QB Sean Cranford (WIN) goes #1 overall!

NEW YORK -- The Windsor Gamblers drafted Sean Cranford #1 overall in the 2085 draft. The 6' 1" QB fits the team's needs perfectly. Said Gamblers general manager: "It's up to us to develop him and get good players around him."

"The great thing about the game of football is, it's a team game," Cranford said on a conference call. "I'm just going to be one piece of the puzzle."

Moore and Nox Mock Draft

Pick 1: Windsor Gamblers
Larry Moore: Sean Cranford - QB
Should be able to take in a pro playbook. Consistently delivers the ball on target. If you ever need a hail mary, this guy will throw it from the parking lot. Solid talent that fits their needs. Really that is all there is to it. Perfect situation. Take the money and run.

Jim Nox: Scott Matthews - DE
In addition to his own role, this kid doubles as glue. He makes everyone on the field play as a team. Teams are looking for players who will not break contain. This young man is strong enough to stay on his feet against grown men on the offensive line. Offenses will need to keep tabs on him. He will close down fairly quickly if left unblocked. Plug a hole in the roster with a great player. That is really what they need to do. This pick does it.

Pick 2: Toronto North
Larry Moore: Preston Blake - CB
This kid is not afraid to work hard. This is a kid who really contributes to the team spirit and the social cohesiveness on the team. With this kid, this is a need pick they will not regret.

Jim Nox: Preston Blake - CB
Known among his teammates as a hard worker. Known for helping out teammates, if they hit a rough patch, whether it is on the field or in their personal lives. Might not be what fans want, but there is a reason people are getting paid to make these decisions. This is a rock solid pick, and he fits what they are looking for. Fans will come around quickly once they see him play.

Pick 3: Seattle Totems
Larry Moore: Scott Matthews - DE
I want this kid on my team. He understands his role on the field, and how it fits in with what everyone else is doing. He has sufficient strength to not get bulllied on run plays. More than enough speed for the position. This will become evident as he develops. The stars align for them to get him here. Just what they need. Blue-chip player with great upside. Hard to botch this pick.

Jim Nox: Tyler Faber - FS
Every team would benefit from his leadership. Shows keen understanding of the game. People always say you should not prioritize needs over quality. That is not an issue here, they get to have their cake and eat it too.

Pick 4: Houston RoughRiders
Larry Moore: Alvin O'Connor - LB
Very coachable. They will be happy to get him, they could use an upgrade at the position, and he certainly fits the bill. A franchise caliber player. Just what they have been looking for.

Jim Nox: Alvin O'Connor - LB
Nice instincts. Fits the bill, great quality pick, and fills a soft spot on the roster. They should have no qualms here, run to the podium and get your man.

Pick 5: New Orleans Reapers
Larry Moore: Gabriel Berry - T
This guy understands what it means to be a pro. Here you have a guy, who really benefits the atmosphere in the building. Everyone wants to be around him. Once this kid gets in the building, they will be set at this position for years.

Jim Nox: Vernon McCord - C
This is the kind of kid you want to promote the game. Well behaved, loves the game, and respectful. The guy has gets along with everyone. In the run game he blocks well, shows tenacity and opens lanes. This will benefit the team. Reacts instinctively to developments on the field. A player that fits their needs. The promise of a future star. This will be great for the franchise.

Pick 6: Nova Scotia Vikings
Larry Moore: Alva Marsh - DT
Coaches love the leadership skills in this kid. Here is a kid who no one doubts will put in the work. What you get with this kid, is a guy who understands that this is a team sport. Good jump off the line. Enough speed to be unpredictable in his passrushing moves. Are there other guys worth picking here? Sure, but none of them fit this well with what they need, and he is a solid talent.

Jim Nox: Alva Marsh - DT
A leader on the field and in the locker room. Known for showing up early and staying late. 'Team player', this is the correct term for him. He makes everyone around him better. Will close down quickly if left unblocked. Good speed is a rare commodity, and while he is not elite in that regard, he has enough to warrant being picked this high. Do not fret. You need him, fans love him. Surefire pick.

Pick 7: BCFC Bears
Larry Moore: Tyler Faber - FS
Teammates look to him for leadership, and he consistently delivers. He is smart, and plays with good instincts. This pick will be a boon for the organization.

Jim Nox: Sean Cranford - QB
Plays with decent intelligence. Here is a kid who right out of college can make ALL the throws. His insane ball velocity leaves the ball in the air for such a short time. Fits the bill, great quality pick, and fills a soft spot on the roster. They should have no qualms here, run to the podium and get your man.

Pick 8: Las Vegas Pharaohs
Larry Moore: Dario Carrico - TE
This kid will immediately be an asset in the passing game. Is too speedy for most safeties in man coverage and will blaze through zones, forcing the defense to be on their toes. Reacts instinctively to developments on the field. Fill a need, get a quality player, everyone wins! He will fit right in with the pros.

Jim Nox: Ronald Richardson - CB
Respected for his good behavior on the field. Speedy enough to cover. Will need to cushion a bit on the faster receivers, but they will account for that in the play design. Well trained tackler. Some might say this is a 'need' pick, but we must remember, this is a really good player as well. He will contribute early and often. No losers here.

Pick 9: Windsor Gamblers
Larry Moore: Ronald Richardson - CB
His good natured behavior, even toward opponents have earned him some criticism, but also an awful lot of respect. Good closing speed. Can run with most players. Makes him very versatile. Finishes tackles. He fills a need for them. Great pick here.

Jim Nox: Gary Curtis - CB
No nonsense tackler. Do not fret. You need him, fans love him. Surefire pick.

Pick 10: Toronto North
Larry Moore: Henry Dalton - G
The kind of leadership he shows makes coaches salivate. Knows what it takes to achieve success at any level. Respected for his good behavior on the field. Nice blocking skills on run plays. He will contribute to the running game. They should not be afraid to fill a need here. He will start day one. Quality pick right here.

Jim Nox: Henry Dalton - G
Intangibles, leadership, what's not to love? The guy has his head on straight. This is the kind of kid you want to promote the game. Well behaved, loves the game, and respectful. He comes of the line with power and leverage on run plays. This is something that scouts notice. They almost have to make this pick. You do not want to look back in five years and see this kid on another team knowing he could have been yours.

Free Agency Round 5: Round Up

8 players signed this week.

The biggest name signing this week was Devin Burrell. The CB out of Arizona St. signed a contract of Seattle Totems with 5 years, $28,200,000.

American Conference US was the most active division with a total of 6 signings.

Las Vegas Pharaohs was the most active signing a total of 3 player(s).

The biggest spender was Seattle Totems who signed 2 player(s) for a total of $7,750,000.

RB Jeff Parker (BCFC) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Jeff Parker, one of the league's top RBs and top free-agent prize agreed to a 4 year contract worth $5,400,000 to play for the BCFC Bears.

Free Agency Round 4: Round Up

13 players signed this week.

The biggest name signing this week was Dennis Duarte. The DT out of Ohio State signed a contract of Toronto North with 3 years, $15,075,000.

Canadian Conference Canada was the most active division with a total of 7 signings.

Seattle Totems was the most active signing a total of 5 player(s).

The biggest spender was Toronto North who signed 3 player(s) for a total of $12,235,000.

DT Dennis Duarte (TOR) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Dennis Duarte, one of the league's top DTs and top free-agent prize agreed to a 3 year contract worth $5,025,000 to play for the Toronto North.

FB Phillip Dodge (SEA) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Anxious all week, FB Phillip Dodge was finally catching some sleep at home in Charlotte, N.C., when he found out just how serious the Seattle Totems were about acquiring him.

The free-agent signing period had just begun, and Dodge's agent called to tell him that the Totems head coach was in town. Soon, Dodge was meeting him at an executive airport.

Now, Dodge is being fitted for a Totems uniform.

One of the league's top FBs and top free-agent prize agreed Friday to a 4 year contract worth $950,000.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Totems," Dodge said.

Free Agency Round 3: Round Up

8 players signed this week.

The biggest name signing this week was James Shores. The FS out of West Georgia signed a contract of Seattle Totems with 4 years, $13,600,000.

Canadian Conference Canada was the most active division with a total of 4 signings.

Seattle Totems was the most active signing a total of 3 player(s).

The biggest spender was Seattle Totems who signed 3 player(s) for a total of $8,330,002.

FB David Hassell (HRR) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Anxious all week, FB David Hassell was finally catching some sleep at home in Charlotte, N.C., when he found out just how serious the Houston RoughRiders were about acquiring him.

The free-agent signing period had just begun, and Hassell's agent called to tell him that the RoughRiders head coach was in town. Soon, Hassell was meeting him at an executive airport.

Now, Hassell is being fitted for a RoughRiders uniform.

One of the league's top FBs and top free-agent prize agreed Friday to a 2 year contract worth $880,000.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the RoughRiders," Hassell said.

Free Agency Round 2: Round Up

4 players signed this week.

The biggest name signing this week was Eric Law. The RB out of Wyoming signed a contract of Seattle Totems with 3 years, $12,960,000.

American Conference US was the most active division with a total of 4 signings.

New Orleans Reapers was the most active signing a total of 1 player(s).

The biggest spender was New Orleans Reapers who signed 1 player(s) for a total of $9,000,000.

Free Agency Round 1: Round Up

9 players signed this week.

The biggest name signing this week was Monroe Miller. The DE out of Fresno State signed a contract of BCFC Bears with 3 years, $21,750,000.

Canadian Conference Canada was the most active division with a total of 5 signings.

BCFC Bears was the most active signing a total of 3 player(s).

The biggest spender was Toronto North who signed 2 player(s) for a total of $11,488,500.

G Dennis Craddock (TOR) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Dennis Craddock, one of the league's top Gs and top free-agent prize agreed to a 2 year contract worth $6,088,500 to play for the Toronto North.

DT Shawn Rupert (TOR) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Anxious all week, DT Shawn Rupert was finally catching some sleep at home in Charlotte, N.C., when he found out just how serious the Toronto North were about acquiring him.

The free-agent signing period had just begun, and Rupert's agent called to tell him that the North head coach was in town. Soon, Rupert was meeting him at an executive airport.

Now, Rupert is being fitted for a North uniform.

One of the league's top DTs and top free-agent prize agreed Friday to a 2 year contract worth $5,400,000.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the North," Rupert said.

DE Monroe Miller (BCFC) signs large free agent deal!

NEW YORK -- Anxious all week, DE Monroe Miller was finally catching some sleep at home in Charlotte, N.C., when he found out just how serious the BCFC Bears were about acquiring him.

The free-agent signing period had just begun, and Miller's agent called to tell him that the Bears head coach was in town. Soon, Miller was meeting him at an executive airport.

Now, Miller is being fitted for a Bears uniform.

One of the league's top DEs and top free-agent prize agreed Friday to a 3 year contract worth $7,250,000.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears," Miller said.

Offseason Team Needs with Jeremy Piper

With a new offseason under way, some rosters are in good shape. However, other teams have big needs to address this offseason. Your always trusty Jeremy Piper here brings you a quick glance at the teams with work to do. Whether they fill their needs in the draft or with veterans in free agency remains to be seen.

Here we go:
BCFC Bears: QB DE
Nova Scotia Vikings: DT
Windsor Gamblers: WR CB LB DE
Toronto North: G C TE WR CB DT DE SS
New Orleans Reapers: QB T C CB DT DE
Houston RoughRiders: LB DT FS
Las Vegas Pharaohs: TE WR CB LB
Seattle Totems: RB TE WR LB DE FS SS

David Riggs leaves for the pros!

David Riggs has announced he is taking a position as a coach or coordinator in pro football. .

Las Vegas Pharaohs sign coach Kelvin Sims

The Pharaohs have announced that they have signed Kelvin Sims as their new DL Coach. He will get a 3 year contract worth 1.5 million per year with the Pharaohs.

Donald Benavidez staying with Houston RoughRiders

The Windsor Gamblers tried to pry Donald Benavidez away from RoughRiders to fill the position as their new QB Coach. However, Benavidez publicly dismissed that a move was imminent, and that assured fans that he would stay with RoughRiders as their QB Coach for the coming season.

Windsor Gamblers hire Keith Cope away from the Nova Scotia Vikings

The Gamblers have announced that they have signed Keith Cope as their new Defensive Coordinator. Cope was previously working for Vikings as Defensive Coordinator. He will get a 1 year contract worth 6.5 million per year with the Gamblers.

Las Vegas Pharaohs sign coach Frank Machado

The Pharaohs have announced that they have signed Frank Machado as their new Offensive Coordinator. He will get a 3 year contract worth 6 million per year with the Pharaohs.

Draft Order: Windsor Gamblers own first overall.

Pick 1: Windsor Gamblers
Pick 2: Toronto North
Pick 3: Seattle Totems
Pick 4: Houston RoughRiders
Pick 5: New Orleans Reapers
Pick 6: Nova Scotia Vikings
Pick 7: BCFC Bears
Pick 8: Las Vegas Pharaohs

Coaching Carousel Predictions.

The offseason is upon us and that means teams are shaking up their coaching staffs. This means that we get to take our annual look at coordinators who could make the leap to become head coaches, and the teams who are likely to poach them.

The prime candidates identified by our experts are:
Billy Gunther - Offensive Coordinator - Nova Scotia Vikings
Keith Cope - Defensive Coordinator - Nova Scotia Vikings
Ronald Matheson - Defensive Coordinator - Toronto North
Juan Becker - Defensive Coordinator - Las Vegas Pharaohs
Eric Randolph - Defensive Coordinator - BCFC Bears
Thomas Koch - Offensive Coordinator - BCFC Bears
Joseph Evans - Defensive Coordinator - Houston RoughRiders
Barry King - Defensive Coordinator - Seattle Totems

To Lyle Edmondson - G, the past is the past.

Lyle Edmondson is a great story, having worked his way out of a troubled youth. To many, Edmondson is becoming a posterboy for the league's ability to help talented young men rehabilitate themselves through sports.

To Ian Lopez - TE, the past is the past.

Ian Lopez is a great story, having worked his way out of a troubled youth. To many, Lopez is becoming a posterboy for the league's ability to help talented young men rehabilitate themselves through sports.

Active Player Retirements

Windsor Gamblers:
TE Jeffery Kuykendall (9 seasons) 490 rec, 5172 yds, 31 TD

Toronto North:
G Ernie Harden (11 seasons) 459 Pancakes
TE Nathaniel Matthews (13 seasons) 454 rec, 5891 yds, 42 TD

New Orleans Reapers:
QB Bill Eller (17 seasons) 2939/4439, 31656 yds, 230 TD
P Jason Hatch (14 seasons) 45180 yards, 363 inside 20

Houston RoughRiders:
P Jon Toney (10 seasons) 31106 yards, 260 inside 20

Las Vegas Pharaohs:
RB Douglas Hinds (8 seasons) 1659 att, 10165 yds, 78 TD, 56 rec, 530 yds, 5 TD
FS Willie Ames (8 seasons) 163 Tck, 12 Sck, 10 Int, 2 FF, 2 FR

Seattle Totems:
WR Jeffery Bourgeois (15 seasons) 743 rec, 9455 yds, 66 TD

Notable free agent retirements

QB:
Rod Rodriquez (16 seasons pro) 2532/3972, 25520 yds, 168 TD
Douglas Belcher (12 seasons pro) 1746/2829, 18170 yds, 103 TD
Marcus Small (11 seasons pro) 1905/3047, 19087 yds, 123 TD

RB:
Thomas Teal (7 seasons pro) 641 att, 2869 yds, 15 TD, 53 rec, 459 yds, 2 TD
Jesus Caruso (14 seasons pro) 422 att, 2399 yds, 43 TD, 121 rec, 1201 yds, 11 TD
Eusebio Matheny (11 seasons pro) 525 att, 2710 yds, 71 TD, 9 rec, 48 yds, 1 TD
Ronald Seaman (7 seasons pro) 249 att, 882 yds, 23 TD, 42 rec, 304 yds, 5 TD
Alan Staley (7 seasons pro) 13 att, 24 yds, 2 TD

G:
Tim Higgins (14 seasons pro) 171 Pancakes
Robert Romano (7 seasons pro) 117 Pancakes
Cameron Rosenbaum (9 seasons pro) 37 Pancakes

T:
Jesse Gomez (10 seasons pro) 81 Pancakes

C:
Tony Beamon (9 seasons pro) 57 Pancakes

TE:
Donald Berry (10 seasons pro) 220 rec, 2197 yds, 10 TD

WR:
Paul Baez (12 seasons pro) 520 rec, 5817 yds, 52 TD
Andre Landis (9 seasons pro) 83 rec, 801 yds, 5 TD
Charles Pardo (7 seasons pro) 35 rec, 311 yds, 4 TD

LB:
Mark Watson (14 seasons pro) 693 Tck, 22 Sck, 9 Int, 1 Def TD, 1 Sfty, 12 FF, 6 FR
Bruce West (10 seasons pro) 470 Tck, 19 Sck, 3 Int, 9 FF, 5 FR
Max Portillo (11 seasons pro) 446 Tck, 19 Sck, 2 Int, 1 Def TD, 7 FF, 2 FR
Jonathan Reddy (13 seasons pro) 277 Tck, 12 Sck, 4 Int, 1 Sfty, 6 FF, 4 FR

DT:
Russell Mcewen (11 seasons pro) 32 Tck, 8 Sck, 3 FF
Craig Gaston (9 seasons pro) 38 Tck, 6 Sck, 1 FF
Timothy Hopper (10 seasons pro) 20 Tck, 3 Sck
Royal Olds (8 seasons pro) 8 Tck, 4 Sck

DE:
Scott Chen (11 seasons pro) 165 Tck, 56 Sck, 1 Def TD, 8 FF, 4 FR
Robert Bittner (10 seasons pro) 59 Tck, 25 Sck, 1 Sfty, 2 FF, 2 FR
Lloyd Concepcion (13 seasons pro) 108 Tck, 10 Sck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD, 3 FF, 2 FR

FS:
Berry Schuster (12 seasons pro) 294 Tck, 1 Sck, 9 Int, 4 FF, 3 FR
Raymond Thurman (5 seasons pro) 2 Tck

SS:
Jeffrey Thornton (12 seasons pro) 552 Tck, 10 Sck, 4 Int, 1 Def TD, 1 Sfty, 16 FF, 9 FR
Sherman Henderson (7 seasons pro) 171 Tck, 2 Sck, 1 Int, 2 FF, 1 FR

K:
Pat Morales (3 seasons pro) 20/28 FG

P:
James Gomez (5 seasons pro) 6173 yards, 50 inside 20

Other retirements

QB Damien Espinosa (69 ovr)
QB Jose Kern (59 ovr)
QB Tyrone Cornelius (50 ovr)
QB David Wright (50 ovr)
RB Richard Wilde (61 ovr)
RB John Mitchell (59 ovr)
RB Sergio Tyler (50 ovr)
RB Gilbert Sherman (47 ovr)
FB Romeo Wilt (43 ovr)
G Charles Hooper (60 ovr)
G Billy Davis (53 ovr)
T John Meyer (55 ovr)
T Carey Jones (55 ovr)
T Cody Elam (51 ovr)
C Armando James (47 ovr)
TE Joe Kenney (62 ovr)
TE Aaron Sullivan (55 ovr)
TE Lorenzo Donnelly (42 ovr)
WR James Moore (60 ovr)
WR Richard Benavides (57 ovr)
WR Manuel Peel (57 ovr)
WR Gerald Blakely (56 ovr)
WR Troy Pate (55 ovr)
WR David Rooney (53 ovr)
WR Darrell Herrin (51 ovr)
WR James Phillips (50 ovr)
CB Leroy Fredericks (56 ovr)
CB William Castro (48 ovr)
CB Anthony Perez (47 ovr)
LB Richard Mares (61 ovr)
LB Herbert Wickham (52 ovr)
LB Jason Bair (52 ovr)
LB Lance Johnson (51 ovr)
LB William Weaver (49 ovr)
LB Glenn Kaye (47 ovr)
LB Tracy Becker (46 ovr)
DT Dwight Fogg (55 ovr)
DT Andre Shirley (53 ovr)
DT Arnold Nelson (50 ovr)
DT Larry Fuller (49 ovr)
DT Michael James (39 ovr)
DE Woodrow Needham (59 ovr)
DE Kristofer Bowlin (56 ovr)
DE James Russell (55 ovr)
DE Edward Jackson (47 ovr)
DE Paul Young (46 ovr)
DE Gerald Bergeron (45 ovr)
DE Joseph Yang (41 ovr)
FS Thomas Hinton (57 ovr)
FS Luther Taylor (56 ovr)
SS Juan Huddleston (64 ovr)
SS John Boyle (51 ovr)
K Clifford Jefferies (62 ovr)
K Bernard Green (55 ovr)
P Terry Blankenship (56 ovr)