2097 USAFL Entry Draft Analysis

Lewis returns to the helm; James surprises none as top choice
By "Stan Gatsby"

Off-Season 2097 (Baltimore) - The USAFL completed its 97th annual entry draft this past Sunday in a weekend that was overshadowed by the return of Andrew Lewis to the headmaster position in Philadelphia. Lewis, the incredibly well-liked general manager of Eagles, received a standing ovation from the assembled crowd when he was shown on the JumboTron in an interview with the ESPN coverage team. The ovation lasted well over three minutes.

The following is a graded analysis of the first round of the draft, pick by pick.

Round 1, Pick 1 - 1st Overall: DT Sawyer James, USC
This was a surprise to no one. James has kept scouts rooling since he announced his decision to enter the draft months ago. In fact, Baltimore had worked out a contract with the young blue chipper and his agent Saturday night, as reported first by FOXSports.com. The award winning lineman comes from a well-coached, National Championship winning Trojans team and possesses the best all-around skills seen at this position and level since perhaps Tim Reeser in 2071. The only knock against his game is his overall speed, though many feel his commitment to improvement will soon nullify his only flaw. The Ravens had no other option at this slot.
Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 2 - 2nd Overall: QB Ravin Hass, USC
Hass, the 2096 Heisman trophy winner, comes from the same National Championship line-up as James. The Vikings have been looking for a long-term answer at the quarterback position for the past few years, so this pick was a no-brainer. Haas possesses the most impressive physical
traits of any quarterback that was available in the draft, while also being the most ready to step into the pro game due to excellent coaching at USC. Perhaps the safest pick of the first round.
Grade: A+

Round 1, Pick 3 - 3rd Overall: LB Craig Griffin, Georgia
With the second in the back-to-back picks, the Vikings took
linebacker Craig Griffin from Georgia. Griffin is an incredibly fast linebacker who is a constant threat to breaking past the line and into the quarterback's pocket. If he can prove criticisms concerning his conditioning and preparation wrong, he should mature into the perfect fit in Minnesota's Cover 2 to compliment Jock Matthews. Some feel this pick should have been used to pick up depth on the offensive line to protect Hass, however.
Grade: B+

Round 1, Pick 4 - 4th Overall: DT Steve Close, Michigan
This was an excellent pick by the Redskins, who will have little to no depth on their defensive line once Marc Hunter retires. Close possesses an amazing first step, though a sophomore-year leg fracture lead to questions about sustaining his speed throughout his career.
Grade: A+

Round 1, Pick 5 - 5th Overall: LB Andrew Hoskins, Wisconsin
According to sources, Baltimore general manager Ryan Howard actually had the former Badger rated above the more acclaimed Griffin. The two are incredibly similar in both skill and talent, though Hoskins typically has played the middle linebacker position -- which is where Howard will likely deploy him. He moves very well from sideline to
sideline and will do nothing but compliment a growing defense in Baltimore. Some say he is much better conditioned than Griffin, and has the maturity required to move to the pro game.
Grade: A+

Round 1, Pick 6 - 6th Overall: DT Kirk Schlotter, Miami
Schlotter was a bit of a reach here. At best, most had him rated as second round talent, but Buffalo decided to take him with the sixth overall pick. Schlotter may become lost in the shuffle on an otherwise functional unit that has taken Buffalo quite far in the past few years. You also have to question this pick considering that neither Steve Coats nor Jeff Buckley stand out as a long-term option at the quarterback position. They should have traded down and nabbed Maxwell Gunn.
Grade: C+

Round 1, Pick 7 - 7th Overall: T Willie Harris, Alabama
There are several holes in the Philadelphia offensive line, and Harris should be able to plug a need at the right tackle position, despite having played on the left side at Alabama. Excels in fending off quick defensive ends. If Mays should stay with the Eagles into the 2097 season and there-on, he will be well protected.
Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 8 - 8th Overall: T Clarence McGriggs, LSU McGriggs and Harris were closely rated on numerous draft boards, with several giving McGriggs more upside potential than the more pro-ready Harris. Though he does not particularly do anything increasingly well, he is better than average across the board. If a quarterback were available, that would be the best choice.. however, the two first round caliber gunslingers were already off the board.
Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 9 - 9th Overall: LB James Sharpe, USC
Another member of the stellar 2097 USC draft class, Sharpe excels at rushing the quarterback and draws comparisons to Craig Griffin out of Georgia. While he penetrates the backfield exceptionally well, his ability to move sideline-to-sideline and into coverage draw questions
about his long-term usefulness. Jake Irvin, a player who once drew similar criticisms, should serve as an excellent mentor.
Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 10 - 10th Overall: FB Richard Clay, Cal
An interesting pick here by Houston. Many felt they would either go with youth in the backfield, or more likely, an option at wide receiver considering the amount of depth and talent at the position. They went with backfield help, but did not pick up a pure runner. Instead, they picked up Richard Clay who had an excellent season paving the way for Steve Armstong (Rd. 3, Pick 6) at California. In fact, many attribute Armstrong's success to Clay's ability to clear a path. Only time will tell how this plays out for Houston. If they wanted a quarterback, they should have taken Maxwell Gunn here.
Grade: C+

Round 1, Pick 11 - 11th Overall: C Walter Castillo, Pitt
The Giant's offensive line is beginning to become riddled with holes, with the onyl really standout talents being guard Jay Lee and left tackle Steve Cadrez. Though considered a late first round talent, he was a necessary choice by Joe Malloy who will look to his coaching staff to hopefully develop Castillo into a serviceable guard. Lacks an impressive first step, but has excellent driver and power and is known for his run blocking ability.
Grade: A-

Round 1, Pick 12 - 12th Overall: DT Don Newman, Arizona St.
After choosing Steve Close earlier in the round, Newman is a bit of a question mark here. None of Washington's young linebackers have really taken the initiative to stand out from the pack, and there was still some depth left for the picking here. It may have been more effective to take Texas' Glenn Query at this spot.
Grade: B-

Round 1, Pick 13 - 13th Overall: QB Maxwell Gunn, BGSU
There was an outside chance that with all the defensive talent in this draft, Ravin Hass may have slipped to the 13th pick where Dallas surely would have chosen him. Instead, they choise Maxwell Gunn out of Bowling Green, who led the team to the MAC championship this past year. While
he lacks the physical gifts of Haas, he does possess many of the intangibles scouts feel are crucial in taking the game to the pro level. A good, solid pick by Dallas.
Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 14 - 14th Overall: LB Glenn Query, Texas Tech
Projected as a late first to early second round talent, Query is an unsung pass rusher out of Texas Tech. While not of the caliber of Sharpe or Griffin, many scouts were impressed by the quality of his interviews and the improvements seen in his workouts. Excellent conditioned, can go all day.
Grade: A-

Round 1, Pick 15 - 15th Overall: T Benji Klusmire, Tennessee
A somewhat questionable pick by Oakland. Klusmire is a talented young mountain of a man from Tennessee who has trouble defending against quick pass rushers. This has been the harshed criticism of him, and is why he has slipped from a first round talent to a second round talent on most draft boards over the past few months. The Raiders may seek to move him to either center or a guard position, where he may be of more use to their offense.
Grade: B-

Round 1, Pick 16 - 16th Overall: S Mike Sherwin, GT
A very questionable pick considering Michigan State's Calvin Camarillo was still on the board and the concensus top safety in the draft. Sherwin has been harshly criticized for blowing coverage, despite being an excellent defender against the run when he is put in the box. Washington may have shot themselves in the foot on this one.
Grade: D

Round 1, Pick 17 - 17th Overall: QB Lorne Carter, Notre Dame
If the Texans were interested in a quarterback, they probably should have taken Maxwell Gunn while he was still on the board, as Richard Clay likely still would have been available at this point in the draft. Carter suffered from being a part of an underperforming Irish team in his senior year, as many predicted he would have been a top 5 talent
should he have chosen to go pro following his junior year. His instincts are somewhat unpolished, but he has a rocket launcher for an arm.
Grade: C

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