two RB system. Then, just to be sure the final selection was completely irrelevant, Kannons took another rookie RB in Philadelphia in Stanly Havili. I'll be interested to see how quickly some of those selection are cut.
Cape May Scallops: With only three selections in this year's draft, Scallops used them all on wide receivers. Although all three may be solid kick returners, none of them appear to be top-level wide receivers. Only one of the three is over 6'0" and 200 lbs, and he also happens to be the only one that went to a school with any football competition. With Austin Collie, Steve Smith, and Reggie Wayne on their way out in the next two years (or sooner if your last name is Collie), I'm not sure this need was filled. There is also a glaring need at quarterback, and every prospect but Newton was available with Scallops first selection, and the quality of WR taken in that spot is unjustified.
Durangatang Monkey Squirts: I really liked Squirts first overall selection as it filled a need and removed a future star WR. However, trading a second round selection away when a enormous running back problem looms, is ill-advised. Although running backs may have been trimmed down considerably at selection 2.01, Squirts could have selected one of several backs that can expect more points than Mike Hart, Jerious Norwood, or Fred Taylor. To take a tight end, in a year when the class was as weak as it gets, with a 3.01 is mind-shattering. Considering Luke Stocker (whom I consider the second best TE in the class) was available until selection 5.05, a waiting game might have been more effective.
L.A. Patriots: Coming off a solid season in 2010, Patriots best draft pick consisted of a kicker. Yes, Jon Baldwin in a talented athlete, and yes he will make plays for Patriots, but he needs to keep his head on straight. We've watched the prima donna WRs being pushed aside for the last few years and experts say Balwin is another T.O. or Randy Moss waiting to happen. I see a large need for a backup QB and a defense. Although a defense is off the table, a quarterback is not. We can all expect Vick to be injured at some point in 2011 and Shaun Hill or Joe Webb are not going to be the answer. Being at least two deep in RB and many deep in WR, we can expect Patriots to be making some off-season moves for a backup QB. I see a Shenanigans-L.A.Patriots whopper coming down the pike.
With new hope rising for all owners in the Egofest Dynasty, it will be an interesting year, assuming there is one. The rookie drafting skills will be tested, and the blockbuster trades could be plentiful. I know I'll be keeping my eyes glued to this top-notch league. Expect to hear my ramblings throughout the season, and feel free to comment on anything you see/hear/feel.
Nevah Senrab
Independent writer for the Egofest Dynasty
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)