Feels like so long ago when I was gearing up to be drafted into the NSFL, about 9 seasons to be exact as my previous player, quarterback Joliet L. Christ was taken 4th overall by the San Jose Sabercats in the Season 10 NSFL draft after playing for Portland for a few seasons in the DSFL both as a waiver and a draftee. Times are different now for me and my new player Deondre Thomas-Fox or DTF which I will use more often than not as it is both easier to type and a bit funnier when he goes by his nickname. Not many teams need a quarterback right now and there are 4 of them to my knowledge going in this draft to fill one slot that is already taken up by Phildelphia's upcoming GM player in this draft, Avon Blocksdale Jr. That leaves Vega, Thomas-Fox and Phoenix to really impress some teams that need QBs 3-4 years down the road or consider the position switch. When Christ entered the NSFL, there were 2 spots and 2 quarterbacks with myself and Falconi going to San Jose and Philadelphia respectively. Both players had amazing careers that took different paths with Christ being more of a dual-threat fantasy monster and Falconi being more of the traditional pocket passer. Christ has had more team success overall in his career and was more of a flashy player compared to Falconi, something that may come up when discussing hall of fame talks for both.
In walks Deondre Thomas-Fox, who is what Christ was supposed to be, a mobile QB though with a bit more extreme on the side of the running QB. Christ started as a mobile and switched to gunslinger though was always a run-first QB in the NSFL. DTF is the part of Christ that wants to run even more and though his arm may never be good, he could provide an instant dual-threat fantasy breaker option just like Christ was in his career. With more speed and agility potential, it will force teams to gameplan differently for when they are facing DTF because his run first, get around the edge ability compared to a stable sit in the pocket type of quarterback.
It takes a brilliant mind however not only to stop DTF's ability but also to coach him and utilize him in the right way. Christ was maybe the best running QB ever next to Mats Akselsen but he never once had a speed rating of over 75 which is crazy to think. DTF has a speed rating capability of 90 and an agility max at 90 as well which, if used right, in the right scheme with the right personnel, he is capable of massive rushing numbers which could go alongside respectable passing numbers as well. Not a knock of any of the GMs in the NSFL but I only think a few could handle Thomas-Fox as their QB and would prefer to go with a more traditional option. I won a lot of games and an Ultimus with Christ being heavily involved in the rushing game, it is completely possible but it takes studying and hard work.
Here is the main thing however that I want to stress and my opinion on this has changed over the past season in preparation for this. I am willing to not be a quarterback for the right team and would be 100% willing to switch positions. That being said, I do have a shortlist of semi-demands in terms of position and what it would take to have me switch positions and I don't think they are as crazy as maybe a Dermot Lavelle Jr. kind of ask.
1) I will only switch to running back, wide receiver, or maybe corner back
I want my player this time around to stay on offense if I can and will probably go defense or special teams for my next player way down the road. I want to put up great numbers and help a team's offense score a lot of points. Obviously running backs play multiple roles and touch the ball the most times after the quarterback so I would love to have a big impact like that on a team' roster. Wide receiver is a glamour position and helps take the top off a defense with a decent amount of impact in most games if the QB throws it to me. I don't need to be a team's number one receiver or primary guy from the get go but maybe down the line when I am close to maxed out, it would be nice, but honestly, I am happy to be a number two receiver on any team that drafts me. Corner back would be if a team is so desperate and has a glaring hole but I would prefer to avoid it if possible. Pretty much, I only want to play a speed position and have no desire to consider bulking up my guy to play linebacker or defensive line or something like that. I like to make realistic players in a generally unrealistic community which is sim leagues. When I switched Christ from mobile to gunslinger, I had to give him an injury to slow him down before he started running again, it made it feel like a more realistic move to me and I enjoyed watching his career play out. Most option QBs or mobile QBs can make it as these positions in the NFL such as Terrelle Pryor, Julian Edelman, Nick Marshall, or others that have had to switch positions. I won't be a Tebow and not change but don't try and make me a punt protector or expect me to be just a gimmick player.
2) I want to be a kick returner and a punt returner
This is probably my biggest 'demand' per say. If there is one thing that I would love Thomas-Fox to be known for in his career if he were to change from QB it is becoming a dominant return man for a team for many many years. Not being able to return kicks could see me test free agency for a team that would have me.
3) I would love to be part of a war room again
This is not needed but I have been a successful co-GM in the NSFL before with SJS and won a title and 2 GM of the year awards alongside CK and love to be involved in discussions regarding the direction of a team. It is something I enjoy and think I can bring a lot of upside with the fact that A) I am in like every sim league and B) I have probably GM'd in almost every sim league currently out there. Like I said, it is not needed, but I do want to make a good impact on a team for awhile.
What will you get from drafting Deondre Thomas-Fox?
I'd like to think I am a veteran sim leaguer now even though I have not actually been in leagues that long, just been in a lot of them and a bigger part of a lot of them as a GM or job head. I also would love to again stay with one team my whole career and as long as my demands or wishes are met, I would be happy to never even think of free agency. My defensive player will probably be a diva and a contract snob but who knows, it is awhile away. Unless you make me a corner then maybe it starts now ha ha.
Who would I be?
Quarterback:
I will not change archetype so if I am drafted to be your QB, I am mobile or nothing. I also would not change later on to a different position as I would prefer to just be good at one position so draft me where you want me to play.
Running Back:
Speed guy. Speed kills and especially at the running back position and I would love to be able to put up big numbers alongside some good return number so I need that speed.
Wide Receiver:
Most likely Route Runner. I love the early boost to agility and the higher than possession type of speed. It is a good combination of everything I like and would work well I believe as a return man I also would not need to change my player's height or weight.
Corner:
Man cover corner, no doubt.
Likely spots (In Order of chances to draft me):
1.
NOLA
Nola has both 1st and 3rd overall in this draft and given my history with the number two overall team in the Sabercats, they would likely think about me at 1 if they were going to take me unless they were sure that San Jose would pass on me for pick number 2. New Orleans has some aging players at their weapon positions and could use a guy that could run or catch passes from QB Stan Francisco. DTF would not have any chance to play QB there but would have a chance to play elsewhere.
Consensus: New Orleans' head GM has not exactly liked me from some of our arguments we have had in PBE management and with that, I don't believe I have been contacted by them at all. If I missed it, it would have been from their co-GM and I am sorry. I don't think there is any mutual interest on both sides for DTF and NOLA to happen so I will say no chance here.
Who I believe is picked: Mack Arianlacher
2.
SJS
My home! The team that I gave my hard work and time for as both a player and GM with the same GM there now and a co-GM who was a player we drafted while I was there co-GMing. The nostalgia is great, but do they need me or have uses for me? With Toriki leaving for the New Orleans Smelly Line, there is a hole at running back for the team and with recently signed Action Jackson as the only receiver after the retirement of Xavier Flash, there are holes there too. My biggest concern is losing targets to freaking Justice. I also know their CB spot is full of safeties as well.
Consensus: I have maintained a good relationship with the team over my career and although I give CK a hard time about his PBE team, we have a great relationship still to my knowledge, at least on my side. I see a lot of holes and weapons needed for their young QB in Dan Wright and his development. I don't know if it is mutual but I would love to go back to SJS and bring the team back to the glory we had under Christ. My consensus is that this is the most likely destination for DTF to land.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox
With me off the board, I will just do some consensus stuff now.
3. NOLA
Consensus: Read the first overall pick
Who I believe is picked: Highest earner Austin McCormick or CB Kacey Dream
4.
CHI
Consensus: I think the team needs a lot and I get along with the GM/former GM. I couldn't play QB here but based on relationships I have with Fire and Jiggly, I could see them taking a shot here.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox, Sweet James Jones, Rayne Gordon or Sean O'Leary - WR
5.
OCO
Consensus: My enemy!! Love their QB and unsure of their weapons. I was not scouted by them to my knowledge so they won't pick me.
Who I believe is picked: S Gary Lazer-Eyes or CB Kacey Dream
6. CHI
Consensus: See above
Who I believe is picked: One of the WRs or DE Jayson Kearse or Quindarious Tyerucker
7.
YKW
Consensus: I had small talks with the Wraiths and they were the only team that went into discussions talking with me about playing QB. If I were to stay QB I think that they would want to take me but not sure I would fall to this pick if SJS or CHI took me. I think they would probably consider me as a later pick with some talented QBs in the draft.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox or a WR
8. NOLA
Consensus: Still no
Who I believe is picked: Depends on their first two picks, would have said Tyerucker without Toriki signing there. Might go WR to go with Arianlacher, or if O'Leary falls, I could see them taking him based off being a PBE guy.
9. YKW
Consensus: Same as above with pick 7.
Who I believe is picked: If DTF was to go to the Wraiths, this is where I would have him since NOLA would not take me anyways. So I will say Thomas-Fox or potentially Brock Phoenix if they want to ensure grabbing a QB from a recreate.
10. OCO
Consensus: Still no as mentioned with pick 5
Who I believe is picked: I could see any of the guys I already mentioned going here. If James-Jones or Blaylock fall to this pick, I believe they would be obvious picks.
Not in first round:
PHI
Consensus: Well, considering me and their GM slm don't get along well at all (better as of late), I don't think I would go here. I would likely retire or hold out or something if I went to Philly so hopefully they don't pick me, for their sake.
COL
Consensus: Love Frick, he is the man, I would be happy to play in Colorado if I fell or if they were to trade up given the relationship and a lot of my PBE guys are there. I don't think I would play QB there but they could slot me wherever. I don't think I will get to one of their picks though, but I don't really know my value right now.
AUS
Consensus: Also get along with their GM AdamS as we have shared locker rooms in other leagus, most recently the SBA. Great dude. I think that they scouted me like waaaayyyy before the draft though when I was not considering other positions so I feel like maybe since they have Cole, there is no chance I would end up here. Would happily play in Austin though, but I believe Lavelle Jr. is their return man and had a similar demand to me so it likely would not be a fit as they could not give me returns.
AZ
Consensus: I don't think they scouted me but I know the GM from other leagues, they also don't have many picks to my knowledge so I don't think I will be an Outlaw.
BAL
Consensus: I had some decent talks with the Baltimore management but they would need to trade up a lot to get me and I don't see that happening.
So, I think overall, if I am to go anywhere, it would be between San Jose which makes sense given the history I have with that team and the current management as well as their ability to give me the roles that I would desire even if I am not playing QB. I think Colorado would have me in a similar situation as well but I just don't see myself falling that far with some conversations I have had with teams and don't think they would want to trade up high for me so while I think it is a great place, don't see myself there. Chicago I could see taking a chance on me and giving me the roles that I would want but I am not sure their thoughts since Jiggly stepped down. Yellowknife I believe has a real shot at taking me to be the next heir at the QB position but a lot of things could happen before that. I don't think Arizona, Austin, Baltimore, or Orange County surprising me by taking me. I think New Orleans and Philadelphia are definitely not going to take me so I would say I have 3 teams interested and capable with a few others just waiting to see if I possibly fall to them.
Tier 1 (Interested and Capable):
San Jose
Yellowknife
Chicago
Tier 2 (Interested but not likely Capable):
Colorado
Baltimore
Tier 3 (Not Interested but Capable):
Orange County
New Orleans
Tier 4 (Unknown on Interest and Capability)
Austin
Arizona
Tier 5 (Nah)
Philadelphia
In the end, I imagine I will be playing wide receiver in the NSFL based on what team needs were and all the other players currently on teams or in this draft at both the quarterback and running back position. Teams will always need multiple wide receivers so I think that is where Deondre Thomas-Fox will make his money and make the biggest impact. Things could certainly change come draft night but so far, that is my inkling.
Good luck to all the draftees and I will see you in the NSFL.
In walks Deondre Thomas-Fox, who is what Christ was supposed to be, a mobile QB though with a bit more extreme on the side of the running QB. Christ started as a mobile and switched to gunslinger though was always a run-first QB in the NSFL. DTF is the part of Christ that wants to run even more and though his arm may never be good, he could provide an instant dual-threat fantasy breaker option just like Christ was in his career. With more speed and agility potential, it will force teams to gameplan differently for when they are facing DTF because his run first, get around the edge ability compared to a stable sit in the pocket type of quarterback.
It takes a brilliant mind however not only to stop DTF's ability but also to coach him and utilize him in the right way. Christ was maybe the best running QB ever next to Mats Akselsen but he never once had a speed rating of over 75 which is crazy to think. DTF has a speed rating capability of 90 and an agility max at 90 as well which, if used right, in the right scheme with the right personnel, he is capable of massive rushing numbers which could go alongside respectable passing numbers as well. Not a knock of any of the GMs in the NSFL but I only think a few could handle Thomas-Fox as their QB and would prefer to go with a more traditional option. I won a lot of games and an Ultimus with Christ being heavily involved in the rushing game, it is completely possible but it takes studying and hard work.
Here is the main thing however that I want to stress and my opinion on this has changed over the past season in preparation for this. I am willing to not be a quarterback for the right team and would be 100% willing to switch positions. That being said, I do have a shortlist of semi-demands in terms of position and what it would take to have me switch positions and I don't think they are as crazy as maybe a Dermot Lavelle Jr. kind of ask.
1) I will only switch to running back, wide receiver, or maybe corner back
I want my player this time around to stay on offense if I can and will probably go defense or special teams for my next player way down the road. I want to put up great numbers and help a team's offense score a lot of points. Obviously running backs play multiple roles and touch the ball the most times after the quarterback so I would love to have a big impact like that on a team' roster. Wide receiver is a glamour position and helps take the top off a defense with a decent amount of impact in most games if the QB throws it to me. I don't need to be a team's number one receiver or primary guy from the get go but maybe down the line when I am close to maxed out, it would be nice, but honestly, I am happy to be a number two receiver on any team that drafts me. Corner back would be if a team is so desperate and has a glaring hole but I would prefer to avoid it if possible. Pretty much, I only want to play a speed position and have no desire to consider bulking up my guy to play linebacker or defensive line or something like that. I like to make realistic players in a generally unrealistic community which is sim leagues. When I switched Christ from mobile to gunslinger, I had to give him an injury to slow him down before he started running again, it made it feel like a more realistic move to me and I enjoyed watching his career play out. Most option QBs or mobile QBs can make it as these positions in the NFL such as Terrelle Pryor, Julian Edelman, Nick Marshall, or others that have had to switch positions. I won't be a Tebow and not change but don't try and make me a punt protector or expect me to be just a gimmick player.
2) I want to be a kick returner and a punt returner
This is probably my biggest 'demand' per say. If there is one thing that I would love Thomas-Fox to be known for in his career if he were to change from QB it is becoming a dominant return man for a team for many many years. Not being able to return kicks could see me test free agency for a team that would have me.
3) I would love to be part of a war room again
This is not needed but I have been a successful co-GM in the NSFL before with SJS and won a title and 2 GM of the year awards alongside CK and love to be involved in discussions regarding the direction of a team. It is something I enjoy and think I can bring a lot of upside with the fact that A) I am in like every sim league and B) I have probably GM'd in almost every sim league currently out there. Like I said, it is not needed, but I do want to make a good impact on a team for awhile.
What will you get from drafting Deondre Thomas-Fox?
I'd like to think I am a veteran sim leaguer now even though I have not actually been in leagues that long, just been in a lot of them and a bigger part of a lot of them as a GM or job head. I also would love to again stay with one team my whole career and as long as my demands or wishes are met, I would be happy to never even think of free agency. My defensive player will probably be a diva and a contract snob but who knows, it is awhile away. Unless you make me a corner then maybe it starts now ha ha.
Who would I be?
Quarterback:
I will not change archetype so if I am drafted to be your QB, I am mobile or nothing. I also would not change later on to a different position as I would prefer to just be good at one position so draft me where you want me to play.
Running Back:
Speed guy. Speed kills and especially at the running back position and I would love to be able to put up big numbers alongside some good return number so I need that speed.
Wide Receiver:
Most likely Route Runner. I love the early boost to agility and the higher than possession type of speed. It is a good combination of everything I like and would work well I believe as a return man I also would not need to change my player's height or weight.
Corner:
Man cover corner, no doubt.
Likely spots (In Order of chances to draft me):
1.
NOLANola has both 1st and 3rd overall in this draft and given my history with the number two overall team in the Sabercats, they would likely think about me at 1 if they were going to take me unless they were sure that San Jose would pass on me for pick number 2. New Orleans has some aging players at their weapon positions and could use a guy that could run or catch passes from QB Stan Francisco. DTF would not have any chance to play QB there but would have a chance to play elsewhere.
Consensus: New Orleans' head GM has not exactly liked me from some of our arguments we have had in PBE management and with that, I don't believe I have been contacted by them at all. If I missed it, it would have been from their co-GM and I am sorry. I don't think there is any mutual interest on both sides for DTF and NOLA to happen so I will say no chance here.
Who I believe is picked: Mack Arianlacher
2.
SJSMy home! The team that I gave my hard work and time for as both a player and GM with the same GM there now and a co-GM who was a player we drafted while I was there co-GMing. The nostalgia is great, but do they need me or have uses for me? With Toriki leaving for the New Orleans Smelly Line, there is a hole at running back for the team and with recently signed Action Jackson as the only receiver after the retirement of Xavier Flash, there are holes there too. My biggest concern is losing targets to freaking Justice. I also know their CB spot is full of safeties as well.
Consensus: I have maintained a good relationship with the team over my career and although I give CK a hard time about his PBE team, we have a great relationship still to my knowledge, at least on my side. I see a lot of holes and weapons needed for their young QB in Dan Wright and his development. I don't know if it is mutual but I would love to go back to SJS and bring the team back to the glory we had under Christ. My consensus is that this is the most likely destination for DTF to land.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox
With me off the board, I will just do some consensus stuff now.
3.
NOLAConsensus: Read the first overall pick
Who I believe is picked: Highest earner Austin McCormick or CB Kacey Dream
4.
CHIConsensus: I think the team needs a lot and I get along with the GM/former GM. I couldn't play QB here but based on relationships I have with Fire and Jiggly, I could see them taking a shot here.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox, Sweet James Jones, Rayne Gordon or Sean O'Leary - WR
5.
OCOConsensus: My enemy!! Love their QB and unsure of their weapons. I was not scouted by them to my knowledge so they won't pick me.
Who I believe is picked: S Gary Lazer-Eyes or CB Kacey Dream
6.
CHIConsensus: See above
Who I believe is picked: One of the WRs or DE Jayson Kearse or Quindarious Tyerucker
7.
YKWConsensus: I had small talks with the Wraiths and they were the only team that went into discussions talking with me about playing QB. If I were to stay QB I think that they would want to take me but not sure I would fall to this pick if SJS or CHI took me. I think they would probably consider me as a later pick with some talented QBs in the draft.
Who I believe is picked: Deondre Thomas-Fox or a WR
8.
NOLAConsensus: Still no
Who I believe is picked: Depends on their first two picks, would have said Tyerucker without Toriki signing there. Might go WR to go with Arianlacher, or if O'Leary falls, I could see them taking him based off being a PBE guy.
9.
YKWConsensus: Same as above with pick 7.
Who I believe is picked: If DTF was to go to the Wraiths, this is where I would have him since NOLA would not take me anyways. So I will say Thomas-Fox or potentially Brock Phoenix if they want to ensure grabbing a QB from a recreate.
10.
OCOConsensus: Still no as mentioned with pick 5
Who I believe is picked: I could see any of the guys I already mentioned going here. If James-Jones or Blaylock fall to this pick, I believe they would be obvious picks.
Not in first round:
PHIConsensus: Well, considering me and their GM slm don't get along well at all (better as of late), I don't think I would go here. I would likely retire or hold out or something if I went to Philly so hopefully they don't pick me, for their sake.
COLConsensus: Love Frick, he is the man, I would be happy to play in Colorado if I fell or if they were to trade up given the relationship and a lot of my PBE guys are there. I don't think I would play QB there but they could slot me wherever. I don't think I will get to one of their picks though, but I don't really know my value right now.
AUSConsensus: Also get along with their GM AdamS as we have shared locker rooms in other leagus, most recently the SBA. Great dude. I think that they scouted me like waaaayyyy before the draft though when I was not considering other positions so I feel like maybe since they have Cole, there is no chance I would end up here. Would happily play in Austin though, but I believe Lavelle Jr. is their return man and had a similar demand to me so it likely would not be a fit as they could not give me returns.
AZConsensus: I don't think they scouted me but I know the GM from other leagues, they also don't have many picks to my knowledge so I don't think I will be an Outlaw.
BALConsensus: I had some decent talks with the Baltimore management but they would need to trade up a lot to get me and I don't see that happening.
So, I think overall, if I am to go anywhere, it would be between San Jose which makes sense given the history I have with that team and the current management as well as their ability to give me the roles that I would desire even if I am not playing QB. I think Colorado would have me in a similar situation as well but I just don't see myself falling that far with some conversations I have had with teams and don't think they would want to trade up high for me so while I think it is a great place, don't see myself there. Chicago I could see taking a chance on me and giving me the roles that I would want but I am not sure their thoughts since Jiggly stepped down. Yellowknife I believe has a real shot at taking me to be the next heir at the QB position but a lot of things could happen before that. I don't think Arizona, Austin, Baltimore, or Orange County surprising me by taking me. I think New Orleans and Philadelphia are definitely not going to take me so I would say I have 3 teams interested and capable with a few others just waiting to see if I possibly fall to them.
Tier 1 (Interested and Capable):
San Jose
Yellowknife
Chicago
Tier 2 (Interested but not likely Capable):
Colorado
Baltimore
Tier 3 (Not Interested but Capable):
Orange County
New Orleans
Tier 4 (Unknown on Interest and Capability)
Austin
Arizona
Tier 5 (Nah)
Philadelphia
In the end, I imagine I will be playing wide receiver in the NSFL based on what team needs were and all the other players currently on teams or in this draft at both the quarterback and running back position. Teams will always need multiple wide receivers so I think that is where Deondre Thomas-Fox will make his money and make the biggest impact. Things could certainly change come draft night but so far, that is my inkling.
Good luck to all the draftees and I will see you in the NSFL.
![[Image: image.png?width=1111&height=625]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/683033414848348254/1104181360693874828/image.png?width=1111&height=625)
Former players:
QB Joliet Christ Jr. (HON/BER) (1x Ultimus Champ)
WR Deondre Thomas-Fox (SJS) (2x Ultimus Champ)
QB Joliet L. Christ (SJS) (Hall of Fame) (1x Ultimus Champ)
![[Image: TBFYuND.png]](https://i.imgur.com/TBFYuND.png)
![[Image: esqcjQT.png]](https://i.imgur.com/esqcjQT.png)
