MKJ's 2189 Draft Preview

Truncated and Tardy Edition
By "Mel Kiper Jr."

Off-Season 2189 (The Great Beyond) - Hey, boys and girls! I got caught up in an epic game of shuffle-board here between the team of myself and Wilfred Brimley versus Dwight Eisenhower and a man who sold tacos...still does in fact, although there's no concept of currency here in heaven. Guess you just can't divine the capitalist out of the man. Anyway, I apologize for the delay.

The Big Board!

#1 - LB Russell Cooks, Florida State University. This guy cooks! He'll start from day one! If he hits the weight room right away, he'll dominate from day one!

#2 - QB Rodney Washington, Virginia Commonwealth. This guy has an amazing arm that has pin-point precision; however, he often forces the ball in, relying on his skill when a bit of caution is necessary, although any good QB coach can instill the necessary discipline. The prototypical pocket passer!

#3 - C Matt Davis, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Big, strong lineman who has surprising speed. With a little work, Davis is likely to be franchised early.

#4 - DE Rowan Rowser, Temple University. Now this guy's parents had a sense of humor! Rowan Rowser? Wowser! But his play on the field isn't a joke, as he clogs up offensive lines. He may have to start in the interior of the defensive line, as his speed and agility aren't currently suited for the end.

#5 - G Bobby Hayes, Kansas State University. This guy has shot up draft boards in recent weeks, as his even, all-around game is a sought-after commodity. That being said, he'll need to hit the weight room hard before becoming a starter, but this shouldn't be a problem, and he's vowed to bulk up.

#6 - FB Bart Williams, Ohio State University. This back has an all-around game that should grow nicely in the USAFL. While he probably won't start right away, it won't be long until he's star quality. His time as a fullback has taught him much about blocking that translates into his ability to wait for running lanes to develop. Great kid!

#7 - S Shannon Cummings, San Diego State University. Blazing straight line speed! This kid wowed them at the combine! Not only did he run the fastest time there, he ran the second fastest time right afterwards to prove how fit he was. After that, he showed up G Bobby Hayes by bench pressing more than him! Still, his acceleration could be improved, along with his lateral skills. Again, nothing that can't be coached up, especially to such a smart man.

#8 - CB Desmond Turner, Georgia Tech University. Boy, it's a coin toss as to whether you'd prefer Cummings or Turner. Both are such smart, athletic young men, that I can't see either of them being a bust. While Cummings bench press was very impressive, Turner outlasted C Matt Davis, who is a huge weight room rat. He played corner in college, but with such a diverse skill set, he's set to play anywhere in the USAFL. In fact, he'd be a great linebacker!

#9 - QB Percy Sneed, College of William and Mary. Small school, big talent. Sneed dominated the Colonial Conference, and many suspect that his skill set will translate into the USAFL. A sure handed and strong quarterback, this kid just needs a chance and a few years to show what he's got!

#10 - LB Tim Gaffney, Seton Hall University. A fast, agile kid who was able to make his living by clogging up inside running lanes, Gaffney has the chance to become something special; however, his acceleration to reach plays on the outside of the line leaves something to be desired. He'll have to train very hard to improve in that area, but if he does, he'll be among the elite at his position.

O.K., so perhaps it wasn't all that truncated! Sorry it was late, but as much as I love football, shuffle board is just too addicting! Peace!

Back