By: Cole Mantell (@lightningdragon)
For the first time, the CFSL drafted their remaining roster spots away instead of purely recruiting them (in-season or otherwise). This led to an interesting dynamic where teams now scouted who to take instead of convincing them to join. While some player agency might be taken away at the beginning of their career, it created a new, fun dynamic for the entire league to watch. So the league gathered for the first-ever CFSL Three-Star Draft, and each team had anywhere from 1-18 spots on the roster. That isn’t even the end of things, as for active players undrafted there will still be a waiver process in store for them to replace inactive ghosts.
With all of that said, the draft is completed and we know (mostly) what the Season 22 CFSL rosters will look like. The only question now is who did the best in the draft? Let’s look at each roster, what each team added, and what grade they deserve. Teams are reviewed in alphabetical order, and are graded on three categories (subjectively by myself):
- How many players did the team need, and did those players fill the needs of the team? Teams who drafted more players have more room to score higher, but more pressure to get each pick right.
- How impactful or active do these players project to be? Did the team just fill basic positional needs, get the best player available, or some other strategy?
- And finally, most importantly, is the team demonstrably better than before the draft, and do the players project to impact the team positively, on and off the field?
There’s a lot of scouting and predicting needed for a draft-grade article like this. And I cannot wait to be immediately proven wrong by Week 3. Still, it is a fun exercise, so let’s discuss each team’s draft.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Players Drafted: 5
Draft Grade: B-
Alabama had one area of the field in mind when they drafted, grabbing 4 defensive backs in 5 picks. Considering the team needed help in that area the most, it makes sense. Players such as Thor Tyson and Darius McAllister project to make an impact immediately, and Alabama also grabbed a nice WR in Kolby Coffey.
The Crimson Tide identified their biggest need and addressed it immediately. I can’t fault them for that. However, in focusing so much on CB and SS, the Crimson Tide had to only take one offensive weapon. With so many TEs available, I’m surprised AD David Ware did not select one, even later in the draft. While running two TEs is not uncommon, most teams under the new rules in Season 22 seem to want three. And both of Alabama’s TEs are also seniors this season too. However, overall, Alabama did well to address their needs, and their team is going to be better for it in Week 1.
Auburn Tigers
Players Drafted: 5
Draft Grade: B
When you are near the bottom of the draft order and you snag a 4-star CB, you know you did good work. The Tigers were in a position of strength and were able to wait on the known talents of Junior CB Adrian Jordan III. It was a shrewd move by AD Justin Duke to be able to accept someone for only two seasons and take the immediate talent boost instead of waiting for a player to develop.
Outside of that, Auburn found depth for a team that was just filling spots of need. I think Auburn after Round 1 could have maybe tried being more aggressive, but it is hard to fault them too much after the home run in Round 1. As it stands, even if they only get Jordan for two seasons, it is a great pickup for a team trying to win now.
Clemson Tigers
Players “Drafted”: 1
Draft Grade: B
This was a tough grade. Considering Clemson only needed one spot open, and the Tigers had a coach create their player late, thereby forfeiting the pick to him, their draft was a short one. AD Logan Wetzel deserves credit for filling this roster before the draft even began, but for the draft itself, I almost gave Clemson a “N/A”.
Even if it is just a coach going to Clemson, FS Silk Jefferson will be a big piece Day 1. The Tigers are looking for these kind of impact players to compete in the ACC, and Jefferson certainly qualifies. However, considering Jefferson could only go to Clemson, and Clemson therefore was effectively shut out of the draft afterward, I have a hard time giving them a higher grade. However, if this was grading the Tigers’ entire offseason instead, I’d grade them higher.
Colorado Buffaloes
Players Drafted: 4
Draft Grade: A+
Talk about an awesome offseason for Colorado. Fresh off a BIG XII title, the Buffaloes hit another home run in this first-ever Draft as well. There was only one HB available in this draft, and multiple teams needed a 2nd HB or were possibly even looking for a 3rd HB. However, Colorado was the team to snag HB Hendrix Dodd. He was maybe the best player available at where Colorado was picking at the time, and the Buffaloes didn’t need to think too hard to find the guy to support star HB Taylor James.
Beyond Dodd, Colorado continued to draft well. OLB Mykel Stevenson is looking like a steal already, and in this small class that is at least two early contributors to a playoff team. Hard to argue with the results of this class, so I am grading Colorado highly here.
Florida Gators
Players Drafted: 4
Draft Grade: C-
In a small class, it can be hard to get a good grade based on the criteria I set at the beginning of this article. Florida might be the poster child for this issue. For their offseason overall, the Gators did pretty well. I’d grade their offseason much higher than a C- overall. However, with only 4 players drafted, and all of them being 3 stars, this draft class leaves a bit to be desired.
I understand what Florida was going for. The Gators drafted two hybrid DE/DTs in Caleb Kulan and Joe Wayne. But while both players will be effective for Florida to start, I think it will be tough to compete in the SEC this season on defense if those two are starters at a position Florida was previously thin at. At least right now (barring upgrades from the class), Florida needs to hope these players outperform their ratings, and quickly. Then again, Florida AD Adam Smith may just be the best in the country at outperforming expectations, so I look forward to eating crow approximately two weeks after we publish this article.
Florida State Seminoles
Players Drafted: 3
Draft Grade: C
Florida State suffers from many of the same issues rival Florida’s draft class does. It is a small class for a playoff team from last season just filling some depth. Florida State may have some of the best names to pronounce from this season’s draft, but in terms of impact, none of the three players taken project as Day 1 starters. That’s a credit to the teambuilding prowess of AD Tom Pence, but with so few picks it is hard to call this draft a roaring success.
Overall, Florida State may have had one of the best off-season recruiting classes in the CFSL. I hardly doubt they’ll care about this grade. But for DT Donnie Savage, DE Cam Brooks, and FS Amari Leconte, it is going to be tough to see the field early for FSU, at least to start their careers.
Georgia Bulldogs
Players Drafted: 11
Draft Grade: C+
Georgia is the first team we are covering that had what we could call a large draft class. With 11 players, it was going to be much more important for UGA to nail this class than teams drafting much fewer players. Did they nail their picks? Well, there were some great hits. 4 star WR Jadon Charles will be a starter immediately, and fellow WR Brady Shuffain should help the offense as well. Georgia is a team heavy on defense (and light on offense), and the Bulldogs certainly attempted to address that issue in the draft.
However, at the time of writing, there are still multiple draftees who have yet to sign their LOI, which drags the grade of this draft down significantly (for now). Put simply, if you draft players and they don’t play a snap for you, you will have some trouble. Then again, Georgia had 11 players to pick, so not every player will be a home run. Still, there are too many troubling signs so far from this class for me to raise their grade based on the guys I like in this class.
Kentucky Wildcats
Players Drafted: 8
Draft Grade: B-
There are a lot of similarities between Kentucky and Georgia in this draft. Both SEC teams had a fairly large amount of players to pick. Both teams had clear needs. For Kentucky, it was on defense at MLB. And both teams still have a few guys who have not signed their LOI. So why did I bump Kentucky’s grade up a slot over UGA? Two reasons. First, Kentucky needed help desperately at MLB, and the Wildcats drafted four, netting at least one 4-star in MLB Chris Vasquez.
Additionally, Kentucky was able to draft players at other positions that needed depth a little more effectively than UGA, which bumped them ahead again. Still, an even larger percentage of UK’s class has yet to sign, a troubling sign for the Wildcats. This class could be graded higher, as soon as we know the fate of the few guys still left out in the wind.
LSU Tigers
Players Drafted: 10
Draft Grade: B-
Another team with quite a few picks, this time under new AD Josh Claydon. Going into this draft, I had high hopes for the legendary return of Claydon to the CFSL. While I wouldn’t classify this class as a true disappointment, there are ups and downs to this class. The good is pretty simple. Grabbing a 5-star safety, even a senior, as late as LSU did was the easy and correct pick. FS Demontrey Bones is maybe the best player in the draft, and LSU got a steal in selecting him.
Behind Bones, however, there are a few non-signees, and the safety position overall still lacks the depth I think Claydon was trying to build. Bones is going to carry this draft grade because outside of him, I’m not sure how many other guys drafted for LSU will impact, at least to start their CFSL careers. This class, with how large it is, is bound to produce at least a few more impact guys. But for right now, it feels like LSU had one big hit and not too much else.
Miami Hurricanes
Players Drafted: 7
Draft Grade: C+
So I will start with the good for Miami. Despite drafting near the bottom of the draft order, Miami did find some players who project as Week 1 starters. The problem is that like a few other teams, it is at the defensive line, a position group where Miami is now looking at starting 3 stars in Week 1. Miami is an elite defensive team, and I believe in AD George Yost. But in an ACC that seemingly is getting tougher to compete in each season, I think the defensive line could be a real liability barring more upgrades.
Miami did find some depth at other positions of need as well, so I like the class overall. But with a poor draft position and more spots than usual to fill, I think Miami was hurt more by this draft system than most teams, and their draft grade reflects that.
Michigan Wolverines
Players Drafted: 6
Draft Grade: A
Michigan got to draft near the top of the draft order, and it paid off for the Wolverines. Michigan was one of just a select few teams who left the draft with multiple 4 stars. And they got help in positions of need too. Both SS Quez Richardson and TE Bryan McGuire are going to be impactful from the jump. As for the rest of the class, there is some great depth here too.
Michigan needed bodies at MLB badly after last season. MLB Clayton Cobb might only be a 3-star, but he will be in a position early to help Michigan out, even if it is off the bench. For where Michigan was put in the order and what they could select, I think AD Aaron Ike did great in addressing needs and adding talent. This Michigan team is simply a better football team compared to before the draft, and that is a really big piece of this nice grade.
Michigan State Spartans
Players Drafted: 3
Draft Grade: B-
It was a very small class for Michigan State, a testament to good recruiting and retention from AD Antonio McDaniel. With only three spots open, Michigan State had a certified hit, and mystery pick, and a pick that hurt. Starting with the home run, CB Corey Poole provides needed depth, and has already upgraded as well. He should be an impact guy early and is a nice pickup for the Spartans. WR Blue Haddix is a sophomore joining a deep WR group, so there is still some mystery to be decided with him and his role in this team.
However, with one player still unsigned in a class with only three guys, that is going to hurt Michigan State’s overall grade. Considering it is ⅓ of the Spartans’ entire class, even one player hurts them more than other teams. I think Michigan State did well overall, they just got dinged for their last pick maybe a little more than others might have.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Players Drafted: 5
Draft Grade: B+
The Tar Heels had only five guys to choose from, and they chose to invest heavily in defense. Both linebackers chosen have already upgraded, giving them some reliable talent in the middle of the defense. It certainly is a nice draft given where UNC was put in the draft order. MLB Madden Nicol (joining as a sophomore) and OLB Tyler Turner are great adds for AD Daniel Gunn.
There was one guy still unsigned which dings the grade a bit, but overall it is a strong class for UNC. After the linebackers, UNC focused on depth at the defensive backs group. It was a good idea, but with 0 offensive players signed right now, UNC has a small missed opportunity. While the Tar Heels did well, the lack of offense is what prevents this class from joining the upper echelon of teams this season. And while UNC is strong on offense, clearly they wanted to build depth, and so far it looks like they’ll need to work the waiver wire to do it instead.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Players Drafted: 18
Draft Grade: D+
Notre Dame was always going to be maybe the toughest team to grade in this draft. The Fighting Irish needed 18 players, much more than the average roster. Notre Dame also didn’t get to use the first overall pick on anyone but a coach-player, meaning Notre Dame was the last team to pick a player freely (excluding Clemson who did not draft freely).
So why the poor grade? Well, Notre Dame entered this draft as maybe the least talented team in the CFSL. They had 18 picks available and did not pick one player who was a 4 or 5-star. Notre Dame had the chance to do exactly that twice (2nd and 3rd rounds), and they passed for players they believed would upgrade later instead. So far, not only have none of their 18 picks upgraded, but a sizable portion of the class has not signed at all. Given how many late picks Notre Dame had, the Fighting Irish were bound to have a few non-signees. But Notre Dame has a concerning amount, to the point where Notre Dame still has one of the smallest rosters in the CFSL.
That doesn’t mean the guys who did sign are all busts, however. A rebuilt WR core and much of the defense are all guys who will start immediately. If Notre Dame can turn a few of these guys into contributors, this class can easily be salvaged. And the waiver wire will help Notre Dame fill the open spots more than maybe any other team right now. Not to mention, Notre Dame will have four players on the roster with the last name Perez now. By the way, the four Perez jersey numbers will be #11,#15,#16, and #18. Talk about a fun way to confuse broadcasters. But overall, there just isn’t enough substance for the largest draft class in the CSFL. That will hurt, and Notre Dame will need to nail the waiver wire to compete, even with multiple starters from this draft Week 1.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Players Drafted: 6
Draft Grade: B
Ohio State drafted six guys and is one of the select teams who have had all draftees sign. That’s a great start for a playoff team who will be a contender in Season 22. While I don’t think any of the six drafted players will start, I think getting a whole draft class signed has to count for something. Most fifth and sixth-round guys are going to be more depth, and many did not sign. Not only did Ohio State have a full class, but getting some WR depth in this pass-happy offense was a great sign, even though there are no upgrades yet in the class.
Considering Ohio State was near the back of the draft order, that isn’t a huge surprise. Still, I can’t go higher than a B for a class that doesn’t include anything above a 3-star talent (yet). Ohio State did well here, even if we might have to wait a while to see just how much impact these six players have.
Oklahoma Sooners
Players Drafted: 4
Draft Grade: A
It might have been a small draft class for Oklahoma, but it was a mighty one. Oklahoma got maybe the steal of the entire class in 5-star WR Houston Begley. While Oklahoma won with the run last season, giving star QB Himoteo Del Este another great weapon downfield is going to help transform this offense. Combine that with a stellar offseason for Oklahoma overall, and it is no wonder they cruised to this grade.
The other three players, all have signed and will provide key depth at the Sooners’ weakest position groups. This was a textbook draft from start to finish for AD Dustin Hall and caps off another impressive offseason for the team. Watch out for the Sooners.
Oregon Ducks
Players Drafted: 7
Draft Grade: C+
Oregon was another tough team to grade. I wanted to give them a higher mark, but there were a few red flags I couldn’t ignore. Let’s start with the good. 4 star DE Ragon Sinn is an excellent first-round pick, and one I think Oregon hit a home run with, even if he wasn’t the best player available. He fills a big need, and Oregon will have use for him in Week 1.
Behind him, however, Oregon’s class is a bit more troubling. Their second-rounder has yet to sign their LOI (at the time of writing), and despite drafting 3rd overall, the Oregon roster post-draft is still smaller than average. Oregon will be another team that needs to work on the waiver system before Week 1. There is hope for this class, but as of now, it is a work in progress. Still, if Oregon can sign their guys and/or get some more upgrades out of their class, there is some great potential here.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Players Drafted: 10
Draft Grade: B
What the Nittany Lions may lack in stars, they make up for in numbers with this class. Drafting later as a previous playoff team, it was always going to be harder to find 4 and 5 stars in their large class. Combine that with many later-round guys not signing, and Penn State might’ve been in trouble here. But not for this team. Nearly all of their guys have signed at the time of writing, and the guys they did get fill needs.
While there are no surefire starters, senior QB JK Matthews has some key bench contributors in Week 1 as Penn State tries to run it back and get farther in the playoffs this season. Even if there aren’t any big names, Penn State in aggregate might be a dark horse pick for one of the more effective draft classes. That’s a great piece of work for a team put in a tough spot and looking to stay competitive in the BIG 10.
Tennessee Volunteers
Players Drafted: 12
Draft Grade: B-
Tennessee has talent for sure. When you have 12 picks, you are bound to get some impact guys. In the second round, grabbing 4-star TE James Triplett was a great find. Tennessee’s offense is better after this draft. That is a big win for AD CJ Furman.
So why the lower grade? In short, missed opportunities. Tennessee’s non-signees include some on defense, leaving Tennessee with only a DE and DT on the roster right now, necessitating some waivers. But most importantly, in the first round, Tennessee took 3-star DE/DT Sean Cunningham. Now, Cunningham is a good piece. But with so many DE/DTs available, Tennessee took him instead of an available 4-star HB to back up Kelby Fulton, for example. Tennessee found some talent here, I don’t want to discount that. But with their drafting position, the Volunteers had the chance to be maybe the best drafting team in the CFSL. I think they did well, but maybe not as good as it could’ve been. Still, for who they got, I think Tennessee is a better team today than before the draft. And that’s a big step for the Volunteers.
Texas Longhorns
Players Drafted: 3
Draft Grade: A-
Look, when you only draft three players and they all sign and theoretically can contribute, that’s a good thing. 4-star WR Quan King will be an impact guy immediately. TE Grayson Lee might start his career as a fullback, but Texas recognizes that a third TE could be useful with Season 22’s tweaked depth chart rules. And SS Tyrell Lawson as a 4th safety is valuable, especially when rival Oklahoma is building out their pass attack.
I think with only three guys, and none starting (except maybe Quan King if he jumps a guy or two), I can only go so far with this grade. Texas knew what they needed, drafted well, and are a little better. Hard to fault them for that. I just can’t pretend drafting three guys well is the same as some of the teams higher on the list. But for what it is, AD Ryan Moreland had a tidy draft here.
Texas A&M Aggies
Players Drafted: 8
Draft Class: A-
For how late Texas A&M drafted, I think they had a home run class. There are no 5 or 4 stars yet, but nearly everyone here is signed and ready to go. This is a team that nearly won a National Championship, and it will be a contender for seasons to come if Texas A&M continues to replenish talent like they did here.
Again, while it is only 3 stars for now, the Aggies have built some depth at positions like WR, DE, CB, and FS. I think the safeties will need to be important early if Texas A&M is going to truly run it back, but for what Texas A&M started with, they did just fine. Now, the question is can these guys be the supporting cast to a championship core? That is what this class will ultimately be judged on given where Texas A&M is at as a team.
USC Trojans
Players Drafted: 1
Draft Class: A
If you are looking for an in-depth analysis of one player, sorry, I can’t give you that. But for a class so small, at least part of this grade is on USC’s ability to find and retain talent. Sure, you’ve won two Championships in a row, it’s going to be hard not to keep guys. But still, having only one spot to fill is better than almost every other team. It’s a sign of where USC is at and how sustainable this dynasty seems.
So for the final pick of the first round, who did USC get? Just a 4-star at a position of need. One who wasn’t a 4-star at the draft either. That’s a huge grab for the final available roster spot. USC does the little things right. In a draft where USC didn’t need to get better, they did with only one pick. CB Dahmir Lucas might not start Week 1, but he will be on the field a bunch. What a great, albeit short, draft for AD Jacob Cobb. USC isn’t going anywhere.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Players Drafted: 4
Draft Grade: B
This was a tough class to grade. Drafting near the top of the order, Virginia Tech had a prime opportunity to get likely two 4 or 5 stars and ended up with 0. But, Virginia Tech instead got 4 signed players who all have a role to play on this team. Virginia Tech needed defensive help, and they went out and got 4 defenders.
I think there might have been more talented players available, but Virginia Tech found what they needed. I’m probably being tougher on this class than VT feels about it. There is help on the way in positions of need, that’s all that matters for AD Cory Mucci. There might have been more talented players available. And there were some steals after VT they did not pursue. But for now, this is a solid class with room to grow.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Players Drafted: 10
Draft Grade: A+
It’s fitting two BIG XII rivals get the highest grades in Colorado and West Virginia. The Mountaineers picked 2nd in this draft, and they might just have my favorite draft of any team, period. 10 guys, all signed. A 5-star at maybe their biggest positional need in SS Billy Davis. A 4-star in CB Zach Egg to boot, even if he is a senior with only one season at WVU.
For a team that struggled last season, I think no team improved more than the Mountaineers here. What a great place to be in and a great example of the benefits of this new draft system. WVU is going to need some more development from their later picks, but for what they had and how many picks they had, it was a fantastic draft for WVU and AD Nate Murphy.
