Atlantic City finished the 2039 season at 6-10, their worst record since 2036. The offense had a 1,300+ yard rusher but the passing game was one of the worst in the league. The defense was again strong but lost quite a few secondary players in the off-season. With five picks in the draft (1-12, 2-11, 5-8, 6-12 and 7-11) the question was would ACI be active on the trade market to bring in some veterans or try to plug holes via draft picks.


First Round – 1-12

Ted Scancella



DT– Houston - 6’ 3” – 305 lbs
1st Round. Pick #1-12. #12 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 6.60
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 6.60
Key Combine Scores: Solecismic 29, 40 Time 4.96, Bench Reps 32, Agility 7.46
Actuals:

For the second straight year, ACI held pick 1-12. The slot worked out well in 2040 as RB Jeffrey Emack looks like an excellent back for years to come. This pick came down to Scancella, DE George Barrett or T Mitchell Southrey. ACI needs a LT but Southrey appeared to be more of a RT. Barrett was rated slightly higher than Scancella but the Phantoms have not had a lot of luck drafting DE’s lately so the decision was made to go with the DT.



Second Round – 2-11
TRADE – 2041 2-11, 5-8 and 2042 #1 sent to Albany for DT Brendan Maloney and 4-7


DT Brendan Maloney – 6-2 – 282 lbs

Actuals – 78/78

Just minutes before their second round selection, ACI completed a deal with Albany to bring in one of the best young defensive lineman in the CFL. The price was steep (although a lot will depend on what the future #1 turns out to be) but rewards could be huge. With two new DT’s, this might be a precursor to a move to a 4-3 defense.



Fourth Round – 4-7 (Acquired from Albany)

TRADE – 2041 4-7 and 2042 #5 to Omaha for SE Malik Burnside


WR Malik Burnside – 6-1, 214 lbs

Actuals – 32/37

ACI needed help at WR in a huge way and the options in the draft (and risk) made getting a known commodity the best route to take. Burnside has some upside as a receiver but also fills a huge need as a punt and kickoff returner.



Fourth Round – 4-9
TRADE – 2041 4-9 to Tulsa for LB Billy Joe Butler

LB Billy Joe Butler – 6’ 1”, 231 lbs
Actuals- 43/43

Butler is a young (4th year) and talented linebacker who can provide coverage for Dominic Castillo or Corey Fisher. Quality depth was one concern for ACI entering the off-season and the acquisition of Butler was a no brainer for the front office.




Fifth Round – 5-8 (Part of the Albany trade)



Sixth Round – 6-12

Axel Carrere



OLB – Ashland – 5’ 11” – 231 lbs
6th Round. Pick #6-12. #172 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 4.40
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 4.40
Key Combine Scores: 40 Time 4.63, Agility 7.12
Actuals:

Carrere comes from a DII program and is trying to make the leap to the CFL. At Ashland, he was a first team DII All-American selection who is considered a tweener with great athletic ability but may lack a position. The Phantoms drafted him purely due to the athletic ability and see him as an excellent pass rusher. That would be great if ACI stayed with the 3-4, but if they move to a 4-3 then where does Carrere play?



Seventh Round – 7-11

Quentin Painter



CB – Boston College– 6’ 3” – 187 lbs
7th Round. Pick #7-11. #203 Overall
Pre-Draft Grade: 4.60
Pre-Draft Adjusted Grade: 4.60
Key Combine Scores: Solecismic 26, 40 Time 4.46
Actuals:

Painter is another athlete who is searching for a position. At 6’ 3” he is a tall corner but is very light at 187 pounds. A switch to Safety might be an option if he can bulk up or he could be a gunner on special teams. Either way, he was worth a shot in the 7th round.

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