One thing about MFN is our off seasons are quite short and we're in 1995 already. Seems like only yesterday Houston hoisted the World Bowl trophy for the 5th time and here we are at our free agency stage. There is some good talent available...if you don't mind veterans. Looks like everyone did a good job of signing their studs.

If anyone needs a QB, they'll likely need to sign a veteran FA as the draft class has just 1 guy that might be pretty good and 3 guys who would be good #2's. Looks like there are 3 good RBs at the top of the list and some good TEs, although it's hard to justify taking a TE in the 1st round imo. The WR class is very weak, as the 2 80+ guys on my list have sub 70 speed. In fact, those were the only 2 I have above a 75 rating. I haven't checked out of position players yet, so maybe there are some RBs that can convert to WR.

OL has some good options early but it's not a deep class and DE might be weaker than WR. LB looks strong near the top, at least judging by overall ratings, did not dig into speed yet. DBs look like there are several high rated, high volatility rookies at the top and some solid depth should be available first few rounds.

Not a good year to draft a kicker or punter either. There are literally zero draftable kickers in the draft. None, nada, zilch. There could be 3 good punters if volatility breaks right for them, but none are kickholders.

Schedule makers have it out for me this year. Start off with division rival and playoff team Philadelphia, followed by Washington who took us out of the playoffs. Then we get an improving San Antonio squad before we travel to South champs Shreveport. Week 5 we get a visit from the champion Houston Gamblers, then Week 7 we get Baltimore, who was 16-0 last year.

New Orleans opened up their wallet to sign CB Bill Ball to a max contract, out bidding almost half the league in the process. Defensive backs are the most sought free agents, and despite average speed (75), his other skills are outstanding. I pretty much knew I wasn't going to get him when I made my offer as I figured someone would outbid me. I only offered $13 million a year and 3 other teams offered over $20 million, but Ball quickly signed the deal from the VooDoo that will pay him a bonus of nearly $150 million.

No question Ball was overpaid, but that's a product of supply/demand. There are a lot of teams looking for good talent in a free agent pool that is lacking in talent. Most of the free agents that were signed probably were overpaid, which is normal around here.

I got rid of a $90M coach too. There are a lot of things going on.

Thank God that players under contract don't hold out based on current market for free agents!

I'm actually a little ahead on my draft game right now, so I'll take a stab at draft predictions. I'm not going team by team, just naming 11 guys I think will be drafted in the top 15. In no particular order...

QB Steve Abrego
RB William Haubert
TE Clarence Murphy
RB Matthew Tipps
C Ryan Beall
MLB Stephen Nelson
SS James Mueller
FS Daniel Davis
SS Rodney James
WLB Christopher Miller
CB Joseph Gonzalez
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Abrego is the best QB on my board, although his 85 accuracy could knock him down a few pegs. Still, he is intelligent and could very well find a home in the top 10 on a QB needy team.

Haubert looks like the favorite to go #1 overall, with very low volatility he is a can't miss prospect.

Clarence Murphy is actually the top rated player on my board, but he is listed as a TE, which is not a high priority position. Murphy is exactly the type of player I like to turn into a RB.

Tipps is yet another RB, rated 13th best on my overall board (my weights are still not where I want them) but with his 89-88-99 physical attributes and low volatility, he will likely be drafted quickly.

Ryan Beall is a player I'd like to not talk about so I can draft him but there is no way he lasts that long. I would leave him at center but he can play anywhere on the OL and is by far the top rated OL on my board.

Stephen Nelson is a LB with 88 speed and low volatility with good skill ratings. In fact, Nelson could play anywhere on defense as his weight gain for DE would still leave him with +80 speed, or he could lose a little weight and play DB. I would be shocked if he's not a top 10 pick.

James Mueller is a DB with 94 speed and good skill ratings. His volatility is 56, but with that speed, does anyone care?

Daniel Davis is not quite as fast or volatile as Mueller but DBs always get drafted high, especially ones with 88 speed.

Rodney James only has 73 speed, but he has good strength as well and good skill ratings with very little volatility. I can see him being outside the top 10, but I can also see him taken early with his 8 volatility.

Christopher Miller's speed is 71, which isn't as fast as some higher volatility LB but he is a safe pick.

Last but not least is Joseph Gonzalez. He needs to hit the weight room as he isn't very strong and he is quite volatile, but he has 89 speed, which means he's doubtful to fall very far.