Training Camp is has come and gone. Teams are busy evaluating their rosters and position groups, weighing weaknesses and trade options. The front offices across the league are moving at a sprinter’s pace in preparation for Week 1 of the regular season. With an idea of what they have with returning players and free agent acquisitions, no player is under more scrutiny than the first round pick. The expectations are high that the first round pick can not only mesh within a system, but also add to the organization as a foundational piece. Or not.




1.1 Ulysses Lucia, Pirates – MLB - The Pirates spent a lot of time scouting off the beaten trail for this MLB. This guy is dangerous big, dangerous fast, dangerous strong. On day 1 he has all the skills required to step in and be “the guy” for the Pirate’s defense. Though the acquisition of this pick led to hot button debate across the league, there was no debate when the small school MLB was put at the top of the board.
1.2 Matthew Park, Pirates – QB - There were murmurs during the draft of one team specifically trying to pull out all the stops to acquire this QB out of Washington State. The QB comes ready to step in and play now. Questions about his ceiling were answered during training camp – it’s high, just not to the moon. Pirates continue to set forth the foundation for the future with this pick.
1.3 Mike Ditka, Tigers – TE – Really a multi-tool player. Feel free to place him along the line or in the backfield, also fits well at TE where he will play for Brooklyn. A small drop off during training camp but no love lost there – rarely does a TE warrant being picked this high and then living up to the draft spot. This pick was made to sure up a known weakness on the offense and does exactly that.
1.4 Oscar Triplett, Raiders – FS – The Raiders look invigorate an aging secondary by selecting this FS out of Texas Tech. This player comes out of his senior year after getting little notoriety in his junior year. What changed? Dude hit the weight room and stacked on some weigh, with that came strength, with that came confidence. By the first game in senior year Triplett was in form and coming down hard on RB’s from the secondary. He will look to bring that impact at a much-needed time as the league evolves (praise to the higher ones and the design by which they deploy).
1.5 Cecil Langer, Falcons – CB – Atlanta fans were underwhelmed with the announcement of this pick for a CB who lacks top end speed, there were demands on local radio for the organization to trade back and acquire more picks as they believed Langer was not the only or best option – but was a top need for the dirty birds. Further to their dismay the CB out of Maryland took another step back during training camp. No one wants to take the heat for this pick, but the coach eloquently pointed out that the league is not the league we once knew, and Langer holds the skills to sustain in the league today. I will check back with you in year 4 coach.
1.6 Christopher Mayle, Lions – WLB – Coming out of Nebraska where he formerly played in the secondary, Mayle is being asked to make a position change and fill a need for a fast mid-level player on defense for the Lions. The Lions could be onto something here as the rookie possesses the skillset required to dominate in the middle of the field. The Detroit fanbase wants to send their regards to Atlanta for leaving this low-risk defensive player on the board.
1.7 Bruce Hall, Broncos – RB – To this point there has been much more bust than there has been boom. Bruce Hall, the RB out of Delaware (people live in Delaware that become first round draft picks as RB?), suffered a major injury during the end of his sophomore year. His production wasn’t quite the same upon his return in his junior year, though he did play well in Delaware’s bowl game (Shaq’s Big Pepperoni Pizza by Papa John’s presents, the Orkin Pest Solutions Dog Bowl) which may have been the only game Denver had scouts at. After the draft, it was uncovered that Hall was endorsed via NIL rules by foreign investors running a steroid scheme into the US. Hall denies knowing the depth of the business and solely focused on the natural remedies promoted by the company, and it’s team of doctors headquartered in Ecuadorian capital city, to which he gives all credit for making him able to play football once again – just as long as he keeps his regiment of all natural concentrated bovine plasma on track.
1.8 Robert Adams, Thundercocks – RB – Finally, the bleeding stops. That is exactly what Adams will be in context of his future goes within the Thundercocks locker room – coagulated blood sitting on the surface of the skin, holding back al the wet stuff from leaking out. The small school RB is steadily dropping weight and walks in as the day one starter for this backfield. Look for this individual to make perhaps the biggest impact on offense this season – with proper game planning from the coaching staff, Adams could be your Rookie of the Year.
1.9 Kristofer Ramos, OrangeCrush – WR – Someone picked the scab and we are spilling out again! Ramos has the speed, courage and route running ability on lock. The guy is no doubt smart. As pick 1.9, it is unfortunate. As a player on the roster, he is a nice piece – just not here, not now. My earliest analysis of this pick is that he will be in the league a while, but as this draft story will tell there were more/better options available at different positions.
1.10 Robert Baugher, Anteaters – RG – To round out the not so impressive top 10 we have this RG from Missouri who looks to be yet another open wound. What he has to offer with his strength, intelligence and discipline (not to mention his own cooking show on local tv) will not be enough to carry on in the Moguls league. This will be an eventual and inevitable cut. He may get some league time though as to not incur so much dead cap space upon his release – perhaps he takes this time to shine and plead his case to stay.
1.11 Dean Taylor, Hound Dogs – SLB – The third LB off the board and perhaps the best (only a full career will tell). Dean Taylor is a freakin’ wrecking ball. With the drafting of Taylor, the Hound Dogs and fans believe they have the defensive piece that now sets the tone. Taylor is expected to be a leader when on the field and the Hound Dogs will look to create more opportunities early on for him to succeed.
1.12 Luis Carl, Ravens – RB – A safe pick for the Ravens who lack much depth in the RB room. Carl showed why he was a first round pick during training camp by showing up some of the veteran linebackers during one-on-one drills. He may not live up to his draft slot, but he is going to generate some production for the Ravens offense as they take another step forward.
1.13 Jeremy Pope, Devils – WR – Pope, like many before him, did not show up prepared for Training Camp and showed his true colors. Going into the draft Pope was given much attention due to his intelligence and speed – if only he could have brought it all together he’d be the complete receiver. He may stick, but it is going to take some serious effort in the in the stat box to show he belongs.
1.14 Michael Finnegan, Rocky Mountain Bronx – TE – He might come from Nevada but the team from everywhere and nowhere took what looks to be a sure bet. As has been the common theme of the first round there was a lowering of the ceiling for Finnegan but he has enough there already to be a fixture . If the team from everywhere and no where wishes they can move him to play multiple skill positions. Even with his flaws the TE is looking good when valued on the curve to this point in the draft.
1.15 Darrell King, Bangles – TE – The Bangles immediately respond with their own TE selection for a monster of a man in Darrell King out of Oregon. He didn’t own the top end speed as some of his counter parts that were selected earlier but it was clear his floor was higher. The Bangles will look to solidify their offense under new ownership. King will be a big piece going forward as he looks to hold down the tight end position.
1.16 Melvin William, Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies – LT – Only the second offensive lineman selected in the first round, one of the brighter futures undoubtedly. That team from Charlotte was focused on addressing production and decided to start the effort in the trenches. The LT was able to slide in and be an instant impact and will only ripen with time. Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies coach acknowledged he is no longer experimenting and looks to firmly plant a hold back on the NFC South following two unsuccessful campaigns.
1.17 Karl Ferguson, Seahawks – SS – I love defense, and for that reason alone this is my favorite pick so far. Fast? Check. Smart? Check. Coverage Skills? Check. Safe? Check. His “Trade Value” and default rating may not wow you, but these SS has the ability to stop an offense in its tracks. And mark my words, he is going to. Playing at the ever-lucrative SS spot he will be challenged to come downhill and attack the run, and he will be challenged in over the top, but smart coaches are going to game plan to avoid this rookie. Perhaps the most underrated pick so far.
1.18 Scott Morton, Falcons – DT - Looking to continue adding help for the defense, the Falcons select the DT from Notre Dame. He was considered a leader back at the comforts of his alma mater, but he is yet another green thumb in the Moguls league. What Morton does do, he does well. There are questions about his ability to drive the pocket and roll-off blocks due to concerns of acceleration and strength. Don’t sleep on him – the DT is highly technical and displayed this during his first preseason game
1.19 Jose Daniels, Wraiths – SS – Daniels comes out of Memphis where he started all four years before deciding to enter the draft. His was highly recruited coming into college until he faced setbacks nearing the end of his senior year in high school when questions arose motivation. Odd to hear this type of speculation for a high school recruit, none the less offers started falling. During his time in Memphis Daniels was a constant presence on the defense but never seemed to live up to high expectations. Las Vegas took a first round flyer and will be paying the price of business. The good, LV depth in the secondary just got an upgrade and future contract will be very affordable. The bad, LV depth in the secondary just got an upgrade and future contract will be very affordable.
1.20 Dan Crossman, Monarches – SS – Okay, Ferguson just got booted from most underrated player during first round. Crossman does not have default ratings that will wow you, but my weights show him as 52/82. The only thing holding Crossman back at this point are his tiny arms. He has seriously tiny arms that prevent him from wrapping up during a tackle. He will be there to get in the way, may strip the ball, but do not let this guy get caught in a one-on-one in open field. He will more than make up for his short arms with his uncanny ability to be where the ball is. Though Training Camp was closed to the press, receivers noted that he has the ability to use his head as a third hand to knock-down passes. Time for a knock-down rule?
1.21 Anthony Jenkins, Barbarians – WLB – Fans are stunned, coaches are stunned, the front office is stunned. Word is that this kid out of UCLA talked a huge game during interviews at the combine. He was put to the test during Training Camp and did not really live up to the expectations. He has a high enough floor that he will serve for years in the league but he is never going to impress. Don’t be surprised to this player move around on defense. Where he is a man specialized in nothing, he has enough ability in various places to plug a hole. Right now he will just plug up cap space until the Barbarians can get this rookie on a more team friendly contract or replace him altogether.