Originally published on ArenaFan.com
I consider this weekend a holiday. The NFL draft is two days of complete football, and probably the one weekend during the arena season where I focus more on the outdoor game than the arena game. With that being said I give you my af2-AFL mock draft for arena football fans to enjoy on this holiday weekend.
This draft isn’t merely my thoughts. I’ve done interviews with different beat writers from around arenafootball2 and even got to do a few interviews with different coaches in the af2, besides the ones in Green Bay, but the end results of this mock draft ultimately comes down to my opinion.
This is a three-round mock draft, which takes the currently worst team in the Arena Football League, the Utah Blaze, and gives them the first pick and the best team, the Philadelphia Soul, get the last pick.
You are not going to see players who had a number of opportunities in the AFL, like quarterback Ryan Vena, in this draft for the most part. There also isn’t a lot of long time, but productive players in the af2 like quarterback Chris Wallace and wide receiver/Jack linebacker Robert Garth, in this draft either.
You probably are going to criticize me and say this guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but isn’t that the purpose of these things anyway? Keep in mind this isn’t a list of the most dominating players in the af2, but who will make the step up to the AFL next year. So, with that being said, with the first pick in the af2-AFL mock draft…
1. Utah Blaze-DB Sergio Gilliam Spokane Shock
The Blaze is last in the AFL in pass defense and could use a big defender like Gilliam. Sure, Gilliam may be the flavor of the month in the af2 because he had six interceptions in his first two games, but his ability backs up those numbers. He’s a fierce hitter and a ball hawk that played his college ball at Clemson and should make it at the next level.
2. Kansas City Brigade-DE Joe Woolridge South Georgia
I know, the Brigade just released him, but another year in the af2 will allow him to work on the things he learned in his time in Kansas City, and he now knows what it takes at the next level. On the field in the af2 he’s fairing pretty well since his return. He had three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in his second game back.
3. Columbus Destroyers-WR/KR Jeff Hughley Tulsa Talons
When the Destroyers made their run at the ArenaBowl last year Josh Bush was an explosive playmaker for them, and I don’t think any of their current receivers have that. Hughley is a playmaker and a big reason why the Talons won the ArenaCup last year.
4. Tampa Bay Storm-Jack/WR Larry Kendrick Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
Lawrence Samuels is a legend in arena football, but it’s time for a youth movement in Tampa Bay to happen. Kendrick, like Woolridge, spent some time in the AFL earlier this year with the Philadelphia Soul. He’s a true Ironman and comes from a winning organization in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, which is what the Storm needs to reestablish.
5. Grand Rapids Rampage-DE Joe Sykes Green Bay Blizzard
The Rampage could go a lot of different ways with this pick, but a good defensive end can really cause havoc and improve a defense dramatically. At 6’4 and 275 pounds he has the size to hold up against the bigger offensive lines in the AFL since the elimination of the Ironman rule, but is still very quick coming around the corner.
6. Los Angeles Avengers-C Raymond James Corpus Christi Sharks
The Avengers could use a quality lineman, and James is just that. He’s been in the af2 for a while, spending most of his years with the Florida Firecats, but has proved his value when he moved to Corpus Christi and greatly improved its line.
7. Georgia Force-WR Lonnell Dewalt Louisville Fire
I’m not sure that Georgia has recovered from the losses of receivers Chris Jackson and Derek Lee, so it will be looking to improve its receiving core with this pick. Dewalt is a big physical receiver and will quickly become Chris Greisen’s best friend at the goal line.
8. Colorado Crush-DE Adam Vogel Quad City Steamwheelers
The Crush offense is still very productive, even without Damien Harrell, but the defense isn’t as strong as it was a couple of years ago, and has only generated three sacks this season. Ravenell is just one member of a very good ‘Wheelers defensive line, and has a motor that doesn’t stop.
9. Arizona Rattlers-QB Travis Cole Rio Grande Valley Dorados
The Rattlers have two young quarterbacks already, but I don’t think Lang Campbell or Jeff Smoker is the answer. Cole was with the Rattlers and the Blaze, and in the af2 is getting a chance to gain confidence and fine tune his skills in the arena game.
10. New York Dragons-TE Pulani Ma Sun Spokane Shock
I think quarterback Aaron Garcia is happy to see this pick. Ma Sun is a big reason why the Shock offense is successful. He’s a nasty, physical and dominating lineman, who can take a team’s best pass rusher and shut him down.
11. San Jose Sabercats-WR Nicheren Flowers Central Valley Coyotes
The Sabercats could do a lot of different things with this pick, but can’t pass on a big receiving threat like Flowers. Usually the Sabercats receivers are not the taller and physical types like Flowers, but he can provide a spark for San Jose.
12. Cleveland Gladiators-DB Dahn Singfield Manchester Wolves
The Gladiators need to be more physical on defense, and that’s what Singfield brings to the table. Singfield spent last season with the New York Dragons and is a very experienced player in the af2. He helped the Memphis Xplorers win the ArenaCup in 2005 and was named the defensive player of the year. He makes receivers think twice when they come over the middle.
13. Orlando Predators-TE Wesley Jones Lexington Horsemen
Jay Gruden has a pretty good team in Orlando right now and doesn’t have any immediate needs. Jones is experienced in blocking in a shotgun offense, which the Predators have used this year, and understands the different blocking angles that offense presents.
14. New Orleans VooDoo-G Keith Dauper Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
The VooDoo have a good young defense that is forcing a lot of turnovers and has found its quarterback, so improving the offensive line is something it will want to do. Dauper is from Concordia University in Canada and was considered one of Canada’s best linemen. He may not be that dominant right now, but because Canadian football is very similar to the arena game he has a lot of experience in pass protection and is only getting better.
15. Chicago Rush-FB Jason Schule Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
The Rush is always looking for talented fullbacks and Schule will help out in its goal line package. Schule was in the Tampa Bay Storm’s training camp and is more of a fullback/linebacker type versus an offensive lineman who was converted to fullback.
16. Dallas Desperados-DB/Jack linebacker/WR Ray Williams Mahoning Valley Thunder
The Desperados are loaded at all of its positions and it would be hard for any af2 player to make this team because they probably won’t see the field much. So, the Desperados are looking for a player with a lot of character and talent to grow in the arena game. That is exactly what Williams is. He played wide receiver at Purdue and due to injuries in the defensive backfield during his senior year he moved to cornerback. He’s playing defensive back with the Thunder, but may be best suited for the Jack linebacker position instead.
17. Philadelphia Soul-FB James Gibson Florida Firecats
Can Tony Graziani ever stay healthy? Gibson is a good blocking fullback and could possibly move to the offensive line if need be for the Soul if he can’t take the job from the Soul’s current fullback Wes Ours. He’s also leading the af2 in rushing.
Second Round
18. Utah-Mac Jason Hunt Stockton Lightning
Second team All-af2 last year; will help the pass rush in Utah
Second team All-af2 last year; will help the pass rush in Utah
19. Kansas City-DB Clarence Curry Albany Conquest
Played for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and in NFL Europe; solid coverage skills
Played for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and in NFL Europe; solid coverage skills
20. Columbus-Jack/DB Kofi Amoah Peoria Pirates
Was getting some looks by the NFL last season; versatile defender
Was getting some looks by the NFL last season; versatile defender
21. Tampa Bay-DE Jared Williams Amarillo Dusters
Former Texas Tech defender is tough to defend for 60 minutes
Former Texas Tech defender is tough to defend for 60 minutes
22. Grand Rapids-DB Jermaine Hope Tulsa Talons
Great defender in af2, should be able to make the jump to the AFL
Great defender in af2, should be able to make the jump to the AFL
23. Los Angeles-FB Orlando Medlock Lubbock Renegades
Spent time at three different colleges including Utah and was FB in Urban Meyer’s offense
Spent time at three different colleges including Utah and was FB in Urban Meyer’s offense
24. Georgia-C Joe Washington Louisville Fire
There’s a reason the Fire’s offense is so effective at running the ball, and he’s it
There’s a reason the Fire’s offense is so effective at running the ball, and he’s it
25. Colorado-Mac Kamau Jackson Austin Wranglers
First team All-af2 last year w/ Cincinnati Jungle Kats, which is really saying something considering how bad that team was
First team All-af2 last year w/ Cincinnati Jungle Kats, which is really saying something considering how bad that team was
26. Arizona-DE Quinton Staton Rio Grande Valley Dorados
Led af2 in sacks last year w/18.5 and was in camp with the Orlando Predators
Led af2 in sacks last year w/18.5 and was in camp with the Orlando Predators
27. New York-QB J.J. Raterink Quad City Steamwheelers
Truthfully, there isn’t a lot of QBs in the af2 who are ready to make the jump, but Raterink is a winner and is slippery in the pocket
Truthfully, there isn’t a lot of QBs in the af2 who are ready to make the jump, but Raterink is a winner and is slippery in the pocket
28. San Jose-DT Tony McClain Rio Grande Valley Dorados
Was in training camp with the Kansas City Brigade and big time force from Auburn
Was in training camp with the Kansas City Brigade and big time force from Auburn
29. Cleveland-WR Patrick Rouzard Arkansas Twisters
Solid receiver who deserves a shot at the next level
Solid receiver who deserves a shot at the next level
30. Orlando-DB Micheaux Robinson Wilkes Barre/Scranton Pioneers
Simply is a playmaker for the Pioneers; good ball skills
Simply is a playmaker for the Pioneers; good ball skills
31. New Orleans-FB Chris Bruhn Boise Burn
Could be the next gravedigger; played college football at Washington State
Could be the next gravedigger; played college football at Washington State
32. Chicago-DT Quartez Vickerson Green Bay Blizzard
Is a younger version of James Baron; can play DT or DE
Is a younger version of James Baron; can play DT or DE
33. Dallas-WR Chavis McCollister Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
Puts up numbers in the af2, but may not be able to do the same in the AFL. Dallas would be a good situation for him to jump into because he won’t be pressured to produce right away
Puts up numbers in the af2, but may not be able to do the same in the AFL. Dallas would be a good situation for him to jump into because he won’t be pressured to produce right away
34. Philadelphia-DE/Mac Justin Parrish Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
Has a nose for finding the quarterback and was an All-Mac performer at Kent State
Has a nose for finding the quarterback and was an All-Mac performer at Kent State
Third Round
35. Utah-DB Mel Long Austin Wranglers
36. Kansas City-Kory Lothe Green Bay Blizzard
37. Columbus-Mac Kellen Driscoll Mahoning Valley Thunder
38. Tampa Bay-DE Terrance Carter Tulsa Talons
39. Grand Rapids-DE Terrance Chapman Florida Firecats
40. Los Angeles-WR P.J. Perry South Georgia Wildcats
Could easily give Antwone Savage or Buchie Ibeh another try at the AFL, but this guy may be just as talented
Could easily give Antwone Savage or Buchie Ibeh another try at the AFL, but this guy may be just as talented
41. Georgia-WR/KR Steve Gonzalez Green Bay Blizzard
42. Colorado-DE Eric Scott Tennessee Valley Vipers
43. Arizona-G Zack Love Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
44. New York-FB Lance Ancar Tennessee Valley Vipers
Fundamentally sound blocker; was Division II’s number one center at North Alabama
Fundamentally sound blocker; was Division II’s number one center at North Alabama
45. San Jose-QB Joe Ayoob Central Valley Coyotes
46. Cleveland-DB Tanner Varner Iowa Barnstormers
47. Orlando-WR Reggie Glover Lubbock Renegades
48. New Orleans-DT Hammond Russell Quad City Steamwheelers
49. Chicago-DB/KR Ivory McCann Corpus Christi Sharks
This guy is fun to watch and can develop into a good defensive back
This guy is fun to watch and can develop into a good defensive back
50. Dallas-C Donald Autry South Georiga
Those who follow the Wildcats probably don’t even know him, but I was told the coaching staff is pretty high on him, but hasn’t played for most of the season because of injury
Those who follow the Wildcats probably don’t even know him, but I was told the coaching staff is pretty high on him, but hasn’t played for most of the season because of injury
51. Philadelphia-TE Jacob Hobbs Albany Conquest
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