2068 Las Vegas Rounders Draft Review

Las Vegas entered 2068 ranked 7th in rushing with RB Noah Finley leading the ground game with over 1300 yards rushing after he and Mark Gredzinski both gained over 1000 yards rushing in 2066. Finley's contract talks garnered most of the off-season attention in Vegas with many expecting the Rounders to move up to land their franchise QB or a new running back in the 2068 draft.

1-29 (29)
Marlon Hardy DT Baylor
6'2" 303 lbs


Despite many rumors about possible trades, Vegas stood pat at 1.29 and was rewarded with Baylor's stand-out DT, Marlon Hardy. Some think Hardy may be the most impactful defensive lineman in the 2068 draft. Hardy joins an experienced front seven in Vegas and will be featured in the rotation immediately.

2-29 (61)
Gabriel Lane S Colorado State
6'1" 213 lbs


For the 2nd year in a row, Vegas takes a Safety with their 2nd round pick. Last year, Vegas selected FS Willie Covington who started 7 games in 2067. Lane brings outstanding man coverage and physicality to a young Vegas secondary that has Erick Watkins as the lone holdover at Safety from the previous version of the Vegas defense.

3-25 (89)
Ruben Schroeder WR Arizona State
6'2" 201 lbs


The Rounders pressed the reset button on the WR room with the McSwag McSwain trade to Boston. Rumblings of other significant moves at the position were confirmed when Vegas selected 3 WR's in the 2068 draft, the first of which was Arizona State's Ruben Schroeder. Schroeder's size and 4.41 speed result in big plays and 3rd down conversions that run the current version of the Rounders' offense. Fans have been reminded that the Roush era is here with an offense that is far more methodical (reads: boring) than it was during McKnight's reign, but yards after the catch and chunk plays are the fuel to the new engine. Schroeder has the skills to fit this offense.

3-29 (93)
Jamal Coward TE Mississippi
6'3" 251 lbs


TurfToe seemed hell-bent on going TE with this pick and rumor has it the war room was divided between Jamal Coward and Carlos Bradetich. Reports indicate it came down to the difference in blocking strength and hands between these two and Coward won out in the staff's eyes. Coward will get a chance to earn a roster spot in the passing game and on special teams.

4-22 (118)
Jay Burgess WR Alabama
5'11" 192 lbs


Jay Burgess was the 2nd WR selected as part of the receiver room overhaul showcasing similar skills to Schroeder. Burgess lacks Schroeder's size but brings a superior route-running ability that should help Roush in his second season as a starter. Burgess's ability to move the chains and generate chunk plays was very pronounced on film. Burgess is a raw prospect but has the motor and football IQ to succeed at the next level.

4-23 (119)
Damian Latschaw OLB Oklahoma
6'0" 236 lbs


Latschaw joins one of the best LB corps in the CFL. He was brought in as a coverage specialist and should make a noticeable impact on passing downs and special teams. If Latschaw can get some plusses on film in the running game, he may cement his spot as a backup OLB on this roster.

4-29 (125)
Amos Pitcher P Morningside
6'2" 215 lbs


Journeyman punter Jesse Givens started showing his age last season, so Morningside's Amos Pitcher was brought in to compete after his solid showing at the CFL combine. Pitcher embarassed some of the QB's at the combine and some scouts actually thought he was one of this class's QB's during his workout. Pitcher brings a powerful leg along with passing and rushing skills that can be leveraged on fakes on both punts and from the holder position on FG's.

5-11 (139)
Brady Floyd RB Washington State
5'11" 216 lbs


Many pundits expected Vegas to settle their contract issues with Noah Finley by selecting one of the many top runners in this class. Instead, Vegas waited until the 5th round to grab a runner and they selected an interesting prospect in Floyd. Floyd brings elusiveness that Vegas fans haven't seen since Gmerek's days in the black and pink. Floyd has the quickness to hit the hole or get to the outside but lacks a second gear needed to consistently break off big plays. He lacks hands even though he runs precise routes and has a knack for moving the chains in the passing game. Reps in the pre-season will be key to understanding Floyd's future as a Rounder.

5-29 (157)
Mason Gillespie C Alabama
5'11" 283 lbs


Sophomore center Ed Hutton managed a handful of starts last season and did well enough for Vegas to release long-time center Soltis. Hutton has big shoes to fill and Alabama's Mason Gillespie was brought in for support. Gillespie demonstrated similar skills as Hutton, but scouts are concerned with his size. If he is unable to put on some more weight, this level may prove too much for the rookie.

6-29 (189)
Caleb Stuart WR Miami Florida
5'9" 189 lbs


Caleb Stuart was the 3rd receiver selected by Vegas in the 2068 draft. Stuart's ability to get downfield, move the chains, and adjust to poorly thrown balls made him essential to the receiver reload in Vegas. OC Jackie Tubbs said the one thing that stood out on Stuart was his catch radius and ability to catch poorly thrown balls despite his small stature. Definitely a guy to watch as the pre-season unfolds.

Come on in and stay a while, the water's warm.

1.21 CB Samuel Wilczewski


A 3 year starter at Notre Dame, Sam comes in with all the pedigree for success. His father was a CB in the now defunct DFL. He was a 2 sport state champion in high school in football and basketball. He was actually given the choice to play either sport at Notre Dame, and chose the gridiron. He ranks 3rd all time on the INT list at ND, and 2nd in PDs. He'll be a huge part of the rebuilding Privateer secondary.

Pre TC - 40/69

2.21 S William Harmon


Cheesehead went back for more secondary help with Harmon out of Colorado State with this Mountain West First-Team Safety. Great size and on the field he shines on tape. Very assignment sure, makes plays, and brings the pain on contact. He's going to be an excellent compliment to "LEEEROYYY" Jenkins back at Safety. Also is a madman on special teams.

Pre TC: 23/48

3.21 G Dustin Lindie


While Dustin played Guard in college at Baylor, he's moving to Tackle for the Privateers. His size is a perfect fit for RT. With the OL needing help, Dustin's arrival is welcome. His combine supports the move even more.

Pre TC: 17/52

4.21 LB Jorge Broussard


This was one that had many in the Santa Cruz area shaking their heads about. "What the hell kind of project is this" - Kip Wellington, SC Gazette. "See, this is why this team makes me drink" - Shawn O'Malley, Cruz Control Blog. "This idiot single handedly lost his team games last season, and so did this pick" - Mel Kiper's head in a jar, ESPN. Well, he's going to get moved to DE and we'll see what happens, won't we.

Pre TC: 22/48

5.21 DT Leland Novack & 6.21 DT Hector Drake


Since they play the same position and were back to back picks, we'll do them both together (giggle, giggle). Defensive Tackle was a big need and these guys can both stop the run and rush the passer. Novack is the more complete of the two of them and should see a lot of playing time, especially on passing downs. Drake will come in more on run downs and has a great nose for the ball. With the majority of runs in the CFL going up the middle, his presence will greatly needed.

Pre TC: 24/46, 17/50

Day 1 of the NFL DRAFT PRESSER

I'd like to thank everyone for coming today; I know I did not give you all a chance to talk to me when I was hired here, but due to the ways things ended for the previous guy, I was kind brought in at the last moment. I have been busy at work looking over the roster finding what needed to change around here. Luckily the fun part started tonight and am excited to start molding the team to my vision. With that I will open the floor to any questions.




Sarah: Kodi, what led you to select Hayden Pearson in the first round? What qualities and skills did you see in him that made him the right choice for our team?

Kodi: With Hayden, it was a very easy choice for us. First of all, he has some of the best hand-placement I have seen from a young guy like him; combined that with his Football IQ, he showed all he needed to secure himself as the best OLineman, let alone Guard, in this class. The tape shows his pure technique and strength perfectly fine, he didnt need to run around in shorts to prove it to us.

John: Offensive linemen are often crucial to a team's success, but they don't always receive the same attention as skill positions. How important is Hayden's role in our offensive strategy, and how do you see him fitting into our offensive scheme?

Kodi: Yeah, that's kind of the theme in todays league. Your superstars like "Sugarfoot" in San Antonio, or guys like Rotzell over in Texas.. those guys have the whole league looking at them, but without the guys up front; they don't have the ability to go out and make plays. Needless to say, without the Offensive Line, there is no offense. Hayden is gonna be the centerpiece and anchor of a rebuilt young O-Line. Might not be a "sexy" pick, but will begin the start of the new era of Ohio football.

Emily: Can you share some insights into the scouting and evaluation process that led to Hayden Pearson's selection? Were there any standout moments or qualities that convinced you he was the right choice?

Kodi: I mentioned earlier that his tape stood out on its own; but I cant get over week 5 this last year. W&M were on the road against Wofford, and everyone was there looking at Cote. I am not gonna lie, we were there strictly for Cote, but when his team was on the sideline, I couldn't stop staring at Hayden. He was having his way with Woffords front 7. Getting to the second level on double teams, steam rolling an open running lane, or being a brick wall on pass protection. At that moment I knew i was going to be the one to draft this kid. Honestly its criminal he actually made it to us at 11.

Michael: As GM, how do you envision Hayden Pearson's presence impacting the overall team dynamic, both on and off the field?

Kodi: Man, I just got off the phone with the kid, and he ceases to amaze me. He is such an upstanding guy. In our interview with him, he would not stop talking about the ways he could be better. He has that drive to be the best out there. Thats something this team desperately needs, the drive to be the best of the best. We are changing the feel of this locker room and Hayden is gonna be the focal point of all of that.

Olivia: Lastly, can you provide some insights into the long-term vision for Hayden Pearson within the organization? What expectations do you have for his development over the coming seasons?

Kodi: Like I have said several times tonight, we envision him being the starting LG for the foreseeable future; but honestly that's nothing compared to the expectations this kid has placed on himself. I'm just so excited to get him into the building, and get this offense gelling.


Jason: That's all the time we have today everyone.

Kodi: Once again, I'd like thank everyone for coming. I am looking forward to making this the best damn football team Ohio has seen.

Jason: We will be back tomorrow night after rounds two and three, as well as Hayden when he gets into the building here tomorrow or Saturday night. Have a good night.

Hey there, football aficionados! If you haven't heard the name Sedrick Rodriguez yet, you're in for a treat. The Texas Inferno made a game-changing move in the 2068 CFL draft by snagging this young star linebacker as the 6th overall pick. But who is Sedrick Rodriguez, and what makes him a force to be reckoned with on the field?

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing in at 234 pounds, Rodriguez isn't your average linebacker. He's a powerhouse of talent, and his stats speak volumes. With a lightning-fast 4.73-second 40-yard dash time, he's got the speed to match his brute strength. But it's not just about speed; it's about instincts and raw talent, and that's where Rodriguez truly shines.

Section 2: Unleashing the Tackling Machine: Rodriguez's Defensive Prowess

When it comes to tackling, Sedrick Rodriguez is in a league of his own. He's not just good; he's prolific. Whether it's wrapping up ball carriers or taking down quarterbacks, Rodriguez has an uncanny ability to find his mark on the field. Those instincts of his? They're nothing short of remarkable.

His tackles aren't just about brute force; they're calculated and precise. Rodriguez reads the game like a seasoned veteran, anticipating plays before they even unfold. This rare ability to dissect the opponent's strategy makes him a nightmare for offenses to deal with.

But wait, there's more. Rodriguez's journey with the Texas Inferno is just beginning, and the buzz around him suggests that he's not just going to be another face on the roster. Brace yourselves for what could be an electrifying season as he's touted as a top contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. It's safe to say, the future of the Texas Inferno's defense looks brighter than ever.

1.28 Norbert Vijitakula, Defensive End, Northwestern State University



Physical Attributes:

Height: 78 inches (6'6")
Weight: 290 lbs

Combine Results (Comparison with Other DEs):

40-Yard Dash: 4.82 seconds (Above-average)
Solecismic (Intelligence Test): 33 (Exceptional)
Bench Press (225 lbs): 30 repetitions (Above-average)
Agility (3-Cone Drill): 7.33 seconds (Above-average)
Vertical Jump: 33 inches (Competitive)
Broad Jump: 124 inches (10 feet, 4 inches) (Excellent)

Strengths:

Exceptional Intelligence: Norbert Vijitakula's Solecismic score of 33 places him among the most intelligent players at his position. His cognitive abilities can significantly contribute to understanding complex defensive schemes and making quick, strategic decisions on the field.

Size and Length: Standing at 6'6" with an impressive wingspan, Vijitakula possesses ideal size and length for a defensive end. This physicality allows him to disrupt passing lanes and make it challenging for quarterbacks to release the ball.

Explosive Burst: His 40-yard dash time of 4.82 seconds showcases an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage. This quickness provides him an advantage in getting past offensive linemen and reaching the quarterback.

Upper-Body Strength: With 30 repetitions on the bench press, Vijitakula demonstrates notable upper-body strength. This attribute helps him effectively shed blockers, control the line of scrimmage, and dominate in one-on-one matchups.

Agility: His above-average performance in the 3-cone drill (7.33 seconds) indicates good agility for a player of his size. This agility allows him to change direction rapidly and react to plays effectively.

Explosive Jumping Ability: Vijitakula's vertical jump of 33 inches and broad jump of 124 inches reveal impressive lower-body explosiveness. This athleticism enables him to contest passes at the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield.

Comparative Analysis:

In terms of speed (40-yard dash), Vijitakula falls in the middle of the pack among the defensive ends.
His bench press results indicate above-average upper-body strength, making him a competitive force in the trenches.
His agility and quickness (3-cone drill) are above average, showcasing his ability to maneuver effectively.
Vijitakula's explosive jumping ability (vertical and broad jump) is highly competitive and allows him to disrupt plays effectively.

Areas for Improvement:

Technique Refinement: Vijitakula can further refine his pass-rushing technique, focusing on hand placement and a wider range of pass-rush moves to consistently disengage from blockers.

Run Defense Awareness: Enhancing recognition of run plays and maintaining gap integrity will be vital for becoming a more well-rounded defensive end.

Consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance and consistency in all facets of his game, including pass-rushing, run defense, and special teams, is essential to excel at the professional level.

Overall Assessment:
Norbert Vijitakula is an intriguing prospect at the defensive end position, drafted in the first round by the Durham Bulldogs in the Continental Football League. His combination of size, intelligence, strength, and explosiveness sets him apart as a well-rounded defensive end with the potential to make a significant impact on the field. His exceptional Solecismic score highlights his intelligence and strategic abilities, which can be invaluable in understanding and executing defensive schemes. With continued development in technique and consistency, Vijitakula has the tools to become a standout defensive end in the league and potentially make his mark at higher levels of football.