*San Antonio Marshals Draft Recap

[YoungTB]

After a not so great season in S7, San Antonio’s management knew they had to go big or go home in the S8 draft. The Marshals last season, led by QB Mike Vick, finished with an unimpressive 5-9 record, the worst record in the DSFL. They also finished with the lowest passing yardage with 2284 yards, and only 7 passing touchdowns. Going into the draft the new GM of the team, Ramero, had a clear list of needs he had to address in this draft with most of those needs being on the offensive side. But as I said, they needed to go big or go home in this draft to stay relevant. And that they did, using 6 of their picks to grab much needed offensive talent that can improve the team by Week 1. Let’s take a look at these picks and see how the Marshals did.

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1.1 – QB Kevin Fitzpatrick @kckolbe

Being blessed with the first pick of the draft gave San Antonio the choice of two great quarterbacks; Gus T.T. Showbiz, and Kevin Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was the incredibly talented understudy of the previous starting QB Mike Vick who worked hard to improve over the offseason becoming the best player available on most boards. Fitzpatrick is often referred to as “unsackable”. Rightfully so, boasting impressive numbers in strength, agility, and intelligence for a rookie QB. That’s not all though, Fitzpatrick can sling the ball when he needs to and throw dots to receivers on the run. I think that Fitzpatrick is going to have a great season in San Antonio and we might see him lead this squad of young guys to an Ultimini.

2.1 – S Bucky Barnes @Moosecop

With this pick, San Antonio doubles down on returning their important core veterans that they believe can lead the team. San Antonio had a pitiful defense last year, finishing last in many stats. Bucky Barnes was picked up through the waiver wire on Week 13 of S8, but during the two games he was able to play, he made an immediate impact in a weak defense and San Antonio liked what they saw in him. With his ability to spread the field quickly and effectively, Barnes is a QB’s nightmare. He’s got the speed and agility to cover receivers almost like a CB, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they switched his position this season to a corner. Whatever position he plays, Barnes will be very fun to watch and is a great pick for San Antonio.

3.1 – RB Marquise Brown (I promise no bias) @YoungTB

With the loss of RB D.J. Riddick and only an inactive Willy Nyquist to take his place, San Antonio’s next need that they had to address in this draft was halfback. So, with their first rookie pick, San Antonio went with Marquise Brown. Brown has already made a name for himself and has been developing at a fast pace having only joined the league a little under a week before the draft. Brown is one of, if not, the fastest player in the draft and is able to make guys miss with his rather tiny 5’10 frame. To add on to his skill set, he’s got decent hands and could potentially see snaps as a receiver. It’ll be interesting to see how San Antonio uses Brown this season, being that they are built for a pass-first offense. Either way, he’ll be a player to watch for this season and will be making noise in the DSFL and the NSFL.

4.1 – LB Jessie Marchand @fusion247

In fortifying their secondary, San Antonio takes LB Jessie Marchand with their fourth pick. Marchand is a new player to the NSFL and declared for the draft only a couple of hours before it began. But San Antonio wanted to beef up their weak defense, and with the pickup of Bucky Barnes earlier in the draft, Jessie Marchand is the perfect complement. Marchand is a threat in the pass rush and can get to the QB with ease. Marchand is a great pick here and I see him racking up a ton of sacks this season.

4.4. – WR Blake Marchand @RYLAND

San Antonio goes with the other Marchand brother, Blake Marchand, with this pick, making it obvious that they want to get some toys from an incredibly deep WR class for Fitzpatrick to play with. San Antonio likes their speed guys, as evident with the pick of RB Marquise Brown, and Marchand is no exception. He’s able to beat corners and double coverage in his sleep and can make big flashy plays when he wants to. This pick is an example of what San Antonio needed in this draft, high quality talent on the offensive side to turn around a lethargic offensive from S7. And with a talented QB under center, Marchand will be very fun to watch in tan and green.

5.1 – Emilio Ramero @sicksnipes

With San Antonio’s sixth pick, they go with the brother of the first pick of the S8 NSFL Draft Rickey Ramero. Emilio Ramero, while not being as highly regarded to scouts as his brother, will still be able to make a much-needed impact in San Antonio. As the only kicker/punter in the draft, Ramero didn’t have to do much to make himself stand out. A kicker with a fast pace of development and great numbers is sure to make any GM in this league swoon. He’s a poweful kicker, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a few big FGs and PATs this season to complement a wild new offense for the Marshals.

6.1 – Jai Turner @IsaacJWeitkuhn

And to further deepen this high-powered offense, San Antonio goes with a talented sleeper WR with high upside. Jai Turner is another great weapon for Fitzpatrick to use, with incredible ability to run routes and fake out secondaries. The only question mark for Turner is his ability to develop. If he’s able to hone in his skills that we all know he possesses, he could be one of the best value draft picks we’ve seen in a while. I think this kid has what it takes to become a star in this league, and I know he has the hunger to succeed. It’ll be fun to see how his career plays out in the NSFL.

7.1 – ShaDarrien LaMellana @cosbornballboy

And with the last pick of San Antonio’s fantastic draft, they go with ShaDerrien LaMellana. LaMellana is a very fast receiver, fitting with San Antonio’s theme of speed in this draft. I can see LaMellana doing well if he gets opportunities, however, I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of him unless San Antonio gets cursed with the injury bug. Either way, this is an interesting pick with decent upside.

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Overall, I think San Antonio hit it out of the park. The management knew what they needed to be successful again and they were able to hit the nail on the head on most of their question marks. In the span of an hour, San Antonio went from a lethargic and untalented offense to a young and explosive set of guys. I expect to see a major 180 in San Antonio this year and I could see them making a run at the Ultimini depending on how the powerhouses like Portland and Kansas City do. One thing is for certain though; San Antonio’s offense will be a force to reckon with this coming season and will be looking to not only break records, but to bring the Ultimini back to San Antonio.

[1262 words, ready for grading]