Tackled for a Loss: NFL Draft to FF Draft (Mock Draft link included)

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Dateline: 4/26/02
by Linus Scrimmage

We have seen where the pros picked ‘em, now the question becomes where will we pick them? This year is very difficult to predict because teams are not only drafting to fill holes in their roster but also to fill up their developmental squads. What will play into different owners decisions? How will things unfold and how will you know who the winners and losers are? Here is a look at where the teams stand heading into the draft (based on 4/13 Cap App), comments on what could happen with first round picks and a link to a 3 round mock draft.

Please note that during the offseason regular Tackled for a Loss columns will be published on Friday's. However in this case I wanted to get people thoughts and see if we could spark some discussion.

East
Vagrants (Picks 1.2, 2.2, and 3.2) with $5,087 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 1
RB: 3
WR: 3
TE: 0
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Clearly not much need for a 4th RB, but developmental squad could be an option. My guess would be QB or possibly WR at 1.2 or maybe a trade down.

Predators (Picks 1.5, 1.11, and 3.6) with $339 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 4
WR: 5
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 1

Comments: Almost definitely a developmental player at 1.5. The question is who will be available there? Can you pass on a RB like Duckett or Portis?

Opihi (Picks 1.4, 2.5, and 3.5) with $718 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 5
WR: 5
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Not a lot of roster space left, so 1.4 will likely be a developmental pick. Could be best available and Harrington may be the QB of the future. Also, hard to look past the HI connection with Lelie.

Freedom (Picks 1.6, 1.10, 2.4, and 3.4) with $3,959 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 2
WR: 1
TE: 1
K: 1
D: 0

Comments: With so many needs, especially at WR, the extra first round pick should come in handy. Which WR’s will be available at 1.6 and in WR deep draft do you take another at 1.10? If Lelie gets by the Opihi could he be headed to Philly?

Central
Wyverns (Picks 2.6 and 2.11) with $2,014 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 1
RB: 1
WR: 4
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Not picking until 2.6 it is very hard to predict. Not a load of cap space and a number of spots to fill my guess would be not WR unless it is developmental.

Devil Hounds (Picks 1.9, 2.9, 3.9 and 3.10) with $3,933 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 1
RB: 1
WR: 2
TE: 2
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: A good amount of cap space a number of holes to fill could go with best available and get a starter at 1.9 at any number of positions. If Ramsey is there, does he merit a shot as Warner’s back-up. Does a trade up make sense here?

Wounder Mutts (Picks 1.7, 2.7, and 3.7) with $4,655 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 1
RB: 4
WR: 5
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 1

Comments: Lots of spaces already filled and lots of money to spend. Could another trade up be in the works? The Mutts certainly could afford the price of a top 3 pick and plug them in as a starter this year. Mutts also have 7 players who will be FA’s at the end of the 2002 season.

Toxic Waste (Picks 1.1, 2.1, and 3.1) with $4,947 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 1
WR: 5
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Lots of cap space and a RB could be plugged right into the starting line-up. If so, is it Green, Duckett, Portis or Foster? Could also offer to trade down and pick up the cost of some extra salaries for 2002.

West
Ragers (Picks 1.3, 2.3 and 3.3) with $838 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 5
WR: 5
TE: 0
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Not a lot of cap space or holes to fill. This could be a developmental pick and the opinions here are endless. With such a high pick could a trade down for extra picks to fill the developmental squad be in order?

Squirrel Chasers (Picks 1.8, 2.8 and 3.8) with $1,250 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 3
WR: 5
TE: 0
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: Another spot where the current roster almost screams for a developmental pick but the wrinkle could be a TE, from the three NFL first round selections. Is this too high to consider grabbing one?

Insects (Picks 1.12, 2.12 and 3.12) with $2,263 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 2
RB: 3
WR: 3
TE: 1
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: As a result of winning the title the Insects will not be picking very high. However, this could be to their advantage as costs will be lower and it is possible that a 2002 starter may be available at 1.12.

Dodgers (Picks 2.10 and 3.11) with $2,555 of cap space (not counting developmental squad)
Current Roster:
QB: 1
RB: 4
WR: 1
TE: 2
K: 0
D: 0

Comments: This is another spot where it is impossible to predict what will happen. The Dodgers have depth at RB and could look to move one of their top flight RB’s to add some WR help.


See attached thread for
2002 Rookie Mock Draft