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The new leadership team in St. Louis has a lot of work to do after 13 consecutive losing seasons for the Torpedoes, including a 6-10 mark in 2036. Although the draft earned only a "B" grade from most observers because the team tried to focus on acquiring the best players available rather than filling specific needs, ownership is cautiously optimistic that the talent acquired in the 2037 draft is a significant step in the right direction of a multi-year rebuilding project:
1-11 - Richard McCormick, QB, Missouri (18/72)
McCormick is undersized (5-10, 211), but he was a three year starter for the Tigers, and appears to have the potential to become a legend in his home state if he realizes most of his massive upside with the Torpedoes. Some analysts questioned whether McCormick should have been the second QB off the board last month, but the big question on Missouri fans' minds right now is when McCormick will get his first start. The team signed veteran Jake North to replace longtime starter Marco Boese earlier in the offseason, and there is some sentiment in the organization to give McCormick a year on the sidelines to observe the pro game, but most fans want to see the rookie under center when the team opens the regular season at home against Baltimore.
2-10 - Roy Fitzgerald, DT, Nebraska (36/66)
Defensive line is the only position where St. Louis excels, but the team had a first round grade on Fitzgerald, and was happy to add to their interior strength at #42 overall when other potential targets like Max Perroni, Bob Solano, Sedrick Janjic and B.J. Montgomery were taken before our number was called. Although Fiztgerald played NT at Nebraska, the team is confident that he can adapt to a 4-3 defense, and he is expected to start alongside all-world LDT Christian Robbins immediately. St. Louis is reportedly considering moving last year's starter at RDT, Daryl Rogers, to RDE, in an effort to keep its four best defensive linemen on the field as often as possible.
3-13 - Randall Howard, ILB, Wake Forest (21/62)
Since Howard played in a 3-4 defense in college, some observers were surprised when St. Louis snagged the Wake Forest product at #77 overall. First year head coach Gabriel Heck reportedly loves Howard's versatility and athleticism, and there has been some talk about moving him to the outside. The rookie is expected to see significant playing time in 2037, regardless of what position he ends up playing for the Torpedoes.
4-12 - Hunter Mallon, WR, Florida (26/47)
St. Louis has no depth at all at WR, and although Mallon's endurance is low, the team thinks the former Gator can be an immediate contributor in 3WR sets for 10-15 plays a game as a rookie.
5-11 - Ernest Sheldon, TE, Wyoming (22/48)
TE was a glaring need for the Torpedoes, who used three undrafted rookie free agents at the position last season. The team signed veteran Leo Patterson to take over as the starter this year, but Sheldon is expected to see significant playing time in short yardage formations and as a long snapper.
6-10 - Seth Kelly, C, Northern Iowa (19/62)
St. Louis acquired Walt Blake and Jeremy Murphy through free agency to help improve a dismal situation at C, but Kelly should see some playing time this season given his potential long-term upside. Management is optimistic that the sixth rounder can eventually develop into a serviceable starter for the team.
7-13 -Dominic Linquist, DE, Elon (13/45)
Even on a team as bad as the Torpedoes, the product of tiny Elon College faces an uphill battle to make the 53 man roster.
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