2009 High School Recruiting Fantasy Draft
by The New Era Staff
Our staff drafts their team from the Class of 2009’s prospects.
1. Flynn Hill- OLB Devon Kennard, 6′3, 257, Phoenix, Arizona
2. Nick Ironside- QB Matt Barkley, 6′3, 225, Santa Ana, California
3. Eric Loomis- LB Manti Te’o, 6′2, 220, Honolulu, Hawaii
Analysis: No problems early on in this draft. Flynn took Kennard at outside linebacker, showing he’s going to be running a 3-4 defense. Kennard is a nice fit for it, especially since he’s gotten up to 257 pounds this offseason. Ironside’s pick of Barkley expected, as he chose to run a pro style offense. Te’o can play in any defense and Loomis took the top true linebacker in the NES top 100.
4. Eric Loomis- LB Jelani Jenkins, 6′0, 203, Wheaton, Maryland
5. Nick Ironside- DT Jamarcus McFarland, 6′3, 280, Lufkin, Texas
6. Flynn Hill- RB Cierre Wood, 6′0, 190, Oxnard, California
Analysis: Loomis follows up the Te’o pick with Jenkins, a big-time hitter with excellent closing speed. He probably could have nabbed him a round later, but he’s a hot prospect, who very well could have been drafted. McFarland is the top defensive tackle in the country, but in Ironside’s 3-4 scheme, he’s a nice fit at defensive end. Hill finished off the round with the dynamic Cierre Wood. While lower rated than Bryce Brown, Wood is a better fit for the spread option attack he will run.
7. FH- FS Craig Loston, 6′2, 193, Aldine, Texas
8. NI- RB David Oku, 5′8. 176, Midwest City, Oklahoma
9. EL- RB Bryce Brown, 6′0, 212, Wichita, Kansas
Analysis: Craig Loston is head and shoulders above the other safties in the class. He’s the perfect anchor for any defensive backfield. Oku is a bit of a reach, but is still a tremendous playmaker. Brown is the steal of this draft so far. He’s the most complete back in the class and to get him as the third running back has tremendous value.
10. EL- WR Marlon Brown 6′5, 205, Memphis, Tennessee
11. NI- S Patrick Hall, 6′1, 181, Ventura, California
12. FH- C Mason Walters, 6′6, 290, Wolfforth, Texas
Analysis: Brown, NES’s top receiver, is a good fit for any offense. He’s going to help whoever Loomis chooses at quarterback. Hall may have been chosen to answer the Loston pick, but is a nice fit regardless. He’s still a nice choice and helps an empty defensive backfield. Walters gives Flynn the best pure center in the class. While other tackles may give better value, he solidifies his interior line with that pick.
13. FH- OG Nick Alajajian, 6′4, 280, Naples, Florida
14. NI- C John Martinez, 6′4, 265, Salt Lake City, Utah
15. EL- OT Xavier Nixon, 6′6, 280, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Analysis: The Walters pick began the run on offensive linemen, as all three choose some road graders. Alajajian is a mauling guard, an excellent fit alongside Walters. Martinez is a bit of a reach, but is a true center. He probably could have gotten him later, but the lack of true centers in this class effects Ironside’s choice greatly. Nixon is the top tackle in the class and he has excellent value at this point in the class.
16. EL- OT Eric Shrive, 6′7, 285, Scranton, Pennsylvania
17. NI- OT Morgan Moses, 6′7, 343, Richmond, Virginia`
18. FH- QB Russell Shepard, 6′2, 185, Houston, Texas
Analysis: The offensive lineman run ends with the top player in NES’s top 100. This is the best pick of the draft. With teams only needing one starting quarterback, the Shepard pick, both gives him value and gives Loomis the ability to wait for his quarterback of choice. Shrive and Moses are both big time road graders, especially Moses, one of the biggest players in the class.
19. FH- LB Nico Johnson, 6′3, 220, Andalusia, Alabama
20. NI- OT Marcus Hall, 6′5, 290, Cleveland, Ohio
21. EL- CB Darius Winston, 6′0, 180, West Helena, Arkansas
Analysis: Johnson is a big physical presence, suited perfectly for the 3-4 defense, as he sheds blocks tremendously well. Hall is an athletic tackle and gives Ironside a very good offensive line early on in the draft. Winston is one of the best corners in the class, but probably could have been gotten a round later. Still it’s a nice pick regardless of the round.
22. EL: S Devonte Holloman, 6′2, 215, Charlotte, North Carolina
23. NI: S Damario Jeffery, 6′3, 215, Columbia, South Carolina
24. FH: LB Vontaze Burfict, 6′3 235, Corona, California
Analysis: Holloman and Jeffery are very similar players. Both are big, rangy, and physical. Holloman’s a bit better in coverage, but Jeffery is just scary. He may end up playing outside linebacker when it’s all said and done. Hill picks up his second inside linebacker in Vontaze Burfict, the big, dominant hitter from Centennial High School. Nike training camp linebacker coach Chris Gizzi was quoted as saying Burfict was one of the two best linebackers he ever coached.
25.FH- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, 6′2, 180, Gadsden, AL
26. NI- DE Craig Drummond, 6′5, 260, Chicago, IL
27. EL- OG Chris Watt, 6′3, 280, Glen Ellyn, IL
Analysis: Kirkpatrick lasting this late, especially with Winston going two rounds earlier, is a tad bit of a surprise. He’s got excellent measurables and is one of the two or three best cover corners in this class. Drummond is a tremendous edge rusher, especially in Ironside’s 3-4. He’s a matchup problem because of his size and speed. Watt helps Loomis’s offensive line, especially with no guards drafted yet. He’s a tremendous run blocker and an excellent compliment to the two pass blocking tackles he’s already taken.
28. EL-DT Chris Davenport, 6′4, 310, Mansfield, Louisiana
29. NI- WR Reuben Randle, 6′3, 195, Bastrop, Louisiana
30. FH- WR Logan Heastie, 6′2, 180, Chesapeake, Virginia
Analysis: Davenport, the monstrous defensive tackle can play in the 3-4 or the 4-3. If it weren’t such a deep year for defensive tackles, we’d be hearing more about Davenport. Heastie may have been a bit of a reach. With Randle and Brown gone, Flynn felt it was necessary to take his own gamebreaking receiver. It’s not taking away from Heastie by any means, but with a need for a top tackle, that pick is questionable.
31. FH: OLB Dorian Bell, 6′1, 220, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
32. NI: OT Garrett Porter, 6′6, 308, Odessa, Texas
33. EL: DT Johnny Simon, 6′3, 275, Youngstown, Ohio
Analysis: Bell, along with Kennard, Johnson and Burfict gives Flynn the best linebacker corps in the draft. Despite not having any linemen to this point, his linebackers are extremely versatile. Porter helps give Ironside the best offensive line in this draft. Simon has excellent power. He’s rumored to be putting up almost 40 reps of 225 pounds.
34. EL: SS Frankie Telfort, 5′11, 195, Miami, Florida
35. NI: LB Chris Noman, 6′3, 219, Detroit, Michigan
36. FH: OT Thomas Ashcraft, 6′5, 280, Cedar Park, Texas
Analysis: Telfort to strong safety is both a wise decision for this draft and a strong possibility for the speedy linebacker. With no truly great strong safety, this is a wise choice for Loomis. Norman was taken as a bit of a desperation pick. He’s very good, but probably would have been available a few rounds later. Donte Moss converted to outside linebacker would have been a better pick. Ashcraft has tremendous value, as he’s highly regarded in the top 100, and is a at position where Hill really needs help. He’s mobile and fits the spread option scheme Hill is running.
37. FH- SS Kevin Brent, 5′11, 195, Dallas, Texas
38. NI: DT Jacobbi McDaniel, 6′0, 270, Greenville, Florida
39. EL: DE Nick Kasa, 6′7, 235, Broomfield, Colorado
Analysis: Brent, while not as physically imposing as Jeffery, can sure lay a lick. He’s a physical presence who’s got above average ball skills. McDaniel is hands down the best pick in the draft. He’s got an undeniable motor and is just relentless. He may be the best defensive tackle in the class. Kasa has tremendous potential. His frame is excellent and he can really move.
40. EL- CB Brandon McGee, 6′0, 179, Lauderhill, Florida
41. NI- DE Melvin Fellows, 6′5, 245, Garfield Heights, Ohio
42. FH- NT DJ Fluker, 6′7, 325, Foley, Alabama
Analysis: McGee, while he lacks ideal speed, is a big, physical corner. He’s got a very good vertical and won’t be beaten for a jump ball. Fellows is a very nice prospect at DE, but in Ironside’s 3-4, isn’t exactly a great fit to play outside linebacker. He’s a good pass rusher, but it is unknown as to whether he can defend the pass or not. Fluker is a young Ted Washington in the making. He’s the biggest of the top defensive tackles and is best suited to be a run clogging nose tackle.
43. FH- CB Michael Carter, 6′0, 155, Pompano Beach, Florida
44. NI- DT William Campbell, 6′4, 315, Detroit, Michigan
45. EL- DE Donte Moss, 6′4, 235, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Analysis: Moss is an outstanding athlete, one of the best at the position in the class. He’s versatile enough that he can play on either side of the ball, but is a better fit to play end. He ran for fifteen touchdowns a year ago. Campbell is massive, but isn’t a good fit to play end in the 3-4. Carter is a good corner to pair with Kirkpatrick. It’s scary to think Carter played alongside last year’s top corner, Patrick Johnson.
46. EL- LB Tana Patrick, 6′3, 215, Stevenson, Alabama
47. NI- OG Michael Philipp, 6′4, 305, San Bernardino, California
48. FH- DE Abry Jones, 6′4, 250, Warner Robins, Georgia
Analysis: Patrick, along with Jenkins and Te’o, form a linebacker corps that rivals Flynn’s for best in this draft. Phillipp completes Ironside’s offensive line, giving him arguably the best line. Jones is a perfect fit in a 3-4. He’s got great size and surprising quickness. While some project him to be a defensive tackle, he’s best suited to play end in a 3-4.
49. FH- DE Chris Bonds, 6′4, 262, Columbia, South Carolina
50. NI- OLB Sam Montgomery, 6′4, 220, Greenwood, South Carolina
51. EL- OG Pete White, 6′4, 344, Washington, DC
Analysis: Bonds completes a prototypical 3-4 defense. He’s probably going to move to defensive tackle at the next level, but would prefer to play end. It’s the best of bost worlds for him. Montgomery is a raw star in the making. He had 65 tackles, 15 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in just his first year of varsity football. He’s sure to see his stock skyrocket. Pete White is one of the strongest players in the country with a 370-pound bench press and 520-pound squat. He’s a mauling guard who is a better run blocker at this point.
52. EL- WR Andre Debose, 6′0, 170, Sanford, Florida
53. NI- CB Jamie Wood, 6′2, 190, Pickerington, Ohio
54. FH- WR Shaquelle Evans, 6′1, 190, Inglewood, California
Analysis: Debose is a speed demon. He’s one of the fastest players in this class and can be a feature receiver or can line up in the slot, but may also end up on the other side of the ball. He’s a devastating returner as well. Wood is out of position at corner, but can be a tremendous safety. Ironside’s theory I guess is just have the best eleven players he can find out on the field because it certainly has nothing to do with best at the position. Evans is an extremely consistent receiver. Nothing really stands out about him on film, other than the fact that he can take over games.
55. FH- TE Logan Thomas, 6′6, 215, Lynchburg, Virginia
56. NI- CB Justin Turner, 6′2, 185, Massillon, Ohio
57. EL C Sam Simpson, 6′4, 292, Lexington, Kentucky
Analysis: Thomas is in the new breed of pass catching tight ends. While some feel he’s best suited to play defensive end because of his outstanding frame, he wants to stay on the offensive side of the ball and should. He’s a lengthy athlete who plays a number of positions right now. Turner is yet another safety on Ironside’s team. He’s rangy and a pretty big hitter. Simpson probably was the best available center. He’s a very good natural center.
58. EL- WR Rolando Jefferson, 6′3, 190, Fresno, California
59. NI- TE Levine Toilolo, 6′7, 235, La Mesa, California
60. FH- OT Kevin Graf, 6′6, 297, Agoura, California
Analysis: A run on California players happens in round twenty. Jefferson is a big play receiver who averaged 24 yards per catch a year ago. Toilolo is one of the biggest tight ends and the best blocker in the class. He’s a big target for any quarterback to find. Graf, an early Souther Cal commit, is a big prototypical left tackle. He has all the tools to be very good, but will have to wait behind Matt Kalil and Tyron Smith from last year’s class.
61. FH- OG Johnnie Farms, 6′2, 285, Perry, Georgia
62. NI- WR Dion Sims, 6′5, 230, Orchard Lake, Michigan
63. EL- QB Aaron Murray, 6′1, 200, Tampa, Florida
Analysis: Farms finishes off Hill’s line. While he’s not as tall as some of the other top guard recruits, this squatty mauler is a beast. Sims can play offense, at tight end or wide receiver, or defense, at outside linebacker or defensive end. He’s got nice size and can really move. Loomis held off until his second to last pick to take his starting quarterback. He got a stud in Murray, a prep version of Drew Brees. He’s not going to wow anyone with his arm strength, but he’s a tremendous game manager and as accurate as anyone in this class.
64. EL: WR Je’Ron Stokes, 6′1, 180, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
65. NI: WR Patrick Patterson, 6′3, 215, Macon, Mississippi
66. FH: WR Randall Carroll, 5′10, 175, Los Angeles, California
Analysis: A trio of receivers is taken in the last round for starters. Ironside continues his trend of taking players with excellent size. Outside of running back David Oku, his team is bigger man for man than Hill’s or Loomis’s. Patterson racked up 1,424 yards of receiving a year ago. Carroll is one of the quickest receivers in the class and the best slot receiver this year. His skill set is similar to that of New England Patriot Wes Welker. Stokes is a blend of the two
Teams
Flynn Hill
QB Russell Sheppard
RB Cierre Wood
WR Logan Heastie
WR Shaquelle Evans
WR Randall Carroll
TE Logan Thomas
OT Thomas Ashcraft
OG Nick Alajajian
C Mason Walters
OG Johnnie Farms
OT Kevin Graf
DE Abry Jones
NT D.J. Fluker
DE Chris Bonds
LB Devon Kennard
LB Nico Johnson
LB Vontaze Burfict
LB Dorian Bell
DB Dre Kirkpatrick
DB Craig Loston
DB Kevin Brent
DB Michael Carter
Nick Ironside
QB Matt Barkley
RB David Oku
WR Reuben Randle
WR Dion Sims
WR Patrick Patterson
TE Levine Toilolo
OT Morgan Moses
OG Marcus Hall
C John Martinez
OG- Michael Philipp
OT Garrett Porter
DE William Campbell
DT Jacobbi McDaniel
DE Jamarkus McFarland
LB Craig Drummond
LB Chris Norman
LB Melvin Fellows
LB Sam Montgomery
CB Jamie Wood
CB Justin Turner
S Damario Jeffery
S Patrick Hall
Eric Loomis
QB Aaron Murray
RB Bryce Brown
WR Marlon Brown
WR Andre Debose
WR Rolando Jefferson
WR Je’Ron Stokes
OT Xavier Nixon
OG Chris Watt
C Sam Simpson
OT Pete White
OT Eric Shrive
DE Donte Moss
DT Chris Davenport
DT Johnny Simon
DE Nick Kasa
LB Manti Te’o
LB Tana Patrick
LB Jelani Jenkins
CB Darius Winston
CB Brandon McGee
S Devonte Holloman
S Frankie Telfort
Team analysis: If these teams met up in a tournament, it’d come down to Loomis’s and Hill’s. While Ironside’s team is clearly the biggest, his team is the most out of position. Essentially he has no true inside linebackers, two current defensive ends who project to both rush the passer, and four safeties spread around his secondary. His offense is very good, but his overall team speed is questionable. Reuben Randle can stretch the field, but Patrick Patterson and Dion Sims aren’t able to get a ton of separation. His defensive line is tremendous, but it just has too many guys out of position. He would have been better changing his personnel for a 4-3 defense and picking up a true corner here and there.
So when it comes down to it, it’s a debate between Hill and Loomis. This would be nothing short of an epic game. Russell Shepard is the most exciting player in the country and Cierre Wood is not far behind. Those two running the spread option in a Rich Rodriguez style offense would be unbelievable. While the receiving is good for Hill’s team, one of his later picks could make the biggest difference. Logan Thomas’s versatility is tremendous. He can be flexed out and create problems with his 6′6″ frame. With linemen like Johnnie Farms and Nick Alajajian pulling, this offense can be deadly.
Loomis’s defense can certainly match up with Hill’s offense. The main question is can the overaggressive nature of Manti Te’o, Jelani Jenkins, Nick Kasa, and Donte Moss be patient enough to defend the option? Can Shepard beat the defense on the deep ball? If so, it’s possible that Brandon McGee could be beat by Logan Heastie at will, as Heastie has a huge advantage in the speed department.
Loomis’s spread offense will undoubtedly cause matchup problems. Aaron Murray’s accuracy will definitely be a major factor in this wide open offense. With big targets like Marlon Brown and Rolando Jefferson, along with speedy wide outs like Andre Debose and Je’Ron Stokes, his team will rely on the pass. Eric Shrive and Xavier Nixon are also prototypical pass blocking tackles. Bryce Brown is the old reliable in this offense. If the field was wet and conditions were inclement, they can always go back to simply running with Bryce Brown.
Hill’s 3-4 defense could cause problems for Murray and company. Edge rushers Devon Kennard and Dorian Bell are both explosive and can really rush the passer. Nico Johnson and Vontaze Burfict are big linebackers, who are protected by an even bigger nose guard in D.J. Fluker. Fluker would almost always need a double team due to his 6′7″, 325 pound body. Craig Loston and Kevin Branch, a pair of Texas born safeties, can match up nicely if required to play the slot receivers. Dre Kirkpatrcik is one of the few corners who have the natural size to play against Marlon Brown.
So who takes this one? Go to the message boards and post what you think the outcome would be.