2011 Draft Grades – Madtown Marauders

Welcome to part 2 of my 11-part series.  Now it’s time to grade the Immersion’s runner-up:

Madtown Marauders

Studs

The second round pick of linebacker Von Miller proved to be a good one, as Miller was a consistent contributor until he got hurt at the end of the season.  Even though he missed some time, Miller scored 11.5 sacks on the year.  But will he be merely a pass-rushing specialist?  Though he tends to have 3 or 4 tackles a game, he did have a couple of games where he eclipsed 8 tackles.  Plus, he was a rookie.  Miller will probably be a big play guy for years to come, and the $10.50 price tag is about right for someone of his ilk.

What is going on with those defensive ends?  Giorgianni pretty much has that locked down for a little while.  While the JJ Watt pick was all his, Giorgianni owes a small debt of gratitude to Josh Hammond for the pick of Jabaal Sheard. Giorgianni was all like, “Get me the best rookie defensive player left.” (He was on a plane or something.)  Hammond was all like, “The Marauders take Jabaal Sheard.”  He should have kept Sheard for himself.

Misses

I can’t remember what happened after the Sheard pick.  Either Giorgianni got back into contact to make his final picks, or the computer just picked for him.  At any rate, those picks sucked.  Arrelious Benn was part of a pathetic Bucs offense where even Mike Williams suffered, and Tony Moeaki IR’d the shit out of himself before the season got started.  Moeaki probably would have been a nice value pick in the 7th round, since TE became a required position, but Giorgianni didn’t sign his injured ass.

Too Soon to Tell

I wonder what will become of quarterback Christian Ponder.  With a modest salary of $5.50 in 2011 (not bad for a starting QB,) his expectations were never that high.  But he was pressed into action with all of the QB injuries in Madtown.  In some games he was fine, but Ponder got knocked out of the championship game and scored negative points.  If he progresses into a decent QB, then at the very least Matt can get something for him when restricted free agency rolls around.

Hey, how about that first round pick?  As it was, RB Ryan Williams wasn’t expected to be an every-down back right away.  But with a dearth of talent at the position in the 2011 draft (it turns out,) this seemed like a logical pick.  Of course, Williams IR’d the shit out of himself as well, and has yet to play a down for Madtown.  Fortunately for Giorgianni the decent RB they had in Sproles turned out to be a world beater when he went to New Orleans.  Ryan Williams may yet amount to something.

The Grade

What a nice feeling to have two defensive ends that seemingly can play.  2011 showed us that the defensive ends have the most upside in terms of scoring potential (at least on the defensive side of the ball.)  Plus, Von Miller is looking like a great pick.  So Giorgianni has some solid defensive players at a competitive price.  If Ponder and Williams turn out to be decent, then this will be a great draft.  I think I’ll give Matt an A for his draft.

He’s going to need those low priced rookies since half his team is holding out next year.  Since he isn’t picking until 11th this year, Matt might be counting on the 2011 class for years to come.

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