Well time for the training camp report and I can summarize the Fins draft class in one word: WOW.
2-2: Bill Hemphill (CB) +11/+7
Last season, I learned how critical the secondary is, albeit the hard way. The rough start to the season led to some mid season trades to desperately fix the secondary. While there was improvement, they were old players who were not the long term key to fixing the defense. How did I learn from my mistake, overpaid for the bests corner in free agency and then solidify my secondary by drafting the best DB available in the draft. Even with the high risk, it paid off and Hemphill will be a long term answer at the cornerback position.
2-16: Paul Villanueva (WLB) +6/+3
Trading Douglas Adkins to an AFC heavyweight is always going to be a risk and Paul Villanueva will always be linked to Adkins. So far, so good. Whether Villanueva stays at WLB or not is still to be determined but at least my streak of finding gold at the LB position in the draft continues. Another high risk high reward player that pays ended up paying off and will continue to help the team retool for the long term.
2-28: Philip Meade (C) +19/+11
Ok… WOW. Three home run hits in the 2nd round?!?!?! Meade was not a critical need but does help bring youth to my OL. Another building block for the retooling of this roster.
4-1: Dwight Nichols (TE/WR) 0/-5
My first miss of the draft. This pick definitely is not a need but more of a best player available and trying to find a diamond in the rough move. Definitely didn’t work out and will end up being a roster cut.
4-13: Peter Ramirez (CB) +5/+5
STUPID AI tricked me into thinking the cuts would occur during the preseason. If I can resign him I’m going to play him as either a #4 corner or a safety.
7-17: Robert Hernandez (T) +24/0
This is a borderline player to make the roster. Most likely he will not make the roster, but we’ll see.
Summary: WOW. I would have been happy if one of my 2nd round players boomed, but all of them boomed. Being able to land some long term positional needs will hopefully make this retooling fast and still keep me at a playoff competitive team. The defense was my weakness last season and now it may end up being one of my biggest strengths this season. I’m going to give my draft an A+ just because of the 3 2nd rounders turning out to be booms.
