2007 Draft Preview
posted Friday September 14th, 2007 by Commissioner Marce

Roughly two weeks from now, on Sunday September 30th, the TFL will be holding its 2007 Entry Draft. Captains for this year's teams are 2005 MVP Sergeant Slaughter and 2006 MVP Kevin Rayer. They will be faced with the tough task of sorting through a talented group of 14 individuals. Recently I sat down with draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. and ESPN.com's Bill Simmons to try and make some sense of this year's draft pool and how each round might shake out.

Bill Pohlig
Simmons: He's known as a reliable possession receiver who has been productive in the red zone; but his recent move to Orlando could hurt his draft stock, with him not being in the area to attend mini-camps... or it could help his position because Florida is widely considered to be one of the top states for producing football prospects.

Kiper's Prediction: Middle to late rounds, 3rd-6th

Chris Crooks
Simmons: Crooks is one of the fastest north to south runners on the field, and you can always count on him to be in shape; but he needs to work on his agility because I think Doc quick-sticked him once...ouch.

Kiper's Prediction: Middle rounds, 3rd-5th

John Hart
Simmons: Other than snapping it through his legs John Hart has never touched the ball during a Turkey Bowl. The original every down lineman, Hart has been overshadowed recently by players with much more girth under their belts. However, he has remained steadily productive due to his quickness and technique.

Kiper's Prediction: First three rounds

Keith Cottom
Simmons: He should be taken #1 overall simply for his overwhelming resemblance to legendary Valley wrestler Marvin Nedick; but celebrity look-a-likeness aside, he's a proven winner who has shown he can dominate the trenches with the game on the line.

Kiper's Prediction: Round 1 or 2, possibly first pick

Mark Marcelli
Simmons: After being held scoreless the previous two years, Marcelli got back on track last year with a two touchdown game. Armed with good speed and giant calf muscles he can match athleticism with anybody on the field. And, depending on the size of his afro, may also be the tallest receiver on any given day.

Kiper's Prediction: Early to middle rounds, 2nd-5th

Matt Marcelli
Simmons: The senior Marcelli brother leads the league in touchdowns scored with seven, two of which came on the defensive side of the ball. Matt has height over almost every player, and is faster and quicker than his tall stature gives off. His seven years of experience also comes in handy, along with having Darth Vader living in his shorts.

Kiper's Prediction: Early to middle rounds, 2nd-5th

Mike Trill
Simmons: The TFL leader for career TD passes, Trill had a solid outing last year; throwing for seven scores in an 8-5 win. He has shown inconsistency before, throwing nine touchdowns in 2003 but following it up with a combined three TDs in Turkey Bowls V and VI.

Kiper's Prediction: Early to middle rounds, 2nd-4th

Paul Middleton
Simmons: Middleton is one of the best dual threat players in this draft; he can line up at either quarterback or wide receiver and be equally effective. Although he hasn't recorded a receiving TD since Turkey Bowl 4, he has accounted for five TD passes in the last two years. He's also adept at playing through injury, as evidenced by his three minute vomit session on the sideline of last year's game.

Kiper's Prediction: Early to middle rounds, 2nd-4th

Rich DiNofia
Simmons: Last year locked up the "Forrest Gump" Award for DiNofia, because you really never know what you're gonna get. After being solid with two TDs in three years between '03 and '05 DiNofia exploded with four scores in last years game, a performance that earned him runner-up in the MVP voting. It will be interesting to see which version shows up for this year's game.

Kiper's Prediction: Early to middle rounds, 2nd-5th

Sean Kelly
Simmons: Despite missing the previous three games while being sidelined with a serious yeast infection, the Horse was able to find the end zone in his first action since 2002. I'm not sure if that lone touchdown will do much to improve his draft position, although it is a lot better than his previous performances of drinking half a 40 and calling it a day.

Kiper's Prediction: 6th or 7th Rd, possibly last pick

Tim Dougherty
Simmons: Ranking first all-time in wins and second in TD passes its obvious that "The Donchez" knows how to get it done on the field. Possibly the best natural football player amongst the group Dougherty, (still no relation to Shannon) can be used in a number of ways. He has proven effective on both offensive and defensive line, safety, receiver and especially quarterback (although his TD production has slowed with only two scoring passes in the last two years).

Kiper's Prediction: First three rounds, possibly first pick

Tom Orio
Simmons: Have you ever seen the movie "White Chicks"? Where the Wayans Brothers dress up like two white girls; and the whole movie you're thinking to yourself, "they are dressed as chicks, and they want me to believe that they are chicks, but there is no one on this planet who really thinks that they are chicks." That was what Orio's performance was like last year. He was dressed as a QB, and lined up at QB, but you just couldn't make yourself believe he was a QB.

Kiper's Prediction: 7th Rd, possibly last pick

Tony Laughlin
Simmons: After having an admitted down year in '06 Laughlin is looking to elevate his play back to respectability. He played extremely well in '05, notching the sack that locked up the game for his team. He has the ability to be a solid two way lineman, but he needs to put in some serious work if he wants to be on par with his glory days back at Ridley.

Kiper's Prediction: First three rounds

Tuna Bucella
Simmons: Remember Mighty Ducks 2; when Julie "The Cat" Gaffney came in for the last play of the game to secure the victory for her team? Well that's exactly what Tuna did last year. Except instead of showing up and contributing the final, decisive play; Tuna made it to the field just in time to watch his team run their last play and walk away with the W.

Kiper's Prediction: Anywhere in the first five rounds