Atlantic City entered the 2038 off-season with picks 2-26, 3-5, 3-18, 3-27 and 7-27. As has become the norm, the Phantoms were active before and after the draft.
*2-26 (traded to Shreveport for picks 3-2 and 4-23)
Everett Reilly
WR – Purdue – 5’ 11” – 182 lbs
3rd Round. Pick #3-2. #66 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 4.80
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 5.00
Key Combine Scores: Solecismic 30, 40 Time 4.42, Agility 7.07
Actuals: 24/48
It is no secret that the biggest offseason need for the Phantoms is at WR. Getting help via free agency has been a bust and the team entered the draft with only 3 receivers on the roster. Reilly tied for the 3rd fastest 40 time among all rookies and appears to bring excellent value early in the 3rd round. Excellent special teams coverage ability is a huge plus for Reilly.
Al Phillips
WR – McNeese St. – 6’ 0” – 195 lbs
3rd Round. Pick #3-5. #69 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 4.60
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 4.80
Key Combine Scores: Agility 7.02
Actuals: 32/47
With their poor history in drafting wide receivers, it was not a surprise when the Phantoms grabbed another one in the third round. Phillips has good speed and should fit in as a 4th/5th receiver but his biggest role may be as a punt and kickoff returner.
3-18 (traded to Shreveport for S Doug Facey)
Doug Facey
S – 8th year – 5’ 11” – 198 lbs
53/53
2037 statistics – 8 starts, 39 tackles
Facey is an immediate upgrade at free safety and will be the new starter.
Claude Reinhard
CB – Stanford – 5’ 10” – 184 lbs
3rd Round. Pick #3-27. #91 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 5.00
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 5.20
Key Combine Scores:
Actuals: 31/56
Reinhard was the biggest gamble for ACI in the draft. With good but not great combine numbers, his ratings are a big question mark. A hit for the Phantoms would be if Reinhard turns into a solid dime corner and key special team’s contributor.
4-23 (traded to San Antonio for WR Winfred Arnold)
Winfred Arnold
WR – 5th year – 6’ 0” – 197 lbs
43/43
2037 statistics – 52 catches, 493 yards, 2 TD’s – Receivers Leader
With a pick that was acquired early in the draft for moving out of round 2, the Phantoms received a proven commodity at receiver. What could not be accomplished in free agency was taken care of via a trade.
Jermaine Coughlin
DT – Oklahoma State – 6’ 1” – 288 lbs
7th Round. Pick #7-27. #219 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 4.60
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 5.00
Key Combine Scores: Solecismic 28
Actuals: 23/42
The selection of Coughlin brings some depth at defensive tackle but he will have a tough time making the roster. High volatility could make this an interesting wild card selection.