Based on some chatter I’ve been hearing and some words from my agent, a lot of teams have been checking me out. A few have even called to see if I would be willing to play for them or even invited me for workouts and interviews with the team staff. Several others haven’t reached out, but that doesn’t bother me. The truth is, despite a lot of great linebacker talent already in the league, I am being scouted, to some extent, by every team in the league. I’m glad to hear it, because I am not afraid of being under that microscope. I’m also not afraid of being labeled a diva. I want to become a focus wherever I end up. If that scares you off, no hard feelings.
However, every team scouting me needs to know one thing: I am scouting you right back.
If you haven’t reached out and asked if I am willing to play for you, then don’t. I will play for you. More importantly, even though it kills me, I will sit on the bench for you, too. But that’s not all you want to know, is it? You want to know how committed I’ll be to your team, to your scheme, and to your culture. Well, let’s take a look at what you’ve got to offer me, and I’m not talking about money. After all, while there may be some great LBs already in the league, I know that I am undeniably the best linebacker joining the league this year. I might be the best safety joining the league in season two as well, which is a good thing, because I might be more likely to play there instead this year, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Orange County Otters:
For anyone curious, this was the first team to reach out to me, so I am going to assume they were the first to recognize what I had to offer. Here’s what I think about playing there.
Pro – The best D line in the league. No offense to the Outlaws, who are a damn close second, but the Otters have the most imposing front FIVE in the league, led by Adamle Tomlinson. Any of the five D-linemen the Otters have on their books would start on any depth chart outside of Arizona. In addition, Ian Bavitz OWNS the middle of the field, streaking toward any “leaks” with speed that no linebacker should have, and Arby Krimlaw plays his role well. With beasts like that killing the run game, I would be free to go wild, blitzing the QB or roaming the passing lanes, giving me lots of opportunities to do what I do best: making quarterbacks hate their jobs. Yeah, I’d like that.
Con – The rest of the D is pretty damn good, too. The secondary has four members that would start over me, leaving few opportunities to play different positions in disguised looks, which is something I love doing.
Verdict – This is a great team, and I can definitely bring a needed dimension to it. If they show me they are serious about having me by spending that draft pick (which looks like it will be a higher one than I initially predicted), then I’ll sign for three years on a pretty cheap deal, and we can go win some championships together.
Arizona Outlaws:
I genuinely feel this is the best overall defense in the league, and while the GM and coaching staff haven’t hit me up, I haven’t felt ignored by them either, as I’ve had the chance to hang out with some of their amazing linebacker corps. Whether they just wanted to shoot the shit or that was the front office’s way of making an impression, it was one hell of an advertisement.
Pro – Harrif Ernston. As some of you know, I started out at safety and had to switch to linebacker in college. It wasn’t an easy adjustment. Ernston was one of two players I watched to learn how to do it (I’ll get to the other one later). On top of that, this player is COOL AS SHIT. I genuinely owe a lot of the recognition I’ve gotten to this guy, who was the first to call me up when I declared for the draft. On top of that, I’d be sitting behind probably the best defensive player in the league, Jayce Tuck, who commands what is only barely shy of being the best D line in the game. I’d have a talented secondary behind me, locking down deep routes and forcing the QB into dangerous check downs. Also, I’d have Ernston, Lee, and Stropko beside me on the field…wait a minute.
Con – I’d have Harrif Ernston, Jaylon Lee and Brady Stropko on the team. Where the hell would I be? I imagine that I’d mainly be coming off the bench behind Ernston and safety Isiah Rashad, who I could eventually challenge for a starting job (nothing personal, but I am a better fit for their scheme than you and not that far behind in skill), but the truth is that I would not be needed.
Verdict – Let’s not lie, here, folks. Just like the Otters, this is a championship quality team, and I could learn a lot from playing beside them. However, I might be reluctant to sign a multi-year deal without getting a tangible sign that I am part of their long term plans.
San Jose Saber Cats:
So, despite their 4 and 10 record, I’m not going to disrespect this team. They have some talent on both sides of the ball.
Pro – Remember Harrif Ernston as one of the two linebackers I watched a lot of? Well, the other one was AC Hackett. Hackett is everything you need to see on how to use your mind to dominate at a physical position. He’s not one of the fastest linebackers or anywhere near the strongest, but this guy sees the field 360 degrees, figures out what’s happening, and gets himself in place to make the play. He’s apparently a good teacher as well, as Alexander Selich seems to be following that same style. Naturally, it’s one that I would fit in on just fine. In addition, only the Outlaws can boast better safety play, though the leader of that secondary is cornerback John Canton.
Con – Too much of a good thing? Actually, not enough run stoppage. The Cats have the third worst D line in the league, and that includes the expansion teams. Having another ball-hawking LB just may not be what they need. After all, shutting down the passing game is no fun if the other team can just run for 5 or more yards per carry.
Verdict – We can make it work. The D line is not so bad that there is no hope, as it does show signs of life. The lack of tackling at LB can be fixed by moving Ja Brill or Clee Hardrool from safety to linebacker, where they both seem better fits. I could then move to safety where I could start more comfortably as a rookie. With that little bit of adaptation, this D could take on a whole new culture and be considered one of the scariest teams to face. One question remains: why hasn’t a team with that much draft capital called me yet?
Yellowknife Wraiths:
I don’t spend much time talking about offense here, but the Wraiths have to get credit for their passing game, moving the chains and keeping their defense off the field. Honestly, I think this D probably needs the most work.
Pro - Lindarious Shelton and Reginald Hampshireton might be my favorite LB duo in the league. Please don't think I am saying that they are the best duo, just a lot of fun to watch. These two guys are basically identical in skill, style, and instincts. The way they work together is so much fun to watch, and I would enjoy being the odd man out in that system. In addition, while their secondary has a LOT of holes in it, there are two very capable members, and I believe that the defense is going to get some attention in this draft.
Con – The Wraiths have the worst D line in the league. Their best guy wouldn’t make the starting 4 in Orange County. Hell, even one of the expansion teams has a better D line already thanks to some trades. As I mentioned for San Jose, there’s no sense in attaining air supremacy if you’ve already lost the ground war. What’s worse is that I don’t really see a way to fix that without simply trading for run stoppers. Additionally, I don’t think that run defense is a major priority for the Wraiths, meaning I would have to make that part of my focus.
Verdict – Honestly, this is the toughest one to call. If the Wraiths can find a way to acquire a couple of big bodies up front or more run-stuffing linebackers to work with Shelton and Hampshireton, then I could be a valuable part of the secondary. Like I said, I’m the best linebacker AND the best safety in the draft. But as a linebacker, I’m just not what this team needs right now, and I wouldn’t want to commit long term to that role.
Baltimore Hawks:
Like the Saber Cats, a 4 and 10 team, but one that has quite a bit going for it. In this case, that probably starts with HENDRIX joining the front office. He’s got a great attitude, an adaptive mindset, and the energy to commit to the job.
Pro – I already mentioned that new front office, but it needs to be stated here. I gave every team that reached out to me a reason to be excited, and a reason to back off. These guys answered my concern and impressed me with their knowledge. I love the X and O game, and they can play it with the best. Example: Star linebacker-scratch that-defensive end Kurt Hendrix. This guy was a beast at outside linebacker last year, but the D line was getting no penetration, finishing second to last in tackles for loss and a DISTANT last place in sacks. This year, Hendrix is moving to DE, freeing up a spot at LB for talented rookies and improving the hell out of the team’s pass rush and run-stopping. It’s a move that shows this team is ready to overcome their problems. In addition, MLB Stephen Harrison is a phenomenally intimidating leader, and I know the defense will play hard around him. Erasmo Broadway is a speed rusher that is developing into a more complete player as well. Honestly, I could be a great complement to that very capable duo.
Con – Antoine Delacour is the entire secondary. Also, their entire offense was atrocious last year. This defense is going to get gassed fast with a slew of three and outs.
Verdict – Let’s fix this shit. The offense can easily be improved with a great O line rookie class, many of which will be available in later rounds. I can be plugged in at safety or linebacker depending on the match up, and the Hawks seem like the kind of team that will let me play where I will most be needed on a game to game basis. Honestly, I’m more excited about this team than some of the teams with twice as many wins.
Colorado Yetis:
I can’t blame this team for not reaching out to me. They had an Ultimus Trophy to win. Keep your eyes on the prize, Yetis. I won’t judge you.
Pro – I’d play linebacker and love it. As much as I enjoy being in the secondary, I did declare as a linebacker, and Colorado is one of the places I’d get to do that and do it well. Wyatt Fulton and Johnathon Saint are both excellent athletes, large, strong, and fast. Either could play DE or LB and dominate. In addition, the secondary is very healthy with two top notch cornerbacks and adequate safety play. My role would be coverage linebacker, exactly what I was scouted as.
Con – The Yetis aren’t exactly my kind of culture. Their defense is more of a stifling, give up nothing kind of style, not a trick you and take it away kind. While it is VERY effective, I worry I’d clash with that culture.
Verdict – Honestly, I’d need to know what their vision is for this team, especially the defense. I could be a part of something great, or get in the way of something just okay.
Expansion Teams:
I haven’t been contacted by either expansion team, but they’ve both got a lot on their plates.
Pro – The possibilities. In the case of the Liberty, no one has been acquired. This is exciting, but also scary, as the draft is very weak on D line, which is something I value greatly. For the Legion, two very proven linemen have already been picked up, making me a lot more comfortable with their prospects. Meanwhile, the Liberty impressed me with their passive screening process, which I did sign up for. Both also offer the chance to be part of the team from Year One, and that’s damn exciting.
Con – Also the possibilities. I really worry that neither team will find the talent they need to be successful. The Liberty will go into a draft with no LB or D Line prospects capable of stopping the run. The Legion will mainly be built from depth, with less draft capital. Both are red flags.
Verdict – Let’s do a two year deal and see what happens. For the Legion, I’ll play where you need me. For the Liberty, I’d be a lot more comfortable at safety.
There you have it, folks. My agent will give my number to any coaches or GMs that want to ask more, but at least we can get on the same page a little faster. Am I a cancer or the ally you need? Make the call and find out.
- Kevin Cushing
((2350 words. Ready to grade. All teams tagged))
However, every team scouting me needs to know one thing: I am scouting you right back.
If you haven’t reached out and asked if I am willing to play for you, then don’t. I will play for you. More importantly, even though it kills me, I will sit on the bench for you, too. But that’s not all you want to know, is it? You want to know how committed I’ll be to your team, to your scheme, and to your culture. Well, let’s take a look at what you’ve got to offer me, and I’m not talking about money. After all, while there may be some great LBs already in the league, I know that I am undeniably the best linebacker joining the league this year. I might be the best safety joining the league in season two as well, which is a good thing, because I might be more likely to play there instead this year, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Orange County Otters:
For anyone curious, this was the first team to reach out to me, so I am going to assume they were the first to recognize what I had to offer. Here’s what I think about playing there.
Pro – The best D line in the league. No offense to the Outlaws, who are a damn close second, but the Otters have the most imposing front FIVE in the league, led by Adamle Tomlinson. Any of the five D-linemen the Otters have on their books would start on any depth chart outside of Arizona. In addition, Ian Bavitz OWNS the middle of the field, streaking toward any “leaks” with speed that no linebacker should have, and Arby Krimlaw plays his role well. With beasts like that killing the run game, I would be free to go wild, blitzing the QB or roaming the passing lanes, giving me lots of opportunities to do what I do best: making quarterbacks hate their jobs. Yeah, I’d like that.
Con – The rest of the D is pretty damn good, too. The secondary has four members that would start over me, leaving few opportunities to play different positions in disguised looks, which is something I love doing.
Verdict – This is a great team, and I can definitely bring a needed dimension to it. If they show me they are serious about having me by spending that draft pick (which looks like it will be a higher one than I initially predicted), then I’ll sign for three years on a pretty cheap deal, and we can go win some championships together.
Arizona Outlaws:
I genuinely feel this is the best overall defense in the league, and while the GM and coaching staff haven’t hit me up, I haven’t felt ignored by them either, as I’ve had the chance to hang out with some of their amazing linebacker corps. Whether they just wanted to shoot the shit or that was the front office’s way of making an impression, it was one hell of an advertisement.
Pro – Harrif Ernston. As some of you know, I started out at safety and had to switch to linebacker in college. It wasn’t an easy adjustment. Ernston was one of two players I watched to learn how to do it (I’ll get to the other one later). On top of that, this player is COOL AS SHIT. I genuinely owe a lot of the recognition I’ve gotten to this guy, who was the first to call me up when I declared for the draft. On top of that, I’d be sitting behind probably the best defensive player in the league, Jayce Tuck, who commands what is only barely shy of being the best D line in the game. I’d have a talented secondary behind me, locking down deep routes and forcing the QB into dangerous check downs. Also, I’d have Ernston, Lee, and Stropko beside me on the field…wait a minute.
Con – I’d have Harrif Ernston, Jaylon Lee and Brady Stropko on the team. Where the hell would I be? I imagine that I’d mainly be coming off the bench behind Ernston and safety Isiah Rashad, who I could eventually challenge for a starting job (nothing personal, but I am a better fit for their scheme than you and not that far behind in skill), but the truth is that I would not be needed.
Verdict – Let’s not lie, here, folks. Just like the Otters, this is a championship quality team, and I could learn a lot from playing beside them. However, I might be reluctant to sign a multi-year deal without getting a tangible sign that I am part of their long term plans.
San Jose Saber Cats:
So, despite their 4 and 10 record, I’m not going to disrespect this team. They have some talent on both sides of the ball.
Pro – Remember Harrif Ernston as one of the two linebackers I watched a lot of? Well, the other one was AC Hackett. Hackett is everything you need to see on how to use your mind to dominate at a physical position. He’s not one of the fastest linebackers or anywhere near the strongest, but this guy sees the field 360 degrees, figures out what’s happening, and gets himself in place to make the play. He’s apparently a good teacher as well, as Alexander Selich seems to be following that same style. Naturally, it’s one that I would fit in on just fine. In addition, only the Outlaws can boast better safety play, though the leader of that secondary is cornerback John Canton.
Con – Too much of a good thing? Actually, not enough run stoppage. The Cats have the third worst D line in the league, and that includes the expansion teams. Having another ball-hawking LB just may not be what they need. After all, shutting down the passing game is no fun if the other team can just run for 5 or more yards per carry.
Verdict – We can make it work. The D line is not so bad that there is no hope, as it does show signs of life. The lack of tackling at LB can be fixed by moving Ja Brill or Clee Hardrool from safety to linebacker, where they both seem better fits. I could then move to safety where I could start more comfortably as a rookie. With that little bit of adaptation, this D could take on a whole new culture and be considered one of the scariest teams to face. One question remains: why hasn’t a team with that much draft capital called me yet?
Yellowknife Wraiths:
I don’t spend much time talking about offense here, but the Wraiths have to get credit for their passing game, moving the chains and keeping their defense off the field. Honestly, I think this D probably needs the most work.
Pro - Lindarious Shelton and Reginald Hampshireton might be my favorite LB duo in the league. Please don't think I am saying that they are the best duo, just a lot of fun to watch. These two guys are basically identical in skill, style, and instincts. The way they work together is so much fun to watch, and I would enjoy being the odd man out in that system. In addition, while their secondary has a LOT of holes in it, there are two very capable members, and I believe that the defense is going to get some attention in this draft.
Con – The Wraiths have the worst D line in the league. Their best guy wouldn’t make the starting 4 in Orange County. Hell, even one of the expansion teams has a better D line already thanks to some trades. As I mentioned for San Jose, there’s no sense in attaining air supremacy if you’ve already lost the ground war. What’s worse is that I don’t really see a way to fix that without simply trading for run stoppers. Additionally, I don’t think that run defense is a major priority for the Wraiths, meaning I would have to make that part of my focus.
Verdict – Honestly, this is the toughest one to call. If the Wraiths can find a way to acquire a couple of big bodies up front or more run-stuffing linebackers to work with Shelton and Hampshireton, then I could be a valuable part of the secondary. Like I said, I’m the best linebacker AND the best safety in the draft. But as a linebacker, I’m just not what this team needs right now, and I wouldn’t want to commit long term to that role.
Baltimore Hawks:
Like the Saber Cats, a 4 and 10 team, but one that has quite a bit going for it. In this case, that probably starts with HENDRIX joining the front office. He’s got a great attitude, an adaptive mindset, and the energy to commit to the job.
Pro – I already mentioned that new front office, but it needs to be stated here. I gave every team that reached out to me a reason to be excited, and a reason to back off. These guys answered my concern and impressed me with their knowledge. I love the X and O game, and they can play it with the best. Example: Star linebacker-scratch that-defensive end Kurt Hendrix. This guy was a beast at outside linebacker last year, but the D line was getting no penetration, finishing second to last in tackles for loss and a DISTANT last place in sacks. This year, Hendrix is moving to DE, freeing up a spot at LB for talented rookies and improving the hell out of the team’s pass rush and run-stopping. It’s a move that shows this team is ready to overcome their problems. In addition, MLB Stephen Harrison is a phenomenally intimidating leader, and I know the defense will play hard around him. Erasmo Broadway is a speed rusher that is developing into a more complete player as well. Honestly, I could be a great complement to that very capable duo.
Con – Antoine Delacour is the entire secondary. Also, their entire offense was atrocious last year. This defense is going to get gassed fast with a slew of three and outs.
Verdict – Let’s fix this shit. The offense can easily be improved with a great O line rookie class, many of which will be available in later rounds. I can be plugged in at safety or linebacker depending on the match up, and the Hawks seem like the kind of team that will let me play where I will most be needed on a game to game basis. Honestly, I’m more excited about this team than some of the teams with twice as many wins.
Colorado Yetis:
I can’t blame this team for not reaching out to me. They had an Ultimus Trophy to win. Keep your eyes on the prize, Yetis. I won’t judge you.
Pro – I’d play linebacker and love it. As much as I enjoy being in the secondary, I did declare as a linebacker, and Colorado is one of the places I’d get to do that and do it well. Wyatt Fulton and Johnathon Saint are both excellent athletes, large, strong, and fast. Either could play DE or LB and dominate. In addition, the secondary is very healthy with two top notch cornerbacks and adequate safety play. My role would be coverage linebacker, exactly what I was scouted as.
Con – The Yetis aren’t exactly my kind of culture. Their defense is more of a stifling, give up nothing kind of style, not a trick you and take it away kind. While it is VERY effective, I worry I’d clash with that culture.
Verdict – Honestly, I’d need to know what their vision is for this team, especially the defense. I could be a part of something great, or get in the way of something just okay.
Expansion Teams:
I haven’t been contacted by either expansion team, but they’ve both got a lot on their plates.
Pro – The possibilities. In the case of the Liberty, no one has been acquired. This is exciting, but also scary, as the draft is very weak on D line, which is something I value greatly. For the Legion, two very proven linemen have already been picked up, making me a lot more comfortable with their prospects. Meanwhile, the Liberty impressed me with their passive screening process, which I did sign up for. Both also offer the chance to be part of the team from Year One, and that’s damn exciting.
Con – Also the possibilities. I really worry that neither team will find the talent they need to be successful. The Liberty will go into a draft with no LB or D Line prospects capable of stopping the run. The Legion will mainly be built from depth, with less draft capital. Both are red flags.
Verdict – Let’s do a two year deal and see what happens. For the Legion, I’ll play where you need me. For the Liberty, I’d be a lot more comfortable at safety.
There you have it, folks. My agent will give my number to any coaches or GMs that want to ask more, but at least we can get on the same page a little faster. Am I a cancer or the ally you need? Make the call and find out.
- Kevin Cushing
((2350 words. Ready to grade. All teams tagged))
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