*Totally Serious S22 Mock Draft

Lightnoir · 03-22-2020, 04:21 PM

First off I'd like to thank Troen, Thiath, and Memento Mori for doing any actual work. I stole all of their research and formatting for this post. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants. Although there's still half a season left to go I feel like many rookies have done an exceptional job to set themselves apart. Taking into consideration the needs of the current NSFL teams, as well as the revelation that there will be an additional two teams expansion drafting, I've toiled with an exclusive algorithm to produce a mock draft that I think addresses all of the complexities of this specific draft. Without further ado, my mock draft.

Round 1

1) Arizona Outlaws: Magnus Rikiya, DT - Norfolk ARI

Kansas City could use help in almost every position, including their locker room. I think they take one of the most positive and influential young players in the league here. Although there are great players like Troen and Phat Boi who could fit here too, I think Arizona reaches just a bit due to off the field upside

2) Philadelphia Liberty: Thubba Bumper, CB - Norfolk PHI

The liberty have problems in their secondary they're going to look to fix early, and Bumper is the man to fix em. He's already become a bit of a cult hero in Norfolk, even if his stats have been slow to come. If you look at tape it's clear it's just because QBs are too afraid to throw anywhere near him. Easy first round pick.

3) San Jose Sabercats: Matt Cross, S - Norfolk SJS

Matt Cross is a real gym rat. A scrappy player. Few have forgotten his week 3 pick six and he's been a consistent top performer. The Sabercats need to beef up almost all of their secondary, and this guy could be a difference maker for seasons to come. Some people have him slipping to the second round, but I just don't see how that's possible. If the Sabercats need a premium player in their secondary and locker room, they'll find him here.

4) Yellowknife Wraiths: Wesley Eriksen, S - Norfolk YKW

The Wraiths are another team looking for secondary help early on, and the speedy Eriksen is going to be the guy to go to. He's lagging a little bit behind some other safeties in raw TPE, but it's not just about teps but how you use em. Added to that that he's a handsome and charismatic locker room presence and it's hard to see Eriksen falling out of the top five. Wraiths are gonna get a real steal with this one.

5) Colorado Yeti: Kevin Koh, WR - Norfolk COL

Kevin Koh has done a lot to set himself apart from many WRs in his class. What he lacks in pure production he makes up for in clutch quality, often finding the end zone when his teams need someone to show up. Many people think Colorado will dig into the defensive side of this draft, but I know they need to get Wolfie more hungry targets while he's still got time, and Koh seems up for it.

6) Expansion 1: Luke Skywalker, QB - Norfolk

Obviously every expansion teams first pick has to be their sexy marquee player for years to come. Enter Skywalker. Skywalker leads the DSFL in touchdown passes and is showing himself to be a capable, intelligent signal caller. An expansion team knows they need to get butts in seats, and Skywalker will do that even if he's garbage. The Star Wars sequels have clearly shown that.

7) Expansion 2: Suleiman Ramza, QB - Norfolk

Obviously every expansion teams first pick has to be their sexy marquee player for years to come. Enter Ramza. Ramza is a'ight and is showing himself to be a capable, intelligent signal caller. An expansion team knows they need to get butts in seats, so why not go with a guy named after the protagonist of one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time?

8) Austin Copperheads: Sam Sidekick, K - Norfolk AUS

Some people may think it's crazy to take a kicker in the first round, but hear me out: Sidekick has never missed a kick in his entire career. Field goals and extra points, he's been absolutely perfect. What would it be worth to you to have a kicker that never misses? Easily first round talent, Austin got a steal with this one.

9) Philadelphia Liberty (from Chicago): Bayden Brosley, CB - Norfolk PHI

Liberty are going to go ahead and snag the other Norfolk CB while they have the chance, cause god knows he won't be around by their turn next time! They'll be hoping the chemistry between Bumper and Brosley continues to grow and they advance together in Philadelphia. I think it's always brilliant to choose these players that push each other to progress and get better. Brilliant pick from the Liberty here.

10) Orange County Otters: Jack Banks, LB - Norfolk OCO

The Otters are going to look to pack on at linebacker here. They might even be planning on shifting one of their current LBs to a position of more need to accomodate Banks. And if they do they'd be making the right decision, this man is an iron wall.

11) Baltimore Hawks: Spike Suzuki, LB - Norfolk BAL

The Hawks look like they're probably one or two pieces away from a championship squad, and Suzuki may just be the man to tip them over. He's gotten a ton of tackles this year and I think the Hawks are smart to go ahead and snag this player before anyone else has a look at him.

12) New Orleans Second Line: Buster Brownce, DE - Norfolk NOLA

I know I'm going to get a lot of criticism for this pick, but hear me out: It's a good pick.

Alright, that's gonna be it for my S22 Mock Draft. I know I have a couple of teams reaching, but I tried really hard to weigh the pros and cons of every player available. Please let me know what you think in the comments!