*S26 ISFL Mock Draft Based on Only on DSFL Production

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(draft media 1.5x, 3769 words)

In this edition of a mock draft for the Season 26 ISFL draft, I will be taking a look at how each prospect performed this past season and team needs when determining who I think will go at each spot. This mock draft is only based on two categories: Production and Fit. All of these users are great and there will be circumstances where a player is taken because of the user. This mock does not include any of that and will be based on raw statistics. Also, a few cool names because this class is elite when it comes to player names.

Side Note: If this was submitted for the S26 Mock Draft point task there is a good chance it would be 2/14 or worse. Here goes nothing!

1.  - Ernest Lover, DE, London Royals

Ernest Lover is the perfect combination of need and talent for him to be a slam dunk first overall pick for the Berlin Fire Salamanders. When we look at the Fire Salamanders, they are in a rebuild at the moment and need an exciting prospect to build it around. Their two oldest players are from seasons 18 and 19. One is a cornerback who is still at the top of his game and has just started to hit regression, so it is not an immediate need. However, the player from season 19 is a defensive end who is not a very productive player. He is bound to hit regression too which will only further diminish the Salamander’s defense line. Enter Ernest Lover. In his rookie year in London, Lover was a force in both rush and pass defense. The guy was a matchup nightmare for offensive coordinators in the DSFL who had to scheme how to stop him every week. Lover finished the year with 75 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was first among defensive ends in sacks, but only above average when it came to rush defense and tackles for loss. Ernest Lover is an ISFL ready pass rusher but needs work on his run defense. However, he has the talent to start immediately for a Berlin team in need of an influx of talent. Once he gets into Berlin’s weight room and improves his rush defense, Lover will be a top defensive end in the ISFL for years to come.

2.  - Cobra Kai, RB, Dallas Birddogs

In a surprising move, the New York Silverbacks decide to create a dynamic Speed-Power backfield duo with their S17 runningback quickly on the decline from regression. Although they do have an S25 running back in Buster Bawlls, he is a blocking back who will is used more for short-yardage situations and not an every-down, 30 carry a game running back. New York’s main running back, Ashley Owens, is an old running back and is hitting regression. The Silverbacks are in the midst of a rebuild and should be looking for players with an upward trajectory. Cobra Kai would be a perfect fit for both the trajectory of this rebuild and the team. Cobra Kai was arguably the top DSFL running back in general, much less just rookies. In his first year, Kai rushed for 1482 yards and 8 touchdowns on a ridiculous 5.3 yards per carry. Compared to Bawlls rushing average of 3 yards per carry, Kai would complement the bruiser extremely well. Even though they had the rushing yards leader in New York, he is aging quickly and Cobra Kai is a can’t miss prospect that would create a dynamic trio in the backfield along with Sam Howitzer and Buster Bawlls for years to come.

3.  - Primo Berto, DT, Dallas Birddogs

As much as it pains me as a Grey Duck, we see our second Dallas Birddog go in the top three selections. Primo Berto is not a name you see in any of the first-round mock drafts at the moment but based on the numbers he put up in Season 25 of the DSFL that should change. Berto was 2nd in the DSFL in tackles for loss with 19, tied for first in forced fumbles with 3, and tied for fifth in the league with 7 sacks. Although not one of their absolute strongest needs, the Hawks could use a defensive tackle of Berto’s caliber. The Baltimore Hawks finished near the bottom in both tackles for loss and sacks this past season. These stats tell me that they have an issue with stopping opposing offenses for negative gains and they do not have a great pass rush. With Primo Berto, they could fix both of those issues with a single pick. Berto’s ability to shed blocks and reach the backfield would prove crucial for the Hawks to start racking up some more tackles for loss. Additionally, Berto is a force on the inside when it comes to pass-rushing situations. Not only can he get into the backfield to stop the run, he also pushes the pocket and can get to the quarterback at will. Every team can use an inside force like Berto, but the Hawks snatch him up at pick 3 in a move that could make their defensive lines one of the best in the ISFL this upcoming year.

4.  - Vincent Jones, LB, Tijuana Luchadores

In what is one of the top team-prospect pairings in this draft, the Yellow Knife Wraiths pick up linebacker Vincent Jones from the Ultimini winning Tijuana Luchadores. The Wraiths have a suffocating defense on the back end where they lead the league in deflections. Additionally, their pass rush and linebacking core are both solid. This pick is all about the future of the Wraiths defense and nabbing the leader of the defense early in this draft. The second linebacker for the Wraiths is all the way back from season 19 and is starting to hit regression. In order to combat this and have a future-ready, they take Vincent Jones here. In the DSFL, Jones was the definition of a tackling machine and a stat sheet stuffer in his time with the Luchadores. He ended the season with 110 tackles which showed off his sideline to sideline ability in order to stop the run. His 2 tackles for loss are not as impressive as the rest of the stat line but it shows his potential in the run game. The 2 categories Jones shines in are sacks and passes deflections. He finished the year with 9 sacks and 8 passes defended. Not only can Vincent Jones aid in the passing game and shut down the opposing running back in man coverage or play a zone, but he is also an effective blitzer on passing downs. This duality of skill that Jones possesses will allow the defensive coordinator for the Wraiths to be unpredictable on 2nd and 3rd down due to his versatility and ability to blitz and cover. Not to mention, Jones had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception showing an ability to find the ball. With a still young quarterback and a newly called up running back in James Vermillion, the Wraiths need to reinforce their defense and bring it to a new level. Vincent Jones will help them do just that.

5.  - Richard Littlewood, OL, Myrtle Beach Buccaneers

Looking through the roster for the New Orleans Second Line, there is not much need for them at key skill positions, and their older players are starting to hit regression but are absolute superstars who will still be in the league for a long time. Although running back Forrest Gump is on his way out with regression, NOLA has Running Back of the Year candidate Mike Rotchburns to take over that spot. With Gump on the way out and a new running back in Rotchburns coming in, the Second Line desperately needed to find a way to bolster a run game that ranked in the bottom half of the ISFL this past season. With only 9 rushing touchdowns on the year, they need to find a way to get more push upfront in order to get into the endzone and move the chains during the game. Enter the offensive lineman from the Myrtle Beach Buccaneers Richard Littlewood. In terms of pure production, Littlewood was the top rookie offensive lineman in this past DSFL season. He finished the year with 48 pancakes and only 1 sack allowed for the whole year. Not only will the 48 pancakes help the run game get going, having 1 sack allowed will further help to protect star quarterback Ben Slothlisberger. Not a sexy pick by the New Orleans Second Line, but Richard Littlewood is a set and forget starter on the offensive line for the next 10 years.

6.  - Lebron James III, QB, Portland Pythons

The Philadelphia Liberty are going through an obvious rebuild stage with a front office overhaul and multiple players either beginning to hit regression or on the last legs of their career. Not only do they have some players about to hit retirement, but they also have a few younger players who are simply just underperforming at their position. To jumpstart their rebuild, the Liberty do not wait and take their new face of the franchise: Lebron James III. Although Philly still has star quarterback Brock Phoenix, he is about to hit regression and will not be able to function as a top quarterback for much longer. Also, with the rebuild imminent in Philadelphia, what better way for the front office to kickstart its first draft than with the new face of the Philadelphia Liberty. Bronny was the top rookie quarterback in the DSFL last season where he came into the league and lit it on fire. He led the entire DSFL in completion percentage in his first year, showing off the poise and intelligence that got him drafted to Portland. He finished the year with 2214 yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a scorching 72.9 QBR. Although these statistics are not eye-popping, for a rookie quarterback in the DSFL where there is such a steep learning curve for prospects it is extremely impressive that James III was able to put up these statistics. Not only is he a threat with his arm, he has the ability to hurt the defense with his legs too. In addition to his 13 touchdowns through the air, Lebron James III had 3 rushing touchdowns as well, showing off his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities that are valued so highly at the ISFL level. Philly has a lot of work to do to get back to contention. Lebron James III looks like the guy who can take them there.

7.  - Mario Messi, WR, Portland Pythons

Honolulu is going to be absolutely loaded in a few years. Outside of their superstar wide receiver from season 19, every single one of the Hahaluas is from season 20 or more recent. As a result, they do not desperately need any position due to older players or regression. However, I think the wide receiver from the Portland Pythons Mario Messi will be the pick here. As stated before the Hahalua only have one player that is close to hitting regression and that is wide receiver Jed Podolak. Not only is Podalak regressing at the wide receiver spot, they only have one other reliable wide receiver while the other is not as explosive as reliable. Mario Messi would immediately bolster the wide receiver room and add a big-play element that Honolulu is missing. In this past DSFL season, Messi was the top rookie wide receiver and in my opinion, it was not particularly close. Messi finished first in catches with 88, second in yards with 886, and first in touchdowns with 8. Not to mention, Messi also averaged 10.1 yards per catch which showed off his big-play threat. Finishing at the top of all these statistics, Messi was the catalyst for Portland’s offense this past year and a big reason why Lebron James III was able to be so successful during his rookie campaign. Messi is an elite wide receiver at the DSFL level and will be even better at the ISFL level with top tier talent surrounding him. He is one of the few can’t miss offensive prospects and the Honolulu Hahaluas scoop him up here at the 7th overall pick.

8.  - Alexander Franklin, OL, Minnesota Grey Ducks

With the first of its two first-round picks, the Chicago Butchers look to reload their offensive line with Alexander Franklin. The Butchers have a full 5 man offensive line, but one of their season 18 offensive linemen is in the process of regression, and another one of them has underperformed and is also regressing early. Franklin will have the ability to not only be the future of this offensive line, but he has a path to immediate playing time. In the first few seasons, he will play alongside S18 lineman Givussafare Rubbe and once he retires Franklin will look to be the young cornerstone of that lineman. At the DSFL level, Alexander Franklin showed why he is deserving of a first-round pick and immediate playing time. He ended the season with 47 pancakes and only one sack allowed. While also being a force in the run game for should-have-been Running back of the Year Mike Rotchburns, he was vital in the pass protection of rookie running back Ryan Negs. He has room to improve in the run game in order to rack up more pancakes and really hit the second level, but once he gets into Chicago’s weight room and refines his technique it would not be a stretch to say Alexander Franklin could easily become one of the best offensive linemen in the ISFL.

9.  - Tugg Speedman, WR, London Royals

After a successful ISFL regular season, the Outlaws lost a heartbreaker to the Sabercats in overtime in the first round of the playoffs. With this pick, the Arizona Outlaws look to a prospect who will be able to contribute in the next season or two. With season 17 wide receiver Saba Donut quickly heading towards retirement, the Outlaws need a wide receiver in this draft to not only replace him but to possibly out perform him in order for the Outlaws to stay in contention with the superstar Jay Cue still at quarterback. Tugg Speedman was the top wide receiver this year for the London Royals and even more than Mario Messi, he is the definition of a big play waiting to happen. On the year, Speedman had 73 catches for 841 yards and 4 touchdowns. He stuffed the stat sheet, but it is not the most vital part in evaluating what Tugg’s impact will be in the ISFL. The most telling stat is his 11.5 yards per catch and his long of 45 yards. Speedman had the 3rd longest catch in the entire DSFL season, showing off his speed which can take the top off the defense. With 11.5 yards per reception, he not only moves the chains but he can get downfield with ease. With more refined route running, Speedman will become one of Cue’s favorite targets at the next level.

10.  - Makoto Otawara, DE, Minnesota Grey Ducks

He started the year off slowly, but by the end of season 25 of the DSFL Makoto Otawara was playing like one of the top defensive linemen in the entire league. In the end, Otawara finished with 64 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 6 sacks. While these are not eye-popping stats, Otawara gives a little bit of everything to the defense. He can tackle and get into the backfield on rushing plays. He can also get to the quarterback, as evidenced by his 6 sacks he is a fantastic edge rusher. If Otawara can continue to improve as a jack of all trades player, he has the potential to massively outperform his draft spot here. The Sarasota Sailfish finished in the bottom half of the league in sacks and Makoto Otawara would be a great start in moving towards the top half of the league. With a new quarterback this year after the retirement of their MVP quarterback, the Sailfish are looking to retool, not rebuild, for another playoff run and Makoto Otawara would be a great pick for the present and future.

11.  BamBam McMullet, LB, Tijuana Luchadores

BamBam McMullet has an elite name and an elite game. In his rookie season with the Tijuana Luchadores, McMullet almost eclipsed 100 tackles on the season but was not quite there and finished with 97 tackles. His tackling ability is solid but the Butchers are taking him because of his all-around game. Aside from the tackles, BamBam finished with 2 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defended. He is one of the top coverage linebackers in the class and proved that this season with the most interceptions by a rookie linebacker with 2. His 3 passes defended are also a sign of elite pass coverage ability. The Butchers need to work with him on his discipline and technique, but he has all the makings of a 4+ interception a year linebacker. His 4 sacks and 2 tackles for loss show that he can also blitz and be a thumper in the run game when necessary. The Butcher’s top linebacker Mike Hockhertz is heading towards retirement in a few years and BamBam McMullet would be a perfect replacement. With the ability to sit and learn behind Hockhertz and work in the weight room for a year or two, McMullet will come into the ISFL as a force to be reckoned with as soon as he is called up.

12.  - Moe Skeeter, S, Portland Pythons

Another team that faced heartbreak in the playoffs, the Orange County Otters had their minds set on an Ultimus but fell victim to the same fate the Yeti did against the Ultimus champion San Jose Sabercats. With this pick, I believe they will take advantage of a prospect falling due to other teams ahead of them having other more pressing needs. The Otters are all set to have another run at the Ultimus, and this pick could be used on a prospect for the future and that is what they will do in selecting safety Moe Skeeter. As of now, the Otters have a ridiculously good safety trio with Vegeta, Biggums, and Bob. However, Biggums sooner than Vegeta, both will be regressing soon and the Otters will need a ready-made replacement for one or both of them. Enter Moe Skeeter. Skeeter was arguably the top safety in the entire DSFL but was the undisputed best rookie safety this past season. Skeeter finished with absurd totals of 67 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 4 interceptions, and 4 passes defended. For a rookie, these are insane numbers and most would think Skeeter was a 2 or 3 year veteran. He is able to rush the passer, has elite coverage skills, and can come down in the run game and make plays. The most impressive part of his season though was his 2 defensive touchdowns, the most in the DSFL. Skeeter has a nose for making game-changing plays in clutch moments. The most value a defensive player can add is through turnover and scoring. Skeeter can do both from the safety position at a high level. Do not be surprised when Moe Skeeter is one of the top safeties in the ISFL as soon as he is called up in a year or two.

13.  - Quavious McGrady, WR, Tijuana Luchadores

The Chicago Butchers were painfully close to an Ultimus but had it snatched out of their hands by the San Jose Sabercats in the last quarter. Not only will Chicago be back for revenge next year, but they also have the talent where it would not be surprising if they were in the Ultimus next year as well. As a result, the best pick for them now would be going with a player who will be able to contribute down the line and not necessarily be looked at for immediate production. The Butchers have one of the top wide receiver duos in the league with Sean O’Leary and Bender B. Rodriguez. These two will continue to dominate next year, but they are both on the older side and will begin to regress towards retirement soon. Quavious McGrady would be a great bet to take over one of those spots down the line. He had a great rookie season in which he caught 72 balls for 833 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Ultimini winning Tijuana Luchadores. Top 6 in the league in both yards and receptions, McGrady looks to have massive upside to be a player who can go over 1000 yards yearly. Not to mention, he was top 5 in yards per reception with 11.6 among players who caught more than 50 passes. This proves that Quavious McGrady is not just a reliable possession receiver, but he will go yard if he gets into the open field. The Yeti are all about the present right now, but McGrady will be their future Wide Receiver 1.

14.  - Jaja Ding Dong, TE, Minnesota Grey Ducks

Without a tight end currently on their roster, the San Jose Sabercats grab the best from this year's rookie draft class. Jaja Ding Dong is not only an elite and reliable pass catcher, but he is also a monster in the run game as well who is able to take on lead blocks against defensive lineman and linebackers most tight ends would not dare to. In this past season, Jaja caught 64 balls for 511 yards and two touchdowns. While he only had 8 yards per reception, he was a reliable chain mover for rookie quarterback Ryan Negs and was not prone to any drops. However, his receiving skills will not be the main reason for the Sabercats to draft Jaja Ding Dong. This would be his blocking skills. He ended with 34 pancakes on the year, even ahead of some offensive lineman. He is an absolute mauler in the run game and is basically like having a sixth offensive lineman on the field on run plays, but also having an extra receiver on passing plays. His versatility and reliability will only bolster a San Jose passing game who excels at the deep ball. Adding Ding Dong to their corps will give them an underneath threat and chain mover which will help their passing efficiency greatly. Not to mention, the dude has an awesome name.