2073 Las Vegas Rounders Draft Review

1-27
Marshal Agnew CB Adams State
5'11" 193 lbs


Heading into the 2073 draft, the talk of the town was Offense instead of the usual defensive focus from the Rounders' war room. There's been a lot of talk about RB Finley's recent contract renegotiations, which included some cap rework but not an extension. Both sides have been tight-lipped on whether Finley is looking to wind up his career in a couple of years or if the franchise doesn't want to commit to Finley beyond what they have already. Rumors swirled that Vegas might trade up to land a rookie runner that better fit OC Thomason's West Coast offense, but it appears Thomason's time in Tucson showed him enough of Finley not to make it a priority. Vegas stayed put at 1.27 and selected D2 standout CB, Marshall Agnew. The war room submitted the pick almost instantly, so it's likely that Vegas was surprised and excited to see Agnew at that spot. With CB Lane transitioning from Safety to Corner just a couple of seasons ago, Agnew's addition to Lane and his long-time defensive backfield mates, Minter and Donaldson, is a solid upgrade for Vegas. Agnew brings some new blood and a fresh perspective to the room and should be able to contribute immediately.

Camp Notes: Agnew was pretty much WYSIWYG in camp, getting tested by the veteran receivers and receiving praise from his secondary backfieldmates when he held his own. The rookie looks to see starting duties on the outside in some defensive fronts and nickel duties in others.

Training Camp: +6/-1
Judgment Day: +1/-3

2-27
Darien Donovan G Mississippi
5'11" 317 lbs


The offensive line was considered one of the bigger needs for Vegas this offseason, especially with the surprising departure of LT Turner right before the draft. Donavan brings a level of power and nastiness to the tight-knit group in Vegas and may result in some shuffling of responsibilities. Speculations include Gouchanour moving to the LT spot and G Thames spending some time on the outside. In any case, Donovan brings some much-needed help to a suddenly fragile front 5. It will be interesting to see how new OC Thomason's West Coast philosophy will take some pressure off the offensive line.

Camp Notes: Donovan made a case to start at RG with the recent challenges faced by the offensive line. Donovan displayed the run-blocking skills to be given a chance, but his pass protection leaves a lot to be desired.

Training Camp: +5/0
Judgment Day: -1/-1

3-27
Chandler Greer LB Kansas
6'1" 246 lbs


Another significant departure for the Rounders was long-time stud LB, JJ Green. After arriving from Omaha in trade, Green spent a few years making a name for himself in a star-studded LB corps. Green eventually proved to be one of the best LBs Las Vegas has ever had, but he was traded to Ohio as a cap casualty in the offseason. LBs Diaz and Sawyer are overseeing the transition to the next generation of LBs in Vegas, with Barry Kyle added to the mix last season and Greer brought in to handle some outside linebacking duties in 2073. Greer's run and pass coverage skills caught the attention of the Vegas scouts, and he stands to see some significant PT in his rookie campaign.

Camp Notes: Greer excelled in camp and was in the mix to see time on the outside, but looks to have lost some momentum leading up to the pre-season. He'll likely make the 53-man roster, but his contributions in 2073 remain uncertain.

Training Camp: +5/-2
Judgment Day: -1/-3

4-05
Dexter Galloway FB Oregon State
5'11" 231 lbs


Despite the fans calling for some new blood at the RB position, Vegas shored up the other side of the RB room with Oregon State's highly productive FB, Dexter Galloway. Galloway was a utility guy at Oregon State who ended up producing some surprising numbers in his junior and senior years. Always known to be an excellent run blocker and situational pass catcher, Galloway saw elevated touches as an upperclassman and produced well on the ground and through the air. Vegas has always leaned on their FB, and they seem to have found an upgrade at that position.

Camp Notes: Galloway was the only FB Vegas had on their draft board and it looks like the scouting department had it correct. The kid looks to be ready for the next level and he's locked in as the starting FB in Vegas.

Training Camp: +4/-2
Judgment Day: +6/+7

5-27
Darnell Weaver WR Kentucky
6'0" 198 lbs


Vegas has seemed content with the pass catchers they've made available to K$ in recent years and 2073 was no different. Weaver represents the typical Rounders approach to finding solid role players that fit the offense. Weaver brings brass balls and a penchant for big plays to the Vegas wide receiver room. Weaver's knocks include some volatility issues that led to him missing the 2073 combine. It will be interesting to see if the tape revealed enough to know whether this kid is legit or not. The initial eye test suggests Vegas got good value on this kid in the late-5th.

Camp Notes: Weaver displayed the skills that Vegas sought when selecting him, with big and courageous play in training camp. The next obstacle is how well the kid handles live action in pre-season and whether his legitness remains intact.

Training Camp: +2/0
Judgment Day: +1/+1

6-04
Greg Thomason TE Oregon State
6'7" 265 lbs


Thomason had one of the best days of his life when his phone rang early in the 6th round of the CFL draft, but it got even better when it was Vegas calling. Thomason answered his phone, thinking it was another celebratory call about the 4th-round selection of his college roommate, FB Dexter Galloway, when it turned out to be TurfToe welcoming him to Las Vegas. This mountain of a man takes pride in his blocking and credits the Oregon State coaching staff for his commitment to the craft. Outside of blocking, though, Thomason doesn't have much to offer. With minimal receiving and special teams skills, his only hope to make the roster is to block his way onto it. It never hurts when you stand next to offensive linemen and make them look average height.

Camp Notes: Thomason can block, but that's about it. He may not be an elite enough blocker to occupy a roster spot as just a blocker. His play in pre-season will determine his fate.

Training Camp: +4/-2
Judgment Day: -1/-6

Notable standouts from Training Camp:

2072 2nd round pick, MLB Barry Kyle, really turned heads during training camp. It was rumored that veteran OLB Sawyer invited Kyle to his off-season workouts to prepare the Combine Kid for his second season in the CFL and early results look very promising (Camp: +6/0 JD: +9/+10)

Undrafted free agent QB, Harvey Butkiewicz, may have stolen the #2 QB spot from 2nd year man, Darius Pierce, with outstanding special teams and scout team play (+1/+9).

LDT David Jude was another undrafted free agent who got some attention in training camp and making some waves in the defensive line rotation resulting in the release of M1 Abrams (+7/+6).

WR Donte Ulufale went from an undrafted rookie that the players didn't even ask to carry their gear because they thought he was with the training staff, to suddenly on the verge of snagging the final chair in the WR room. Ulufale showed flashes in camp and is hoping to make a name for himself in pre-season play (+3/+4)

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