Guest of the League
Draft Review and Grades
By The Commissioner Sat Aug 16 3:55am CT
Updated by The Commissioner Sat Aug 16 4:13am CT
Updated by The Commissioner Sat Aug 16 4:13am CT
The rookie draft has wrapped up, and with it comes another pivotal step in shaping the long-term outlook of our league. Every pick carried weight, whether it was a cornerstone selection at the top of the board or a developmental prospect taken in the later rounds. Some managers prioritized immediate impact, while others played the long game by targeting future upside. Here's a closer look at how each draft strategy played out and where every team now stands heading into the season.
Lawrence Lions -- Grade: A
The Lions opened with Ashton Jeanty at 1.1 and Tetairoa McMillan at 1.10, two of the premier prospects in the class. Jack Bech and Tyler Shough added depth in the middle rounds, two prospects that should get a solid chance to thrive. Even with a few later swings that may need time to develop, this draft set a strong foundation with its early selections.
A God Amon Men -- Grade: A
A God Amon Men came out firing, pairing Omarion Hampton at 1.2 with a steal in Travis Hunter at 2.2. Cam Skattebo fit well in the mid-second, and Will Howard plus Jaylin Noel offered solid upside later on. This class combined top-end talent with dependable depth for one of the best all-around hauls.
Big Johnson -- Grade: B+
Big Johnson started with Quinshon Judkins and Colston Loveland, both solid early choices. The highlight came in the third round with Devin Neal, who was still on the board much later than expected. Quinn Ewers and Ollie Gordon II brought developmental value late, giving the roster a mix of immediate contributors and long-term plays.
Diesel 44 Express -- Grade: B
Diesel 44 Express landed TreVeyon Henderson right where expected and took a small swing on Kaleb Johnson a bit earlier than projected. The gem was Tyler Warren in the second, a pick that could pay off quickly. Later rounds leaned more toward filling depth, but the strong top half keeps this class in good standing.
BOB'S TEAM -- Grade: C+
BOB'S TEAM opened with RJ Harvey and Luther Burden III, both respectable but slightly ahead of their expected spots. Jarquez Hunter is a solid prospect who the coaches love in LA. Xavier Restrepo went earlier than anticipated, but Terrance Ferguson in the sixth was a nice value to close things out. A few well-timed selections helped balance out some earlier reaches.
4th N Long -- Grade: C+
4th N Long started with Matthew Golden and Kyle Williams, both landing close to their projected ranges. Bhayshul Tuten was a solid pick in the third, while Damien Martinez in the fifth brought good value. The Isaac TeSlaa selection was a bit early, but overall the draft added useful depth across the roster.
Holden's Heros -- Grade: C+
Holden's Heros began with a strong value in Cam Ward and followed with Jayden Higgins, taken slightly earlier than expected. Mason Taylor could get immediate work as the Jets have little talent other than Wilson, and Jaxson Dart brought more depth, with Dart looking like one of the better mid-round values. While the late defensive selection was unusual, the early picks at premium positions were well executed.
Silent But Deadly -- Grade: C
Silent But Deadly found strong value with Emeka Egbuka early in the second and struck again with Trevor Etienne in the fifth. Kyle Monangai and Tai Felton went earlier than anticipated, but could be values if the cards fall right. A mix of early hits and mid-round gambles defines this class.
Green Machine -- Grade: C
Green Machine opted for steady depth after a mega trade, losing early picks. Opening with Jaydon Blue and adding DJ Giddens, Jalen Milroe, and Dylan Sampson in the fourth round gives this team some dart throws that might pay off. Jaylin Lane was a fine late pick, though the class lacked an early headline selection. The result is a roster that's deeper, if not dramatically changed at the top.
Detroit Football Dream -- Grade: D
Detroit Football Dream's rookie selections were limited, but Shedeur Sanders in the third was a smart grab at that spot. The remainder of the draft didn't net any players of note, leaving the rookie class light but with at least one intriguing developmental option under center.
Lawrence Lions -- Grade: A
The Lions opened with Ashton Jeanty at 1.1 and Tetairoa McMillan at 1.10, two of the premier prospects in the class. Jack Bech and Tyler Shough added depth in the middle rounds, two prospects that should get a solid chance to thrive. Even with a few later swings that may need time to develop, this draft set a strong foundation with its early selections.
A God Amon Men -- Grade: A
A God Amon Men came out firing, pairing Omarion Hampton at 1.2 with a steal in Travis Hunter at 2.2. Cam Skattebo fit well in the mid-second, and Will Howard plus Jaylin Noel offered solid upside later on. This class combined top-end talent with dependable depth for one of the best all-around hauls.
Big Johnson -- Grade: B+
Big Johnson started with Quinshon Judkins and Colston Loveland, both solid early choices. The highlight came in the third round with Devin Neal, who was still on the board much later than expected. Quinn Ewers and Ollie Gordon II brought developmental value late, giving the roster a mix of immediate contributors and long-term plays.
Diesel 44 Express -- Grade: B
Diesel 44 Express landed TreVeyon Henderson right where expected and took a small swing on Kaleb Johnson a bit earlier than projected. The gem was Tyler Warren in the second, a pick that could pay off quickly. Later rounds leaned more toward filling depth, but the strong top half keeps this class in good standing.
BOB'S TEAM -- Grade: C+
BOB'S TEAM opened with RJ Harvey and Luther Burden III, both respectable but slightly ahead of their expected spots. Jarquez Hunter is a solid prospect who the coaches love in LA. Xavier Restrepo went earlier than anticipated, but Terrance Ferguson in the sixth was a nice value to close things out. A few well-timed selections helped balance out some earlier reaches.
4th N Long -- Grade: C+
4th N Long started with Matthew Golden and Kyle Williams, both landing close to their projected ranges. Bhayshul Tuten was a solid pick in the third, while Damien Martinez in the fifth brought good value. The Isaac TeSlaa selection was a bit early, but overall the draft added useful depth across the roster.
Holden's Heros -- Grade: C+
Holden's Heros began with a strong value in Cam Ward and followed with Jayden Higgins, taken slightly earlier than expected. Mason Taylor could get immediate work as the Jets have little talent other than Wilson, and Jaxson Dart brought more depth, with Dart looking like one of the better mid-round values. While the late defensive selection was unusual, the early picks at premium positions were well executed.
Silent But Deadly -- Grade: C
Silent But Deadly found strong value with Emeka Egbuka early in the second and struck again with Trevor Etienne in the fifth. Kyle Monangai and Tai Felton went earlier than anticipated, but could be values if the cards fall right. A mix of early hits and mid-round gambles defines this class.
Green Machine -- Grade: C
Green Machine opted for steady depth after a mega trade, losing early picks. Opening with Jaydon Blue and adding DJ Giddens, Jalen Milroe, and Dylan Sampson in the fourth round gives this team some dart throws that might pay off. Jaylin Lane was a fine late pick, though the class lacked an early headline selection. The result is a roster that's deeper, if not dramatically changed at the top.
Detroit Football Dream -- Grade: D
Detroit Football Dream's rookie selections were limited, but Shedeur Sanders in the third was a smart grab at that spot. The remainder of the draft didn't net any players of note, leaving the rookie class light but with at least one intriguing developmental option under center.
