2017 TUFF Draft Wrapup

This year's host city: Kansas City 
The Slewage left San Diego after 15 years of trying to get a new stadium in San Diego (they had left Seattle in 2002 for similar reasons).  They have a considerable amount of history--in addition to having won two TUFF Bowls and multiple AFC titles in San Diego, they also reached the TUFF Bowl in Seattle.

As part of its efforts to convince the league that they were the best available destination for the Slewage--and to convince the Slewage that they've found a home they can stay at for good, Kansas City offered to host this year's Draft.

Here's a quick review of the icons next to some of the names and what they mean:

Significant improvements on a TUFF team's starting lineup, could be cornerstone players for that team, and/or are great values for where they were taken.
High risk/high reward picks (e.g. players picked relatively high because of his upside, even in spite of character, medical, low college productivity and/or job situation concerns).
Either a reach and/or there was at least one player the team should have taken.  (Spoiler alert: Nobody got this dreaded symbol this year.)
Picks that leave me asking why a team didn't take a player I expected them to take or address another need on the roster (example from 2011: Cleveland moving up to 1.05 to take RB Mikel Leshoure instead of going with a QB or WR at 1.09).

1.01 New Orleans Chocolate City - RB Leonard Fournette
In the real world: The Jacksonville Jaguars picked up one of college football's best running backs in recent years, upgrading from the tandem of T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. Todd McShay has hailed Fournette as the best RB prospect he’s evaluated since Adrian Peterson. Durability is a slight concern after racking up 647 touches in his three seasons at LSU. A big question mark coming out of LSU was how well Fournette would catch the ball out of the backfield, but reports out of rookie camp say that yes, he can do that, too.
In the TUFF world: Once again, the 1.01 pick raises only one question: Was there ever any doubt? The Chocolate City's running back corps was in the crapper, and it so happens that Fournette played for Tommy Hartdegen's favorite college team, LSU. A year ago, New Orleans' best RB was Jeremy Hill, but he was traded (along with QB Russell Wilson) for a haul of draft picks.

1.02 Detroit Vipers - RB Christian McCaffrey
In the real world: The Carolina Panthers lacked weapons on offense, so they took McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick. The son of former Broncos WR Ed McCaffrey has been dubbed "the ultimate triple threat" as a running back who can also excel as a receiver or a returner. Todd McShay says he has the patience of LeVeon Bell with the high-end receiving skills of Devonta Freeman. Mel Kiper: “He will step into the league and be one of the most versatile backs on day one.” Rotoworld's Nick Mensio argues that "In fantasy, McCaffrey is curtains for Stewart's value. ... This is McCaffrey's backfield now." He's got great foot speed (6.57 seconds on the three-cone drill--the second-best time by any running back since 2003).
In the TUFF world: With Mark Ingram having to share touches with Adrian Peterson and rookie Alvin Kamara, and Shane Vereen and Gio Bernard coming off injuries and being shoehorned into passing-down work, it was time for the Vipers to inject new blood into their backfield. Besides, it's kind of hard not to take a running back with a top-3 pick (this team has landed in the top three on three previous occasions, and has taken a running back each time--DeAngelo Williams in 2006, Ingram in 2011 and Bernard in 2013).



1.03 Denver Devils - RB Joe Mixon
In the real world: Mixon was Oklahoma’s top RB last season (6.8 ypc, 10 TD), but last December, video surfaced of the incident that got him suspended for 2014, in which he knocked out a co-ed. A number of teams placed the "do not draft" label on him (I'll editorialize about that further down this entry). The Bengals drafted him in Round 2--proof that they are determined to move on from Jeremy Hill, who has become more and more ineffective with each passing season.
In the TUFF world: Going into this draft, the Devils' top RB was Carlos Hyde, who himself is falling out of favor with his NFL team (the San Francisco 49ers). In short, they're looking to Mixon to step into the starting lineup as soon as possible.
Editorial: I figured he'd go in the top half of Round 1 in the TUFF Draft based on talent, and I'm well aware that it's been over two years since the incident, but that video scares me more than Dalvin Cook's (1.04) rap sheet. I, Mark Rabinowitz, the author of this and over 14 years' worth of Draft Wrapups, found that video disturbing. Throwing a punch that quickly tells me that either he gave in to his impulses WAY too quickly and easily, or he has a history of violence (it takes a lot of practice to throw a punch like that).



1.04 Minnesota Fighting Saints - RB Dalvin Cook
In the real world: Consistent producer with potential to be every-down back and is above-average in all facets of his game. Durability (three shoulder surgeries), fumbles and off-field behavior are question marks. Turned in a terrible showing at the combine, testing as a ninth-percentile SPARQ athlete, struggling in the three-cone drill (7.27), 20-yard shuttle (4.53), vertical (30.5"), and broad jump (9'8"). He did run a solid 40 (4.49). Landing in Minnesota—where the Vikings had just signed Latavius Murray, and where Jerick McKinnon was supposedly waiting in the wings before that—looks, at first, like a crappy timeshare. But as ESPN staff writer Ben Goessling notes, the Vikes may be content to let McKinnon walk away in free agency after this season, and if Murray doesn’t work out this season, they could cut him next year with just $1.1M in dead money.
In the TUFF world: Like a number of teams at the top of any TUFF Draft, Minnesota needed better starting running backs and better depth at that position. Cook is a solid pick at #4, even if his NFL job situation isn't as good right now as Leonard Fournette's.



1.05 Carolina Convicts - WR Corey Davis
In the real world: Davis lands in a great situation, going from the #1 WR in the whole Mid-American Conference to a Tennessee Titans team in sore need of a playmaker at the position after recent draft picks (e.g. Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham) did not work out.
In the TUFF world: The Cons might have preferred a running back, since they're already strong at WR with Julio Jones and Dez Bryant. Kudos to Jeff Hannan for not reaching to fill a need.



1.06 Arizona Outlaws - RB Alvin Kamara
In the real world: Kamara joins a Saints backfield that may seem crowded at first with Ingram and AP, but you never know. Todd McShay loves him: "He has the vision and lateral quickness you look for in a runner and the power to break a lot of tackles. Kamara averaged 6.2 yards per carry, showing the ability to create plays on his own, which is among the most important things a back can do." In the short term, at least, he could fill a similar role to what Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles used to have.
In the TUFF world: The Outlaws decided to refresh their depth at the position (James White is in a timeshare, Rashad Jennings is an unsigned free agent on the wrong side of 30, and Matt Forte is winding down a solid career).



1.07 Houston Tethered Swimmers - RB Kareem Hunt
In the real world: After Jamaal Charles went down with an injury again, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to move on from the ten-year veteran. That raised the question, though, of whether they would continue using Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. Hunt could be a resounding no to that question.
In the TUFF world: No surprise here, given that the Chiefs drafted him after letting go of Jamaal Charles, and Houston also has two other Chiefs RBs (Ware, West).



1.08 Tennessee Taz Devils - RB Samaje Perine
In the real world: The Redskins' offense was 29th in the league in red zone efficiency last season, and they hope that a power runner like the 233-lb. Perine can improve that standing. Perine became the leading rusher in Oklahoma history last season, surpassing the great Billy Sims. But don't let that sentence fool you. Big 12 defenses must have had something to do with that.
In the TUFF world: This pick makes sense given that the Taz don't have serious needs at their other positions, plus they have two other Redskins RBs (passing-down speedster Chris Thompson and fumble-prone Matt Jones, but not Rob Kelley). A number of backs the Taz have taken in recent years (Jones, Josh Ferguson, Jerick McKinnon, Robert Turbin) have not panned out as expected.



1.09 Baltimore Brown Clowns - WR Mike Williams
In the real world: Williams has a lot--size (6'3, 218), speed (4.45 40 at Clemson's Pro Day) and production (two 1,000 yard seasons and 19 touchdowns, including the game-winning TD in last season's National Championship Game). He is initially buried on Chargers' depth chart, but Keenan Allen has been injury-prone. Williams hasn't exactly been durable himself, though--he played just one game in 2015 due to a career-threatening neck fracture, and he suffered a back injury in the first game of rookie minicamp. Not to be confused with Big Mike (USC, 2005) or "Product 19" (Syracuse, 2010).
In the TUFF world: Baltimore is certainly hoping to strike it rich with Williams, who has gone a little higher in most rookie drafts. The top of their WR depth chart is Emmanuel Sanders and Stefon Diggs, but is otherwise full of recent draft picks that haven't panned out (Cordarrelle Patterson) or for whom "the jury is still out" (Devin Funchess, Malcolm Mitchell).



1.10 New Orleans Chocolate City - RB Marlon Mack
In the real world: The Indianapolis Colts drafted Mack and the hope is that he eventually replaces the 34-year-old Frank Gore. Earlier this month, they also signed that perennial tease, Christine Michael, who oozed potential a few years ago, but has been cut by four different teams now (Seahawks, Cowboys, Redskins, Packers)
In the TUFF world: Getting the possible RB of the future for the Colts is a good move, especially given that Mack posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons at South Florida and had nothing left to prove there. This is the first of the four draft picks the Chocolate City acquired from the Cleveland Steamers for QB Russell Wilson, RB Jeremy Hill and WR Eddie Royal. If Mack works out, this trade could be the start of a heist.



1.11 Dallas Golden Tornadoes - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
In the real world: The Pittsburgh Steelers realized they needed better depth at wide receiver when they found themselves throwing passes to Cobi Hamilton. Profiles as a possession receiver; likened to a slightly-smaller version of Mike Williams (Chargers).
In the TUFF world: The Golden Tornadoes' top WR last season was Michael Crabtree, and when your top WR is more of a possession receiver, that's a cry for help. I did expect Dallas to go WR for that reason, but I was surprised that they passed on speedy John Ross. Dallas also has a few other young receivers in Moncrief, Eli Rogers (handcuff for Smith-Schuster), Terrance Williams and Tajae Sharpe.



1.12 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - WR John Ross
In the real world: Ross ran an unofficial Combine-record 4.22 40, but concerns about durability immediately returned when he came up lame afterwards. He missed most of 2014 and all of 2015 with knee injuries, after all. He obviously has the speed to be a #1 receiver, but in Cincinnati, he'll have to compete with WR A.J. Green, TE Tyler Eifert, WR Tyler Boyd and (after he recovers from a torn ACL) RB Giovani Bernard for receptions.
In the TUFF world: A great value in my estimation--fantastic speed, even if he has been injury-prone.



1.13 Minnesota Fighting Saints - TE O.J. Howard
In the real world: This guy should have gone pro a year ago, after his 208 receiving yards and 2 TDs against Clemson in the 2016 National Championship Game. Hopefully he’ll score more TD’s in Tampa than he did in Alabama (5 in his two seasons as a starter—3 of those were in the two National Championship games).
In the TUFF world: The Fighting Saints only had the Bears' TEs (Zach Miller and Dion Sims) and needed an upgrade badly. No rookie tight end has topped 700 receiving yards since Jeremy Shockey did so in 2002, but given Howard's performance in the last two national championship games, he's as good a candidate as any to break that streak.



1.14 Baltimore Brown Clowns - QB Deshaun Watson
In the real world: A year ago, the Houston Texans shelled out $72 million to ex-Broncos QB Brock Osweiler to be their new starting quarterback. They were better off signing Jimmy Clausen off the street. Osweiler was so ineffective, the Texans had trade away a second-round pick to the Cleveland Browns just to get his salary off their books. As for Watson, his draft stock suffered a bit after a disappointing 2016 regular season, then shot back up following his performance in the College Football Playoff, when he led Clemson to its first national title in 35 years. Concerns: Learning curve (comes from spread offense), deep accuracy.
In the TUFF world: The Brown Clowns needed a new backup for Marcus Mariota after Jay Cutler retired.



1.15 Kansas City Slewage - RB James Conner
In the real world: Conner was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 3, and he will back up LeVeon Bell initially. He's one of the feel-good stories of this year's NFL Draft, given that he beat cancer (he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2015). He had a dazzling sophomore season in 2014 (1,765 yards and 26 TDs on 298 carries), but missed almost all of 2015 due to a knee injury. He's got the right size at 6'2", 235 lb.
In the TUFF world: What really shot Conner up to this spot in the draft, in addition to his performance in 2014, is that LeVeon Bell could depart Pittsburgh as a free agent after this season. (I don't think the Steelers would really let that happen, but an injury or a subpar season could change all that.)



1.16 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - RB D'Onta Foreman
In the real world: Foreman, drafted in Round 3 by the Houston Texans, is expected to be the backup for Lamar Miller--but first, he's got to get in shape. He reportedly showed up to rookie minicamp out of shape and rode an exercise bike for the duration of at least one practice. He's had just 13 receptions in three seasons, so his pass-catching ability is largely unknown.
In the TUFF world: Hey, remember a year ago, when the defending champion Meat Goats could fall back on the duo of Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert if Tom Brady were to get hurt again? I was surprised that they didn't go QB here, given that Mitchell Trubisky, DeShone Kizer and Patrick Mahomes were all available, Tom Brady isn't getting any younger, Kaepernick remains an unsigned free agent (Editor's note: This wasn't published until June 11, and even then, Kaepernick was still unsigned), and Gabbert is now backing up Carson Palmer with the Arizona Cardinals.



2.01 New Orleans Chocolate City - RB Jamaal Williams
In the real world: The Green Bay Packers moved on from Eddie Lacy, due in part to surprisingly good production from converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Still, they needed depth, so they drafted three running backs, starting with Williams in Round 4. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com suggests he's a replacement for James Starks (let go by the Packers earlier this offseason).
In the TUFF world: I'll put it this way, I would have liked this pick a lot more if New Orleans had also picked up Aaron Jones--just to account for the "what if" scenario of Montgomery moving back to wide receiver, leaving the starting RB spot up for grabs between Williams and Jones.



2.02 Detroit Vipers - TE David Njoku
In the real world: Njoku is raw--he only started for the Miami Hurricanes for one season--but anyway, Browns have already handed him the starting job, cutting veteran Gary Barnidge. And what he brings to the table is jaw-dropping, especially the catch radius (as seen in this ESPN Sport Science video). Njoku is the starter in Cleveland already, after the Browns surprisingly cut established veteran starter Gary Barnidge just a day after drafting him.
In the TUFF world: The Vipers continue to search for their heir apparent to Jason Witten--Dwayne Allen has shown flashes of being that heir apparent, but is injury prone. In a testament to Witten's producing at his level for as long as he has, this is the first time in eight years that Detroit has drafted a tight end that went in Round 1 of the NFL Draft (Brandon Pettigrew, 2009).



2.03 Denver Devils - WR Curtis Samuel
In the real world: Samuel is similar to Christian McCaffrey (1.02, Detroit Vipers) in a number of ways. As mentioned back at 1.02, the Panthers were looking for weapons, especially in the way of speed and quickness (which RB Jonathan Stewart and WRs Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess don't offer much of). He's definitely got the speed (4.31 40). He only started for one season at Ohio State; durability is a question mark (in addition to lack of size--5'11", 196--he had foot surgery in January 2016). Nick Mensio of Rotoworld says that Urban Meyer used Samuel at Ohio State in a similar way to how he used Percy Harvin when he coached at Florida.
In the TUFF world: The Devils have good depth at wide receiver between Alshon Jeffery, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker, with Laquon Treadwell waiting in the wings. Perhaps the reason Rick Dailey took him is the idea that Samuel could also play running back and could ultimately play there often enough to become eligible at the position, like Ty Montgomery, and thus improve the Devils' depth at that position.



2.04 Minnesota Fighting Saints - QB Patrick Mahomes II
In the real world: The Kansas City Chiefs made a big trade up to land their new QB of the future. Mahomes, the son of former Minnesota Twins pitcher Pat Mahomes, has got some serious tools--especially arm strength--but isn't terribly consistent. Courageous but not always smart; his all-or-nothing mentality means he could easily pass up easy 5- to 10-yard gains in favor of a long bomb. That sounds like someone who's just as likely to try to kill a fly with a chainsaw instead of simply using a fly swatter. It'll be interesting to see how Andy Reid develops him.
In the TUFF world: I'd bet that Bob Andrews would have loved to have gotten Deshaun Watson (partly because he's the better QB, and partly because they already have Tom Savage, a development prospect drafted by the Texans in 2014). They needed a new backup for Eli Manning because Teddy Bridgewater's career is up in the air following his terrible knee injury last summer.



2.05 Carolina Convicts - RB Jeremy McNichols
In the real world: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him in Round 5. Concerns: Injury history (most recently, shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum), ball security. Steve Muench of Scouts, Inc expects him to contribute more on third down (so perhaps he could be a threat to Charles Sims' job rather than Doug Martin's). The Bucs apparently haven't let go of Martin in spite of his up-and-down career and recent substance abuse policy violation (which resulted in a four-game suspension to start the 2017 season).
In the TUFF world: This could be seen as a handcuff pick, since the Cons have had Doug Martin ever since drafting him in 2012. But could Carolina have traded down and still landed him? I'd argue that yes, they could have.



2.06 Arizona Outlaws - QB DeShone Kizer
In the real world: Kizer was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in Round 2, thus joining the long line of signal-callers that franchise has drafted since rejoining the NFL in 1999. His size, mobility and arm strength made him one of the top QB prospects going into the 2016 season, but a midseason slump (related to inconsistent decision-making and accuracy) pretty much killed the hype.
In the TUFF world: The Outlaws might not have expected to get Kizer this low, given the need that a number of other TUFF teams had for QB depth. They have to be happy to land him here, given that Carson Palmer's not getting any younger and 2012 first-round pick Robert Griffin III was never the same after his knee injury. (Spoiler alert: The green check mark isn't based on this pick alone, but also what happened when the 4.06 pick came up.)



2.07 Minnesota Fighting Saints - TE Evan Engram
In the real world: The New York Giants drafted Engram in Round 1 and plan to use him as a traditional tight end, even though everything about Engram says "oversized wide receiver" since he's below-average in terms of weight and blocking skills. That speed, though—4.42 is would be above-average for a wide receiver, so it’s terrific for a tight end (the only TE who ran a faster 40 that I can think of: Vernon Davis, 2006).
In the TUFF world: This was a mild surprise given that the Fighting Saints had already drafted O.J. Howard in Round 1. I figured, if they needed another TE, they could always get Adam Shaheen (to handcuff to Zach Miller).



2.08 Tennessee Taz Devils - WR Zay Jones
In the real world: The Buffalo Bills drafted Jones in Round 2; they present an intriguing job situation because they did not pick up Sammy Watkins' option year. He was used a lot in his final season at East Carolina (a record 158 catches for 1,746 yards and 8 TDs), but elevated his draft stock in Senior Bowl week. If he can produce out of the chute--and if Watkins leaves via free agency--he could be their #1 wideout as early as next year (provided they don't draft a better one next year).
In the TUFF world: Looks like a "best player available" pick to me, with a very good potential job situation to boot. The Taz have a good, relatively young trio of wideouts in Davante Adams, Jamison Crowder, and Marvin Jones, and Josh Doctson (Tennessee's first-round pick last year) is surely going to enter 2017 with a chip on his shoulder as well.



2.09 Baltimore Brown Clowns - WR ArDarius Stewart
In the real world: The Jets have a new offensive coordinator (former Lions WR Johnnie Morton) who wants wideouts who fit his West Coast system. Stewart does. Could the Jets also be moving on from veteran Eric Decker? They've already let go of oft-injured Devin Smith.
In the TUFF world: Stewart over Chris Godwin was another mild surprise, but then maybe I'm reading too much into the hype Godwin got before and during the NFL Draft.



2.10 Denver Devils - QB Mitchell Trubisky
In the real world: Trubisky started only one year at North Carolina. Jon Gruden says that in spite of that, he has the intangibles of a fifth-year senior. The Chicago Bears moved up one spot in the first round of the NFL Draft to make sure nobody leapfrogged him. He'll replace the retired (and in my opinion, unjustly vilified) Jay Cutler in the Windy City (although the Bears' recent free agent signing, Mike Glennon, will do everything to prove he's not another backup who doesn't cut it as a starter).
In the TUFF world: The Devils successfully moved up to get Trubisky to handcuff to Glennon, and only parted with a second-rounder next year to make it happen. Given that the Devils only shelled out 4 TUFFs to pick up Glennon off the free agent scrap heap last December, that means they spent that and two second-rounders to make sure they have a backup for Carson Wentz. In a world where TUFF teams spent first-rounders on quarterbacks who bust out in short order, that's a serious bargain.



2.11 Houston Tethered Swimmers - RB Joe Williams
In the real world: Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares Williams to Jerick McKinnon, which I think is fair if you're just considering his second half (1,332 yards and 10 touchdowns in the last seven games). But when you consider Williams' lack of durability and off-field issues (kicked off Uconn for credit card theft, brief injury-induced "retirement"), he was at risk to not be drafted at all. The San Francisco 49ers drafted him, and also acquired RB Kapri Bibbs in a trade with the Denver Broncos, for two reasons: To provide depth behind injury-prone starter Carlos Hyde this season, and possibly move on from Hyde next year. But there's another reason they took Williams in Round 4: New head coach Kyle Shanahan stood on a table for him, even when his boss (GM John Lynch) had him off his draft board.
In the TUFF world: At this point in the TUFF Draft, anytime you can get a running back who has shown potential landing in a job situation with potential, that is a good pick. The only thing keeping me from giving the green check mark here was the off-field issues.



2.12 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - RB Wayne Gallman
In the real world: Gallman, drafted by the New York Giants in Round 4, joins an already crowded backfield with second-year man Paul Perkins, the current favorite for lead back duties; and Shane Vereen, who is considered the passing-down/change-of-pace back (and who missed most of last season with a torn triceps). Toughness and effort are what he brings; pass protection is something he will need to work on.
In the TUFF world: The BIG PAPAS turn to their backfield after taking John Ross in Round 1. They have one lead back in Jay Ajayi, but then beyond that are backs who are sure to lose playing time this season (Jonathan Stewart, T.J. Yeldon), a couple Lions backs who have missed big parts of the last two seasons due to injuries (Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner), and a couple third-down backs (DeAndre Washington and Ajayi's Dolphins teammate, Kenyan Drake). And who knows, maybe Gallman will do to Perkins what Jordan Howard did to Jeremy Langford on the Bears last year.



2.13 New Orleans Chocolate City - RB Donnel "D.J." Pumphrey
In the real world: Pumphrey is very small at 5'8", 176 lb. Mark Dulgerian suggests that he could replace Darren Sproles (who is 34 and in a contract year in Philadelphia), even though he doesn't have Sproles' speed.
In the TUFF world: I had expected the Chocolate City to go with Aaron Jones, even though he was drafted three rounds after Pumphrey, just because of the handcuff factor (since they drafted another Green Bay Packer running back, Jamaal Williams, at 2.01).



2.14 Indy Hoosier Daddy's - WR Dede Westbrook
In the real world: Problems staying healthy (hamstring, leg) and two domestic violence incidents mean that this slot receiver prospect could have become an undrafted free agent. The Jaguars took him in Round 4, which could spell the end of the road for Rashad Greene, who was once a "slot receiver prospect" himself.
In the TUFF world: OK, we're at the point in the draft where you might as well stop worrying about off-field issues and durability. This is a good pick, and besides, Indy's got good enough depth this season at wide receiver that they won't hurt too badly if Westbrook doesn't produce right out of the box.



2.15 Minnesota Fighting Saints - WR Chris Godwin
In the real world: Running a 4.42 40-yard dash at the Combine, coupled with his ball skills, really raised his draft stock.
In the TUFF world: And you thought I was going to nail you to a cross, huh, Bob? Godwin was a bargain for the Bucs in Round 3 of the NFL Draft, so I consider him to be a very good bargain for the Fighting Saints as we near the end of Round 2.



2.16 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - QB Nathan Peterman
In the real world: Todd McShay says Peterman reminds him of the Bengals' Andy Dalton. The Buffalo Bills drafted him in Round 5—they drafted Cardale Jones last year, so are the Bills planning for a competition between the two after current starter Tyrod Taylor leaves, or has Jones fallen out of favor already?
In the TUFF world: This could help justify the Meat Goats passing on a quarterback at 1.16.



3.01 Dallas Golden Tornadoes - TE Gerald Everett
In the real world: Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com compares him to Jordan Reed. Another TE who is relatively lightweight (6'3", 239). Rotoworld’s Nick Mensio says that new Rams head coach Sean McVay "loved using two- and three-tight end sets in Washington and figures to do the same in L.A. with Higbee as the seam stretcher like Vernon Davis and Everett in the Jordan Reed mold."
In the TUFF world: Hey, remember that FA bidding war back in March for Tyler Higbee (who supposedly had the Rams' starting TE job all to himself)? That turned out to be much ado about nothing. Still, Mike Scott hasn't had a terribly productive tight end since Vernon Davis in 2012, so he has to take every shot he can, and getting Everett at this spot in the draft makes perfect sense.



3.02 Detroit Vipers - WR Carlos Henderson
In the real world: Henderson is dangerous after the catch and tough to bring down, too. He could be Denver's #3 WR and return man already (although Bennie Fowler and Jordan Taylor may have something to say about that).
In the TUFF world: For the record, I would have preferred the larger, slightly faster Chris Godwin--slot receivers seem relatively easy to come by compared to #1s and #2s--but then again, wide receivers generally are a crapshoot.



3.03 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - TE Adam Shaheen
In the real world: Shaheen drips upside given his size (one of the biggest tight ends in this draft at 6'6", 278 lb.), but it will take time to transition from little Ashland to the NFL.
In the TUFF world: A curious pick given that the PAPAS already have Martellus Bennett, Charles Clay and Jack Doyle. But hey, if you can't fill a need, you might as well build a surplus and trade from it later.



3.04 Minnesota Fighting Saints - RB Aaron Jones
In the real world: Neither Jones' production nor his athleticism is in doubt after posting top-two SPARQ results among running backs at the Combine. But he doesn't play as fast as his 40 time and has had ball security issues. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers, who let Eddie Lacy walk in free agency and also jettisoned James Starks and Christine Michael, Jones joins a wide-open competition for carries with Ty Montgomery, Jamaal Williams (Round 4) and Devante Mays (Round 7).
In the TUFF world: It'll be interesting to see what the Packers do with Montgomery this season. Even though MFL lists him as a running back, he still wears #88 and could always be moved back to wide receiver. If so, Jones could have a chance to contribute early on.



3.05 Carolina Convicts - TE Jake Butt
In the real world: The 6'5", 246-lb. Wolverine tore his ACL in the 2017 Orange Bowl, so the 2017 season will be a lost season, but he could be a lower-risk, higher-reward pick as the result. He went to Broncos early in Round 5; they already have Jeff Heuerman (who himself tore an ACL a year ago), A.J. Derby and Virgil Green. Heuerman is reportedly not guaranteed a roster spot, even though the Broncos drafted him in Round 3 last year.
In the TUFF world: Carolina needed depth at TE (Jordan Cameron retired). Maybe Butt will establish himself as the backup to longtime Cons starter Greg Olsen next year--Heuerman's health is the key here.



3.06 Arizona Outlaws - WR Kenny Golladay
In the real world: Golladay's speed is above-average for his size. I thought he'd be drafted much later than this, but maybe I'm reading too much into Scouts, Inc.'s grade (50). Rotoworld's Evan Silva suggests that he could be the Lions’ #2 wideout opposite Marvin Jones, with Golden Tate moving back to the slot. Initial reports suggest he's been doing well in camp and is poised to earn at least some of the work that Anquan Boldin left behind.
In the TUFF world: Golladay's a good pick at this point anyway, just because of the potential job situation the Lions present.



3.07 Houston Tethered Swimmers - WR Chad Williams
In the real world: Not invited to Combine (arrested last May for marijuana and firearm possession). Lands in potentially good job situation with Cardinals, where Michael Floyd is long gone and Larry Fitzgerald is nearing retirement. John Brown and Jaron Brown are in contract years as well.
In the TUFF world: See also Golladay, Kenny. Meaning, I thought he was also taken too high in the NFL Draft, but as far as the TUFF Draft goes, you might as well see where the job situation takes him.



3.08 Tennessee Taz Devils - WR Cooper Kupp
In the real world: Kupp broke 15 FCS records at Eastern Washington finishing his illustrious career with 428 catches for 6,464 yard and 73 touchdowns. He was praised for his route-running at the Senior Bowl. But he didn't test well at the Combine, running a 4.62 40 with a vertical leap of 31". The Los Angeles Rams drafted him in Round 3, but they also drafted Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M) in Round 4, and there's a host of other wideouts the Rams have picked in recent years to contend with.
In the TUFF world: It's hard to say how Kupp will turn out--Larry Fitzgerald also ran his 40-yard-dash in about the same time, but Mike Hass (who won the 2005 Fred Biletnikoff Award thanks to his superb route-running) didn't last very long in the NFL.



3.09 Baltimore Brown Clowns - WR Taywan Taylor
In the real world: Taylor was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in Round 3. He's been doing well in organized team activities, and that's encouraging given their need to improve their depth at wide receiver, where Kendall Wright is gone, and aside from fellow rookie Corey Davis and second-year man Tajae Sharpe, there's not much.
In the TUFF world: A whole host of wideouts were drafted in Round 3 of the NFL Draft. Taylor is the last of that group to be taken here in the TUFF Draft. He's also the third WR to be taken by the Brown Clowns, following Mike Williams in Round 1 and ArDarius Stewart in Round 2, as they continue to rebuild their depth at that position.



3.10 Green Bay Ground Hogs - RB Tarik Cohen
In the real world: Round 4 selection Cohen is really small at 5'7", 179 lb. The Chicago Bears may use him as a passing down back and return specialist--the roles they were hoping Jacquizz Rodgers would fill two years ago (before he broke his arm). He's also drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles and Tyreek Hill.
In the TUFF world: Green Bay finally makes a pick after missing Rounds 1 and 2. You can't have too many running backs in this league, and while Cohen enters a backfield that already has Jordan Howard and Jeremy Langford, the latter did not average 4 yards per carry in either of the last two seasons. Sproles and Hill have both played well enough to not only stick, but become relevant in fantasy.



3.11 Green Bay Ground Hogs - WR Josh Reynolds
In the real world: The Rams drafted Reynolds, one of Matt Waldman’s (Rookie Scouting Portfolio) darlings this year, in Round 4. It seems like ever since Torry Holt left the Rams, their WR corps has been one revolving door. Rotoworld's Evan Silva: "In a corps otherwise comprised of interior-receiver types Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tavon Austin, and Pharoh Cooper, Reynolds stands out as the best field-stretching option."
In the TUFF world: Given how Paul Rush swears by Waldman's Rookie Scouting Portfolio, in retrospect, this is no surprise. The idea that Reynolds could be the Rams' big-play receiver in a couple years is a very good reason to take him.



3.12 Green Bay Ground Hogs - WR Chad Hansen
In the real world: Hansen, who only had one productive season at California (92/1,249/11), was drafted by the New York Jets in Round 7. His NFL.com scouting profile compares him to Allen Hurns, another wideout who was not highly regarded as a prospect (in fact, he went undrafted) but ended up being very productive with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rotoworld has compared him to Patriots WR Chris Hogan. His job situation is interesting anyway, given that they have a new offensive coordinator installing a new West Coast offense.
In the TUFF world: Compared to two WRs who went under the radar to become productive in the NFL--OK, this makes sense.



3.13 Detroit Vipers - QB Joshua Dobbs
In the real world: The Pittsburgh Steelers took Dobbs in Round 4 in an effort to improve their depth at quarterback, especially in light of reports that longtime starter Ben Roethlisberger was contemplating retirement. Zach Mettenberger was evidently not going to be their backup of the future--he was cut not long after the NFL Draft--and Landry Jones has been frustratingly inconsistent. Meanwhile, Dobbs is a dual-threat QB (23 rushing TDs over his last two seasons) with strong intangibles; accuracy and ball security are possible issues.
In the TUFF world: Omar Jacobs (2006), Dennis Dixon (2008), Landry Jones (2013)--the Vipers drafting a Steelers backup QB has been a given ever since they drafted Big Ben in 2004. This may be a mild reach given that Dobbs profiles as a backup, but hey, Dak Prescott turned out way better than expected as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys last season, and we all know how dual-threat QBs can take their teams very far given the right coaching.



3.14 Indy Hoosier Daddy's - RB Elijah Hood
In the real world: The Oakland Raiders drafted him in Round 7. They also acquired Marshawn Lynch (comeback attempt), but they also let Latavius Murray leave for the Vikings in free agency.
In the TUFF world: Hood is a great speculative bid for those who don't buy into the Return of Beast Mode hype.



3.15 Kansas City Slewage - TE Bucky Hodges
In the real world: Hodges' Scouts, Inc. grades have been all over the place—70 last fall, 87 in February, then back down to 74 in April. Maybe it has to do with inconsistency—he can make some big plays, but then make some frustrating drops as well. He's a converted QB and is still learning the position. His NFL job situation leaves a lot to be desired since he's stuck behind Kyle Rudolph, who is signed with the Vikings through 2019.
In the TUFF world: It's a sensible handcuff pick for the Slewage, since they've had Rudolph ever since they drafted him in 2011. I also think Hodges should have gone a lot sooner than he did, given that I saw a lot more big plays than drops.



3.16 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - WR Amara Darboh
In the real world: The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in Round 3. Good NFL size at 6'2", 214 lb. Good speed, too, but he doesn't have the suddenness.
In the TUFF world: Tampa Bay won its first TUFF Bowl title on the back of its running backs; among their wideouts, Jordan Matthews disappointed last year (3 TDs, none after Week 8), and Torrey Smith continued to underperform. Meaning, Paul Granholm wasn't about to neglect the wide receiver corps.



4.01 New Orleans Chocolate City - PK Zane Gonzales
In the real world: Gonzales won the Lou Groza Award for being college football's outstanding placekicker last season. The Cleveland Browns drafted him. Although Gonzales is the favorite to win the Browns' placekicker job, he has to go through Cody Parkey (who himself had an outstanding rookie season with the Eagles three years ago) first.
In the TUFF world: The Chocolate City had no kickers heading into training camp last season before getting Travis Coons and Jason Myers off the free agent scrap heap. They were down to just Myers after the Cleveland Browns dropped Coons.



4.02 Detroit Vipers - RB Brian Hill
In the real world: Hill, drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in Round 5, brings a violent, north-south running style to Falcons that Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman do not have.
In the TUFF world: Again, you can't have too many running backs.



4.03 Kansas City Slewage - RB Elijah McGuire
In the real world: The New York Jets drafted McGuire in Round 7.
In the TUFF world: I'm sure KC would have loved to have gotten Hill. McGuire's got an interesting job situation, although if Matt Forte needs replacing, I'd just as soon bet that the Jets draft another RB next year.



4.04 Minnesota Fighting Saints - PK Harrison Butker
In the real world: The Carolina Panthers drafted Butker. His path to the Panthers' kicking job is actually easier than Gonzales' with the Browns, because rumor has it that the Panthers are going to cut incumbent Graham Gano to save some salary cap room.
In the TUFF world: Like the Chocolate City, the Fighting Saints also needed depth at kicker (Mike Nugent is out of work at the moment, so Ryan Succop was the only active kicker on the roster).



4.05 Carolina Convicts - QB Chad Kelly
In the real world: Kelly was this year's "Mr. Irrelevant" pick by the Denver Broncos. He went from early-round pick to damn near undrafted free agent due to two injuries in less than six months (ACL, wrist) and two off-field issues (punching two people at a bar in December 2014—he was not invited to the Combine due to that incident—and getting kicked off the Clemson program in April 2014, reportedly for detrimental conduct). He's the nephew of former USFL and Buffalo Bills great Jim Kelly.
In the TUFF world: Just as the Broncos apparently aren't sold on Paxton Lynch, so should the Convicts not be sold on Jared Goff or Blake Bortles. Bortles fell to earth after what looked like a breakout season in 2015; as for Goff, the Cons' first-round pick last season, he hasn't taken off yet (the less said, the better).



4.06 Denver Devils - RB De'Angelo Henderson
In the real world: The Broncos averaged 3.6 yards per rush last season, 28th in the league, and Henderson was the only running back they drafted in 2017 (Round 6). A little short at 5'7", but a lower center of gravity and good lower-body strength could make him a viable NFL back. He'll have to compete with C.J. Anderson, second-year man Devontae Booker and free agent arrival Jamaal Charles for carries.
In the TUFF world: The Devils acquired this pick from Arizona in exchange for none other than Brock Osweiler.



4.07 Houston Tethered Swimmers - TE Jonnu Smith
In the real world: Could Smith be the heir apparent to Delanie Walker in Tennessee? His NFL.com draft profile compares him to Walker, who turns 33 and will become a free agent after 2018. The knock on him is inconsistent hands (10 drops over the last two seasons).
In the TUFF world: In terms of where he went in the NFL Draft, Smith was the best available player; he was arguably the best available in terms of talent as well. He is buried on the Tethered Swimmers' depth chart at the moment, though, with Coby Fleener and Charles Clay also on the roster, and Gary Barnidge bound to get a new job after being cut by the Browns.



4.08 New Orleans Chocolate City - PK Jake Elliott
In the real world: The Bengals made Elliott the first placekicker to be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft when they took him in Round 5. They're looking to replace Mike Nugent, whose field goal percentage was below 80% in each of the last five seasons. As is the case with Gonzalez and Butker, though, Elliott will have to beat out a veteran (Randy Bullock, who has played for five different teams over the last two seasons). He's got the leg strength (2-of-3 from 50+ yards out last season), but not the consistency (his sophomore season was dreadful, with 11 missed FG attempts, 6-of-16 from 40+ yards out).
In the TUFF world: New Orleans' quest to improve their placekicker depth continues.



4.09 Baltimore Brown Clowns - RB T.J. Logan
In the real world: See also Cohen, Tarik. Small, but could be a passing-down back and a kick returner. Has fumbled once every 37 carries over the last two seasons, although a bad habit that can be easily corrected (carrying the ball away from the body) could be a factor there.
In the TUFF world: Yet again, you can't have too many running backs. The Brown Clowns have one starter in Lamar Miller, but the rest of the depth chart is full of part-timers, so they did well to add a back as they finish their draft.



4.10 Dallas Golden Tornadoes - RB I'Tavius Mathers
In the real world: The Jaguars signed Mathers as an undrafted free agent. He transferred to Middle Tennessee State from Ole Miss, mainly to get more playing time (he had more carries in one season at MTSU than he had _touches_ at Ole Miss in three seasons combined). He was a man among boys, averaging 6.7 yards a carry and scoring 17 touchdowns. He turns 24 in November--he had to sit out 2015 due to the transfer--so age could be a minor issue. His short-term job situation stinks; he's presently buried behind new feature back Leonard Fournette, veteran Chris Ivory, and third-year man T.J. Yeldon, although Ivory is bound to be a salary cap cut sooner rather than later, and Yeldon was disappointing last season (3.6 yards per carry). There isn't much to read into his MTSU stats because of the caliber of competition.  What concerns me is that his yards-per-carry average at Ole Miss went backwards from one year to the next.
In the TUFF world: What the heck, it's another running back, and you can never have too many.



4.11 Dallas Golden Tornadoes - WR Ishmael Zamora
In the real world: Signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Baylor. He wasn't undrafted for lack of talent--it was because last season, he was caught on video abusing a dog with his belt. Although he's tall at 6'4", he must improve his blocking or he’ll be another tall, big, fast WR that didn’t make it (a la Jordan Kent, Moritz Boehringer, et al.).
In the TUFF world: At this point in the draft, the potential reward outweighs the risk.  MFL's Average Draft Position analysis suggests that he's getting drafted more often that most of the other 4th-rounders in this Draft.



4.12 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - RB Corey Clement
In the real world: The Eagles signed Clement as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin. Frank Cooney of NFLDraftScout.com ranks him 196th overall--meaning he would have gone in Round 6 if all NFL GMs were Cooney clones. But there are reasons why he didn't get drafted, mainly durability (ankle, hand injuries; sports hernia) and character (punched someone in an elevator, lying about the incident to coaches and university staff), along with lack of versatility (not useful on passing downs). He enters a crowded backfield in Philadelphia; they already had Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood, and fellow rookie Donnel Pumphrey also on board; on May 17, they also signed LeGarrette Blount, who just turned 30, but is larger than Clement and is similar to Clement in many ways (physical power runner who isn't used much in the passing game and was undrafted as a rookie due in part to a punching incident).
In the TUFF world: OK, we're at the 60th overall pick--a good excuse for another shot in the dark. For what it's worth, Clement's size (5'10", 220 lb.) suggests he could be hard to bring down (due to a lower center of gravity).



4.13 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - WR Malachi Dupre
In the real world: The Green Bay Packers drafted Dupre out of LSU in Round 7. Scouts, Inc. initially graded him 84 last fall, but that grade steadily fell back to 70 over the next eight months. He didn't put up extraordinary stats, but then again, that could be chalked up to inconsistent quarterback play. His NFL.com draft profile suggests that his NFL-caliber size and athleticism, coupled with his arrested development at LSU, make him a very good developmental prospect.
In the TUFF world: Pittsburgh is looking to add depth at wide receiver, and we'll find out how much development Dupre can get from the Packers' coaches and QBs in training camp.



4.14 Tennessee Taz Devils - WR Robert Davis
In the real world: The Washington Redskins drafted Davis out of Georgia State in Round 6. He's got an interesting size-speed combo at 6'3", 219 lb. with a 4.4 40. But he comes from a small school and needs work on route running, meaning it'll take some time before we see what he can really bring to the table.
In the TUFF world: The Taz Devils bought this pick and the 4.15 pick to grab a couple more rookies. Davis figures to be a handcuff pick for two other Redskins wideouts (Josh Doctson, Tennessee's first-rounder last year; and Jamison Crowder, who was very productive in Doctson's absence).



4.15 Tennessee Taz Devils - QB C.J. Beathard
In the real world: The San Francisco 49ers raised some eyebrows in Round 3 by taking Beathard out of Iowa. Most expected him to go much later in the draft, and certainly not ahead of Nathan Peterman (Bills, Round 5) or Brad Kaaya (Lions, Round 6).
In the TUFF world: Tennessee is searching for their backup for Aaron Rodgers. Paxton Lynch should have been the answer to that question, but he isn't (yet), and as long as that's the case, you might as well grasp at another straw.



4.16 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - Pass
In the TUFF world: Paul Granholm seriously considered cutting Blaine Gabbert, but then he signed with the Arizona Cardinals for one year to be the backup to Carson Palmer, meaning Gabbert is still a Meat Goat--for now.































































































































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