Steel: Congrats Hero on making another SB, you're on the verge of winning 3 of the first 4 and going 3-0 in the big game. What makes this one different from the first two?
Hero: This one is different in its own unique way. Personally, I just finished one of the busiest years of work I’ve ever experienced. I feel relieved coming into this game from that perspective. From a BL perspective, it’s not really all that different I’m playing against someone that I respect as a person first & foremost but also as a user who has defied the odds. Connor is the ideal SB opponent. Regardless of how it pans out, I’ll be happy to have made another SB & have played a deserving opponent.
S: I get that and can respect it. It's obviously not as great as your first, and you had crazy success with all the outside ‘distractions’ if you will. What point in the season did you realize you have a chance to not only make the playoffs but get the one seed?
H: Yeah man, a lot of the stress & distractions will absolutely be reduced. Idk if that impacts the game in between the lines but feel it’s worth acknowledging.
Steel: First off, congrats on winning the NFC, it was no easy feat as you had to go through the giants who can play with anyone, the 3x NFC champ WFT, and the one seed and perennial Super Bowl contender Rams. I want to get into your head *wink wink* and know if you did anything different to prepare for these games, or did you just kind of play your game and make adjustments on the fly?
Connor: Appreciate it! I think in these big games you always want to go in with at least a sound defensive gameplan based on what you've seen in their gameplay. Lucky Alex and Cody all have unique ways they try to attack you on offense and especially in M22 you have to come out of the gate with at least an idea of what you want to prioritize slowing down or you're going to have a really bad time. Without getting into too many specifics cause I'll probably play those guys again in playoff games later in the cycle, yes I absolutely had specific gameplans for all three of them on defense. More important than anything was having the confidence that I could beat all three of those guys on my best day, which is something I've often lacked in big games in previous cycles. Without last season's run to the NFCCG and playing Alex so close, I probably don't make this Super Bowl run.
S: That's great! Its really nice picking apart different users brains, but I understand not wanting to give info on how you won those games, but it's nice seeing that if you want to win you gotta have a plan. So you bring up about having confidence going into this playoffs because of your run last year, was there anything else this season, like any specific moment or after a game that you thought ‘dude I got a great chance to win a ring this season’?
C: Well, you obviously have to look at those AZ games where I was able to beat Cody and Lil Alex in front of a rabid home crowd (hi Mom!). I don't think there was a specific time during this season where I thought to myself "I really could win a ring this year", more so just trying to play at as high of a level as I can every game and see where things go from there. I've never seen myself as one of the best or most knowledgeable Madden users in the BL, this league is a collection of incredible talent and I'm just grateful to be in this position where I can try to make history again. My goal every season is just to make playoffs and everything beyond that is icing on the cake, that's the mindset I have to have especially when I spent the first four cycles of the league being completely irrelevant. The moment I develop an ego about my Madden skills, I'll stop having fun.
S: Haha yea we don't want you contemplating leaving the league or taking a bridge after a playoff loss… I think it's time to take yourself a little more seriously though. You're part of a small group of people who have won a ring in BL and have a chance to win two. Speaking of your other ring, how do you feel differently or the same going into this game and what's it like going against your old team?
C: The whole M21 run felt like a dream, it went so counter to how I perceive myself in this league that I almost couldn't believe it was happening in the middle of it. Being in the hall now this run feels less special, but I'll be just as thrilled if I manage to win tonight. Going against this Browns roster will be interesting for sure, Hero's done an incredible job both with roster construction and how he's been playing the game and he's securing dynasty talk if he can win this one. I can't remember another time in league history where someone's gone from constantly getting bounced in the WC round to being as much of a force as Hero now is in the span of one cycle. The ghost of Banyard will be watching this one from up above ????
S: I know I've said it in chat and you're kind of echoing my thoughts, the first ring is special and nothing will ever top it but those rings after it will solidify your legacy. I 100% agree with the statement about the hump that hero has gotten over. I felt that exact same way about him when I was thinking about this cycle. Also after this game one of you will be undefeated in Super Bowls, and one is going to have their first super bowl loss. I think if you win this it has to be one of the greatest runs I have ever seen in BL based off of who you played and who you will have had to beat in this playoffs. What was your favorite playoff moment of this cycle and one you have had in BL that doesn't involve a game you played in?
C: There have been so many playoff moments this cycle it almost feels unfair to narrow it down to just one. Phil dropping 74 on Austin in the WC? Wild shit. Lil Alex 0-3 in Super Bowls? Wild shit. Justin making Cmass his son? LMAOOOOOO wild shit. But if I had to choose just one the final play of Hero-Lil Alex #2 was one of the all-timers. So many narratives in this league are completely different if you just change the result of that one play. The wheel was open Alex!
S: We have been very lucky to have some of the all time great story lines and great games recently. More than I remember in most CFMs I've been in. Few more questions coach then I'm going to let you get ready for the game, also I'd like to say thanks for doing this. So I let the viewers bring in a question, and their question is this: out of all the solid(usually over .500 users) who's one user you just feel you're going to beat 9/10 times?
C: Of all the users with consistent winning records I'd say I feel the most confident against Lucky. I go into every game feeling that he's going to throw a couple picks over the course of the game and it really takes a lot of pressure off of me on offense. As I've told him in parties and have said in BLN streams, if he embraced the Kiing approach and leaned heavily on runs and checkdowns he'd instantly become much more dangerous in my opinion. But, then again, he might not have as much fun playing that way. Not everyone's here to get sweaty day in and day out!
S: Wow I'm very surprised at you for bodying your Washington brethren. I agree with you on how he should play though, but like you said that might not be what motivates him. What's for dinner before the big game?
C: I had Shake Shack before my first Super Bowl against Ben so that's what we'll be going back to for this one. Can't get nervous if you're in a food coma!
S: Haha that's awesome, gotta keep the superstitions going. Well good luck tonight. I think you're both very similar users and I honestly have no idea who's going to win. Thanks again for taking your time to do this.
C: Appreciate you. Shoutout Steel City. Shoutout Miami brothers. Shoutout Fogo de Chao
- there you have it folks. Off the record connor has predicted he will win the super bowl 46-13 -
Let’s take a look back at my season 2 predictions before we post season 3 and see what I got right and what I absolutely bombed the predicted records are in parenthesis and the actual records are not
AFC East:
Season predictions
AFC East:
AFC Contender/pretender
Contender/pretender
Power Rankings(preseason Rank)
5: (4) Ravens - in Cmass’ 6 wins his opponents average 2.3 wins, through 7 weeks. I don’t say that to diminish what he’s doing but in his first real test against duhooty he lost. He hasn’t been challenged and has been able to run the ball and play amazing defense. I’m not on the cmass train but I’m definitely not off, his resume has shown that he can definitely win in this league. Week 12-18 will be the pudding. Let’s see if he has the proof.
4: (7) Bengals - I’ll forgive the week one blow out to Dan but the loss to kook was somewhat surprising. His defensive numbers are a bit misleading, he was one of the toughest most confusing defenses I have played in a game where defense is shit. Tom Brady is going to boost this offense to the next level. I’m excited to see if he can go 3-0 in the division when he plays hero week 9.
3: (20) Falcons - this is pre panthers game. Some solid wins against kiing, Lucky and little Alex. But they have been close wins. No one remembers the final score just that you got a win. Winning the close one takes guts and some mental fortitude. Fin has the inside road as the nfc favorite.
2: (6) Browns - same as cmass, his schedule hasn’t been particularly tough so far but he’s gotten it done. He did beat the two users who had winning records, Dan and Phil. The comeback win against phil really showed something. Those were the games hero used to fall out of but it looks like he’s able to throw the ball around a bit and that’s scary.
1: (9) Panthers - I love this team. The secondary is insane. The dline is fun and the offense has playmakers at WR and RB with a solid qb. Morty has blown out everyone he’s played besides the random game with Ben. 53 points for and 23 against. Number one in both Categories. When have you seen a 30 point differential. Just run the ball Morty. And stop breaking rules.
Power Rabkings(Preseason Rank)
10: (1) Rams - The schedule has been pretty weak so far. We didn’t think Cody would lose one division game all cycle then lost his first one. Let’s see what he does to Ben who he owns then a game against Cloud to really judge Cody in this early season
9: (5) WFT - You got away from Austin then lost two Cam and Fin back to back. Everyone’s favorite to make it to the nfc champ game and the only defining win was against lucky so far. Week 11 vs Morty will be the real test.
8: (22) Bills - lost the first game then ran off four straight before a close game with cloud. I don’t think many people had the bills winning the East but they have a shot. The next stretch of jags jets and colts will show us if cam is the real deal or not.
7: (3) Vikings - the normally offensive user is winning games with his defense, outside of the mental block that lives in Carolina. Dan got out of MSO with a 4-2 record and tied for the division lead with Dirk Diggler. Week 9 and 11 against the Ravens and Packers respectively will show us if Dan can win with low level rookie QBs or if mond is a fluke and he needs to find his next Fletcher.
6: (17) Titans - Another user that no one is talking about who has more wins than typed messages of ‘Vance’ which is shocking. Their only loss was to taint in week 3. He will face him again in two weeks hopefully for Cloud he doesn’t lose that game and lose the tie breaker that comes with it.
Power Rabkings(Preseason Rank)
10: (1) Rams - The schedule has been pretty weak so far. We didn’t think Cody would lose one division game all cycle then lost his first one. Let’s see what he does to Ben who he owns then a game against Cloud to really judge Cody in this early season
9: (5) WFT - You got away from Austin then lost two Cam and Fin back to back. Everyone’s favorite to make it to the nfc champ game and the only defining win was against lucky so far. Week 11 vs Morty will be the real test.
8: (22) Bills - lost the first game then ran off four straight before a close game with cloud. I don’t think many people had the bills winning the East but they have a shot. The next stretch of jags jets and colts will show us if cam is the real deal or not.
7: (3) Vikings - the normally offensive user is winning games with his defense, outside of the mental block that lives in Carolina. Dan got out of MSO with a 4-2 record and tied for the division lead with Dirk Diggler. Week 9 and 11 against the Ravens and Packers respectively will show us if Dan can win with low level rookie QBs or if mond is a fluke and he needs to find his next Fletcher.
6: (17) Titans - Another user that no one is talking about who has more wins than typed messages of ‘Vance’ which is shocking. Their only loss was to taint in week 3. He will face him again in two weeks hopefully for Cloud he doesn’t lose that game and lose the tie breaker that comes with it.
Power Rankings (Preseason rank)
19: (14) Steelers - What a roller coaster of a ride. We’ve given up 8 defensive TDs in back to back games and one int got returned to the one. There’s a ton of holes on this team but the offense just needs to be smart and more efficient. Next week against the browns will show us where we are. Remember, punts aren’t a bad thing.
18: (2) Patriots - what are we doing man? Don’t give in to MSO, but the three wins are against, gamble, Jesse, and Connor? No dick sucking here, nut up and learn the game like you have the last two maddens.
17: (30) Niners - start off hot, got a player suspended then lose a close one to chap. Get your back blown out then beat the great Taint. What are we doing here Ryan. Beat the bears and the cards next to prove you belong in the top half of the league.
15: (kook) Jags - literally no one is talking about kook maybe cuz kook doesn’t talk himself. The foreigner has played well against some of the better users and knocked off hooty Pre-SFL. I could see Kook pushing for a WC or staying at .500 or never winning another game. He’s the Maple Leafs of BL.
14: (21) Broncos - I think phil with the new internet is going to take off in the second half of the season. He’s played some close games with top users and blown out the ones he should and could beat. If he can keep up with little Alex it will show me he’s ready to win the afc west.
13: (23) Cards - Started off miserably, but all he needed was a game against Cody to get right back on track. If Kyler learns to throw a little better while keeping up with the run game the cards could push for a WC spot. Cards v packers next week is a game to watch.
12: (24) Colts - this has to be the highest Matt has ever been. My breakout user, If Dan didn’t pull a Justin on us. Until the Niners game you were winning the games you should and keeping up with the players people thought should beat you. You had chances to win against Cody but sucked in the RZ and you got too nice against Cmass and declined a penalty. You shore those things up you can win the south. Oh and not lose to Ryan.
11: (16) Giants - Blows Cody out one week. Gets blown out the next by Morty. Typical Lucky. The next NINE GAMES are against teams with losing records, have I said the NFC is ass yet, wow. Win those games and you could be fighting for the division.
Ranks: (preseason rank)
32: Dolphins - no user
31: (32) Eagles - Nick is putting up 28 points a game which in any other madden would be top half of the league. So maybe there is some improvement happening, we just don’t see it because of the 36 INT thrown. Cut those down and we’ll see some closer games.
30: (19) Lions - Bos took his favorite team and like some others who did the same, are maybe regretting it. It’s an uphill battle with the lions and maybe we expected too much from year one Bos.
29: (27) Chiefs - Why are the chiefs cursed in CFM. Poor Mahomes. The only win by these chiefs was against the Eagles. Maybe next year after the Mahomes reroll it will help your defense not give up 57 PPG (32nd).
28: (8) Texans - Another good user who’s rebuilding. But when you call out taint and then lose and follow it up by losing to Caiden. It’s a bad look. Great users win with bad teams. Gotta not be last in yards against but maybe that’s the point when you’re trying to dev your qb.
27: (28) Hawks - I don’t think Chap should be this low I just know his win total keeps him around here. He beat me, had a solid game with a backup qb to Dan and then just lost to Connor. I really think chap could be the next user to surprise people if he would just stop throwing so many ‘fuck it’ balls.
26: (11) Saints - you’re only here cuz you beat the hawks and being higher than Ben will throw him in a tizzy. Having one win is atrocious with this roster though. You have the offensive weapons, just find the fastest rb and try to recreate last years magic.
25: (13) Cowboys - Good win against MSO Austin. The lurk at the end of the game was vintage Chase. Tons of close games that show me you’re on the cusp of putting it back together, just a lack of game familiarity right now is your downfall.
24: (15) Chargers - Justin can’t throw and he’s not running enough to get wins. Go back to your bread and butter. Under 20 rushes per game is not the Justin key to success.
23: (12) Jets - another MSO user. Typical Kiing season one, try to dev one player, tank, get good picks, build for season 2 and beyond. Maybe play some dime -Justin
So I know we do our own Hall of Fame voting for artificial intelligence but that’s not totally fair to the real life players who have been dominant in our CFM for 7 seasons. So I decided to do an “All-Pro” team. This includes created players too because not all artificial intelligence will make it into the Hall. So let’s get to the offensive side of the ball and these are my choices on who was the best and most consistent players for our CFM. I’ll also give you a little tidbit on why some players were not chosen, but got an honorable mention. Also the stats are an average per season unless it says total which is obviously the total number of stats that player had in the cycle.
QB - Matt Davis 5262/70%/54/25 (6 seasons)
5 pro bowls
Mvp
Offensive player of the year
ROY
3 QBOTY
I mean did you expect it to be anyone else. These numbers would be a tad higher if he didn’t miss 5 games in our 6th season when he was on pace for 6000 passing yards and 57 TDs and also the FW season 7. People would die for a 2:1 TD:INT ration in CFM with 70% completion. He also won 4 Super Bowls and is looking for his 5th in a day or two.
Honorable mentions:
Josh Allen 4309/69%/47/28
3 pro bowl
QBOTY
He’s not Matthew Davis
Joe Burrow 4640/70%/40/30
6 pro bowl
He’s not Matthew Davis
RB - Cam Akers
2143 yards 22 TDs 656 rec yards 34 tot rec TDs
6 pro bowls
1 led league in rush yards
ROY
3 OPOY
3 RBOTY
2 MVP
It’s pretty ridiculous what Kiing has done with Cam Akers. Even in that weird year where he went to the eagles so kiing could dev Miles Sanders for Ryan. I know we think of Imani Boothe being the RB of the cycle but he just didn’t have to do it in the gauntlet that is the NFC West. If Hero had Boothe the whole cycle it would be a lot tougher to decide. Akers was just dominant since day one and doesn’t have the extra speed that Boothe did so it makes it more impressive.
Honorable Mentions:
Imani Boothe (6 seasons(4seasons))
1538 yards(2104) 22 TDs(31) 492 rec yards(707) 22 total rec TDs
4 pro bowl
1 led league in rush yards
2 MVP
2 OPOY
2 RBOTY
The numbers in parenthesis are Boothes numbers while on the Giants. The numbers are pretty ridiculous and eclipses Akers. I gave the nod to Akers only because of longevity and the toughness of division.
Jonathan Taylor
2003 yards 22 TDs 557 rec yards 12 tot rec TDs
6 pro bowl
2 led league in rush yards
3 OPOY
OROY
1 MVP
3 RBOTY
This was actually way closer than I thought it’d be. But Justin also had a very easy division. The receiving TDs hurt him in overall but the numbers and accolades were up there with Akers and Boothe. If they were all in the same conference though I don’t see Taylor winning as many awards.
Chris Banyard (6 seasons)
1764 yards 21 TDs 403 rec yards 8 tot rec TDs
3 pro bowl
OPOY
RBOTY
Very good RB. He’s up here because I think he won Connor a Super Bowl.
WR1 - Adonis Morrison (5 seasons)
117 catches 2325 yards 18 TDs
5 Pro Bowl
WROTY
Led league in catches x2
The Best WR and it’s not close. Had over 2000 yards in every season. Had 3000 yards his rookie year. No offense to Gamble but people knew every game that Morrison was going to get the ball and he still put up ridiculous numbers.
WR2 - Henry Ruggs
83 catches 1716 yards 21 TDs
7 PRO BOWL
3 WROTY
Another 99 speed WR doing speedy boi things. Winning best WR 3 times in a conference with Hill and Morrison and Austin’s WR core was no easy feat. Just wish it led to more wins in the record book. Playoffs are better when Morty is there.
WR3 - Tyreek Hill
78 catches 1606 yards 20 TDs
7 Pro Bowl
2 WROTY
When in doubt throw it up to Hill. I understand why Phil wanted to change the speed threshold. This division is nutty with the short 99 speed WR. Hill makes the team as a third WR because of the consistency and the hardware. If DK didn’t tail off, this decision would’ve been a little tougher.
Honorable Mentions:
DK Metcalf
67 catches 1563 yards 20 TDs
4 PRO BOWL
2 WROTY
Seasons 5, 6, and 7 just weren’t All-Pro type seasons. Very good. But not great.
Dj Moore
82 catches 1450 yards 16 TDs
4 Pro Bowl
WROTY
Consistent. Just not the numbers needed to be All-Pro.
Mecole Hardman
80 catches 1565 yards 14 TDs
5 Pro Bowl
WROTY
If taint gets him earlier and doesn’t draft 7 more WR. Maybe mecole makes it.
Matthew Smith (6 seasons)
75 catches 1469 yards 14 TDs
4 Pro Bowl
WROTY
Got him too late in the cycle.
Marquise Bright (6 seasons)
65 catches 1380 yards 15 TDs
3 PRO BOWL
The deep threat Dan needed but was still number 2 behind Michael Thomas it seemed.
Cooper Kupp
66 catches 1043 yards 12 TDs
3 PRO BOWL
WROTY
His numbers aren’t flashy but he was a big reason for CMass’ success in my eyes. He had a year where he didn’t do much so his numbers are a little skewed. But I wanted to recognize Kupp.
TE - George Kittle
85 catches 1198 yards 10 TD
7 pro bowl
He did it year in and year out on three different teams. That shows to me that he was a great player. He was consistent and he’s one of the most underrated players in the CFM. His mix of catching and blocking was truly underlooked.
Honorable Mentions:
Connor Hicks(3 seasons)
101 catches 1365 yards 15 TDs
3 pro bowl
Catches leader
OROY
This was a hard choice to leave him off but I had to because he only played three seasons. If he would’ve did it over 5-6 seasons I think I give him the nod over kittle.
Dontrell Borum (5 seasons)
70 catches 1032 yards 11 td
4 pro bowl
Another very good player but just didn’t have the consistency that Kittle had.
Dawson Knox
62 catches 817 yards 12 TD
2 pro bowl
Crazy touchdown production with seasons of 20 and 19. But didn’t have the yards or consistent play to be above the others
I chose the best overall artificial intelligence players at offensive line and put them here. No rhyme or reason. The big thing I did take away from this were the overalls on lineman. We have like 9 lineman over 90 overall. And about 7-10 80s per position. That’s awful. I understand oline might not matter but we need to do a better job moving forward.
T -
Jonathan Jarmarillo - ARI - 84 ovr
Pro bowl
Lucas Jackson - NE - 82 ovr
G -
Zach Barton - IND - 90 ovr
5 Pro Bowl
Philip Dickinson - HOU - 87 ovr
Pro Bowl
JC Duff - WFT - 86 ovr
Pro Bowl
C -
Conner Sherman - ARI - 90 ovr
Pro Bowl
Thanks for reading. A lot of good stats. I want to hear your argument on why a player should’ve won or who I left off. I’m sorry about players who retired. I couldn’t think of any off my head but there are no stats for any of them. I’ll do defense later this week. Just have to compile some more numbers.
Power rankings week 4
Better League Development Progression and Regression
part 1
Season 1 Draft Recap
1 - Falcons - Matt Dobbins/QB -
72 normal -> 76 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: B
Dev Grade: F
Thp/sac/Mac/dac 88/80/78/78 -> 88/83/84/79
86 speed
Stats:
5421 yards 55% 37 TDs 64 INTs
What went from being a decent pick turned out to be a disaster for a run first user. If only Dobbins had some sort of Dev trait he would’ve been a much better selection. I can’t knock Nick for taking him but it was a long shot for him to develop him into what he needed him to be. Maybe some more read options will help that offense go.
2 - Football Team - Isaiah Jones/MLB -
76 normal -> 85 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: B+
Dev Grade: A-
Tak/bsh/zcv 87/75/64 -> 91 spd 92/80/73
Star
Stats:
111 tackles 3 sacks 2 FF 24 INT 5 TDs
I know kook users Apke a lot but it looks like Isaiah gets into the mix too. I’m not a huge fan drafting a LB this high. Especially with players like Jalen Daniels still on the board, but you can’t argue with the results. 24 INT in two years is astonishing for a LB. So for draft grade I can’t give higher than a B+ but skill and development he definitely gets an A.
3 - Rams - Jalen Daniels/CB -
79 normal -> 84 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: A
Dev Grade: C+
Mcv/zcv/press 71/78/74 -> 94 spd 83/78/75
Stats:
81 tackles 15 INT 3 TDs
Trading Jalen Ramsey to pick a CB this high doesn’t make sense. But this isn’t a trade article this is a draft article and at least Kiing hit the nail on the head with this pick. 94 speed can’t be taught the only down side is he’s normal dev and it’s hard to get dynamic dev with CB and we all know breakouts are hard to come by. Daniels is obviously cheaper than Ramsey, but I still think the wrong Jalen is on this team.
4 - Dolphins - Rickie Brown/SS -
76 normal -> 84 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: C+
Dev Grade: B
Mcv/zcv/tak 72/73/73 -> 81/81/78
Stats:
93 tackles 9 INT 1 TD
5 - Seahawks - Steven Cooper/MLB -
75 star -> 94 X-Factor
Overall:
Draft Grade: A-
Dev Grade: A+
Spd/zcv/bsh/tak 91/70/75/80 -> 92/85/82/95
X-Factor
Stats:
138 Tackles 1 sack 6 FF 27 INT 13 TDs
The Seahawks needed help in the front seven after getting rid of Bobby. So I love this pick in that sense but I think pass rush matters more than LB so I would’ve maybe taken Vince Young. But arguing with the results is pulling teeth, similar to Isaiah Jones. Forcing 6 fumbles and getting 27 INT is nuts and returning almost half of those turnovers into points is great. So I’m not crushing this pick obviously. I just think Lucky could maybe user another very fast LB and got a pass rusher here and been just as good off.
6 - Packers - Vince Young/LE
73 normal -> 81 SuperStar
Overall:
Draft Grade: B+
Dev Grade: A-
PMV/FMV/BSH 80/64/67 -> 90/65/67
Stats:
51 tackles 9 sacks 1 TD
I’m not sure Mike had a plan when he went into drafting. He got a great player here that helps the pass rush, but he already has the smiths and Kenny Clark. I would’ve maybe tried to snag a WR here, knowing that Davante was getting up there in age and that he was a more expensive player. Again, it’s not a bad pick at all. Just could’ve maybe shored up other areas of need. Development wise he’s on the right track getting to star dev and over 80 overall.
7 - Vikings (Seahawks) - Cam Rich/QB
74 normal -> 83 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: B+
Thp/sac/Mac/dac 94/79/78/79 -> 97/84/84/85
Stats:
9704 Passing Yards 60% comp 89 TDs 98 INT
If Slander didn’t leave maybe Rich is still on the Vikes and slanging the rock. That we’ll never know. The electric arm QB was Probably 1b to Dobbins, depending on what you prefer, speed or power. So it was a great pick at the time because the Vikes needed a QB. Now that Lucky has him he’s prospering with DK and hopefully he turns Lucky into a playoff contender.
8 - Ravens - Kristian Stark/WR
74 normal -> 83 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: A
CTH/CIT/SPC/RLS 83/75/81/75 -> 90/88/90/88
Stats:
134 catches 2657 yards 17 TDs
See below
9 - Ravens - Ben Faulkner/WR
74 normal -> 79 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: D+
Dev Grade: C+
CTH/CIT/SPC/RLS 82/77/84/77 -> 85/85/86/81
Stats:
96 catches 1362 yards 14 TDs
I gave Stark a B- because he was a good pick at the time but similar to the Ramsey trade, I don’t understand trading Hollywood away to draft a worse, slower WR. It doesn’t make sense. Neither had dev traits and they’re very similar. The Ravens offense is great from the jump. These two picks should’ve been on players like Tyler Kendricks or Tyrone St. Louis.
10 - Cowboys - Kevin Espinosa/LE
74 normal -> 79 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: C+
Dev Grade: C
PMV/FMV/BSH 58/74/73 -> 59/80/73
Stats:
48 Tackles 13 Sacks 1 FF 2 TDs
Decent pick by Taint, DL was very shallow in this draft so instead of picking by need he should’ve went best available taking one of the safeties or Greg Battle. I also think Easley and Kitchens could’ve been better picks here. 13 sacks aren’t bad though just got to get a little better development to be where he’s making more plays.
11 - Rams - Tyler Kendricks/SS
74 star -> 82 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: A-
Dev Grade: A
Mcv/zcv/tak 61/76/68 -> 75/81/78
Stats:
89 Tackles 1 Sack 1 FF 9 INT 1 TD
Kiing knew with Ben and cloud in his division he needed defense and especially secondary. Tyler has been that. He hit a breakout and is one of the better safeties in BL. In Kiings second year he’s had one of the best defenses. Maybe I don’t agree with losing Donald and Jalen. But I can’t argue with the results.
12 - Cardinals - Dorian Givens/HB
76 normal -> 87 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: B
Dev Grade: B-
Spm/jkm/cod/trk 77/83/81/83 -> 87/88/85/87
Superstar
Stats:
1490 rushing yards 4 YPC 12 TDs
RIP cloud. He was building something so great. But he fell on his own sword. Little did cloud know that pushing for operation sports sliders would kill his stick skills. He was dotting people up with a bum QB and he finally got a great RB who he devved to Superstar and then won the first pick in the next draft. I don’t think this was necessarily the best pick, RB are dime a dozen. I would’ve liked to see Greg Battle or Raheem Easley here but if we never left stock sliders this could’ve been a great pick.
13 - Chiefs - Matthew Groves/MLB
70 normal -> 75 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: C-
Dev Grade: F
ZCV/BSH/TAK 67/69/79 -> 69/70/84
Stats:
10 tackles
What the hell was Alex thinking. His stats are terrible. If you’re going to take a fast LB to user make sure they’re good if you’re taking them in the first round. The chiefs don’t need offense so loading up on defense is smart, but any of the secondary players or Easley would’ve been a vastly better pick here. The worst part is he doesn’t even play. 10 tackles in two seasons! Ugh. I hate this pick so much.
14 - Chargers - Tyrone St. Louis/FS
72 normal -> 76 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: F
Mcv/zcv/tak 61/77/67 ->61/81/70
Stats:
6 Tackles 1 FF
I don’t think the cowboy himself could’ve made a better pick. But I know for damn sure he would’ve used him way better than this. 6’4 safety with 90 speed. You can’t ask for more than that. I don’t know how you don’t get this guy on the field. Ridiculous. The AFC west botched both of their first picks.
15 - Saints - Norman Fletcher/QB
70 normal -> 79 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: C-
Dev Grade: B
Thp/sac/Mac/dac 94/77/79/76 -> 94/89/86/82
Stats:
10,164 Passing Yards 59% comp 73 TDs 68 INT
We knew what Dan was doing when he traded Latty away. I think he was hoping Cam could fall to him. But he also got an electric arm QB. I think after seeing what kiing and austin did with their bum QBs it makes me hate this pick more. Austin turned a nobody into an XF MVP and Cason is flourishing in LA. I would’ve tried to keep latty and stay under the cap or draft his replacement with Battle or an edge rusher with Easley. I’m confident Dan could’ve made any QB work or took Normal Norman later.
16 - Dolphins - J.C. Duff/C
78 normal -> 82 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: C+
Dev Grade: C
IBL/PBK/RBK 84/78/82 -> 84/78/84
I hate taking OL. They all suck and don’t matter. 4 overall points in two years. Makes me sick. Please stop doing this. The dolphins need so much talent and taking OL is direct opposite of what you should do.
17 - Steelers - Greg Battle/CB
75 Star -> 84 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: A+
Dev Grade: A-
Mcv/zcv/press 70/77/68 -> 94 spd 86/83/75
Stats:
66 tackles 19 INTs 2 TDs
14 INT rookie year
Great pick. When you can get a CB this late in the draft with 94 speed and 70+ coverages you’re doing great. He had 14 picks his rookie year to 5 this year and it looks like he hasn’t gotten blessed with a break out. But being 23 and star dev, he will get there soon. He should’ve been a top 5 pick.
18 - Browns - George Kitchens/DT
74 normal -> 77 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: D-
PMV/FMV/BSH/TAK 80/74/71/78 -> 80/74/76/84
Stats: 19 tackles 6 sacks 1 FF
5 sacks rookie year
What happened? 5 sacks his rookie year to 1 in his sophomore slump campaign. I understand the Browns are loaded so this seemed like a best player available type move but with the best users in the AFC being pass heavy I might have taken Michael Shields here. I’m not knocking the pick, but nickel seems to be everyone’s base defense and with Big/Little Alex, Cody, and Austin in your conference 3 CB is a necessity not a luxury. If he becomes a great pass rusher in season 2 I would have changed my tune. But the stats aren’t there.
19 - Falcons - Eric Parham/LOLB
74 star -> 83 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: A-
Dev Grade: B+
Tak/bsh/pmv/fmv 75/71/58/75 -> 81/74/60/92
Stats:
38 tackles 0 sacks 0 INT 1 FF
On one hand he got a pretty decent LB with star dev, so the pick was a good one. I like to think that the lower tier users should always stock up on defense and learn to play offense. So I think this was a great pick. He’s also developed really well and is a superstar, but no sacks or interceptions is very weird. So is he a good player or just heavily devved. I’m not sure
20 - Raiders - Raheem Easley/LE
75 normal -> 86 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: A-
Dev Grade: A
Fmv/pmv/bsh 79/63/71 -> 92/66/71
Stats:
45 Tackles 20 sacks 3 FF 1 INT 2 TDs
I love this pick. It’s hard to get edge rushers and defensive backs in the bottom third of the first but Morty got one and he got a great one. Maybe a bit lucky on breakouts or dynamic but that’s the name of the game. Easley is going to be a force for a long time.
21 - Eagles - Michael Shields/CB -> SS
73 normal -> 80 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: C
Mcv/zcv/tak 71/77/62 -> 81/81/70
Stats:
86 Tackles 1 sack 1 FF 11 INTs 4 TDs
Underrated pick for Ryan. I think the eagles had a lot of talent in the secondary to begin with. But it’s never a bad thing to stock up on it. He moved this corner to safety and it’s worked really well for him. This is another user who I think greatly improved and that’s in part because of Shields great play.
22 - Buccaneers -Antwaun Burney/RE
74 normal -> 76 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: C+
Dev Grade: F
PMV/FMV/BSH 60/77/68 -> 60/79/68
Normal
Stats:
20 tackles 2 sacks
The Bucs are a solid team to begin with. Their offense is stacked so getting defensive players was the right way to go but I think he took the wrong defensive guy. I would’ve looked at Walt Grimes, Nate Barrington, or Jack Spencer who were all better prospects. Maybe Hunter realized this because he also hasn’t developed Burney at all. I will say he got a stud in the third with Jimmy Lehman so he made up for this mistake.
23 - Patriots - Tyquan Blake/WR
77 Superstar -> 89 X-Factor
Overall:
Draft Grade: A+
Dev Grade: A+
Catch/cit/spc 89/80/82 -> 94/88/84
Stats:
140 catches 2821 yards 32 TDs
One of the main reasons Austin won the Super Bowl in year two was Blake. Trading Gilmore for all of those picks and hitting on every single one is probably the trade of the cycle. That offense is deadly and it’s all with artificial intelligence. I wonder where Austin would be without making that move. Very good pick. And even better trade.
24 - Giants - Derrick Thierry/MLB
72 normal -> 86 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: B
Dev Grade: B+
Tak/bsh/zcv 81/72/62 -> 91 speed 91/84/73
Stats:
108 tackles 1 sack 1 FF 23 INTs 11 TDs
Again I'm not a huge fan of speedy LB in the first. Not that it's a bad pick but they can be devved from any spot in the draft. I would've liked to see Hero get the guy taken right after Thierry, Barrington. Obviously pass rush is a little better to get than a 90 speed user but you can't argue with the results.
25 - Bears (Dolphins) - Nate Barrington/ROLB
77 star -> 83 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: A+
Dev Grade: I can’t give a grade cuz DL blows
88 fmv 82 pursuit
Stats:
48 tackles 11 sacks
Cmass made a great pick here but for him I would’ve liked to keep Mack and Roquan. Can’t deny the results but he’s had a QB carousel so all he really got from those dudes was Byron Murphy. We’re not here to talk about the trade though. This was a good pick who was flipped for Tua. I would like to think he would rather have the Superstar edge rusher knowing he’s probably looking for another Qb this offseason.
26 - Patriots - Walt Grimes/DT
73 normal -> 83 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: A-
Pmv/fmv/bsh/tak 59/75/68/79 -> 64/75/82/92
Stats:
46 tackles 16 sacks 1 FF
Another good draft pick by Austin here. He went with the pass rushing DT here where I would’ve maybe went with the run stuffer in Jack Spencer. Or kept the offense going and drafted Chapman or Banyard at RB. Can’t argue with results tho and 16 sacks in two seasons is great.
27 - Colts - Terrelle Dunn/FS
74 normal -> 78 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: F
Dev Grade: F
Mcv/zcv/tak 65/75/78 -> 67/78/83 85 speed
Stats:
10 tackles 1 FF
Two things you don’t draft in the first round, OL and safeties under 89 speed. This guy is a liability. He’s terrible and you can’t even user him as there are way better options. Justin should’ve drafted a WR here or went defense with Spencer or Tremaine Bibbs. Literally anyone else.
28 - Buccaneers - Danny Wiggins/RT
73 normal -> 76 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: C-
Dev Grade: F
PBK/RBK/IBK 72/77/86 -> 77/74/86
You don’t draft OL. I can understand the pick though because the Bucs are stacked. So I won’t say it’s too bad. Just load up elsewhere and maybe trade an older player.
29 - Cardinals - Jack Spencer/DT
70 normal -> 80 Normal
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: C
PMV/FMV/BSH/TAK 65/62/79/82 -> 66/62/87/85
Stats:
28 tackles 6 sacks 1 FF 1 TD
A good pick here for then Cloud. He got a run stuffing DT knowing kiing and Ben thrive when they can run the ball. Not saying they can’t pass but they’re scary dangerous when they’re not one dimensional.
30 - Bills - George Tate/HB
77 normal -> 85 Superstar
Overall:
Draft Grade: B+
Dev Grade: B-
Spm/jkm/cod/trk 79/83/78/82 -> 87/90/85/82
Stats:
2559 rush yards 28 TDs
Little Alex made a good pick this late in the draft and did everything right cheesing him to breakouts. It’s just too bad he got bad abilities. Not much better he could’ve done here.
31 - Saints - Keary Mcdougal/WR
73 lottery star -> 79 Star
Overall:
Draft Grade: B-
Dev Grade: C-
CTH/CIT/SPC/RLS 86/81/78/65 -> 88/85/78/69
Stats:
94 catches 1268 yards 12 TDs
I think Dan wanted McDougal to be his Bright. He was a good pick and got gifted a star dev but it wasn’t a perfect fit for Dan. Now Keary is option four behind Bright, Thomas and Kamara. Fletcher will throw it around a ton so he’ll get some looks but maybe Dan would’ve been better off taking Chambers the TE or an edge rusher to solidify the defense. Obviously Dan didn’t know he’d be trading for Bright so this was a solid pick.
32 - Texans -Kamryn Chapman/HB
76 normal -> 89 X-Factor
Overall:
Draft Grade: B
Dev Grade: A+
Spm/jkm/cod 81/86/90-> 90/90/92
Stats:
1985 Rush Yards 16 TDs
One of the main reasons the Texans move the ball. It’s hard to get great value with the last pick in the first but taking a RB who fits your skill set and getting him to XF is probably the best you can ask for. I like the pick and obviously Chap devved Chap perfectly.
Other notable drafted players
Matthew Davis - QB - XF - Patriots
Levi Cason - QB - SS - Rams
Tremaine Bibbs - ROLB - SS - Chiefs
Christopher Banyard - RB - SuperStar - Browns
Bruce Chambers - TE - Star - Browns
Marquise Bright - WR - SS - 49ers(Saints)
Deon Madison - WR - SS - Texans
Jimmy Lehman - DE - XF - buccaneers