With expansion being announced and the bids officially being closed, I will be taking a look at what players around the league are going to be protected and which ones are potentially going to be playing for the new Expansion teams. Now, this is all speculation at this point as we don't know who the new GM's are and what position those new GM's play it could change some things. Also, this isn't going to be including any S23 players that are currently on a DSFL roster mainly because I just didn't dive that deep into the research for this.
The rules for this expansion draft are:
1. Teams get 8 protection slots.
2. S24 is not eligible
3. GM's count as a .5 of a pick. So if a team has 2 GM players that only takes up 1 spot. If a team has 1 GM player still only takes up 1 spot.
4. Each team can only lose up to 3 players. Once a team loses 3 the expansion teams are no longer allowed to draft from them.
Arizona Outlaws Protections:
1. Benoit Blanco & Desmond Scarlet GMs
2. Zamir Kehla 680 TPE S22 CB
3. Pete "Plop" Miller 846 TPE S21 DT
4. Galf Wilf 863 TPE S20 LB
5. Stanislaw Koniecpolski 632 TPE S22 LB
6. Bruce Buckley 615 TPE S22 OL
7. Sandro Ryeu 663 TPE S22 DE
8. Jay Cue QB 1373 S18 QB
Unprotected: Calvin Golladay (OL 492 TPE), Julio Jones (OL 490 TPE), Saba Donut (WR 1024 TPE), Heath Evans (TE 704 TPE), DB Jadakiss (S 498 TPE) Thomas Passman (WR 641 TPE)
First we will start off with the Arizona Outlaws. Obviously they're going to protect their franchise QB as he is at the peak of his career. Other than Cue, the only offensive player being protected is their OL Buckley. I think Arizona will do what they can to keep their core defensive players in tact while taking hits to their Offense. Whether you like it or not Zahmir is one of the top CB's in the league with a big future ahead making him a clear protection list player. Arizona is also going to protect 2 of their stud D-Lineman and 2 of the best LB's in the league. Now, the notables that are going unprotected are going to hurt Arizona. The big name is Saba Donut. Arguably the best WR in the league has hit regression and is about to start declining. He would be a good Veteran presence for either expansion team. He helps a team compete right away and would help any young QB. Jadakiss is the only notable unprotected defensive player, as Arizona could leave 2 of their hogs unprotected. With the recent emergence of OL in the league losing either Jones or Golloday isn't a major hit as there would be other options but I doubt they'd want to try and test that theory.
Austin Copperheads Protections:
1. Easton Cole & Mako Mendonca
2. Net Gaines WR 907 TPE S18
3. Carolinabbq Isbest DE 798 TPE S20
4. Eddie Jeeta WR 697 TPE S22
5. Troen Egghans DE 694 TPE S22
6. Colt Mendoza CB 662 TPE S22
7. Slinky Claxton DE 595 TPE S22
8. Videl-San WR 522 TPE S23
Unprotected: Dermot Lavelle Jr CB 1079 TPE S16, Honda Edmond LB 796 TPE S17, Gregor Macgregor S 554 TPE S21, Kichwa Jones RB 545 TPE S22, Rod Tidwell WR 507 TPE S17
Austin looks to protect their young guys by leaving quite a few of their veteran players unprotected. Gaines, Vidal-San and Jeeta all 3 WR's are going to be sticking around. With their QB not taking up a full spot as well as their #1 RB... Austin makes it clear they're looking to jeep their weapons for Cole. On the Defensive side of the ball Austin is keeping the DL in tact by saving Egghands, Claxton and Isbest (Idlewyld) along with Mendoza in the secondary. Theyre taking the risk of leaving Veterans Edmond, Lavelle, and Tidwell unprotected. While being able to keep most of their young guns safe I don't think Austin is going to take much of a step back from losing players.
Baltimore Hawks
1. CJ Riley & Asher Quinn
2. Darrel Williams RB 965 TPE S20
3. Chika Fujiwara QB 802 TPE S21
4. Eldrick Avery CB 698 TPE S22
5. Derred de Ville LB 687 TPE S22
6. Nick Kaepercolin WR 686 TPE S22
7. Ben Stackinpaper CB 613 TPE S22
8. Tyler Montain DT 585 TPE S23
Unprotected: Dex Kennedy LB 581 TPE S22, James Lewandowski TE 581 S21, Byron Dolls OL 525 TPE S22, LeSean Paris Crooks CB 495 TPE S23
Baltimore keeps their big 3 Offensive weapons locked up by keeping Fujiwara, Williams, and Kaepercolin. On Defense they're saving their top S23 draft pick in Montain, as well as keeling most of their secondary together. However, they're going to leave S23 CB Paris Crooks unprotected. There's a good young core of players Baltimore can protect however there's a few they'll lose put on as Dolls may be the first OL taken in Expansion.
Chicago Butchers
1. Benson Bayley JR & John Smirh
2. Sean O'leary WR 1116 TPE S19
3. Mike Hockertz LB 913 TPE S19
4. Osiris Firestorm-Fjord CB 879 TPE S21
5. Baby Yoda RB 838 TPE S21
6. George O'Donnell QB 783 TPE S21
7. Mario VonPebbles DE 611 TPE S22
8. Tyler Oles JR CB 696 TPE S22
Unprotected: Hamish Macandrew S 619 TPE S22, Tree Gelbman TE 608 TPE S21, Julio Tirtawidjaja RB 559 TPE S22, Von Hayes TE 556 TPE S22, Daymond Brooks WR 548 TPE S22, Luca Scabbia WR 507 TPE S23, Eric Richards S 451 TPE S23, Griff Oberwald WR 401 TPE S23
Alright Chicago.... I think this draft is going to be a little tough for you. Chicago is already a fairly young team but not young enough to save some prospects. O'Leary and Hockertz are corner stones for the Butchers franchise and seeing them play for any team would just be wrong. 2 very obvious protection list players. After them the Butchers will save Firestorm-Fjord and recent FA signing Tyler Oles Jr to keep their secondary in tact. Franchise QB O'Donnell is also staying out as well as top DE talent VonPebbles and RB Baby Yoda. Now comes the unprotected list... This is a long one. There are multiple S22 and S23 talents up for grabs here and don't be surprised if Chicago loses 3 players in the first 10 picks. On Offense the Butchers are leaving TE's Gelbman and Von Hayes as well as S22 WR Brooks and S23 WR's Scabbia and Oberwald. Defensively Butcher starting Safety Hamish Macandrew and Eric Richards are being left unprotected. There may not be a real threat to those 2 as Chicago is loaded with Offensive weapons great for any expansion team.
Colorado Yeti
1. Bubba Thumper
2. Louisiana Purchase CB 1170 TPE S18
3. Earl Sauce TE 1014 TPE S18
4. Pete Parker S 884 TPE S18
5. Immanuel Blackstone DE 877 TPE S21
6. Rotticus Scott CB 751 S21
7. Warren Stephens LB 725 TPE S20
8. Greedy Sly S 554 TPE S23
Unprotected: Ashley Owens RB 875 TPE S17, William Lim WR 683 S22, Mo "Mamba" Magic OL 620 TPE S22, Richard Gilbert RB 607 TPE S22, Leeroy Jenkins WR 569 S22, Thor Kirkby S 551 S20, Jackson Kingston WR 514 TPE S23, Dick Thruster OL S23 400 TPE
The Yeti have had one of the most dominating Defences in the league for multiple seasons now. The Yeti are going to do everything they can to keep that going by protecting 7 of their defensive starters. The only offensive start they'll be keeping is Earl Sauce who has been a staple on that Offense since he came into the league. Now the unprotected list, this is where it gets tough for the Yeti. Long time RB Ashley Owens has hit regression and Owens time in this league is coming to a close so the Yeti will leave Owens unprotected. Top S22 WR prospect Lim is also going unprotected but I wouldn't be surprised if he is their first protection once they lose someone. That's someone may be Mo "Mamba" Magic. The former DT turned OL is the most intriguing player available and could very well be on the move as I don't think the Yeti will have a chance to protect him. Along with Lim, the Yeti are leaving WR prospect Kingston available as well. Joining Magic on the unprotected OL list is S23 OL Thurster. S22 RB Gilbert, S22 WR Jenkins and S20 S Kirby are also going unprotected.
Philadelphia Liberty
1. Randy Vuxta
2. Sam Torenson RB 864 TPE S16
3. Flash Panda WR 720 TPE S21
4. Brandon Booker CB 702 TPE S22
5. Wesley Eriksen S 618 TPE S22
6. Matt Cross S 700 TPE S22
7. Tycker Om DE 397 TPE S23
8. Simon Tremblay OL 525 TPE S21
Unprotected: Eugene Smoothie S 503 TPE S23, Spike Suzuki LB 465 TPE S22, Avon Blocksdale Jr TE 724 TPE S19, Donatello Arrabiata TE 369 TPE S22, Karmichael Hunt K/P 357 TPE S23, Fuzzy Dotson RB 797 TPE S18,
This Expansion draft will also be difficult for the Liberty as they may lose out on some veteran players as well as a young defensive stud. Torenson is the best RB in Liberty History. I just don't see Torenson playing in a different uniform in his career and can confidently say the Liberty are protecting him. Flash Panda has a no movement clause in his contract so the Liberty have to protect him. They'll also protect OL Tremblay on Offense. On the Defensive side the Liberty have some tough decisions to make. Booker, Cross and Eriksen are pretty much locks to be protected leaving 1 spot remaining for Om, Smoothie and Suzuki. Om was the top pick for the Liberty in S23 so I feel like they will protect him, which leaves Smoothie and Suzuki unprotected. Suzuki set the league record last season for TFL playing as a defensive end while Smoothie has turned into one of the top Secondary players from the S23 draft. I'm going to mention Karmichael Hunt because I would think its hilarious (sorry for bringing this up Liberty) if they lost a very active high earning K/P 2 expansion drafts in a row (see Venus Powers last expansion draft). I don't see Blocksdale JR finding his way onto an Expansion team as Arrabiata is a better selection. Arrabiata has shown flashes of potential in a very crowded Liberty Offense. Arrabiata may be the best TE selection in this expansion draft.
Sarasota Sailfish
1. Raphtalia Chan & Michael Witheblock
2. Dexter Banks QB 1051 TPE S17
3 . Rayne Gordon WR 971 TPE S19
4 . Xavier Adams CB 880 TPE S18
5. Cuco Clemente DT 699 TPE S22
6. Haha Mango-Panda LB 677 TPE
7. James Angler TE 662 TPE S22
8. Son Goku DE 551 TPE S23
Unorotected: Beat S 524 TPE S18, Clark Boyd TE 514 TPE S22, Jacob Small K/P 383 TPE S22, Big Edd DT 482 TPE S22, Mike Karpaasi DE 403 TPE S23, Raphael D'Alcott S 368 TPE S23
This season Sarasota find themselves on the other end of the expansion draft and are going to feel the same pain they caused teams 3 seasons ago. I really had to think if Sarasota was going to use a spot on Banks or call up Boss Jr next season.. ultimately I went with them staying with Banks as I think Boss Jr is 2 seasons away from starting and Sarasotas window isn't that long. Sarasota spreads the protection list out by saving both offensive and defensive players. Defensively they're saving LB Mango-Panda, DT Clemente, CB Adams as well as the #1 S23 DE Goku. Unprotected they're leaving Veteran safety Beat and a few young guys free. Starting with S22 players Big Edd DT, K/P Jacob Small, and TE Clark Boyd. S23 prospects D'Alcott and Karpaasi will be dangling infrint of expansion teams as great young defensive talent.
Honolulu Hahalua
1. Keʻokeʻo Kāne-Maikaʻi
2. Venus Powers K/P 985 TPE S20
3. Luke Skywalker QB 647 TPE S22
4. Jim Waters CB 614 TPE S22
5. Heinreich Kackpoo LB 552 S23
6. Shawn Dawkins S 680 TPE S22
7. Nicholas Ayers RB 457 TPE S23
8. Logan Noble JR DE 594 TPE S21
Unprotected: Buck Thorton S 467 TPE S22, Ray-Ray Jackson CB 456 TPE S23, Jack Banks LB 526 TPE S22, William Alexander WR 594 TPE S22
It doesn't seem like Honolulu will lose too much during the expansion draft. Theyre able to keep a core of their team together by protecting Skywalker, and Ayers on Offense and on Defense protecting Noble Jr, Dawkins, Kackpoo, Waters as well as K/P Venus Powers. On Defense theyre leaving Buck Thorton, Ray-Ray Jackson and Jack Banks unprotected as well as WR prospect William Alexander.
Orange County Otters
1. Tyrone Biggums & Korrin Abernathy
2. Lord Beerus CB 1011 TPE S19
3. Prince Vegeta S 918 TPE S21
4. Suleiman Ramza QB S22
5. Steco Ocewilder DE 763 TPE S18
6. Future Trunks WR 757 S21
7. Rapid Eagle DT 699 TPE S21
8. Jeffrey Phillips TE 671 TPE S22
Unprotected: Hugh Mongo WR 756 TPE S16, Tatsu Nakamura RB 691 TPE S22, Deshun Jones LB 660 TPE S22, Garfield Despacito WR 548 TPE S22, Bob Bob S 480 TPE S23
OCO is in a bit of a tough spot here with having to make some choices between veteran and young players. They'll protect S19 CB Beerus while leaving S16 and long time WR Hugh Mongo unprotected. With Armstrongs career coming to an end its a no brainer they protect their future QB Ramza who they had recently signed in FA. They'll lock up Ramzas top targets in Phillips and Trunks while protecting key pieces of their Defense with Vegeta, Ocewilder and Eagle. They run a big risk by leaving Nakamura unprotected but if he isn't the first Otter taken he will be quickly protected during the draft. Jones is another big name player who is going to be available for atleast 2 rounds as the S22 LB would have to survive 2 OCO picks before being saved. S22 WR Despacito and S23 Safety Bob Bob round out the other notable unprotected players.
San Jose Sabercats
1. Monterey Jack & Water Chestnut II
2. Tyron Brackenridge LB 1095 TPE S17
3. Otis Allen DT 878 TPE S21
4. Leon Mcdavid TE 856 TPE S21
5. Deandre Thomas-Fox WR 759 TPE S19
6. HeHateMe Picksix CB 746 TPE S21
7. Jamar Lackson RB 704 TPE S22
8. Tychondrious Hood WR 532 TPE S23
Unprotected: Matthew McDairmid K/P 679 TPE S22, Lawrence Bass LB 665 TPE S22, Rando Cardrissian RB 663 TPE S21, George Fisher LB 605 TPE S22, Matt Krause CB 566 TPE S22, Cadillac Harris CB 535 TPE S22, Phillip Stein S 479 TPE S23, Yuuto Kira Cloudera DT 368 TPE S23
San Jose is one of the teams that whil I was doing this list I kept finding more and more players SJS could lose. They're houng and have a lot of depth but that will be taking a hit here. First off, they have a difficult choice about taking Brackenridge. Brackenridge has been their top defensive player since S17 and will go down as one of the best players to ever wear a Sabercat jersey. I think SJS will do the right thing and protect him leaving Bass and Fisher the unprotected LB's. Picksix and Allen will join Brackenridge on the defensive side of the protection list. On Offense they're looking to save their top talents as they protect DTF, Lackson, Hood and TE McDavid. Along with Fisher and Bass, S23 DT Cloudera, Stein, Harris and Krause are all left unprtoected. All are fairly young and would be make an immediate impact in either expansion team. They're young enough to really build around them and be set for seasons to come. Cardrissian is the top Offensive player from SJS that is available and he would immediately be the #1 RB and has a chance to really step up his career.
New Orleans Second-Line
1. David Rector & Tom Hanks
2. Marcella Toriki RB 1278 TPE S18
3 . Givisafarre Rubbe OL 1244 TPE S18
4. Mason Blaylock S 1132 TPE S19
5. Austin McCormick TE 986 TPE S19
6. Ed Barker WR 740 TPE S21
7. Ben Slothlisberger QB 687 TPE S22
8. Magnus Rikiya DT 693 TPE S22
Unprotected: Dorfus Jimbo OL 532 TPE S21, LiterallyJust A. Hexagon S 533 TPE S22, Andrew Witton CB 689 TPE S22, Sean Snyder WR 510 TPE S22
Now NOLA was probably the toughest list for me to put together as they have a combination of Veteran and and Young core players. I believe NOLA will look to mainly protect their veteran players in order to make a push for 1 more Ultimus before their window closes for a few seasons. They have 3 players over 1000 TPE that just makes it too risky to leave unprotected. Toriki, Rubbe and Blaylock all fall on the protection list as well as veteran TE and long time NOLA player McCormick. Joining them will be Barker, starting QB Slothlisberger as well as former 2nd overall pick DT Magnus Rikiya. With protecting the vets it leaves some young guns unprotected like Jimbo JR at OL, Hexagon at Safety, And their top CB in Witten. Witten would most likely be the first NOLA player taken off the board as he is one of the best players to come out of a stacked S22 class. Snyder could also be an interesting pick up and find himself as a #1 WR on an expansion team.
Yellow Knife Wraiths:
1. Colby Jack
2. Mathias Hanyadi RB 1163 TPE S18
3. Maurice Virtanen LB 1199 TPE S18
4. Douglas Quaid LB 875 TPE S21
5. Acura Skyline RB 702 TPE S22
6. James Cho DE 695 TPE S22
7 . Johnny Hellzapoppin S 690 TPE S22
8. Patrik Money DT 681 TPE S22
Unprotected: Kai Sakura WR 543 TPE S23, Susan Cash Jr WR 569 TPE S22, Marvin Leonard CB 1055 TPE S17, Dougie Smalls K/P 655 TPE S21, Magnus Valdyr S 505 TPE S22, Mike Lee WR 474 TPE S22
Look away Wraith fans... this might sting a bit. The Wraiths have big decisions to make here. Between Leonard, Hanyadi and Virtanen the wraith have to decide if they're willing to move on or keep their franchise players in Canada. I believe Hanyadi and Virtanen will be the 2 protected leaving Leonard on the outside looking in. But also don't be surprised if they protect Quaid and leave Virtanen unprotected and protect Leonard instead. Here I have them protecting Quaid as well as Virtnanen as it keeps the D intact for 1 more season to make a run for a Ultimus. Skyline is the future of this team once Hanyadi retires and is a great weapon for young QB Jack. Cho and Money are top tier DL players in the league and the Wraiths will be happy being able to protect both these guys as well as Hellzapoppin who is a solid safety. Now the unprotected list... the Wraiths are going to have to gamble with their WR depth as they leave Sakura, Cash Jr and Lee unprotected. In my eyes Sakura is the first to go from Yellowknife as he would be an immediate #1 WR on an expansion team. Another interesting name would be Valdyr the S22 Safety. Valdyr is young and a solid earner and can really shine on an Expansion team.
So in summary I believe that both new Expansion teams can be set up to be immediate contenders with all the depth from S22 as well as S21. With all the S22 players some S23's may slip through the crack and be great additions to the Expansion teams.
The rules for this expansion draft are:
1. Teams get 8 protection slots.
2. S24 is not eligible
3. GM's count as a .5 of a pick. So if a team has 2 GM players that only takes up 1 spot. If a team has 1 GM player still only takes up 1 spot.
4. Each team can only lose up to 3 players. Once a team loses 3 the expansion teams are no longer allowed to draft from them.
Arizona Outlaws Protections:
1. Benoit Blanco & Desmond Scarlet GMs
2. Zamir Kehla 680 TPE S22 CB
3. Pete "Plop" Miller 846 TPE S21 DT
4. Galf Wilf 863 TPE S20 LB
5. Stanislaw Koniecpolski 632 TPE S22 LB
6. Bruce Buckley 615 TPE S22 OL
7. Sandro Ryeu 663 TPE S22 DE
8. Jay Cue QB 1373 S18 QB
Unprotected: Calvin Golladay (OL 492 TPE), Julio Jones (OL 490 TPE), Saba Donut (WR 1024 TPE), Heath Evans (TE 704 TPE), DB Jadakiss (S 498 TPE) Thomas Passman (WR 641 TPE)
First we will start off with the Arizona Outlaws. Obviously they're going to protect their franchise QB as he is at the peak of his career. Other than Cue, the only offensive player being protected is their OL Buckley. I think Arizona will do what they can to keep their core defensive players in tact while taking hits to their Offense. Whether you like it or not Zahmir is one of the top CB's in the league with a big future ahead making him a clear protection list player. Arizona is also going to protect 2 of their stud D-Lineman and 2 of the best LB's in the league. Now, the notables that are going unprotected are going to hurt Arizona. The big name is Saba Donut. Arguably the best WR in the league has hit regression and is about to start declining. He would be a good Veteran presence for either expansion team. He helps a team compete right away and would help any young QB. Jadakiss is the only notable unprotected defensive player, as Arizona could leave 2 of their hogs unprotected. With the recent emergence of OL in the league losing either Jones or Golloday isn't a major hit as there would be other options but I doubt they'd want to try and test that theory.
Austin Copperheads Protections:
1. Easton Cole & Mako Mendonca
2. Net Gaines WR 907 TPE S18
3. Carolinabbq Isbest DE 798 TPE S20
4. Eddie Jeeta WR 697 TPE S22
5. Troen Egghans DE 694 TPE S22
6. Colt Mendoza CB 662 TPE S22
7. Slinky Claxton DE 595 TPE S22
8. Videl-San WR 522 TPE S23
Unprotected: Dermot Lavelle Jr CB 1079 TPE S16, Honda Edmond LB 796 TPE S17, Gregor Macgregor S 554 TPE S21, Kichwa Jones RB 545 TPE S22, Rod Tidwell WR 507 TPE S17
Austin looks to protect their young guys by leaving quite a few of their veteran players unprotected. Gaines, Vidal-San and Jeeta all 3 WR's are going to be sticking around. With their QB not taking up a full spot as well as their #1 RB... Austin makes it clear they're looking to jeep their weapons for Cole. On the Defensive side of the ball Austin is keeping the DL in tact by saving Egghands, Claxton and Isbest (Idlewyld) along with Mendoza in the secondary. Theyre taking the risk of leaving Veterans Edmond, Lavelle, and Tidwell unprotected. While being able to keep most of their young guns safe I don't think Austin is going to take much of a step back from losing players.
Baltimore Hawks
1. CJ Riley & Asher Quinn
2. Darrel Williams RB 965 TPE S20
3. Chika Fujiwara QB 802 TPE S21
4. Eldrick Avery CB 698 TPE S22
5. Derred de Ville LB 687 TPE S22
6. Nick Kaepercolin WR 686 TPE S22
7. Ben Stackinpaper CB 613 TPE S22
8. Tyler Montain DT 585 TPE S23
Unprotected: Dex Kennedy LB 581 TPE S22, James Lewandowski TE 581 S21, Byron Dolls OL 525 TPE S22, LeSean Paris Crooks CB 495 TPE S23
Baltimore keeps their big 3 Offensive weapons locked up by keeping Fujiwara, Williams, and Kaepercolin. On Defense they're saving their top S23 draft pick in Montain, as well as keeling most of their secondary together. However, they're going to leave S23 CB Paris Crooks unprotected. There's a good young core of players Baltimore can protect however there's a few they'll lose put on as Dolls may be the first OL taken in Expansion.
Chicago Butchers
1. Benson Bayley JR & John Smirh
2. Sean O'leary WR 1116 TPE S19
3. Mike Hockertz LB 913 TPE S19
4. Osiris Firestorm-Fjord CB 879 TPE S21
5. Baby Yoda RB 838 TPE S21
6. George O'Donnell QB 783 TPE S21
7. Mario VonPebbles DE 611 TPE S22
8. Tyler Oles JR CB 696 TPE S22
Unprotected: Hamish Macandrew S 619 TPE S22, Tree Gelbman TE 608 TPE S21, Julio Tirtawidjaja RB 559 TPE S22, Von Hayes TE 556 TPE S22, Daymond Brooks WR 548 TPE S22, Luca Scabbia WR 507 TPE S23, Eric Richards S 451 TPE S23, Griff Oberwald WR 401 TPE S23
Alright Chicago.... I think this draft is going to be a little tough for you. Chicago is already a fairly young team but not young enough to save some prospects. O'Leary and Hockertz are corner stones for the Butchers franchise and seeing them play for any team would just be wrong. 2 very obvious protection list players. After them the Butchers will save Firestorm-Fjord and recent FA signing Tyler Oles Jr to keep their secondary in tact. Franchise QB O'Donnell is also staying out as well as top DE talent VonPebbles and RB Baby Yoda. Now comes the unprotected list... This is a long one. There are multiple S22 and S23 talents up for grabs here and don't be surprised if Chicago loses 3 players in the first 10 picks. On Offense the Butchers are leaving TE's Gelbman and Von Hayes as well as S22 WR Brooks and S23 WR's Scabbia and Oberwald. Defensively Butcher starting Safety Hamish Macandrew and Eric Richards are being left unprotected. There may not be a real threat to those 2 as Chicago is loaded with Offensive weapons great for any expansion team.
Colorado Yeti
1. Bubba Thumper
2. Louisiana Purchase CB 1170 TPE S18
3. Earl Sauce TE 1014 TPE S18
4. Pete Parker S 884 TPE S18
5. Immanuel Blackstone DE 877 TPE S21
6. Rotticus Scott CB 751 S21
7. Warren Stephens LB 725 TPE S20
8. Greedy Sly S 554 TPE S23
Unprotected: Ashley Owens RB 875 TPE S17, William Lim WR 683 S22, Mo "Mamba" Magic OL 620 TPE S22, Richard Gilbert RB 607 TPE S22, Leeroy Jenkins WR 569 S22, Thor Kirkby S 551 S20, Jackson Kingston WR 514 TPE S23, Dick Thruster OL S23 400 TPE
The Yeti have had one of the most dominating Defences in the league for multiple seasons now. The Yeti are going to do everything they can to keep that going by protecting 7 of their defensive starters. The only offensive start they'll be keeping is Earl Sauce who has been a staple on that Offense since he came into the league. Now the unprotected list, this is where it gets tough for the Yeti. Long time RB Ashley Owens has hit regression and Owens time in this league is coming to a close so the Yeti will leave Owens unprotected. Top S22 WR prospect Lim is also going unprotected but I wouldn't be surprised if he is their first protection once they lose someone. That's someone may be Mo "Mamba" Magic. The former DT turned OL is the most intriguing player available and could very well be on the move as I don't think the Yeti will have a chance to protect him. Along with Lim, the Yeti are leaving WR prospect Kingston available as well. Joining Magic on the unprotected OL list is S23 OL Thurster. S22 RB Gilbert, S22 WR Jenkins and S20 S Kirby are also going unprotected.
Philadelphia Liberty
1. Randy Vuxta
2. Sam Torenson RB 864 TPE S16
3. Flash Panda WR 720 TPE S21
4. Brandon Booker CB 702 TPE S22
5. Wesley Eriksen S 618 TPE S22
6. Matt Cross S 700 TPE S22
7. Tycker Om DE 397 TPE S23
8. Simon Tremblay OL 525 TPE S21
Unprotected: Eugene Smoothie S 503 TPE S23, Spike Suzuki LB 465 TPE S22, Avon Blocksdale Jr TE 724 TPE S19, Donatello Arrabiata TE 369 TPE S22, Karmichael Hunt K/P 357 TPE S23, Fuzzy Dotson RB 797 TPE S18,
This Expansion draft will also be difficult for the Liberty as they may lose out on some veteran players as well as a young defensive stud. Torenson is the best RB in Liberty History. I just don't see Torenson playing in a different uniform in his career and can confidently say the Liberty are protecting him. Flash Panda has a no movement clause in his contract so the Liberty have to protect him. They'll also protect OL Tremblay on Offense. On the Defensive side the Liberty have some tough decisions to make. Booker, Cross and Eriksen are pretty much locks to be protected leaving 1 spot remaining for Om, Smoothie and Suzuki. Om was the top pick for the Liberty in S23 so I feel like they will protect him, which leaves Smoothie and Suzuki unprotected. Suzuki set the league record last season for TFL playing as a defensive end while Smoothie has turned into one of the top Secondary players from the S23 draft. I'm going to mention Karmichael Hunt because I would think its hilarious (sorry for bringing this up Liberty) if they lost a very active high earning K/P 2 expansion drafts in a row (see Venus Powers last expansion draft). I don't see Blocksdale JR finding his way onto an Expansion team as Arrabiata is a better selection. Arrabiata has shown flashes of potential in a very crowded Liberty Offense. Arrabiata may be the best TE selection in this expansion draft.
Sarasota Sailfish
1. Raphtalia Chan & Michael Witheblock
2. Dexter Banks QB 1051 TPE S17
3 . Rayne Gordon WR 971 TPE S19
4 . Xavier Adams CB 880 TPE S18
5. Cuco Clemente DT 699 TPE S22
6. Haha Mango-Panda LB 677 TPE
7. James Angler TE 662 TPE S22
8. Son Goku DE 551 TPE S23
Unorotected: Beat S 524 TPE S18, Clark Boyd TE 514 TPE S22, Jacob Small K/P 383 TPE S22, Big Edd DT 482 TPE S22, Mike Karpaasi DE 403 TPE S23, Raphael D'Alcott S 368 TPE S23
This season Sarasota find themselves on the other end of the expansion draft and are going to feel the same pain they caused teams 3 seasons ago. I really had to think if Sarasota was going to use a spot on Banks or call up Boss Jr next season.. ultimately I went with them staying with Banks as I think Boss Jr is 2 seasons away from starting and Sarasotas window isn't that long. Sarasota spreads the protection list out by saving both offensive and defensive players. Defensively they're saving LB Mango-Panda, DT Clemente, CB Adams as well as the #1 S23 DE Goku. Unprotected they're leaving Veteran safety Beat and a few young guys free. Starting with S22 players Big Edd DT, K/P Jacob Small, and TE Clark Boyd. S23 prospects D'Alcott and Karpaasi will be dangling infrint of expansion teams as great young defensive talent.
Honolulu Hahalua
1. Keʻokeʻo Kāne-Maikaʻi
2. Venus Powers K/P 985 TPE S20
3. Luke Skywalker QB 647 TPE S22
4. Jim Waters CB 614 TPE S22
5. Heinreich Kackpoo LB 552 S23
6. Shawn Dawkins S 680 TPE S22
7. Nicholas Ayers RB 457 TPE S23
8. Logan Noble JR DE 594 TPE S21
Unprotected: Buck Thorton S 467 TPE S22, Ray-Ray Jackson CB 456 TPE S23, Jack Banks LB 526 TPE S22, William Alexander WR 594 TPE S22
It doesn't seem like Honolulu will lose too much during the expansion draft. Theyre able to keep a core of their team together by protecting Skywalker, and Ayers on Offense and on Defense protecting Noble Jr, Dawkins, Kackpoo, Waters as well as K/P Venus Powers. On Defense theyre leaving Buck Thorton, Ray-Ray Jackson and Jack Banks unprotected as well as WR prospect William Alexander.
Orange County Otters
1. Tyrone Biggums & Korrin Abernathy
2. Lord Beerus CB 1011 TPE S19
3. Prince Vegeta S 918 TPE S21
4. Suleiman Ramza QB S22
5. Steco Ocewilder DE 763 TPE S18
6. Future Trunks WR 757 S21
7. Rapid Eagle DT 699 TPE S21
8. Jeffrey Phillips TE 671 TPE S22
Unprotected: Hugh Mongo WR 756 TPE S16, Tatsu Nakamura RB 691 TPE S22, Deshun Jones LB 660 TPE S22, Garfield Despacito WR 548 TPE S22, Bob Bob S 480 TPE S23
OCO is in a bit of a tough spot here with having to make some choices between veteran and young players. They'll protect S19 CB Beerus while leaving S16 and long time WR Hugh Mongo unprotected. With Armstrongs career coming to an end its a no brainer they protect their future QB Ramza who they had recently signed in FA. They'll lock up Ramzas top targets in Phillips and Trunks while protecting key pieces of their Defense with Vegeta, Ocewilder and Eagle. They run a big risk by leaving Nakamura unprotected but if he isn't the first Otter taken he will be quickly protected during the draft. Jones is another big name player who is going to be available for atleast 2 rounds as the S22 LB would have to survive 2 OCO picks before being saved. S22 WR Despacito and S23 Safety Bob Bob round out the other notable unprotected players.
San Jose Sabercats
1. Monterey Jack & Water Chestnut II
2. Tyron Brackenridge LB 1095 TPE S17
3. Otis Allen DT 878 TPE S21
4. Leon Mcdavid TE 856 TPE S21
5. Deandre Thomas-Fox WR 759 TPE S19
6. HeHateMe Picksix CB 746 TPE S21
7. Jamar Lackson RB 704 TPE S22
8. Tychondrious Hood WR 532 TPE S23
Unprotected: Matthew McDairmid K/P 679 TPE S22, Lawrence Bass LB 665 TPE S22, Rando Cardrissian RB 663 TPE S21, George Fisher LB 605 TPE S22, Matt Krause CB 566 TPE S22, Cadillac Harris CB 535 TPE S22, Phillip Stein S 479 TPE S23, Yuuto Kira Cloudera DT 368 TPE S23
San Jose is one of the teams that whil I was doing this list I kept finding more and more players SJS could lose. They're houng and have a lot of depth but that will be taking a hit here. First off, they have a difficult choice about taking Brackenridge. Brackenridge has been their top defensive player since S17 and will go down as one of the best players to ever wear a Sabercat jersey. I think SJS will do the right thing and protect him leaving Bass and Fisher the unprotected LB's. Picksix and Allen will join Brackenridge on the defensive side of the protection list. On Offense they're looking to save their top talents as they protect DTF, Lackson, Hood and TE McDavid. Along with Fisher and Bass, S23 DT Cloudera, Stein, Harris and Krause are all left unprtoected. All are fairly young and would be make an immediate impact in either expansion team. They're young enough to really build around them and be set for seasons to come. Cardrissian is the top Offensive player from SJS that is available and he would immediately be the #1 RB and has a chance to really step up his career.
New Orleans Second-Line
1. David Rector & Tom Hanks
2. Marcella Toriki RB 1278 TPE S18
3 . Givisafarre Rubbe OL 1244 TPE S18
4. Mason Blaylock S 1132 TPE S19
5. Austin McCormick TE 986 TPE S19
6. Ed Barker WR 740 TPE S21
7. Ben Slothlisberger QB 687 TPE S22
8. Magnus Rikiya DT 693 TPE S22
Unprotected: Dorfus Jimbo OL 532 TPE S21, LiterallyJust A. Hexagon S 533 TPE S22, Andrew Witton CB 689 TPE S22, Sean Snyder WR 510 TPE S22
Now NOLA was probably the toughest list for me to put together as they have a combination of Veteran and and Young core players. I believe NOLA will look to mainly protect their veteran players in order to make a push for 1 more Ultimus before their window closes for a few seasons. They have 3 players over 1000 TPE that just makes it too risky to leave unprotected. Toriki, Rubbe and Blaylock all fall on the protection list as well as veteran TE and long time NOLA player McCormick. Joining them will be Barker, starting QB Slothlisberger as well as former 2nd overall pick DT Magnus Rikiya. With protecting the vets it leaves some young guns unprotected like Jimbo JR at OL, Hexagon at Safety, And their top CB in Witten. Witten would most likely be the first NOLA player taken off the board as he is one of the best players to come out of a stacked S22 class. Snyder could also be an interesting pick up and find himself as a #1 WR on an expansion team.
Yellow Knife Wraiths:
1. Colby Jack
2. Mathias Hanyadi RB 1163 TPE S18
3. Maurice Virtanen LB 1199 TPE S18
4. Douglas Quaid LB 875 TPE S21
5. Acura Skyline RB 702 TPE S22
6. James Cho DE 695 TPE S22
7 . Johnny Hellzapoppin S 690 TPE S22
8. Patrik Money DT 681 TPE S22
Unprotected: Kai Sakura WR 543 TPE S23, Susan Cash Jr WR 569 TPE S22, Marvin Leonard CB 1055 TPE S17, Dougie Smalls K/P 655 TPE S21, Magnus Valdyr S 505 TPE S22, Mike Lee WR 474 TPE S22
Look away Wraith fans... this might sting a bit. The Wraiths have big decisions to make here. Between Leonard, Hanyadi and Virtanen the wraith have to decide if they're willing to move on or keep their franchise players in Canada. I believe Hanyadi and Virtanen will be the 2 protected leaving Leonard on the outside looking in. But also don't be surprised if they protect Quaid and leave Virtanen unprotected and protect Leonard instead. Here I have them protecting Quaid as well as Virtnanen as it keeps the D intact for 1 more season to make a run for a Ultimus. Skyline is the future of this team once Hanyadi retires and is a great weapon for young QB Jack. Cho and Money are top tier DL players in the league and the Wraiths will be happy being able to protect both these guys as well as Hellzapoppin who is a solid safety. Now the unprotected list... the Wraiths are going to have to gamble with their WR depth as they leave Sakura, Cash Jr and Lee unprotected. In my eyes Sakura is the first to go from Yellowknife as he would be an immediate #1 WR on an expansion team. Another interesting name would be Valdyr the S22 Safety. Valdyr is young and a solid earner and can really shine on an Expansion team.
So in summary I believe that both new Expansion teams can be set up to be immediate contenders with all the depth from S22 as well as S21. With all the S22 players some S23's may slip through the crack and be great additions to the Expansion teams.
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