2052 1st round draft review Welcome to the 32nd annual 1st round draft review. I'm on vacation at the beach so it's better late than never!!
MULTIPLE PICKSVancouver ×3
Houston ×2
Vegas ×2
Phoenix ×3
NO PICKSBuffalo
Cincinnati
Daytona
Washington
Seattle
Atlanta
1.1
TexasCB Enrique Murray 39/94
Vol 98
5' 11" 191 lbs
Purdue
Texas selects the Jim Thorpe winner for best college DB with the #1 overall pick. His measurables at the combine were off the charts and his potential is HOF caliber. If there is any reason to doubt this pick, it's the fact that Murray knows exactly how great he is which could lead him to not work hard at the next level. If he just does the bare minimum at camp he is an ALLPRO talent but if he lacks work ethic he could become a huge bust. Texas is gambling they will get the most out Murray and it's a gamble well worth taking.
Grade A+
1.2
CarolinaQB Frank Walker 37/84
Vol 88
6' 1" 225 lbs
Arizona State
Carolina selects the best QB in the draft with the 2nd overall pick. Walker led Arizona State to the National Championship in college and has the potential to be great. It's all about how he develops in the XFL which will determine if he can reach that potential. Scouts believe he can have elite accuracy and the ability to look off Defenders but his arm is considered average along will his intelligence at the position. His vision and release are rated good and he is very disciplined.
Grade A
1.3
MiamiCB Howard Leonard 38/84
Vol 26
5' 11" 216 lbs
Arizona State
Miami selects a DB from the National Champion Arizona State in Leonard. He has elite cover skills along with elite acceleration which helps offset his speed which is just good. Scouts love his cover technique which means he should start year 1 for Miami which clearly needs help in the secondary since they play Buffalo twice a season.
Grade A+
1.4
VancouverCB Gregory Johnson 32/83
Vol 20
6' 2" 203 lbs
Iowa
Vancouver has 3 picks in the 1st round and they use the first to select a CB out of Iowa. Johnson is a football player with elite cover skills plus he is a willing tackler against the run. His biggest weakness is his speed which is rated average for his position but his advanced skills in coverage should help him compete at the next level. While his upside may have a lower ceiling, his floor is much higher then most draft picks.
Grade A
1.5
HoustonLT Reid Martin 34/96
Vol 100
6' 5" 317 lbs
Maryland
Houston has two picks in the top 12 and they use pick #1 on the Maxwell award winner. Martin is a physical specimen with incredible speed, strength & quickness for a LT. He has elite potential which is why he went 5th overall but he needs to develop his pass blocking since his road blocking is already advanced. He could anchor Houston's offensive line for the next decade if he develops in TC.
Grade A+
1.6
Gem CityMLB Andrew Kelley 35/84
Vol 14
6' 1" 247 lbs
Nebraska
Gem City missed the postseason for the first time in 6 seasons and just the second time in the last 15 seasons. They traded up in the draft to select a MLB with a complete skill set. Kelley has above average speed, quickness and intelligence to go along with exceptional discipline. He also is a sure tackler with the ability to stop the run, rush the passer or play in coverage which makes him a prime candidate to start at MLB for the Gangsters from day 1 and he could lead the defense for the next 5-8 years.
Grade A+
1.7
OrlandoSLB David Hartzler 44/86
Vol 30
6' 3" 230 lbs
Michigan State
Orlando takes the second straight LB in the draft. He has elite speed & intelligence for the position and is better at pass coverage then rushing the pass passer while being a solid run stopper. Not much to complain about this pick as Hartzler could start at LB while some scouts believe he could easily switch to the secondary.
Grade A+
1.8
VancouverTE James Davis 34/88
Vol 42
6' 3" 251 lbs
Northwestern
Vancouver's second 1st round selection is the first TE to come off the board. Davis is special since he has the potential to start at TE, FB, RB or WR right away based on what the team needs or wants him to do. Vancouver missed the postseason for the first time in 10 seasons last year and this draft could give them another decade of playoff appearances.
Grade A+
1.9
Tampa BayTE Gregory Martinez 33/79
Vol 26
6' 5" 256 lbs
Tulane
Tampa selects the second straight TE in the draft in Martinez from Tulane. He has a great size & speed for the position but he clearly is just behind Davis in most skills for the position. He is very similar to Davis in his versatility to play multiple positions including TE & FB along with possibly RB or even WR based on the clubs needs.
1.10
PittsburghCB Ali Claypool 36/84
Vol 26
5' 11" 191 lbs
Auburn
The 4th DB comes off the board in the first ten picks in Claypool. He has above average speed and potentially elite M2M cover skills but he isn't considered a hard hitter or proven run stopper. He is a solid pick for being the 4th true DB taken as Pittsburgh attempts to end a 4 season drought from the postseason.
Grade A
1.11
Saint PaulWLB Wilfredo Essex 36/77
Vol 34
6' 0" 220 lbs
UCLA
Saint Paul is under brand new ownership who will look to snap a 13 season postseason drought. His first draft pick is an undersized LB with average speed but elite pass rush, run stopping and pass cover skills. Most scouts like him at safety where he can drop a few pounds and get a little faster. Time will tell what the new owner has in mind for this pick.
Grade A-
1.12
HoustonRG Elton Hypes 27/80
Vol 16
6' 3" 308 lbs
Western Illinois
Houston takes a 2nd offensive lineman with their 2nd pick in the 1st round. Hypes has elite strength and is considered an above average run blocker who is ideal at RG. This is year 3 under the current owner and they have clearly focused on improving the line in hopes of improving last year's 29 ranked offense.
Grade B
1.13
New EnglandWLB Jose Brooks 37/78
Vol 8
6' 2" 250 lbs
Michigan
Like Houston, New England is entering season 3 under their current owner. The team improved 5 games from year 1 to year 2 and if they can improve again anywhere near that pave this season then they are challenging for the postseason. That is significant since the team hasn't made the postseason the last 14 seasons. They select the 4th true LB in the 1st round with the 13th overall pick. Brooms has elite speed for his size and is considered an elite run stopper with the ability to strip the football. His pass rush and cover skills are rated between average to above average but he can play anywhere from inside to outside LB with a shot at becoming a punishing safety for the team.
Grade A
1.14
VancouverTE Eugene Henderson 32/74
Vol 78
6' 2" 252
Kansas
Vancouver's 3rd pick in the first 14 picks is another TE as they double up with the selection of Henderson. He has average speed for the position and isn't considered much of a blocker so he might transition to WR at some point if he can lose some weight. Time will tell but overall Vancouver helped improve themselves with 3 picks in the 1st round including 2 on offense and 1 on defense.
Grade A-
1.15
Los AngelesSS Keith Aronson 32/83
Vol 46
5' 11" 224 lbs
Miami
Los Angeles has finished right around .500 in 6 of the last 8 seasons and have found themselves just outside the playoffs during a 12 season postseason drought. They select a LB/DB tweener with the 15th overall pick. Aronson is undersized to play LB but if he drops a few pounds he can become a DB with elite speed. Scouts really love him as a SS which appears to be the Challengers plan for this player. Love this pick!
Grade A+
1.16
OaklandC Fransico Brennan 28/91
Vol 4
6' 4" 281 lbs
Washington
Oakland has finished the last 2 seasons at 8-8 and they land a potential ALLPRO Center with the 16th overall pick. Brennan is the Rimington award winner for best college center and should have zero issues transitioning to the XFL. Oakland had the 5th ranked defense last season and the 15th ranked offense and this pick will definitely help improve the offense.
Grade A+
1.17
Phoenix/b]
FS Jeffrey Fillion 30/80
Vol 100
6' 2" 209 lbs
San Jose State
The 6th DB comes off the board at pick 17 to Phoenix. The team has made the postseason the last 12 seasons including 11 straight division Titles but their issue has been the postseason where they have failed to win the Conference Championship, let alone the XFL Title. They have reached the NXC Conference Championship 4 times in the last 12 seasons and have lost all 4 games. They select a DB with near elite speed and the potential for great cover skills if he can develop in TC.
Grade A
[b]1.18
MemphisMLB Claude Loftis 34/77
Vol 26
6' 1" 246 lbs
Ohio State
The 5th LB comes off the board to Memphis. He is an elite tackler who is average to above average in all his LB skills and is a solid pick at this point of the 1st round.
Grade A-
1.19
Kansas CityWR Christopher Oneal 35/79
Vol 40
5' 10" 180 lbs
Penn State
Surprisingly, the first true college WR doesn't come off the board until the 19th pick to the Chaos. He has elite speed and a solid set of pass catching skill potential. He is a true WR only player and won't be used in the run game to either rush the ball or run block.
Grade A
1.20
New YorkRB Duane Clark 33/80
Vol 83
5' 9" 219 lbs
Louisiana State
The first real RB goes 20th to New York who has made the postseason two straight seasons with double digit wins in both seasons. Clark is built like a fire hydrant and has elite speed which makes him a dangerous runner. New York had the 6th ranked rush offense last season and this pick only improves a great strength as New York continues to try and catch Buffalo in the AXC East.
Grade A+
1.21
VegasRDE Robert Giunta 24/74
Vol 8
6' 1" 317 lbs
Brigham Young
Vegas finished 13-3 last season which was their best record in 12 seasons when they won the 2nd of back to back XFL Titles in 2040. They select college DT Giunta with the 21st overall pick. Vegas was 7th in sacks & 11th in rush defense last season and this pick should help in both areas. Giunta is above average in just about every skill you want from a defensive lineman with the exception of speed but scouts believe he could lose some weight and push his speed enough to be a force on the line.
Grade A
1.22
PhoenixFS Brian Murphy 35/74
Vol 64
6' 0" 213 lbs
Alabama
Phoenix adds another DB with their second 1st round pick. Phoenix had the #1 defense & pass defense last season so the addition of two 1st round DBs should help keep then at the top Defensively. Murphy has great speed & cover skills plus he is a willing tackler in the run game which makes him a versatile defender.
Grade A+
1.23
VegasWR Carlton Bellows 37/79
Vol 6
5' 11" 194 lbs
Southern California
Vegas used the 21st overall pick on defense so they used the 23rd pick on offense in WR Bellows. He is just the 2nd WR taken in the 1st round. He has elite speed and route running plus is above average on 50/50 ***** but his hands are only considered average. Vegas was 9th in passing offense last season and this add should help with his elite speed as he is considered a real playmaker.
Grade A+
1.24
PhiladelphiaMLB Lee Neal 39/80
Vol 18
5' 11" 240 lbs
Maryland
The 6th LB & 2nd Maryland Terrapin goes 24th overall to ownerless Philadelphia. The team has made 14 straight postseason but without leadership at the top, will that streak come to an end? They picked MLB Neal with their 1st pick and he is considered more of a pass rush/pass coverage type LB and not much of a run stopper so it will be interesting to see how the team uses him.
Grade A-
1.25
DakotaWR Smurf Murphy 36/80
Vol 100
5' 9" 198 lbs
Arizona
Dakota selects a WR with world class speed with the 25th overall pick. There is no denying Smurf's incredible speed but he is a project pick since his hands and ability to get off the line in press coverage are both considered below average. Despite his diminutive size, he has shown he doesn't shy away from contact on contested/jump ***** which coupled with his speed could play well in the XFL.
Grade A
1.26
BrooklynDT Atticus Finch 26/80
Vol 16
6' 2" 311 lbs
Army
Brooklyn was ranked 4th against the run last season and they added a DT with the 26th overall pick to improve a strength. Finch is a large human with exceptional strength, tackling & pass rush skills while he is above average at run stopping. He has a chance to start right away since Army has allowed him to pursue his career immediately and finish his commission later.
Grade B+
1.27
TorontoMLB John Munoz 35/76
Vol 28
6' 1" 234 lbs
Norwich
Toronto posted their best record in francise history at 13-3 last season but is wasn't good enough to win their 3rd division Title. They had the 9th ranked defense but only the 19th ranked rush defense so they selected MLB Munoz to help stop the run. He has good speed but is considered an elite run stopper with his near elite quickness to the ball.
Grade A
1.28
PhoenixRB Richard Berry 35/78
Vol 100
5' 10" 222 lbs
Georgia
Phoenix uses their third 1st round pick on offense in Bulldog RB Berry. He is a battering ram in the backfield with elite power and good speed plus he has shown the ability to be a weapon in the passing game. If Phoenix has a weakness it has been on offense which only ranked 6th overall compared to their #1 defense so this pick should help the offense after their first two picks were DBs.
Grade A
1.29
ProvidenceTE Jimmy Teague 33/77
Vol 32
6' 2" 253 lbs
Missouri
Providence selects a college TE with the 29th overall pick who they plan on converting to WR in the XFL. He has good speed, hands, B&R and jump ball ability for his size. His one glaring weakness is his route running but Providence wants him to lose some weight, gain some speed and possibly still line up at TE since his run blocking is a little above average. Providence has made the postseason in 11 straight seasons and had the 4th ranked pass offense last season so this pick adds to a strength.
Grade A
1.30
RandolphRDE Erik Hernandez 31/69
Vol 48
6' 4" 285 lbs
Nebraska
Zehlendorf has relocated back to the U.S. after spending 23 seasons in Germany. The francise is in the midst of a 15 year postseason drought and part of the thinking has been the brutal travel has been a key component of the prolonged losing. Time will tell how the new ownership and relocation will turn out but many francises across the league especially those in the NXC North are happy that they don't have to fly to Germany anymore. The first pick for Randolph and the new owner was delayed after they traded down to add more talent. They select DE Hernandez with the 30th overall pick. He is a physical freak with elite speed & strength for his 6' 4" 284 LB frame. He has a real chance to be a top 10 sack master on the edge for the Regualtors.
Grade A+
1.31
MontanaMLB Michael McConnell 31/74
Vol 52
6' 0" 249 lbs
Iowa State
The defending NXC Conference Champion Montana Grizzlies take the 8th LB in the 1st round which was the most for any position group followed by 7 DBs taken. MLB McConnell may be the 8th LBer to come off the board but he still is considered a possible starter in the middle of the defense. He has good speed, run stopping & pass coverage along with very good tackling and elite pass rush ability.
Grade A-
1.32
IndianaWR Bennie McNaughton 35/67
Vol 60
6' 2" 184 lbs
Maryland
Indiana takes the 3rd Maryland Terrapin to come off the board in the 1st round in WR McNaughton. He is only 184 lbs and has world class speed but his overall WR skill-set are all considered below average. This is a project pick where Indiana hopes to develop him into a speedy playmaker by training him up in camp. Scouts love his speed but concerns about his weight mean he could possibly need to put on some weight to hold up in the XFL which could alter his speed which is his primary asset.
Grade B
