The first ever collegiate USFL draft was a unique situation for everyone involved. Fans did not know what to expect. The teams could not operate like a normal professional sports draft. Teams had to project the draft eligible draftees ability and the players fit in the football world. Every team drafted in a different manor. The results were unique and the draft was definitely not one that would be friendly to anyone that thought they could generate a mock.
The Pittsburgh Maulers drafted with a distinct vision. Defense Coordinator Jarren Horton said on "Hammer Time" this past week that the Maulers executed their draft plan to perfection. The Maulers wanted to draft players that performed well in college and were rewarded with accolades throughout their collegiate career. Nine out of the ten picks were players that played below the FBS level in college. Without further adieu, I present the first five rounds of the Maulers initial college 2023 draft.
Round 1 - Pick #2 - Lindsey Scott Jr - Incarnate Word - QB
2022 Stats: 322-454, 4686 yards, 60 PASS TD , 11 RUSH TD
In reality, Lindsey Scott Jr put up video game numbers during this past season at Incarnate Word. The team made it to the National Semifinals before falling to perennial FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. The UIW Cardinals were electric and definitely were led by Scott. Lindsey Scott Jr was the nations top player at the FCS level as he was awarded the Walter Payton Award. He was an obvious choice as an All-American.
Projected NFL Draft Pick : 7th Round or Priority Free Agent
Web's 3 Things Scouting Report:
- Scott has excellent mobility. He is able to maneuver the pocket and is able to keep plays alive with his legs.
- Scott took a giant step this past season playing in the QB friendly Incarnate Word and still has room to grow. His final college season was great but he is still progressing as a passer.
- Scott's throwing mechanics are solid. Moving from Nicholls State to Incarnate Word may have been his best move throughout a college career that led him to changing schools multiple times. I expect him to work on his deep ball but his short to mid range throws would be considered one of the best in the USFL already.
Round 2 - Pick #9 - Malik Hamm - Lafayette - DE/EDGE/OLB
2022 Stats - 7 sacks in 10 games, 46 tackles , 10.5 TFL , 3 Forced Fumbles
Malik Hamm finished his college career being awarded the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year twice. Selected as the Patriot League Rookie of the Year during his first season at college. Hamm is Lafeyette's All Time Sack Leader. The man carried every award during a historic collegiate career. Playing in the Patriot League, Hamm is one of the most underrated prospects out of all draft eligible prospects.
Projected NFL Draft : Undrafted Free Agent
Web's 3 Things Scouting Report:
- High effort player that will be non-stop regardless of situation. Small school player that gets the absolute most out of every snap.
- A tweener between a defensive lineman and outside linebacker. If he ever shows up with the Maulers, he fits as an edge rusher. Hamm has had an epic career as putting pressure on the offense is his specialty.
- If he is aiming to be an outside backer, his speed needs to improve. He has an upside of Carlo Kemp.
Round 3 - Pick #17 - Tre'Quan Dorsey - St. Francis (PA) - Offensive Line
Tre'Quan Dorsey is a clear example of the Maulers playing a different game with this draft than the rest of the USFL teams. Playing in the Northeast Conference for the Red Flash, Dorsey was a solid member of a proven offensive line unit. Dorsey was selected All Conference this past season.
Projected NFL Draft: Undrafted Free Agent
Web's 3 Things Scouting Report:
-Dorsey was part of a unit that ranked high in protecting their QB with Dorsey protecting the blindside. Collegiate QB was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award this past season and one of the reasons for an outstanding QB season was the protection that was led by Dorsey.
- Dorsey has solid size at 6-4 305lbs. The NFL size for a lineman is always a plus in the USFL. Dorsey's size and blocking ability probably leads to a camp or OTA invite in the NFL.
- Dorsey is very talented when getting on the move to block. Dorsey agility stands out for his size and that agility works great as a lead blocker as the play develops.
Round 4 - Pick #25 - Ferlando Jordan - Southeastern La - DB
Ferlando Jordan is a beast as a corner. Jordan had a significant career at SLU. Jordan was rewarded multiple times for All-Southland Conference performance along with two appearances on All-American teams. He may be the first draft pick for the Maulers that may never come to Pittsburgh. A connection with DC Jarren Horton may change his availability for the Maulers.
Projected NFL Draft : 6th or 7th Round
Web's 3 Things Scouting Report:
- A ball hawking defensive back. Jordan always had a knack of coming up with the ball early on in his collegiate career. As his SLU playing days advanced, quarterbacks learned to avoid Jordan and became a reason for decreasing his interception totals.
- Understands his abilities at a higher level than most. Technique has always been a strength for the SLU corner.
- At 6 feet, Jordan has the size to match with the solid technique. Jordan had a knack to create a defensive island thus giving him the nickname of "Lando Island".
Round 5 - Pick #33 - Isaiah Land - Florida A&M - Edge Rusher
Isaiah Land continues the trend of Maulers draft picks with a list of accolades. Land was rewarded with 2021 Buck Buchanan Award winner. Led the Nation in sacks in 2021 with 19.5 sacks. An absolute definition of a pure pass rusher.
Projected NFL Draft : 5th - 7th round
Web's 3 Things Scouting Report:
- Land plays with a non-stop motor and is very aggressive. Land's aggressiveness leads to always being around the ball regardless of type of play.
- Athletic for an edge rusher from the FCS level. He has a great build and looks the part. Speed is definitely part of his game as an edge rusher.
- Needs to work on fighting through traffic while in pursuit. Land's athleticism and aggressiveness are definitely an advantage but when contained, Land could use some work on fighting through traffic.
Coming next week, I will finish up the rest of the Maulers draft class with quick analysis.