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1.3 WR Vince Rotzell, Kentucky State 49/73 57/78
This pick was right in line with what many draft pundits felt the Inferno would go with at #3. After watching the top 2 QBs come off the board, it was either the HBCU receiver that everyone has been buzzing about or the LaSalle QB, Tripp, with the raw skills. Most experts felt this was a good pick.
Looks like Rotzell is the real deal. Now let's see if our QB can find him.
2.2 CB Harrison Antigua, Wagner 31/68 37/64
Clearly size was a factor in Harrison falling this far. At 5'7", he is likely to struggle matching up with the taller receivers in the CFL. However, nickel corners are invaluable and that is where he projects.
Lookls like the little guy is a contributor. His size will always limit his potential to play anywhere but he will be good inside.
3.4 RB Cameron Hageman, Virginia Tech 31/47 32/39
While not an elite back, Hagerman has a good feel for the game and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. He will fit well as a complementary back in a committee.
He may be complementing the ball boys at this rate.
4.3 NT Moe Stoerner, LSU 38/56 43/58
Not a flashy player, Stoerner was known as a disciplined and effective tackle at LSU. He is more suited to a back-up role due to his somewhat suspect conditioning.
Decent surprise with Stoerner, however he is a conflict without our front 7 leader so this may preclude him starting for now.
4.16 OLB Rondell Richmond, Colorado 27/42 30/39
While the consensus was that this was not the strongest linebacker class, the Inferno desperately needed some depth there. Richmond can get after the QB but struggles in coverage. He may be able to get some playing time as a pass rusher but he could be a liability.
Not much more than a back-up at this point.
4.28 DE Brody Samuels, Kentucky 30/46 32/41
Samuels doesn't really fit the ideal 3-4 mold. He struggles against the run but can rush the QB pretty well. Therefore, he is likely to only see action on obvious passing downs.
Still a one-trick pony, Samuels is definite back-up material at best.
5.2 ILB Desmond Kamego, Auburn 19/53 24/48
This was a pick based on raw talent, primarily. Kamego wasn't asked to do too much in college and so really is still developing. The question will be if the Texas staff can really coax any more out of him.
While not a total bust, Kamego may not start in this league unless he rebounds drastically next off-season.
6.4 NT Cesar Kinney, Ohio 31/53 38/55
A traditional NT who can stuff the run some. Much like Stoerner, his conditioning likely will determine how much he sees the field.
Hitting on both of our NT picks in this class was a nice surprise. Neither is really ready for prime time but both look like potential contributors down the road.
7.3 C Gilbert Airhart, Bucknell 26/43 29/44
An obvious back-up, Airhart didn't show very well as a pass blocker at the college all-star games. However, he is decent at providing a powerful push in the run game.
Not booming is OK for a potential long-term back-up. How he develops will still determine how we view him.