(S23) - PT2 - Draft Day

[IsaStarcrossed]

Talking about drafts are always fun and as I've been involved in war rooms since day one of my NSFL career, I have gotten to experience quite a few of them in full. All of them have been memorable in one way or another and while I would love to brag on myself and talk about how I've gone exactly where I expected in all four drafts where I've had a player, I instead want to focus on my team. The New Orleans Second Line hasn't always been a top tier team and if we track back to S14. That said, the GMs of the time had a vision. A vision to rebuild New Orleans and collect another championship. It was a long, hard road. It ultimately led to the S19 draft. With some savvy trading that exported some players in return for picks, the Second Line entered the S19 draft with four picks in the top 13. With their first pick, they selected defensive stalwart Mack Arianlacher due to a weakness on their defesive line. Mack was a top prospect who they didn't see falling to their next pick at 3rd.. Then due to SJS looking elsewhere, New Orleans was able to still grab the best player in the class at the three spot in Austin McCormick. This versatile pass catcher was by far the best prospect at the time of the draft and he has been a highlight reel for New Orleans. Then with the 8th pick, New Orleans got a guy who they wouldn't have thought would fall to them in their wildest dreams. Mason Blaylock was a top secondary prospect who was determined to make a name for him and he was a no brainer when he fell into their laps at this spot. Then with 13 they picked up Jed Podolak, their future number one receiver. Finally they arranged a trade for Herbert Prohaska, the long time kicker for the Second Line. This group of players rebuilt this roster. What was once a shell was now a machine full of promise. A machine that won this team a championship just three seasons later. They were a group of great guys who were the top players of their class. Consistent earners, great personalities, and they were all about team first. They were what this team needed. Unfortunately due to expansion, some of these players have left the Second Line, but if anyone asks when New Orleans turned it all around, it was all about this incredible S19 class.