Pythons Draft Recap and Team Review
QB:
Quarterback was one of their biggest needs coming into the draft following the retirement of long time quarterback Cole McCoy. They addressed this need well, selecting Joliet L. Christ with the #5 pick, the mobile waiver pickup. They also snagged Chris Bennett at 29, a sim league vet. While Christ seems like the clear cut starter, Bennett could earn some reps by impressing the coaching staff in training.
RB:
This was not one of their weaker links, but the Pythons did well here. They were able to add one of the best prospects in the draft in D’Pez Poopsie, an all-purpose back with a nose for the end zone. The other part of this group is Elijah Lagerfield, the returning RBotY and OPotY. Lagerfield figures to take his snaps at RB, while Poopsie’s versatility will be used to Portland’s advantage, lining up at RB and WR.
WR:
I think the Pythons got two gems in the draft in Taylor Peterson and Felix Hasselhoff. These were two late picks, in the fifth and seventh round respectively. Peterson has shown his ability to earn with his previous creates and has already gotten off to a good start. Hasselhoff is another steal. Previous concerns about his dedication from his last two players have been squashed, and he’s gotten off to a great start. He’s another Pythons waiver claim returning to wear the black and yellow.
TE:
Chinwemma Yobanna-Kanayochukwu, the blocking tight end, will start. He slipped through the draft and went yndrafted, but Portland quickly picked him up off waivers. The big target will serve as a great blocker, and Vince Heyward figures to catch some passes as well.
DL:
One of the three areas where Portland didn’t go after. Vernon Collins will return for his final season of DSFL eligibility, and big Homer Simpson will go at it from the other end. Chris Tupou will spend most of his time as the nose tackle, as Portland will primarily run 3 lineman sets.
LB:
Returning 2nd round pick Barnaby Earl is the strongest link here. Last year’s DSFL LBotY, Earl will continue to make tackles, sacks, and more tackles. Stewie Griffin again is coming back, this time with a bigger focus on tackling. The MLB slot is up for grabs and we will have to wait for an official decision.
DBs:
This is by far the strongest unit on the team. Joel Shroeder returns again, and Lucari Felix will play across from him. The safeties are Shannon Hobbs and Damien Arnold. The tell-tale stat for Hobbs is speed, while Arnold is more balanced and agile. The nickel back will be Hammer Jack, who is serviceable for the Pythons.
Special teams:
Justin Davis is expected to win the punting job, but after a shaky season from Davis, Joshua Hart will take over the place kicking duties. However, Davis will boot kickoffs. Shannon Hobbs is expected to return punts, while Elijah Lagerfield will handle kick returning duties, and D’Pez Poopsie will see some opportunities as well.
This will be another high powered Pythons offense, paired with an elite secondary. The front seven will get the job done. As for this team as a whole? Even with better competition around them, expect them to make it back to the playoffs with an improved record and a vengeance. It’s gonna be fun.
QB:
Quarterback was one of their biggest needs coming into the draft following the retirement of long time quarterback Cole McCoy. They addressed this need well, selecting Joliet L. Christ with the #5 pick, the mobile waiver pickup. They also snagged Chris Bennett at 29, a sim league vet. While Christ seems like the clear cut starter, Bennett could earn some reps by impressing the coaching staff in training.
RB:
This was not one of their weaker links, but the Pythons did well here. They were able to add one of the best prospects in the draft in D’Pez Poopsie, an all-purpose back with a nose for the end zone. The other part of this group is Elijah Lagerfield, the returning RBotY and OPotY. Lagerfield figures to take his snaps at RB, while Poopsie’s versatility will be used to Portland’s advantage, lining up at RB and WR.
WR:
I think the Pythons got two gems in the draft in Taylor Peterson and Felix Hasselhoff. These were two late picks, in the fifth and seventh round respectively. Peterson has shown his ability to earn with his previous creates and has already gotten off to a good start. Hasselhoff is another steal. Previous concerns about his dedication from his last two players have been squashed, and he’s gotten off to a great start. He’s another Pythons waiver claim returning to wear the black and yellow.
TE:
Chinwemma Yobanna-Kanayochukwu, the blocking tight end, will start. He slipped through the draft and went yndrafted, but Portland quickly picked him up off waivers. The big target will serve as a great blocker, and Vince Heyward figures to catch some passes as well.
DL:
One of the three areas where Portland didn’t go after. Vernon Collins will return for his final season of DSFL eligibility, and big Homer Simpson will go at it from the other end. Chris Tupou will spend most of his time as the nose tackle, as Portland will primarily run 3 lineman sets.
LB:
Returning 2nd round pick Barnaby Earl is the strongest link here. Last year’s DSFL LBotY, Earl will continue to make tackles, sacks, and more tackles. Stewie Griffin again is coming back, this time with a bigger focus on tackling. The MLB slot is up for grabs and we will have to wait for an official decision.
DBs:
This is by far the strongest unit on the team. Joel Shroeder returns again, and Lucari Felix will play across from him. The safeties are Shannon Hobbs and Damien Arnold. The tell-tale stat for Hobbs is speed, while Arnold is more balanced and agile. The nickel back will be Hammer Jack, who is serviceable for the Pythons.
Special teams:
Justin Davis is expected to win the punting job, but after a shaky season from Davis, Joshua Hart will take over the place kicking duties. However, Davis will boot kickoffs. Shannon Hobbs is expected to return punts, while Elijah Lagerfield will handle kick returning duties, and D’Pez Poopsie will see some opportunities as well.
This will be another high powered Pythons offense, paired with an elite secondary. The front seven will get the job done. As for this team as a whole? Even with better competition around them, expect them to make it back to the playoffs with an improved record and a vengeance. It’s gonna be fun.
retired
![[Image: LPLD95s.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/LPLD95s.gif)
