02-26-2020, 07:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-27-2020, 12:09 PM by Memento Mori.)
Every real football fan’s favourite position group is the offensive line. If you don’t think linemen are cool then I bet you're on at least one NSA watch list.
There are (at least, according to the TPE Tracker OL Prospect List and this took enough time to write as it is) ten strapping young offensive linemen hoping to make their mark on the DSFL this upcoming season. There’s no fancy recreates here - they’re all honest, hardworking folk. In this article we’re going to take a look at the prospects ahead of the Prospect Bowl and upcoming DSFL Draft and try to work out who is Joe Thomas and who is Luke Joeckel.
Here’s how I’ve ranked the offensive linemen in the draft class. If you disagree then you probably think that the final season of Game of Thrones was good.
The “These guys might be really good” tier:
1) Tommy Sacamano
Profile Link: TommyThaMan
This kid is good. Like, good enough that I follow him on Twitter. He’s reportedly been in contact with all but two DSFL teams, and presumably the two DSFL teams that haven’t reached out have really bad scouting departments. He’s considered a hardworking, determined prospect who lives in the weight room and figures to be a really safe, high-character guy who can be a good influence on the rest of his team’s draft class. If I was the GM of an expansion team, I’d want this guy in my locker room and if I was the GM of a contender then Sacamano looks to be a great luxury pick. There aren’t many active linemen in the DSFL and so any franchise could find a place for the 6’5, 335lb behemoth out of the University of Louisiana Monroe on their roster.
2) Bruce Buckley
Profile Link: NicholasTheGreat
Bruce Buckley hails from Sydney, Australia and when he’s not cooking shrimp on the barbie or boxing kangaroos, he’s allegedly boxing NSFL reporters. Buckley comes in at 6’5, 340 lbs but that’s where the similarities end between Buckley and the other top prospect in the draft, Tommy Sacamano. Where Sacamano is well-behaved and hardworking, Buckley is this class’ bad boy. He’s gone as far as calling out Sacamanco on Twitter and it’s unfortunate that Buckley’s character issues have dominated this profile rather than his on-field performance. He’s clearly passionate, but his GM will have to channel that passion and steer Buckley in the right direction if he’s to reach his potential. I think he's absolutely worth the risk, and I say that as someone who definitely isn't scared he might hit me too if I don't say that.
The “best of the rest” tier:
3) Sylvester Berlin
Profile Link: Epitaxi
Berlin is another active prospect, and active enough that he makes his way to the top of this second tier. His media profile isn’t at the same level as Sacamano or Buckley, and his agent could do a better job of marketing his client and drumming up interest. The 21 year old is from Malmö, Sweden and projects as a prototypical LT in the pro game. Standing at 6’7, he’s the best pure pass blocker in this class and has also received plaudits for his endurance and agility compared to other prospects. In such a loaded draft class Berlin doesn’t look likely to be selected in the first few rounds and so he represents great value for a pass-heavy team on draft day.
4) Fernando Cruz
Profile Link: fcruz
A 6’7 man-mountain, Fernando Cruz played college ball at Harvard and while he’s slower than the line at the DMV on the field, he’s pretty quick off it. Cruz graduated from Harvard with two degrees and was a key part of a school-record-setting Crimson rushing offense but sources inside DSFL front offices are more enamoured with the Cancun-born prospect’s pass blocking potential. Cruz has an intriguing and personable back story, while being another active if a little under-the-radar prospect. As with Berlin, Cruz could be a steal in the middle rounds of the draft as he’s been quietly working away behind the scenes. A front office that’s been prepared to look a little deeper into this class could come away with a balanced, well-rounded lineman without any glaring weaknesses in his game when compared to the rest of the class.
The “These guys also exist” tier:
5) Joey McCabe.
Profile Link: Benthicc_Biomancer
Joey McCabe is another 6’7 prospect (you’re making me feel real small here guys) who made his name as a four year starter at Syracuse. For all he lacks as a result of hailing from Brooklyn, he makes up with his run blocking ability and is arguably the best pure run blocker in his class. There are a few questions regarding McCabe’s activity levels, but he has logged in from time to time and sources tell me that more than one DSFL GM has been sniffing around McCabe’s profile page. McCabe could yet surprise his doubters, but despite his high floor the prospects higher up in this ranking have the potential to surpass McCabe’s run blocking ability and represent better options while they’re still on the board.
6) Julius Augustus
Profile Link: New2this69
Julius Augustus is 6'5, 305 lbs and played college ball in Charlotte for the 49ers. Another prospect with sparse activity, the former Roman Emperor has logged in only occasionally since redeeming his initial TPE from the activity check and weekly training. DSFL GMs and scouts will likely be concerned about this, and that's before you take into account that Julius was reportedly stabbed 42 times in the torso during his political career and will be well over 2000 years old by the time he takes his first DSFL snap.
The “Guys only Mike Mayock has heard of” tier:
We've all been there. Pizza boxes are strewn across the room, you can't remember how many days it's been since you've showered and you've got a terrible hangover. Your team's first round pick is already either a bust or the clear favourite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the draft somehow still has two rounds left. Mike Mayock has eleven different things he wants to say about a defensive back who has just been drafted from Nebraska Wesleyan University and the rest of the NFL Network panel has to nod and pretend they care. You have no idea why you're still watching, but for some reason you still don't turn the TV off. These picks are for the real draft nerds.
7) Calvin Golladay
Profile Link: CalvinGolladay
This guy makes it to number 7 on the basis that he's made an approved Wiki page and none of the others below him have. Unfortunately he's not logged into the site since it was approved so he's not redeemed the TPE. I wanted to rank him lower on the basis that his username is really unoriginal, but I'm a professional and I take this seriously.
8) Gabe Nickson
Profile Link: GabeNickson63
Neither Nickson nor Minor have logged in since the 20th February or done anything that would earn them TPE since the day they created. I've ranked Nickson higher on the basis that he posted more on the day he created so maybe he's more likely to come back. He's the (joint) weakest OL prospect in the class so hopefully he's been spending his time off in the weight room pumping iron.
9) Jorcher Minor
Profile Link: ACEPATS
Jorcher Minor thinks of himself as a Center. I think of him as a wasted draft pick. That came across a little harsher than I meant it to, but he probably won't log in again.
10) Toshihide Matsumoto
Profile Link: Ted
Toshihide Matsumoto comes in last place, but if you're still reading this then you're the real loser. Seriously, go spend some time with your kids or try to fix your broken marriage. Anyway, I've ranked Matsumoto last because he hasn't logged in since the day after he created his player and to make matters worse, he watches anime. It took him several tries to correctly allocate his initial 50 TPE, which has me really questioning his supposed 65 Intelligence stat. 65 Intelligence would put him second among OL prospects in this class. What does that say about the other eight?
There are (at least, according to the TPE Tracker OL Prospect List and this took enough time to write as it is) ten strapping young offensive linemen hoping to make their mark on the DSFL this upcoming season. There’s no fancy recreates here - they’re all honest, hardworking folk. In this article we’re going to take a look at the prospects ahead of the Prospect Bowl and upcoming DSFL Draft and try to work out who is Joe Thomas and who is Luke Joeckel.
Here’s how I’ve ranked the offensive linemen in the draft class. If you disagree then you probably think that the final season of Game of Thrones was good.
The “These guys might be really good” tier:
1) Tommy Sacamano
Profile Link: TommyThaMan
This kid is good. Like, good enough that I follow him on Twitter. He’s reportedly been in contact with all but two DSFL teams, and presumably the two DSFL teams that haven’t reached out have really bad scouting departments. He’s considered a hardworking, determined prospect who lives in the weight room and figures to be a really safe, high-character guy who can be a good influence on the rest of his team’s draft class. If I was the GM of an expansion team, I’d want this guy in my locker room and if I was the GM of a contender then Sacamano looks to be a great luxury pick. There aren’t many active linemen in the DSFL and so any franchise could find a place for the 6’5, 335lb behemoth out of the University of Louisiana Monroe on their roster.
2) Bruce Buckley
Profile Link: NicholasTheGreat
Bruce Buckley hails from Sydney, Australia and when he’s not cooking shrimp on the barbie or boxing kangaroos, he’s allegedly boxing NSFL reporters. Buckley comes in at 6’5, 340 lbs but that’s where the similarities end between Buckley and the other top prospect in the draft, Tommy Sacamano. Where Sacamano is well-behaved and hardworking, Buckley is this class’ bad boy. He’s gone as far as calling out Sacamanco on Twitter and it’s unfortunate that Buckley’s character issues have dominated this profile rather than his on-field performance. He’s clearly passionate, but his GM will have to channel that passion and steer Buckley in the right direction if he’s to reach his potential. I think he's absolutely worth the risk, and I say that as someone who definitely isn't scared he might hit me too if I don't say that.
The “best of the rest” tier:
3) Sylvester Berlin
Profile Link: Epitaxi
Berlin is another active prospect, and active enough that he makes his way to the top of this second tier. His media profile isn’t at the same level as Sacamano or Buckley, and his agent could do a better job of marketing his client and drumming up interest. The 21 year old is from Malmö, Sweden and projects as a prototypical LT in the pro game. Standing at 6’7, he’s the best pure pass blocker in this class and has also received plaudits for his endurance and agility compared to other prospects. In such a loaded draft class Berlin doesn’t look likely to be selected in the first few rounds and so he represents great value for a pass-heavy team on draft day.
4) Fernando Cruz
Profile Link: fcruz
A 6’7 man-mountain, Fernando Cruz played college ball at Harvard and while he’s slower than the line at the DMV on the field, he’s pretty quick off it. Cruz graduated from Harvard with two degrees and was a key part of a school-record-setting Crimson rushing offense but sources inside DSFL front offices are more enamoured with the Cancun-born prospect’s pass blocking potential. Cruz has an intriguing and personable back story, while being another active if a little under-the-radar prospect. As with Berlin, Cruz could be a steal in the middle rounds of the draft as he’s been quietly working away behind the scenes. A front office that’s been prepared to look a little deeper into this class could come away with a balanced, well-rounded lineman without any glaring weaknesses in his game when compared to the rest of the class.
The “These guys also exist” tier:
5) Joey McCabe.
Profile Link: Benthicc_Biomancer
Joey McCabe is another 6’7 prospect (you’re making me feel real small here guys) who made his name as a four year starter at Syracuse. For all he lacks as a result of hailing from Brooklyn, he makes up with his run blocking ability and is arguably the best pure run blocker in his class. There are a few questions regarding McCabe’s activity levels, but he has logged in from time to time and sources tell me that more than one DSFL GM has been sniffing around McCabe’s profile page. McCabe could yet surprise his doubters, but despite his high floor the prospects higher up in this ranking have the potential to surpass McCabe’s run blocking ability and represent better options while they’re still on the board.
6) Julius Augustus
Profile Link: New2this69
Julius Augustus is 6'5, 305 lbs and played college ball in Charlotte for the 49ers. Another prospect with sparse activity, the former Roman Emperor has logged in only occasionally since redeeming his initial TPE from the activity check and weekly training. DSFL GMs and scouts will likely be concerned about this, and that's before you take into account that Julius was reportedly stabbed 42 times in the torso during his political career and will be well over 2000 years old by the time he takes his first DSFL snap.
The “Guys only Mike Mayock has heard of” tier:
We've all been there. Pizza boxes are strewn across the room, you can't remember how many days it's been since you've showered and you've got a terrible hangover. Your team's first round pick is already either a bust or the clear favourite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the draft somehow still has two rounds left. Mike Mayock has eleven different things he wants to say about a defensive back who has just been drafted from Nebraska Wesleyan University and the rest of the NFL Network panel has to nod and pretend they care. You have no idea why you're still watching, but for some reason you still don't turn the TV off. These picks are for the real draft nerds.
7) Calvin Golladay
Profile Link: CalvinGolladay
This guy makes it to number 7 on the basis that he's made an approved Wiki page and none of the others below him have. Unfortunately he's not logged into the site since it was approved so he's not redeemed the TPE. I wanted to rank him lower on the basis that his username is really unoriginal, but I'm a professional and I take this seriously.
8) Gabe Nickson
Profile Link: GabeNickson63
Neither Nickson nor Minor have logged in since the 20th February or done anything that would earn them TPE since the day they created. I've ranked Nickson higher on the basis that he posted more on the day he created so maybe he's more likely to come back. He's the (joint) weakest OL prospect in the class so hopefully he's been spending his time off in the weight room pumping iron.
9) Jorcher Minor
Profile Link: ACEPATS
Jorcher Minor thinks of himself as a Center. I think of him as a wasted draft pick. That came across a little harsher than I meant it to, but he probably won't log in again.
10) Toshihide Matsumoto
Profile Link: Ted
Toshihide Matsumoto comes in last place, but if you're still reading this then you're the real loser. Seriously, go spend some time with your kids or try to fix your broken marriage. Anyway, I've ranked Matsumoto last because he hasn't logged in since the day after he created his player and to make matters worse, he watches anime. It took him several tries to correctly allocate his initial 50 TPE, which has me really questioning his supposed 65 Intelligence stat. 65 Intelligence would put him second among OL prospects in this class. What does that say about the other eight?
Quote:Word count: 1380. 1.5x draft bonus. If people enjoy this style of writing then I'll probably write more articles like this
![[Image: morisig.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/688507586177532117/1082481732604924036/morisig.png)
[OPTION]S24 (PHI): 16 GP, 73 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 FF, 3 sacks, 5 INTs, 10 PDs, 2 TDs
[OPTION]S25 (PHI): 16 GP, 67 tackles, 4 INTs, 13 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 16 GP, 68 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 10 PDs
[OPTION]S27 (OCO): 16 GP, 116 tackles, 4 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S28 (OCO): 16 GP, 84 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 20 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S29 (OCO): 16 GP, 99 tackles, 3 FF, 1 FR, 5 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]ISFL Playoff Stats:
[OPTION]S23 (PHI): 1 GP, 2 tackles
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 1 GP, 5 tackles, 2 PDs
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]Trophies and Achievements:
[OPTION]Drafted 35th Overall by Myrtle Beach in the S21 DSFL Draft
[OPTION]S21 Ultimini Champion
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Defensive Back of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]Drafted 4th Overall by Philadelphia in the S22 ISFL Draft
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Defensive Performance of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S25 (PHI): 16 GP, 67 tackles, 4 INTs, 13 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 16 GP, 68 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 10 PDs
[OPTION]S27 (OCO): 16 GP, 116 tackles, 4 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S28 (OCO): 16 GP, 84 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 20 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]S29 (OCO): 16 GP, 99 tackles, 3 FF, 1 FR, 5 INTs, 23 PDs, 1 TD
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]ISFL Playoff Stats:
[OPTION]S23 (PHI): 1 GP, 2 tackles
[OPTION]S26 (OCO): 1 GP, 5 tackles, 2 PDs
[OPTION]=============================================================
[OPTION]Trophies and Achievements:
[OPTION]Drafted 35th Overall by Myrtle Beach in the S21 DSFL Draft
[OPTION]S21 Ultimini Champion
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S21 DSFL Defensive Back of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]Drafted 4th Overall by Philadelphia in the S22 ISFL Draft
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S23 ISFL Defensive Performance of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S24 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Returner of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]=============================================================
Player | Update | Wiki | Twitter
[OPTION]S26 ISFL Returner of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Pro Bowl Selection
[OPTION]S29 ISFL Cornerback of the Year Nominee
[OPTION]=============================================================
Player | Update | Wiki | Twitter
![[Image: 4L0iBsK.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4L0iBsK.png)
![[Image: unknown.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/738567885815021628/1009981440815013949/unknown.png)
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![[Image: BriedaqueducNSFL.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/BriedaqueducNSFL.gif)
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![[Image: nib6dRA.png]](https://i.imgur.com/nib6dRA.png)
