CNFLE II Draft Review - Part 1 - Division 1

Wide Open Races?


An expectant hush crept over the packed auditorium as finally at 7.18 GMT, Coach Peter the Swede, resplendent in his yellow and sky blue tracksuit entered the draft room and completed the full quota of Coaches in attendance at this years ‘D Day’. The dream of a 12 team human draft had finally became a reality and the promise of a great draft night lay ahead.



The Initial focus was on the Division 2 teams who claimed the top 3 draft picks as the official draft order was released to the expectant gallery through thunderous strains of Bonnie Tyler, who it would appear is ‘still holdin’ out for a hero!’



Tick, tock, tick, tock, the draft clock sounded down to position four, and up stepped Tim Riggins, under the stewardship of rookie Coach Richard. Johnson and Peterson had gone first and second, but surprisingly Gore was taken 3rd which opened up a strategy dilemma. Hmmmm Riggins crew pondered ‘Rice, MJD or an elite QB?’ What would be the call? It turned out to be none of the above, as Rookie Riggins, ignoring traditional wisdom, grabbed the NFL’s premiere wideout in Andre Johnson with his first swoop into the 2010 draft. The next two picks, Rodgers & Brees went out of the Division, which left The Super Swedes on deck with a whole heap of monster RB’s from which to take their pick.



Unsurprisingly, Coach Peter, a veteran of CNFLE I, plumped for MJD, rushing up to the stage and wrapping the miniature yellow and sky blue No.1 shirt on the Pocket Rocket before picking him up between his thumb and forefinger and placing him carefully onto a little nest of cotton wool in his own pocket for safe keeping before the season starts. After taking Matt Forte last year with the second pick and falling victim to the bust of the season, perhaps his draft luck was about to change.



Coach No-name then followed at 8. As the selection was being pondered, whispers reverberated in the air, ‘Who is this masked man with the NY colours and the team name paying homage to Pulp Fiction? Some suggested that Bill Parcells had made a return to coaching, but with the eighth pick, Ray Rice was snapped up as a bargain.



Peyton Manning went next into Division 3, and then came Coach Paul and his Baptists. The team logo bore the mark of a master strategist. Early reports surrounding Coach Paul’s draft pedigree alleged that he too had been burnt by Forte, but as a no.1 pick last year no less. Would lightning strike twice, or had the Baptists boss learnt a valuable lesson? A solid choice was to follow, the percentage play, and former Illinois back Mendenhall became the Baptists pick of redemption.



With the first round complete, the Coach’s thoughts then became focused on forming the squad that would lead one of these teams to divisional glory and a tilt at the title.

Tim Riggins Bench Warmers – Pick 4

Projected Points (from starting lineup) – 1651

Verdict : Grade B

A season of promise beckons for the rookie coach. Star quality at the WR slot will provide the bulk of Riggins scoring as will Cutler, or Manning when they hit their straps every third week, but the Bench warmers will live or die on the back of rookie CJ Spiller and Stewart and whether they are involved consistently enough to post regular big scores, Riggins BW’s will cause some damage, but will they get the big calls right when it matters over the course of a 14 game season?

Super Swedes – Pick 7

Projected Points – 1738

Verdict : Grade A-

A great draft for the Swede. MJD and Shonn Greene will post big, big scores and the trio of No.1 receivers should bring home points on a regular basis. With Romo hurling the pigskin about, if the big names decide to come to the party, this team could be unstoppable. The only reservation revolves around whether the Dallas ‘O’ line can get it together in time to prevent a Romo freakout when the heat becomes unbearable, and if MJD’ knee is worse than first thought then it could be a case of déjà vu for Peter and his 1st round picks. The team to beat.

Royale With TD’s – Pick 8

Projected Points – 1607

Verdict : Grade C

Much will depend on whether Rivers can post the same impressive numbers without the physical Vincent Jackson to depend on early in the season. Without a ‘star’ WR to consistently rack up the points on a weekly basis from that position, heavyweight RB tandem Jackson & Rice will definitely need to be putting up 25 plus points regularly for Royale to succeed.

Bryants Baptists – Pick 10

Projected Points – 1683

Verdict : Grade B+

 Two Good solid young running backs, combined with two proven receivers, a young gun and old timer QB tandem which can rotate based on matchups, a red zone TE monster favoured by the hottest QB in the league and a blitzing defense. What more could you want? The Baptists have it all on paper. Trouble is the game ain’t played on paper. Should be a good season, and will challenge the Swedes.






On that note, the Division 1 review is complete. Remember this analysis has been based on the NFL.com projections which have been calculated using the unique CNFLE II scoring system, and for all we know could be just a load of hokum!


Coming Friday, Division 2. The Group of Death.



Ed