[Rain Man]

Starting with my League 1 team, here's where we stand.

Duluth entered the draft period with a solid overall team, but some glaring holes. We knew that Rashard Mendenhall had trouble carrying the ground game last year, and could use upgrades at free safety and corner. Center, defensive end, and right tackle looked to be problems from an injury standpoint, and our depth at linebacker was scary.

Recognizing that our low draft spot meant we were unlikely to get a premier rookie running back, we hit the trade market.

Our 1st round pick went for established veteran Frank Gore, a short-term play that we hope pays off.

Blessed with significant depth at guard, we made notable trades of solid players Jon Asamoah and Kory Lichtensteiger, with some draft maneuvering, to pick up DE Justin Tuck to flesh out the defensive line and RT Gosder Cherilus to solidify the right side.

We then swung another deal to pick up FS/CB Ronde Barber to add a high-caliber talent in the defensive backfield. It's another short-term play, but we thought the price was right, trading down only one round to fill a hole.

In the draft, we picked up more talent.

62 Duluth Pillagers Courtney Upshaw - Adds depth and upside, either inside or out.
68 Duluth Pillagers Josh Norman - A starting CB so we can move Ronde Barber to FS
86 Duluth Pillagers LaMichael James - A good kick returner who hopefully can develop and take carries in the backfield
110 Duluth Pillagers Josh Chapman - A good DT prospect who missed his rookie season with a knee injury
134 Duluth Pillagers Richard Crawford - A good nickel or dime back.
144 Duluth Pillagers Corey White - Another good nickel or dime back.
158 Duluth Pillagers Devon Wylie - Purely a lottery play. I think he plays fast and could develop into a good receiver or kick returner.

The only hole that remains unfilled is center, where we have two good long-term centers both of whom are doomed to injuries this season. We'll hit the free agent market to fill that gap.