1965 Pittsburgh Blacksmiths Expansion Draft
With the Blacksmiths being the only team that was picking during the draft, the picks were made and then announced team by team. Pittsburgh could only select 3 players per team and only one player under 24 per team as well.
Boston Independents
Pittsburgh decided to primarily go with youth from the Independents. They would grab DL Sammy Pickett, who is a former 10th overall selection, to hopefully become the baseline for their future on the line. Then, they would also select S Peter Sellers as their under-24 pick to fill out their future on the back end. The last player they would get is LB Killian Reed, who has spent most of his career with the Royals and will be a strong veteran presence for the team out of the gate.
Buffalo Blue Wings
From the champs, the Blacksmiths would take TE Tanner Tint, who is likely going to be the team’s starter right out of the gate. The veteran TE has bounced around a lot in his career, but Pittsburgh might be the perfect home for him. They would also take a player that some were surprised to be left open in LB Sam Wynn, though he might not sign as an impending free agent. WR Moe Schafer would be the last player to be taken and will likely fill the 4th WR spot.
Halifax Mariners
Seeing that the Mariners would protect QB Michael Benedict, it meant that QB Buck Murphy would be available and to no surprise, the Blacksmiths would take the 26-year-old to fight for the starting job. However, likely the best player they would grab is RB Stavros Black who is likely the leading candidate for the starting RB spot and the team’s first captain. While the Mariners will miss him, they still will have the younger RB Ronald O’Sullivan to take on the starting role. The last player taken was last year’s 11th overall pick, WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence, which would be a tough loss for the Mariners and could be a good young piece for Pittsburgh
Indiana Victors
From Indy, the Blacksmiths were going to start building their O-line by taking Benedict Benedicto, a 26-year-old, just getting into his prime. They would then grab S Calvin Hobbes who is likely going to be the starter going into the season. Then the most interesting pick was QB Magnus Torrensen. The 24-year-old could have the potential to be a starter down the line if he continues to develop at a steady rate.
London Tigers
The Tigers had some tough decisions to make, and they had chosen WR Russell Wilcox to protect over WR Jack Duncan, which would lead to their #2 WR being taken by the Blacksmiths. Duncan, if he re-signs, could be the team’s #1 WR. They would also grab a couple of solid pieces in OL Jimmy McKay and LB Red Clarkson who should both be strong foundational pieces for the future.
Long Island Raiders
From the Raiders, the Blacksmiths would grab more reinforcements for the O-line with OL Wally McRose. Then they would solidify their WR core with WR Wilson Queensgate, who has quietly been real solid for the Raiders. Finally, they would also grab a RB of the future with 24-year-old Carter Roy who could potentially be a future starter.
Louisville Thunder
The Thunder might have been one of the toughest teams to figure out what to take, but they would start by taking OL Forrest Green who is a risky pick since he is without a contract but could be a vital piece in the lineup. They would then add to the defence with DL Theo Conte and DB Elvin Waters. Both players should add a lot of depth to their respective positions.
Montreal Rouge
The Blacksmiths would take their 3rd and final QB from the Rouge. QB Mike Key was often pinned as the likely player that Pittsburgh would target as their first starter. At this point he is likely to battle with Buck Murphy for the spot, barring that both players sign with the team. They would also take aggressive DL Dexter Barbarcos to add some ferocity to the line and then a young DB Ty Boone to add to their future.
Ottawa Royals
The toughest loss for the Royals will likely be DB Jacques Gaul, who they had hoped would be a leader on the back end into their new era, however, he will be headed to Pittsburgh to hopefully still do the same thing. Pittsburgh would also grab DL Howard Grant and OL Calvin Forman to strengthen both of their lines.
Providence Gold Stars
A couple of potentially key pieces would be picked up from the Gold Stars with WR Ben Roland, who will likely be the deep threat for the team initially, and RB Wally Morton, who could be a great #2 to Stavros Black. They would go with youth on their final pick, taking 25-year-old DL Steve Hamm.
Toronto Steelheads
The last 3 picks from the Steelheads would be OL Christopher Weeks to officially put together an O-line that will have 5 of 6 players already under contract. DB Evan Harris could be one of the best DB’s they have if he sticks with the team. Then they would grab youth with LB Oscar Wilkins.
SUMMARY
Pittsburgh did a good job picking a younger team that could easily find a grove this season and be in the mix for playoff football. They will likely still have to make some changes ahead of the season, but they look strong. They also went for the strategy of taking players who are still under contract to make maintaining the pieces a lot easier.
