2066 Las Vegas Rounders Draft Review

3-10 (74)
Dustin Roush QB Harvard
6'2" 219 lbs


Each of the past few off-seasons the talk in Vegas revolved around finding McKnight's successor. Following last season's trade for LB Green, Vegas entered the 2066 draft short on draft capital to make a move for their next franchise signal caller. Enter the 3.10 pick and the choice was between Heath Brooks and Dustin Roush. Neither rookie is developed enough to make an impact any time soon, but it was Roush's ability to sense the rush and read the defense on the limited tape available. Vegas may need to bring in a bridge guy before Roush is ready but it all depends on whether McKnight hangs it up following 2066 or 2067 and how well the kid develops.

4-11 (107)
Steven Winslett WR Ball State
5'11" 188 lbs


Despite a need for an offensive lineman, Winslett seemed to fit another need for Vegas. A WR with good hands and route-running abilities would shore up the aging WR corps for the Rounders. Vegas has never shied away from smallish receivers so Winslett's frame is nothing out of the ordinary for this group.

4-25 (121)
Winston Appleton P Maryland
6'0" 205 lbs


Vegas has never had much success in drafting kickers of any kind, but the current punting situation is dreadful. Passing on the big leg in this class, Vegas went the route of punt hang time and ball placement. Punts are hard enough to cover in the CFL so big legs plus no hang time equals more PR TD's. The best punter and kicker never seem to be the ones drafted so Appleton may be on the Vegas roster as long as the Detroit roster was in Appleton.

5-31 (159)
Avery Shanahan CB Michigan
5'8" 184 lbs


Following the normal undersize them as previous Vegas drafts, diminutive Avery Shanahan joins some other small guys in the DB room. Avery won't be asked to cover the big guys on the outside and was drafted to play man coverage and drill runners facing our nickel packages.

6-11 (171)
Jimmie Duran OL Montana State
6'4" 304 lbs


Duran was brought on board to provide run blocking as an offensive guard. Duran's blocking strength may be a liability and prevent him from sticking with the club, but he's worth a shot in the 6th round.

7-10 (202)
Adrian Diaz ILB Boston College
6'1" 248 lbs


Diaz has the size and skills to be a swing backer on this defense. No one selected with any of the picks Vegas had available this year would crack the starting LB corps, but the current depth is showing its age and limitations. Diaz stands a strong chance to make this roster and get some PT at inside and outside backer.

7-19 (211)
Emmett Frederick S Miami Florida
5'11" 204 lbs


Frederick is the type of player you like to see late in the draft. He clocked in at #4 among safeties in three drills: 40-yard dash, Solecismic test, and agility. While the bars don't show on the scouting report and he doesn't show much volatility, Vegas couldn't pass on this project. The chance of his bars unmasking to match his athleticism makes finding a roster spot for him worth the risk.

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ROF Division Champions: 2039 - 2043, 2045, 2047, 2054, 2056 - 2060, 2063, 2066-2067
WFC Conference Champions: 2018, 2041, 2042, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062-2063
CFL Champions: 2018, 2041, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062

2067 Update

3.10 selection, Dustin Roush (QB), had his coming out year following the retirement of Harvey McKnight. Roush led the Rounders to a record of 11-5 with 3 late-game heroics. His 21-8 TD/INT ratio approached the 3:1 you want in a QB and considering 4 of those 8 INT's came in the last 2 weeks of the season it was a good campaign for the young gun. In his first playoff appearance, Roush achieved his first 300-yard game and went 3-1 TD/INT leading the Rounders to a 40-point offensive outing.

4.11 selection, Steven Winslett (WR), also had a coming out year due to injuries at the WR position. With limited opportunities, Winslett fought his way onto the stat sheet and demonstrated the chemistry he developed with Roush during their 2066 rookie year. Winslett appeared in 8 games in 2067 going 19 of 25 (76%) for 165 (8.68 Avg/Ctch) with 73 yards of that as YAC. He tallied 1 TD and 4 catches over 20 yards.

5.11 selection, Avery Shannahan (CB), still has a roster spot and dressed for 14 games in 2067. Shannahan got the start in 2 contests and looks like he will see a second contract in the league.

Both 7th-round selections, Diaz (MLB) and Frederick (S), are still on the roster. Diaz has seen playing time in both seasons as a swing LB. Frederick has been cut and re-signed since being drafted but remains on the roster as the 53rd man.

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ROF Division Champions: 2039 - 2043, 2045, 2047, 2054, 2056 - 2060, 2063, 2066-2067
WFC Conference Champions: 2018, 2041, 2042, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062-2063
CFL Champions: 2018, 2041, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062