“We’re Done” – Colliders’ Brass on Auction

BATAVIA, IL

The Batavia Colliders acquired 13 players in the auction, spending a total of $30. There were no big splashes, as the Colliders were drafting backups for depth.

The Colliders did need to attend to glaring deficiencies on the defensive line, however. To that end, they purchased the services of Lamarr Houston, DE, for $1. They also upgraded their defensive tackles (hopefully) by shipping off Mike Martin and Phil Taylor to Cleveland, and purchasing the services of Dontari Poe and Jonathan Babineaux. Babineaux returns after being the Colliders’ starter for most of last season. GM Josh Hammond hopes that Dontari Poe has a breakout season, however, so that Babineaux can serve in a role that his skill set is more suited to – backup DT.

The biggest splash made from a pure talent standpoint was the signing of WR Antonio Brown. Brown’s services were purchased for a reasonable $13. While the Colliders didn’t need a WR per se, the talent was just much to pass on.

The Colliders also took care of their kicking situation, by making offers to Kai Forbath and Justin Tucker.

In what may prove to be the best moves, the Colliders got starting Ravens MLB Daryl Smith for $1 and Browns TE Cameron Jordan for $2. Jordan’s explosive preseason may have him pushing Greg Olsen for the starting job in Batavia.

The area of biggest need, however, was running back. The Colliders entered the auction with a banged up Arian Foster and recently concussed Doug Martin. Beyond that, they had zero running backs signed. Unfortunately, the Colliders were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure RB Steven Jackson to Batavia (he ultimately went to Cleveland.) That left them with limited options. They ended up signing Daniel Thomas, Shonn Greene, and LeGarrette Blount. Fans were not impressed.

Other signings included backup CB Brent Grimes and WR Denarius Moore.

Colliders’ management has closed the book on the auction, and have now turned their attention to preparing for the rookie draft.

© 2013, Josh Hammond. All rights reserved.