[size=205ce0329][b5ce0329]Quarterbacks[/b5ce0329][/size5ce0329]
[b5ce0329][i5ce0329]Grade: D-[/i5ce0329][/b5ce0329]

The first free agency class of Quarterbacks in the CFL is weak to say the least. There is a premium for good QBs around the league, though don't expect any teams to try and fill the need by bringing in a QB this year. Most teams would be best off grooming a young QB, or looking for a QB in this years draft if they have the option. [b5ce0329]Dino Stamm[/b5ce0329] is the best QB available, a 27 year old who still has some room to improve. completing 61% of his passes for 1390 yards and 9 TDs to 8 INTs in 7 starts for Cleveland, putting a up a QB rating of 76.3. He was very popular in Cleveland though, so they may be looking to bring him back.

Boxcar [b5ce0329]Don Martinez[/b5ce0329] is the only free agent quarterback to start all 16 games last season. He is an adaquate passer in the right situation, though he only threw 12 touchdowns to 18 picks last year. He had some good perfomances last year like his 255 yard and 1 touchdown game where he completed 74% of his passes at Tulsa, or his 394 yard, 3 touchdown game against Denver for a win in the final game of the year, though he had his share of disasters as well, only throwing for 87 yards and being picked off 2 times in a 37-0 loss at home agaisnt Charleston. He was impressive at times running the ball, and it is believed that Fargo may not be interested in bringing him back at QB.

Best: [b5ce0329]Dino Stamm, CLE[/b5ce0329]
Safest: [b5ce0329]Don Martinez, FAR[/b5ce0329]
Biggest Risk: [b5ce0329]David Judge, TUL[/b5ce0329]
Sleeper: [b5ce0329]Wendell McIver, FAR[/b5ce0329]
Value: [b5ce0329]Michael Bridgewater, HON[/b5ce0329]

[size=204b78b5d][b4b78b5d]Runningbacks[/b4b78b5d][/size4b78b5d]
[b4b78b5d][i4b78b5d]Grade: C-[/i4b78b5d][/b4b78b5d]

Fresh of his 126 yard performance to bring home the championship home to Portland, [b4b78b5d]Rodger Rubenstein[/b4b78b5d] is the only highlight to a weak class of runningbacks. Rubenstein is the perfect back for any team looking to pound the ball up the middle, and is also a recieving threat as he caught 5 TD passes while gaining 432 yards through the air on 54 catches. Other 1000 yard backs available are Baltimore's workhorse [b4b78b5d]David Frazee[/b4b78b5d], along with [b4b78b5d]Dudley Given[/b4b78b5d], who was a team leader for Durham last year.

Other than those feature backs, backups like [b4b78b5d]Mervin Posey[/b4b78b5d] (NYC), [b4b78b5d]Seth Webb[/b4b78b5d] (FAR), [b4b78b5d]James Vanwinkle[/b4b78b5d] (SCU), [b4b78b5d]Richard Saunders[/b4b78b5d] (FAR), and [b4b78b5d]Stephen Slagle[/b4b78b5d] (ALB) are available for teams looking to add depth at the runningback position.


Best: [b4b78b5d]Rodger Rubenstein, POR[/b4b78b5d]
Safest: [b4b78b5d]David Frazee, BAL[/b4b78b5d]
Biggest Risk: [b4b78b5d]Dudley Given, DUR[/b4b78b5d]
Sleeper: [b4b78b5d]Richard Saunders, FAR[/b4b78b5d]
Value: [b4b78b5d]Mervin Posey, NYC[/b4b78b5d]

[size=20a070dae][ba070dae]Fullbacks[/ba070dae][/sizea070dae]
[ba070dae][ia070dae]Grade: B+[/ia070dae][/ba070dae]

Fullback is one of the strongest positions for free agency this year, and any team willing to go out and spend on a blocking back should be able to get a quality player. Weighing in at 231 pounds, [ba070dae]Julius Gillen[/ba070dae] leads the class after the job he did Dynomite QB Edward Kimberagainst pass rushing, and for how he cleared the running lanes for the Denver runningbacks. Although he only carried the ball 26 times, Gillen was solid averaging 4.5 yards a carry. Tucson's [ba070dae]David Hernandez[/ba070dae] is also at the top of the class, even though he was only able to start 7 games for the Toros this season.

There is also plenty of depth at the position, with quality starters like [ba070dae]Shaun Easterday[/ba070dae] (ELP), [ba070dae]David Evans[/ba070dae] (CHA), [ba070dae]Don Couture[/ba070dae] (SAN), and [ba070dae]Harley Bourne[/ba070dae] (FAR) rounding out the class, teams with a need at FB should be able to fill it in free agency.


Best: [ba070dae]Julius Gillen, DEN[/ba070dae]
Safest: [ba070dae]Carson Millsaps, BAL[/ba070dae]
Biggest Risk: [ba070dae]Jason Robinson, ANC[/ba070dae]
Sleeper: [ba070dae]Rufus Eklund, DUR[/ba070dae]
Value: [ba070dae]David Evans, CHA[/ba070dae]

[size=20560f538][b560f538]Tight Ends[/b560f538][/size560f538]
[b560f538][i560f538]Grade: B[/i560f538][/b560f538]

[b560f538]Daniel Cone[/b560f538] heads up a free agent class at tight end that contains 3 of the top 4 all around players at the position. Cole is not only excellent in run and pass blocking, but he had an excellent year recieving, even though he had his playing time limited in 5 games due to injures. When he was able to play, Cone caught 63 passes for 780 yards and 6 TDs, including his 10 catch 122 yard performance against Chicago. Albany has a decision to make, as it is unlikely Cone will want to return to the Engineers if they bring back free agent and team leader [b560f538]Michael Kowalczyk[/b560f538], also a tight end, who Cone has had some conflicts with that have made news around the league. If the Engineers decide not to bring Kowalczyk back it is likely he will land with another team. He is not a starter quality player, though he can help in running situations, is an excellent special teams player, and is an outstanding leader.

Also at the top of the class are Portland's [b560f538]Newton Begin[/b560f538], who at 6'4" 253 pounds is one of the strongest blockers in the league, though some at 33 he may not find the size contract he will be looking for. Charleston's [b560f538]James Robertson[/b560f538] rounds out the top of the class and will be a solid starter, though many believe he is best suited on the sideline on passing downs.


Best: [b560f538]Daniel Cone, ALB[/b560f538]
Safest: [b560f538]Brady Zambrano, LAS[/b560f538]
Biggest Risk: [b560f538]Delbert Lonergan, ELP[/b560f538]
Sleeper: [b560f538]Steven Smith, LAS[/b560f538]
Value: [b560f538]David Amador, HBE[/b560f538]

[size=20d89d6d1][bd89d6d1]Receivers[/bd89d6d1][/sized89d6d1]
[bd89d6d1][id89d6d1]Grade: C-[/id89d6d1][/bd89d6d1]

[bd89d6d1]Matt Brunner[/bd89d6d1] was named first team All-Pro by both the AP and the CFL coaches, which was well deserved for his 74 catch, 1126 yard season. There is some concern as far as him catching the ball being he had more dropped passes (8) than touchdowns (5), though as he showed with three 100 yard games he is one of the elite playmakers at wide out in the league.

The rest of the class is not nearly as strong. Only Balitmore's [bd89d6d1]Ronald Allred[/bd89d6d1] had more than 800 yards receiving, with his 54 catches for 860 yards and 4 TDs. [bd89d6d1]Marvin Athey[/bd89d6d1] clearly still hasn't reached his potential, but he was impressive before suffering a career ending injury. Athey, who fails to make many big plays, but seems to be on top of his game in key third down situations was the target of nearly 40% of all passes thrown when he was on the field, gaining 330 yards in 4 games. At only 26 years old, Athey could be the most sought after free agent at his position. Cleveland flanker [bd89d6d1]Tony Oaks[/bd89d6d1] ranks near the top in talent according to most scouts, though he couldn't put it all together last year, only averaging 13 yards per catch, and having an equal number of drops as TD passes with 4 of each.


Best: [bd89d6d1]Matt Brunner, POR[/bd89d6d1]
Safest: [bd89d6d1]Ronald Allred, BAL[/bd89d6d1]
Biggest Risk: [bd89d6d1]Brad Weeks, DUR[/bd89d6d1]
Sleeper: [bd89d6d1]Thad Gerald, LAS[/bd89d6d1]
Value: [bd89d6d1]John Worden, LBE[/bd89d6d1]

[size=20888262b][b888262b]Centers[/b888262b][/size888262b]
[b888262b][i888262b]Grade: A+[/i888262b][/b888262b]

[b888262b]Earnest Fant[/b888262b] isn't just the top center in the league, he could very well be the the best offensive lineman in the league as well. Fant only allowed one sack for Chicago last year, and when they needed to run behind him nearly 40% of the time the hole would be completely cleared, one of the best percentages in the league. Fant is 29 and in the prime of his career, so there is little question that he will be the most sought after free agent this year.

Along with Fant there are two other 5 star free agent centers this year, and several 4 star players. [b888262b]Kelly Cannon[/b888262b] of Charleston and [b888262b]Wesley Gallegos[/b888262b] of Cleveland can also expect to recieve large free agent contracts, as any team looking to put together a strong offensive line would be more than happy to have either of them at center.


Best: [b888262b]Earnest Fant, CHI[/b888262b]
Safest: [b888262b]Kelly Cannon, CHA[/b888262b]
Biggest Risk: [b888262b]David Brown, NOS[/b888262b]
Sleeper: [b888262b]James Caines, LAS[/b888262b]
Value: [b888262b]Chris Fenton, FAR[/b888262b]

[size=207fedf73][b7fedf73]Guards[/b7fedf73][/size7fedf73]
[b7fedf73][i7fedf73]Grade: B-[/i7fedf73][/b7fedf73]

[b7fedf73]Paris Johnson[/b7fedf73] was dominating at times last year, and for that the AP writers named him a First Team All Pro at the guard position. The Mudbugs relied heavily on him, running his way 25% of the time. He was also effective in the passing game, only giving up 5 sacks on the year. As great as he was, however, expect some teams to shy away from him in free agency. There couldn't be a worse time for Johnson to become a free agent, as the 34 year old started to show signs of his age as the season wore on. In the last 6 games Johnson gave up 4 sacks and was only successful on 3 of 41 key run block attempts. Over that period, Shreveport went 3-3, losing 2 games by only 3 points, and ended up missing the playoffs by a single game in the wildcard race. Certianly Shreveport missing the playoffs cannot be put solely on Johnson, though he had a terrible performance down the stretch. Johnson is idolized by fans and still a very good leader, but teams should be careful of offering him too much much when there's no answer to how long he'll be around and how long he'll be effective.

With Johnson as a questionable free agent pick up, expect Long Beach's [b7fedf73]Thomas Paddock[/b7fedf73] to attract the most attention at his position. He only played 11 games last year, though if teams believe he is now healthy he can expect a rather sizable contract. Paddock loves the Calibri organization though, so don't be surprised if he quickly signs a new deal to stay in Long Beach. [b7fedf73]Robert Russell[/b7fedf73] of Baltimore could be an interesting pickup for teams. He's getting on in the years at 31 and doesn't have great form, though he still has the strength that has allowed him to tear open big holes in defensive fronts.


Best: [b7fedf73]Thomas Paddock, LBE[/b7fedf73]
Safest: [b7fedf73]Hunter Jaimes, DUR[/b7fedf73]
Biggest Risk: [b7fedf73]Paris Johnson, SHR[/b7fedf73]
Sleeper: [b7fedf73]Danny Cordell, FAR[/b7fedf73]
Value: [b7fedf73]Rupert Heyer, TUL[/b7fedf73]

[size=202d85d14][b2d85d14]Tackles[/b2d85d14][/size2d85d14]
[b2d85d14][i2d85d14]Grade: F[/i2d85d14][/b2d85d14]

[b2d85d14]Jose Book[/b2d85d14] is the lone free agent tackle who most teams would consider for a starting job. The leader on the offensive line of the championship runner up Memphis Express started 3 games last season, allowing no sacks on 73 pass plays while being successful on 31% of run blocks. If it's a position of need most teams would mind signing the 350 pounder to start at tackle for them, but he wouldn't be an ideal starter. Book is reportedly upset with the Memphis coaching staff, so expect him to be starting for a team like Seattle of Honolulu that's in dire need at the position.

Las Vegas' [b2d85d14]Kendall Padilla[/b2d85d14] is an outstading run blocker, though the Texas Tech grad is one of the worst pass protectors in the league. He would be great as a situational player in a goalline package. though not someone teams would want protecting a star quarterback. [b2d85d14]Raymond Trice[/b2d85d14] could start for a team that is weak at the position, so expect him to leave Fargo, where he would get little playing time behind Joel Cheeks and Garret Bennett.

Best: [b2d85d14]Jose Book, MEM[/b2d85d14]
Safest: [b2d85d14]Raymond Trice, FAR[/b2d85d14]
Biggest Risk: [b2d85d14]Kendall Padilla, LAS[/b2d85d14]
Sleeper: [b2d85d14]Weston Wilkerson, LBE[/b2d85d14]
Value: [b2d85d14]Stephen Covey, SAC[/b2d85d14]

[size=2093f09e7][b93f09e7]Defensive Ends[/b93f09e7][/size93f09e7]
[b93f09e7][i93f09e7]Grade: C-[/i93f09e7][/b93f09e7]

The class of defensive ends is relatively weak and has no great players outside Denver's [b93f09e7]Jerrold Moton[/b93f09e7]. Moton is thought to be a complete player, making 53 tackles while at the same time earning 9.0 sacks last season, along with 18 hurries and 5 blocked passes. While he struggled at times while going against top offensive tackles, he was usually was able to put consistant pressure on an offense.

Portland end [b93f09e7]Zachery Duggan[/b93f09e7] has some strong pass rush moves, though he at times seems lost, and can leave holes open when he guesses wrong on plays. He may not be a great every down end, though he could serve as a situation rush end for many teams. Also available are a trio of seemingly overachieving ends in Tucson's [b93f09e7]Logan Gregory[/b93f09e7] along with [b93f09e7]Eric Free[/b93f09e7] and [b93f09e7]John Crowther[/b93f09e7] of Boise. Crowther lacks instincts for the game, though a quick first step allows him to overpower or get around slower tackles occasionally, and helped him get 9.0 sacks last season. A strong upper body also aids Crowther in his stout run defense. Gregory was able to add a pass rush element to his run defense, and could be a safe pickup. As for Free, it is unknown whether his 9.5 sack season was an aberation, or he was able to prove scouts wrong and will be able to succeed in the league as an undersized player with sub-par physical ability.

Best: [b93f09e7]Jerrold Moton, DEN[/b93f09e7]
Safest: [b93f09e7]Logan Gregory, TUC[/b93f09e7]
Biggest Risk: [b93f09e7]Eric Free, BOI[/b93f09e7]
Sleeper: [b93f09e7]Luther Steen, ALB[/b93f09e7]
Value: [b93f09e7]John Crowther, BOI[/b93f09e7]

[size=20ef7af1c][bef7af1c]Defensive Tackles[/bef7af1c][/sizeef7af1c]
[bef7af1c][ief7af1c]Grade: C+[/ief7af1c][/bef7af1c]

[bef7af1c]Chester Reed[/bef7af1c] was a disruptive force last year for the Empire. He struggled with the system New York was running early in the year, but towards the end of the year he could not be stopped. In the last 5 games of the season he recorded 18 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 13 hurries, and 3 blocked passes. At 300 pounds he is a perfect fit for a team running a one or two gap plan in a 4-3.

Conversely, teams running a 3-4, or any team looking for a run stuffer, will probably be interested in Fargo's [bef7af1c]Albert Garcia[/bef7af1c]. Although undersized at 6'4" 290 pounds, Garcia recorded 55 tackles and 16 assists playing nose tackle in the Boxcars 3-4 defensive front. Two players who are also likely to get a lot of attention are [bef7af1c]Gary Davis[/bef7af1c] and [bef7af1c]Tobias Bernstein[/bef7af1c]. Davis was the leader of the defensive front for the champion Knights, while little used 320 pound Bernstein could be ready for a break out year if he lands with the right team.


Best: [bef7af1c]Chester Reed, NYC[/bef7af1c]
Safest: [bef7af1c]Gary Davis, POR[/bef7af1c]
Biggest Risk: [bef7af1c]Lester Laney, LAS[/bef7af1c]
Sleeper: [bef7af1c]Tobias Bernstein, POR[/bef7af1c]
Value: [bef7af1c]Albert Garcia, FAR[/bef7af1c]

[size=20d2b2754][bd2b2754]Inside Linebackers[/bd2b2754][/sized2b2754]
[bd2b2754][id2b2754]Grade: C[/id2b2754][/bd2b2754]

After watching what defensive player of the year Louis Evan did last year in Boise you can expect teams to be looking for an inside linebacker who can do the same for their team. One player who has that potential is [bd2b2754]Claud McCutchen[/bd2b2754]. McCutchen didn't start last year for Atlantic City, and saw little in the way of playing time, but when he was in he recorded a tackle nearly 49% of the time. McCutchen is still maturing as a player, and he could be poised for a breakout with a new team. [bd2b2754]Dennis Perez[/bd2b2754] is another young player with a lot of potential, though he is expected to miss most of the year with an injury, and it is unclear whether a team will risk signing him to a multi year contract when he most likely won't play this year, and it is unknown how well he'll recover.

For teams needing an impact player right now, [bd2b2754]Duncan Parker[/bd2b2754] and [bd2b2754]Eugene Lemmons[/bd2b2754] are tops at the position. Duncan made 98 tackles and 4 interceptions last year for Cleveland, while Lemmons had 85 and 4 for Charleston.

Best: [bd2b2754]Duncan Parker, CLE[/bd2b2754]
Safest: [bd2b2754]Eugene Lemmons, CHA[/bd2b2754]
Biggest Risk: [bd2b2754]Dennis Perez, BOS[/bd2b2754]
Sleeper: [bd2b2754]Claud McCutchen, ACI[/bd2b2754]
Value: [bd2b2754]Tim Lyle, NYC[/bd2b2754]

[size=20ca1f047][bca1f047]Outside Linebackers[/bca1f047][/sizeca1f047]
[bca1f047][ica1f047]Grade: C[/ica1f047][/bca1f047]

[bca1f047]Alfonzo Levine[/bca1f047] was one of the best linebackers in the league last year when playing for Cleveland. Not only did he have 104 tackles and 8.5 sacks, he also picked off 2 passes, returning one for a TD, and broke up another 11 passes. Levine will help stop the run, and keep from giving up big plays in the passing game on whatever team he winds up on next year. Teams unwilling or unable to pay for Levine's services would be very happy with a player like [bca1f047]Trevor Gainey[/bca1f047]. Gainey was a Levine-light for Las Vegas with 88 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 12 passes defended.

[bca1f047]Keenan Vancleave[/bca1f047] was good against the run and an outstanding leader for the Armadillos last year, though he was weak against the pass and will be 36 when training camp opens. [bca1f047]Arron Kimber[/bca1f047] (NYC) and [bca1f047]Victor Ginn[/bca1f047] aren't strong pass defenders, though they can help any team looking to boost their run defense.


Best: [bca1f047]Alfonso Levine, CLE[/bca1f047]
Safest: [bca1f047]Arron Kimber, NYC[/bca1f047]
Biggest Risk: [bca1f047]Keenan Vancleave, SAN[/bca1f047]
Sleeper: [bca1f047]Daniel Beane, FAR[/bca1f047]
Value: [bca1f047]Trevor Gainey, LAS[/bca1f047]

[size=20e004a3f][be004a3f]Safeties[/be004a3f][/sizee004a3f]
[be004a3f][ie004a3f]Grade: B-[/ie004a3f][/be004a3f]

[be004a3f]John Murguia[/be004a3f] excells at defending the run, though some teams will shy away from Murguia due to his lack of any interception at the free safety position last season. His 107 tackles will impress most teams, though expect him to stay in Honolulu due to finding no big offers elsewhere. Teams looking for the whole package will likely puruse Capitalist [be004a3f]Andy Gourley[/be004a3f]. Gourley is one of the best in the league at reading an offense, and his agressive run defense lead to 76 tackles, while he still manage to return 6 interceptions for 113 yards.

[be004a3f]Tony McAnally[/be004a3f] is one of the more interested prospects at the safety position this year. Three times for Las Vegas he picked off two passes in a game and had a total of 9 on the year. He also defended 10 passes while allowing 26 catches. He is fantastic at times against the pass, though any team signing him had better already have a strong run defense in place.

Best: [be004a3f]Andy Gourley, HBE[/be004a3f]
Safest: [be004a3f]John Murguia, HOU[/be004a3f]
Biggest Risk: [be004a3f]Tony McAnally, LAS[/be004a3f]
Sleeper: [be004a3f]Desmond Ward, DEN[/be004a3f]
Value: [be004a3f]Boyd Mauro, CHI[/be004a3f]

[size=207036f96][b7036f96]Cornerbacks[/b7036f96][/size7036f96]
[b7036f96][i7036f96]Grade: C[/i7036f96][/b7036f96]

[b7036f96]Erwin Koch[/b7036f96] could be one of the best corners in the league someday, though he needs to make his game more complete and well rounded. Koch had 8 interceptions this season, though they only came in 3 games (4 against Tulsa, 1 against San Antonio, 3 against Detroit). His play was also suspect as the begining of the year, allow 10 catches to only 1 defended in the first four games. Koch was also formidable against the run.

[b7036f96]Orlando Pilcher[/b7036f96] contributed significantly to both the run and pass defense of Charleston and can expect a nice payday in return. [b7036f96]Henry Strait[/b7036f96] of Albany and [b7036f96]Nicolas Thrash[/b7036f96] of Baltimore will be good pickups for any team looking to shore up their outside defense.


Best: [b7036f96]Erwin Koch, TBY [/b7036f96]
Safest: [b7036f96]Orlando Pilcher, CHA [/b7036f96]
Biggest Risk: [b7036f96]James Nichols, SAC[/b7036f96]
Sleeper: [b7036f96]Charlie Weems, BAL[/b7036f96]
Value: [b7036f96]James Cooper, MEM[/b7036f96]

[size=2056d8d58][b56d8d58]Punters/Kickers[/b56d8d58][/size56d8d58]
[b56d8d58][i56d8d58]Grade: D+[/i56d8d58][/b56d8d58]

[b56d8d58]Earle Cabral[/b56d8d58] is clearly the best punter in football. Last season he not only averaged 44.4 yards per punt, he also placed 53 of his 132 punts inside the opponents 20 yard line. The low scoring Long Beach Calibri should make it their top priority to resign Cabrall, being they used him 8 or more times in 12 games last season.

[b56d8d58]J.C. Adkins[/b56d8d58] is the top kicker available according to some scouts, but he did not show it with his poor kickoffs and 70% fieldgoal accuracy. [b56d8d58]Eliseo Frame[/b56d8d58], who hit 83% of his kicks last year would be a better option.

Best: [b56d8d58]Earle Cabral, LBE - Punter[/b56d8d58]
Safest: [b56d8d58]Tommie Saunders, ANC - Punter[/b56d8d58]
Biggest Risk: [b56d8d58]J.C. Adkins, FAR - Kicker[/b56d8d58]
Sleeper: [b56d8d58]Eliseo Frame, ANC- Kicker[/b56d8d58]
Value: [b56d8d58]Joe Lynch, BOS - Kicker[/b56d8d58]

Through state 1 I (Tulsa) have signed 3 players from the above!

2 Sleepers:
S Ward
DT Bernstiend

1 'best':
P Cabral

Tulsa will be looking much better than 3-13 next season!

and thanks again for putting all this together- some really good stuff.

_________________


Home of Marvin "Muddy Waters" Raffo

[quote36b946a="Doug5984"]Through state 1 I (Tulsa) have signed 3 players from the above!

2 Sleepers:
S Ward
DT Bernstiend

1 'best':
P Cabral

Tulsa will be looking much better than 3-13 next season!

and thanks again for putting all this together- some really good stuff.[/quote36b946a]

I list Bernstein as a sleeper, ans someone else has to go steal him from me with a very similar offer to mine.

Bastard. [img36b946a]http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/foru ... tongue.gif[/img36b946a]

[quote="MC"][quote9274cc3="Doug5984"]
I list Bernstein as a sleeper, ans someone else has to go steal him from me with a very similar offer to mine.

Bastard. [img9274cc3]http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/foru ... tongue.gif[/img9274cc3][/quote9274cc3]

He knew if he came to Tulsa he could start and be one of the best on the team. I was much more suprised that S Ward signed with me for so cheap, and I probably overpaid for Cabral but my team punts the most so we might as well be the best at that.

_________________


Home of Marvin "Muddy Waters" Raffo