1969 NAAF Draft Preview

1969 NAAF Draft Preview

Hybrid Conference Results

Canada East Hybrid Conference
WEST
(3) Toronto Dukes
(7) Hamilton Howlers
St. George Maples
London Forresters
Kitchener-Waterloo Provincial Beavers
Dominion Knights
Sudbury Prov Miners

EAST
(5) Majeure Montreal Insulaires
(8) St-Laurent Cavaliers de Riviere
Rideau Rams
Nova Scotia Armada
Montreal Provincial Panthers
New Brunswick Pirates
Mont-Bellevue Geais Bleus

CEHC Playoffs
(3) TORU 17-11 (7) UHAM
(5) MMTL 24-21 (8) ST-L

CEHC Championship
(3) TORU 18-7 (5) MMTL

America East Hybrid Conference
(1) New England Cardinals
(2) Rhode Island State Bulldogs
(4) Western New York Whitetails
(6) Haynes Colonials
(9) Upstate Bluebirds
(10) Maine State Acadians
West Mass State Rangers
Cambridge of Boston Cubs
Vermont Republic Mountaineers
Concord-Manchester Fighting Pike
Erie Sailors
WNY-Rochester

AEHC Playoffs
(1) UNE 30-13 (6) HAY
(2) RISU 28-10 (4) WNY

AEHC Championship
(1) UNE 17-19 (2) RISU

Hybrid Football Championship
(2) RISU 24-17 (3) TORU

The 1968 college hybrid football season would be dominated by 2 teams from the AEHC: The New England Cardinals and The Rhode Island State Bulldogs. The two teams featured dominant defences that crushed the competition, while their offences were near the top-ranked as well. With both schools dominating, the rivalry between the schools was heated throughout the year. Each school argued over which of their QBs was the better QB from either team. New England featured the accurate pocket passer of Cyrus Olds. Olds was a sturdy leader that delivered the ball well, but the criticism for him was that he needs a system and doesn’t look past his first or second options. As for Providence, they had probably the more electric QB in Edwin Hunt. Hunt has a very big personality, with maybe too much confidence, but it seems to prevent him from being affected by pressure. He makes a lot of wild throws, certainly not as accurate as Olds, but his passes usually pick up more yardage. Hunt appeared to have won the argument between the pair as he did lead the Bulldogs on a clutch, game-winning drive to top the Cardinals in the AEHC Championship before he helped the team earn their first National title in Hybrid Football.

While the QBs were the centre of attention for the two rivals, there was of course plenty of talent elsewhere, especially on the defence. For New England, you had LB Garrett Roberts, who was utterly dominant in stopping opposing players dead in their tracks. Roberts is a masterful tackler that should make a huge impact at the next level. Defensive partner, LB Reuben James, was the true hammer of the two, sometimes hitting players so hard they forgot they were in a football game. The big knock on James is that he does tend to miss tackles more frequently or get juked out of his shoes as some would say it. DB Lance Lee and OL Carlton Vanderbilt round out the top prospects from New England. 

As for Rhode Island State, they have some heavy hitters like DL Gavin Shaw, who was an expert in beating his blockers to get into the backfield, and LB Willie Stetson, who is a heavy hitter like Reuben James but does have more abilities in pass coverage which makes him a bit more dynamic. 

As for the rest of the AEHC, the talent does fall off significantly. Western New York features some solid players like DB Chandler Gage and OL Randy Mellement. However, there has been some attention thrown at WR Tyreek Flores, who made a couple of incredible catches this season that had fans thinking he could be a 1st round talent, but his lack of speed makes him look like more of a late 2nd rounder. Haynes had a bit of a down year in terms of prospects, but some think LB Everett Lynch could be a surprise in the later stages of the draft, as he has shown some next-level intelligence and unwillingness to give up. 

The CEHC was a bit more of a mess when compared to the AEHC. The Toronto Dukes were the best team and earned their #3 ranking after upsetting the then #3 ranked Western New York late in the season. Toronto was led by what some view as the best prospect in the draft in WR Justin Palmer. Palmer was the perfect #1 weapon in the Dukes’ offence, being able to make almost every catch and found ways to pick up more yards than he should have. 

UHamilton suffered from their loss of QB Drake Young, but they still sported a solid squad led by DL Eugene Case and TE John Schall. Case has some great strength which he uses to overpower O-linemen, but that could be an issue at the next level when he faces stronger players. As for Schall, he helped massively in the Howlers’ run game being a premier lead blocker on the edge, while also making some plays with the ball. He should be the top TE taken in this draft. 

Majeure Montreal continued to be the strongest team in the East Division, being led by a pair of defensive stars in S Gérald LeCroix and DB Jean Paul du Pont. LeCroix was especially notable for having 9 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in his senior year. St-Laurent was still strong as usual led by OL Jean Baptiste Francois and WR Bruno Lemieux, the younger cousin of QB Charles Lemieux and RB Théodore Lemieux. 

Outside of the top teams, a couple of standouts were OL Graeme McDouglas out of Nova Scotia, who had one of the cleanest OL records in his senior year, only letting one guy ever get a sack on him. RB Jeremy Royal carried the Rideau Rams to a 3rd place finish in the CEHC East Division, and projects as the best running back available. 

This draft will also feature a group of prospects making the move over from the American football schools to the hybrid game. A pair of them are viewed to be difference makers in the NAAF. First is DL Dallas Breaker out of Allegheny, who made the switch due to loving what he saw out of the Blacksmiths during the summer. Breaker’s speed and effort carried him to a very strong season on the DL with 12 sacks this season. 7 of those sacks came in the 4th quarter, during crucial moments. There is also OL Artem Sobakov, who is a towering lineman out of B-Met and has all the physical attributes to be a very good lineman. The last player of note would be RB Tyler Kuhn, who had a stellar season at Daniel Boone, where he set many school records. Unfortunately, despite his great play, a lot of scouts will say that even okay players can look great in the usually weak program. 

Lastly, just a touch on the other QBs in the class. QB Madison Beck took over for Drake Young at UHamilton. Beck may have been lifted due to the strong system the team plays with, but he’s got arm talent to make it worth a shot. QB Logan West comes out of Central Pennsylvania. He has the arm strength to get the ball where it needs to go, but struggles in the pocket, especially being aware of players around him causing a fair amount of fumbles and deflected passes. Then, there is QB Holland Oates out of Jersey State, who is a wildcard, but he has a strong arm…at least that’s what we are getting out of “Howitzer” being the only note on this scouting slip given to us by some guy named Roger.

The Gains Report Top 25 Prospects
1 - WR Justin Palmer - Toronto - Vincent Desjardins - Kingsfan11
2 - DL Dallas Breaker - Allegheny - Sterling Brantley - Darknes
3 - LB Garrett Roberts - New England - Johnny Armando - Stickman
4 - OL Artem Sobakov - Brooklyn Metro - Barry Williams - ZO82
5 - DL Gavin Shaw - Rhode Island State - Vincent Desjardins - Kingsfan11
6 - LB Willie Stetson - Rhode Island State - George Stefanakis - Dan O’Mac
7 - S Gerald LeCroix - Majeure Montreal - Sterling Brantley - Darknes
8 - OL Carlton Vanderbilt - New England - Kenneth Jones - Enigmajones
9 - LB Reuben James - New England - Ivan di Marco - idm
10 - DB Chandler Gage - Western New York - Jayson Hawkins - Jayhawk
11 - OL Graeme McDouglas - Nova Scotia - Sterling Brantley - Darknes
12 - WR Matthew de la Cruz - Northern Indiana - Barry Williams - ZO82
13 - DB Tomik Vrana - Toronto - Sterling Brantley - Darknes
14 - QB Edwin Hunt - Rhode Island State - Wally Flowers - Wallflower
15 - TE John Schall - UHamilton - Timmy Bjarnathan - NoE38
16 - OL Jean Baptiste Francois - St-Laurent - Barry Williams - ZO82
17 - RB Jeremy Royal - Rideau - Vincent Desjardins - Kingsfan11
18 - DB Jean Paul du Pont - Majeure Montreal - Ivan di Marco - idm
19 - OL Randy Mellement - Western New York - Ivan di Marco - idm
20 - DL Eugene Case - UHamilton - Brad Cumberland - DireBear
21 - WR Tyreek Flores - Western New York - Vlad Valasiuk - vladee
22 - QB Cyrus Olds - New England - Ivan di Marco - idm
23 - RB Tyler Kuhn - Daniel Boone - Ivan di Marco - idm
24 - LB Everett Lynch - Haynes - Ray J. Story - RaysUp
25 - DB Alonzo Gray - Louisville State - George Stefanakis - Dan O’Mac
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34 - DB Michael Cope - Baltimore State - Jimmy Yamamoto - QCS
43 - WR Buzz Hronak - Maine State - James Herr-O’Nark - JamHeronArk
66 - QB Holland Oates - Jersey State - Roger Roy! - Scratch

Draft Order and Picks and Needs

1 - Minnesota Serpents
Picks: 1, 14, 27, 40, 53
Needs: OL, LB, RB

2 - Providence Gold Stars
Picks: 2, 15, 28, 41, 54
Needs: DB, OL, DL, LB, WR, QB

3 - Louisville Thunder
Picks: 3, 16, 29, 42, 55, 57, 60
Needs: DL, LB, DB, OL

4 - Montreal Rouge
Picks: 4, 17, 22, 30, 31, 43, 52
Needs: LB, WR, DB, RB

5 - Boston Independents
Picks: 5, 18, 35
Needs: 3RB, OL, DL, LB, DB

6 - Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
Picks: 6, 19, 32, 38, 45, 58
Needs: DB, WR, OL

7 - London Tigers
Picks: 7, 10, 20, 33, 59, 65
Needs: LB, DB, OL, RB, DL, QB

8 - Long Island Raiders
Picks: 8, 21, 24, 34, 47, 51
Needs: DL, LB, OL, TE, S

9 - Buffalo Blue Wings
Picks: 9, 48, 61
Needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, WR, 3RB

10 - Toronto Steelheads
Picks: 23, 36, 49, 62
Needs: OL, LB, DL, QB

11 - Ottawa Royals
Picks: 11, 46, 50, 63
Needs: DL, LB, OL, WR, RB

12 - Indiana Victors
Picks: 12, 25, 39, 44, 64
Needs: DL, LB

13 - Halifax Mariners
Picks: 13, 26, 56
Needs: DB, OL, QB, DL

1969 Free Agency Part 1

1969 Free Agency Part 1

DILLARD, BLUNT MAKE QUICK SIGNINGS WITH EXPECTED TEAMS
The first few days of free agency ended up being quiet, as teams waited on DB Neville Falkner’s decision. However, there was a pair of expected signings that broke in the first couple of days. LB Dallas Dillard had made it clear that he desired to complete his childhood goal of playing for the Buffalo Blue Wings, leaving his long-time team, and Buffalo rival, the London Tigers, in order to make the move. Dillard would ink a 2-year deal worth $23,500 a year to play in Buffalo. While London did lose Dillard, they regained another fan favourite in DL Richard Blunt. Blunt had been traded to the Steelheads at the deadline last season in order to help the Steelheads down the stretch, but Blunt seemed to know that he would be back in his hometown by the next season. He would sign a 1-year deal worth $25,000.

NEVILLE SWEEPSTAKES TAKES THE DB WEST
Some may say that Neville is currently the best player in the NAAF, at the very least, the best defensive player. To no surprise, the DB ended up holding up the rest of the signings due to the amount of interest he had. Almost every team made at least a call into the Falkner camp to field an offer. Over the few days, the number of deals would dwindle from both teams who were in no position to contend and contenders who didn’t have the cap space to spare on the deal. In the end, there would be 3 teams vying for Falkner’s services: The Indiana Victors, Pittsburgh Blacksmiths, and Providence Gold Stars. Throughout the process, Providence was offering the highest salary in a desperate attempt to change the DB’s mind about changing teams, but it was no use as the other offers were more intriguing to Neville. Indiana made the case for being the most competitive team that was in the running after their run to the McCallister Cup last season, while Pittsburgh had shown they have a young team that is on the brink of breaking into the playoffs. Both were considered heavily by Falkner, especially with Pittsburgh as it was an opportunity to return to his hometown, however, he would shock quite a few people by selecting the Indiana Victors. Neville will be heading to Indy on a 3-year deal worth $40,000 a season, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the history of the NAAF. The move is huge for the Victors who will most certainly be looked at as one of the top contenders for the cup next season. When interviewed after the signing, Falkner noted how he loved the experience the group had and that he had a lot of confidence in Head Coach, Urick Wilkins. Falkner also is reunited with former teammate DB Cameron Taylor, who had left Providence to get out of Falkner’s shadow. Taylor, however, said that he is excited to have Falkner on the team and that he has had enough time out of the shadow and is ready to win some football games. A final note, LB Buddy Harwick has given up his #46 so Neville can have it for next season.

LANGSTROM BECOMES SECOND OPTION FOR SOME TEAMS, BUT ELECTS TO RETURN HOME
After the Falkner signing occurred, DB Oliver Langstrom was flooded with offers from several of the teams that missed out on the star. Pittsburgh had especially made a strong push, considering they needed a 3rd starting DB. However, Langstrom certainly felt a little hurt about being some teams’ second option. So he turned to the offers that were there from the start. After lengthy discussions, Langstrom would make the decision to return to his hometown of Toronto and sign with the Steelheads. It was a move that not as many saw coming, as Toronto wasn’t looked at as a top contender like other teams considering they fell apart after RB Max Tracy was knocked out of the season. Langstrom, however, feels the team is underestimated as they have been since joining the NAAF and believes he can bring the championship to Toronto. Langstrom’s contract would come out to 2-years at $38,500 a year. It was also announced Langstrom would wear his usual #17 despite the recently retired, and fan-favourite, DB Orville Blake having had the number for a long time. 

RUNNING BACK CAROUSELL SEES MANY TEAMS WITH NEW FEATURE BACKS
The selection of RB Ronald O’Sullivan from Halifax in the expansion draft seems to have started a flurry of running backs changing teams this offseason. RB Rashed Smith decided to leave Providence with the younger RB Ronnie Byers looking to take his place, RB Hugo Hughes left Montreal in search of more money, and RB Carter Roy lost his job to Tresean Jones in Pittsburgh. Several others joined the group looking for better opportunities to see the field. Halifax, Montreal, and Providence all were looking for a replacement for their missing RBs. Halifax would be the first to get one as RB Rashed Smith would jump on over to the defending champs. Smith shouldn’t have to worry about job security in Halifax considering they don’t have any real 2nd options, and hopefully he can bring a different element to the Mariners’ offence. Montreal is in talks with Hugo Hughes still, but Minnesota has also made a pitch to the back as Ronald O’Sullivan is not fully signed due to being on the expansion tag. Hughes would try to use the competition to raise his price, but eventually the Rouge would end up signing RB Carter Roy to a much cheaper contract. Providence seemed like the only other team that could fight with Minnesota for Hughes, but in the end they would sign RB George Seahorse. Seahorse did a solid job in relief for RB Théodore Lemieux with the Thunder last season. They hope that Seahorse and the younger Ronnie Byers can fill in the hole left by Rashed Smith. Suddenly, Hughes was seemingly left without a place. Minnesota is still an option for the 28-year-old, but he could see the amount he is offered dwindle, especially if Minnesota ends up keeping Ronald O’Sullivan. 

TOP PASS CATCHERS FIND NEW QUARTERBACKS TO PLAY WITH
There were several wideouts that have found a new team to call home. 27-year-old, Nathan Murray-Lawrence was the top available being the best mix of talent and youth. The Halifax native would end up deciding to head back to his hometown signing a 2-year deal worth $19,000 a season. Murray-Lawrence returns to the Mariners after the team had drafted him back in 1964, but had been taken in the Blacksmiths’ expansion draft the next season. Next to sign would be WR Carter Henderson who took a 2-year deal to be a top target with the London Tigers. Henderson wanted a bit more of the spotlight, and London’s offence seems to give that opportunity despite looking like one of the weaker squads in the West Division. Former 1st overall pick, Alexei Dubois, would head back out west and land with the Thunder after 4 and a half seasons in Boston. Dubois should find a lot of free space in the offence with many teams focused on the stars of WR Lloyd Lane and WR Casey Coleman in Louisville. Finally, Providence would add WR Troy York to round out their WR core. 

DUMONT LOOKS FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY AFTER BEING BENCHED SINCE EARLY 1967
QB Leonidas Dumount has had a rough go since he took the Thunder to the McCallister Cup in 1962. The former 1st overall pick has suffered through several injuries and an overall decline in the time since. He did get the team back to the Cup in 1965, but had another injury riddled season in 1966. The Thunder acquired QB Buck Murphy in the offseason, and the younger QB took over the reins and left Dumont stuck. The Thunder tried to trade Dumont, but no team wanted him for his salary of almost $40,000. Dumont is finally free to find a new place. He would get a couple of offers, most notably from Minnesota and Providence. While Providence was enticing since they were looking to replace the retired QB Connor O’Rourke, he would end up heading to Minnesota, reuniting with the GM that drafted him in 1957, Calvin Carpenter. Dumont isn’t guaranteed a starting spot with Minnesota, but they do like that he brings a lot of experience and should still get some chances to play if the opportunity arises. 

Top 25 Free Agents
1 - DB Neville Falkner - PRO -> IND - 3Y, $40,000
2 - LB Dallas Dillard - LDN -> BUF - 2Y, $23,500
3 - DB Oliver Langstrom - BOS -> TOR - 2Y, $38,500
4 - S Randall Green - OTT -> LDN - 1Y, $19,000
5 - WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - PIT -> HFX - 2Y, $19,000
6 - RB Rashed Smith - PRO -> HFX - 2Y, $27,500
7 - RB Hugo Hughes - MTL - Unsigned
8 - WR Alexei Dubois - BOS -> LOU - 1Y, $19,000
9 - WR Carter Henderson - LOU -> LDN - 2Y, $25,000
10 - DL Richard Blunt - TOR -> LDN - 1Y, $25,000
11 - OL Xavier Villeneuve - MIN (OTT) -> MTL - 2Y, $19,500
12 - QB Landon Ross - LI -> LI - 1Y, $18,000
13 - RB Carter Roy - PIT -> MTL - 2Y, $19,500
14 - DL Dean Leanman - OTT -> LI - 1Y, $17,500
15 - WR Troy York - HFX -> PRO - 1Y, $18,500
16 - QB Leonidas Dumont - LOU -> MIN - 1Y, $19,500
17 - RB Rodney Clark - BOS -> TOR - 1Y, $18,000
18 - WR Jack Duncan - LDN - Unsigned
19 - S Peter Sellers - HFX -> PIT - 1Y, $18,000
20 - S Clarence Sale - IND -> OTT - 1Y, $18,000
21 - QB Michael Benedict - OTT -> TOR - 2Y, $15,250
22 - OL Calvin Foreman - PIT -> TOR - 1Y, $14,000
23 - QB Michael Miranda - LDN - Unsigned
24 - RB Robert Jack - OTT -> OTT - 2Y, $15,500
25 - RB George Seahorse - LOU -> PRO - 2Y, $15,000

1969 Re-Sign Stage

1969 Re-Sign Stage

NAAF STARS, FALKNER AND DILLARD, TO TEST THE MARKET
A pair of stars are looking at changing teams this offseason. LB Dallas Dillard has spent 10 years as a member of the Tigers and has been one of their best players. However, Dillard has mentioned his childhood dream to play for his hometown team, the Buffalo Blue Wings. Many are expecting the veteran to sign there quickly once free agency opens. As for DB Neville Falkner, his future is much more up in the air. It appears that the former 1st overall pick isn’t exactly happy with the Gold Stars in recent history. As they have only been able to make the playoffs in 1 of their last 5 seasons. Falkner wishes to win a title before his career is over and not end up like long-time teammate QB Connor O’Rourke and retire without a championship. There will certainly be offers coming from the top contenders like Buffalo, Halifax, Ottawa, and Indiana, a couple of dark horses could also be Louisville and Pittsburgh. In fact, Pittsburgh might be a favourite considering Falkner grew up there.

SEVERAL BIG-NAME QBS INK DEALS
8 teams secured their expected starter for the 1969 season with new contracts. The biggest deal that was signed was by QB Charles Lemieux who signed a mega 5-year deal worth a total of $228,000. Lemieux becomes the highest-paid player in the NAAF earning $44,000 this year and increasing over the contract. 

The defending champs would lock up their veteran QB, Lyle Painter, to a new 2-year deal worth $37,500 a season. After a pair of strong seasons, the Thunder have signed Buck Murphy to a new 4-year deal, upping the 30-year-old’s pay to $32,500 a year. The Thunder have also finally seen Leonidas Dumont’s contract end and have let the former 1st overall pick go. 

The Blacksmiths have committed to the 1968 Breakout Player of the Year, QB Louis Vaughn, by agreeing to a 4-year deal, paying him $34,500 a season. Elsewhere, QB Gene Bishop would stay with the Rouge on a 3-year deal worth $40,000 a season. While veterans, Riley Kiernan and Todd Baker would remain with their teams on shorter-term deals. However, the most interesting QB decision was in Long Island, as they would have to decide which of their two QBs to sign, Ivan Sanchez or Landon Ross. In the end, the Raiders signed the younger of the two, Ivan Sanchez, to a 2-year deal worth $22,500 a season. Ross is expected to test the market.  

MINNESOTA FARES WELL IN SIGNING EXPANSION PICKS; 3 PLAYERS SIGNED TO EXPANSION TAGS
The Serpents fared quite well in maintaining a majority of the players they acquired in the Expansion Draft. Their biggest signings were OL Elias McCarren to a 3-year deal worth $24,500 a season. McCarren was excited about the new opportunity, especially for a chance to be able to shine outside of the shadow of All-star Offensive Lineman in Viktor Stahl and Jean-Baptiste Desjardins (Desjardins did ink a new 4-year deal with the Victors). 

Former Blue Wings, WR Sebastian Dassler and DL Albert Sullivan, both signed on with the Serpents, likely due to having their former coach with the new team. LB Enzo Morello, DB Corey Ross, and WR Edward Webb also all inked new deals. 

However, there were a few players that weren’t able to come to an agreement. Just like previous teams, the Serpents were able to use up to 3 Expansion Tags to keep a player on the team to at the very least trade the player for some value. Those tags would be used on RB Ronald O’Sullivan, DL Winfield Winchester, and OL Mason Fitzpatrick. WR Alexei Dubois and OL Xavier Villeneuve, on the other hand, will hit free agency. 

SEVERAL RUNNING BACKS AVAILABLE IN FREE AGENCY
A few running backs across the league are going to be testing the open market this offseason. The biggest names are RB Hugo Hughes and RB Rashed Smith. Hughes had said he wanted to remain with the Rouge, but the two could not agree on a contract as they were in a disagreement over salary. 

As for Smith, the threat of losing his job to the much younger RB Ronnie Byers may have been a leading reason as to why the RB left the organization. On top of that, Smith, much like other RBs in the Gold Stars’ history, didn’t get as many touches as they liked with the heavy pass attack the team typically runs. Smith was having one of his strongest seasons in 1968 but unfortunately had it cut short due to injuries. Both Backs should be great pieces for teams to add and many are looking to Halifax to make a move considering they lost their RB Ronald O’Sullivan in the expansion draft. On top of Hughes and Smith, other strong backs like Carter Roy and Rodney Clark are going to be out there as well.

LANGSTROM IS DONE WITH THE TURMOIL
It’s been 2 seasons since the blockbuster trade that sent DB Oliver Langstrom to the Boston Independents occurred. In that time, the Independents have flopped, going 10-14. On top of that, they are going onto head coach #4 in 4 years. Boston as a whole has been going through a lot of changes, and Langstrom is done with it. His career is not going to last that much longer and he wants to compete. The decision is certainly a blow to the Independents, but it’s an understandable one. 

ROYALS PART WAYS WITH CAPTAIN
With the rise of S Marc Bellecourt this season, the Royals have a new star at the position. This fact was solidified by the extension that Bellecourt signed with the Royals, locking him in for 4 years with the club. Green, who has been a career Royal and their most recent captain, is expected to at least see what spots are available but is still open to returning to Ottawa if nothing comes of it.

For a full list of the signings, check out the spreadsheet below:
SIGNINGS

Top 25 Free Agents
1 - DB Neville Falkner - PRO
2 - LB Dallas Dillard - LDN
3 - DB Oliver Langstrom - BOS
4 - S Randall Green - OTT
5 - WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - PIT
6 - RB Rashed Smith - PRO
7 - RB Hugo Hughes - MTL
8 - WR Alexei Dubois - BOS
9 - WR Carter Henderson - LOU
10 - DL Richard Blunt - TOR
11 - OL Xavier Villeneuve - MIN (OTT)
12 - QB Landon Ross - LI
13 - RB Carter Roy - PIT
14 - DL Dean Leanman - OTT
15 - WR Troy York - HFX
16 - QB Leonidas Dumont - LOU
17 - RB Rodney Clark - BOS
18 - WR Jack Duncan - LDN
19 - S Peter Sellers - HFX
20 - S Clarence Sale - IND
21 - QB Michael Benedict - OTT
22 - OL Calvin Foreman - PIT
23 - QB Michael Miranda - LDN
24 - RB Robert Jack - OTT
25 - RB George Seahorse - LOU

1969 Minnesota Serpents Expansion Draft

1969 Minnesota Serpents Expansion Draft

The selections for the draft were announced 3 at a time or team-by-team. The selections are listed below with contract status next to it.

Boston Independents
1 - WR Alexei Dubois - FA
2 - DB Ole Snurlson - FA
3 - OL Stephane Lloris - FA

The Serpents apparently had the most challenging time picking players from the Independents. In the end, they would take the former #1 overall WR, Alexei Dubois to be a veteran in their WR core. Then, they would also add Ole Snurlson and Stephane Lloris for depth.

Buffalo Blue Wings
4 - DL Albert Sullivan - FA
5 - WR Sebastian Dassler - FA
6 - DB Davey Woods - U24 - 2Y, $7,500

Despite one of the greatest DL in William Sanderson available, the Serpents elected to go a much younger route. With HC Soni Dionne’s knowledge of the roster, Buffalo was one of the easiest teams to pick. First, they grabbed the 25-year-old DL in Albert Sullivan who should be the first star on the D-line for the team. Next Dionne made sure he got one of the WRs that he enjoyed coaching in Buffalo in the German-born Sebastian Dassler. Lastly, the Serpents would grab a U24 player in DB Davey Woods, who was selected 48th overall last season.

Halifax Mariners
7 - OL Flint Boyer - 1Y, $17,500
8 - WR Edward Webb - FA
9 - RB Ronald O’Sullivan - FA

Picking from the champs was certainly going to bring some strong players. Firstly, they would add to the OL with veteran Flint Boyer, who is also under contract for next season. Next, they would grab 25-year-old WR, Edward Webb to add more youth to the WR core. Lastly, they would take the Mariners’ star RB Ronald O’Sullivan who was surprisingly left unprotected and should be a strong piece if he sticks around.

Indiana Victors
10 - OL Elias McCarren - FA
11 - WR Evan Clanton - 2Y, $22,000
12 - DL Douglas Jackson - FA

From Indiana, the Mariners would take one of the best players they are going to have on their roster in OL Elias McCarren. McCarren is a former 11th overall selection and one of the best Offensive Linemen in the league. For the 4th team in a row, the Serpents would take a WR in Evan Clanton, who does have 2 years left on his deal and could be a great anchor to fill in the depth in the passing game. Lastly, they would DL Douglas Jackson as a depth piece on the D-line.

London Tigers
13 - DL Teddy Piper - FA
14 - DB Tyler Hill - 1Y, $7,500
15 - RB Richard Morin - FA

From London, the Serpents would grab DL Teddy Piper, who should be a solid starter on the interior D-line. Next was a U24 pick in DB Tyler Hill, a former 3rd-round pick. Lastly was some RB depth in Richard Morin.

Long Island Raiders
16 - OL Mason Fitzpatrick - FA
17 - S Sully Callahan - U24 - 1Y, $7,500
18 - LB Ed Krzano - 1Y, $18,000

It appears one of the weakest bunch of players is coming out of Long Island. They still got a pair of younger players in Mason Fitzpatrick and Sully Callahan, but they are looked at as depth players. LB Ed Krzano should provide some depth in the defence while bringing some experience being as a starter with the Raiders.

Louisville Thunder
19 - OL Jordan Bryson - 1Y, $12,000
20 - DL Winfield Winchester - FA
21 - LB Brent Mayiski - U24 - 1Y, $7,500

From Louisville, the Serpents would continue to add to their O-line with 26-year-old, Jordan Bryson. They would also get a shocking grab of former 2nd overall pick DL Winfield Winchester. On top of that, they would also grab 1967, 13th overall pick LB Brent Mayiski to round out the group.

Montreal Rouge
22 - TE Hunter Ziegelbauer - 1Y, $15,000
23 - DB Ross Conroy - U24 - 1Y, $10,000
24 - OL Paul O’Doherty - 1Y, $15,000

The Serpents continued to aim for the youth, grabbing a pair of 26-year-old players in starting TE Hunter Ziegelbauer and OL Paul O’Doherty, They would also grab 24-year-old DB Ross Conroy, who was a 2nd round pick in 1967. 

Ottawa Royals
25 - QB Martin Keller - U24 - 1Y, $15,000
26 - LB Enzo Morello - FA
27 - OL Xavier Villeneuve - FA

The Serpents would finally take a QB in former 1st round pick, Martin Keller. Keller is expected to be the starter or at least the future at the position, showing promise in a Week 13 start with the Royals last season. They would also add some strong pieces in LB Enzo Morello and OL Xavier Villeneuve to continue to round out the roster.

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
28 - DB Corey Ross - FA
29 - LB Red Clarkson - 1Y, $22,000
30 - S Calvin Hobbes - 1Y, $20,000

The focus for the players coming from Pittsburgh was on defence. DB Corey Ross should be one of the most experienced DBs in the Serpents’ secondary, which is saying something considering he is only 26. They do add some real veteran help in LB Red Clarkson and S Calvin Hobbes.

Providence Gold Stars
31 - DL Ryan Sargent - 1Y, $22,000
32 - OL Ted Cole - 1Y, $12,000
33 - LB Austin Ford - U24 - 2Y, $7,500

With the Gold Stars, the Serpents would continue to take some young players in OL Ted Cole (26) and LB Austin Ford (23). Ford was a 3rd round pick last season, which could be a blow to the Gold Stars’ youth.

Toronto Steelheads
34 - LB Kenneth Mercer - FA
35 - TE Lucas Warmer - U24 - 1Y, $7,500
36 - QB Matt Fletcher - FA

Finally, the Serpents had to pick from the Steelheads, who certainly don’t have the deepest roster in the league. They would mainly focus on adding depth with LB Kenneth Mercer, expecting to be a fringe starter, TE Lucas Warmer to be a backup to Ziegelbauer, and QB Matt Fletcher to be a backup to Martin Keller.

S Calvin Hobbes and LB Red Clarkson ended up being the only two players that were selected in the Pittsburgh expansion draft and the Minnesota expansion draft.

1969 Expansion Draft Protections Lists

1969 Expansion Draft Protections Lists

Ahead of the Minnesota Serpents’ Expansion draft, the protection lists for each of the other 12 teams. From the remaining available players from each team, the Serpents will select 3 players from each team, however, only 1 of those 3 can be a 24 and under player.

As mentioned in the League Meetings, each of the 12 NAAF teams will be able to protect 12 players of any age as well as an additional 4 players under the age of 24. Teams are allowed to protect more than 4 under 24 players, but that will count to their normal protections.

Boston Independents
QB Nathaniel Braddock - NTC
RB Reggie Whitehead
OL Reynold Gilbertson
OL Harrold Kera
WR Zachariah Pembroke
WR Felix Fontaine
WR Jimmy Franks
TE Spencer Gripentrog - U24
DL Moses Abraham
DL Adam Thweatt - U24
LB Byron Turner - U24
LB Mads Stralman - U24
DB Oliver Langstrom
DB Mordecai King
DB Lawrence Ralph
S Ernie Osborne

Top Available
OL Graham Chambers
WR Alexei Dubois
DB Ole Snurlson
RB Rodney Clark
OL Mackens Stevenson - U24

Buffalo Blue Wings
QB Charles Lemieux
RB Jimmy Golden
RB Jasper Dickerson - U24
OL Garth Brooklyn
OL Clancy Harrison
WR Jimmy Jack
WR Tracy Driscoll - U24
TE Paul Arturberry
DL Lonnie Vincent - NTC
DL Ned Hedman - U24
LB Orion Carter - NTC
LB Randall Lambert
DB Ezra Power - NTC
DB Dean Hawkins - NTC
S Mathieu Cazenave - U24
K Ryan Perch - NTC

Top Available
WR Julius Drake
WR Sebastian Dassler
DL Albert Sullivan
S Wesley Jones
DL William Sanderson

Halifax Mariners
QB Lyle Painter
RB Rene Lyons - U24
OL Clifford Pratt
OL Millard Streety
OL Kane Warwick - U24
WR Shane Steadman - NTC
WR Jav Kerrigan
DL Wayne Baxton - NTC
DL Pat Butler
DL Bernard King
LB Bear Donnelly
LB Walker Colson - U24
LB Frederic Macnamara - U24
DB Joe Robinson
DB Aquilio Ruiz
S Jay Shephard

Top Available
RB Ronald O’Sullivan
OL Flint Boyer
WR Edward Webb
LB Pepper Burress
S Peter Sellers

Indiana Victors
QB Tom Applewhite
RB Raymond Green
RB Shannon West - U24
OL Viktor Stahl
OL Jean-Baptiste Desjardins
OL TJ Overton - U24
WR Ed Edwards - NTC
WR Jake Abbredezzi - U24
TE Eric Peterson
DL Ron Prumple
DL Brandon Hall
LB Marshall Langenbrunner
LB Mike Francis
DB Cameron Taylor
DB Carl Odebell - U24
S Tom Parrish

Top Available
OL Elias McCarren
OL Taylor Alexander
WR Evan Clanton
DL Fred Webster
DB Adam Levesque

London Tigers
QB Emmitt Jackson - U24
RB Austin Andrews
OL Emil Jennings
OL Jeffery Uduike
OL Hamish Esposito
OL Felton McDowell - U24
WR Cole Fletcher - U24
WR Jessie Lambert - U24
TE Tranquille Rousseau
DL Timothy Bits
DL Mo Kahn - U24
LB Dallas Dillard
LB Gerrard Miller - U24
DB Bernard Wilkins
DB Jackson Miles
K Nimrod Handsworth

Top Available
DL Teddy Piper
QB Magnus Torrensen
S Ezekiel Locke
QB Michael Miranda
OL Barry Florence

Long Island Raiders
QB Ivan Sanchez
RB Dareion Fields
RB Scott Norton - U24
OL Forrest Green
OL Gary Bies
OL Doyle MacInnis - U24
WR Larry Mossholder
WR Otto Washington
WR Frank Drysdale
TE Walter Lafleur
DL Pionk Bjorkkstrand
DL Ilya Mikaelov
LB William Washington II - NTC
DB Rutherford Winters
DB Lauri Hayha
S Eric Willis

Top Available
OL Mason Fitzpatrick
WR Chad Anderson
DL Abraham Adams Jr.
LB Ed Krzano
DB Nick Ulbach

Louisville Thunder
QB Buck Murphy
RB Théodore Lemieux
RB Neil Bradley - U24
OL Taylor Forbes
OL Kash Wilder - U24
WR Lloyd Lane
WR Casey Coleman - NTC
TE Rex Williamson - U24
DL Bjorn Sigmarsson
DL Aaron Henderson - U24
LB Le’Darius Wynn
LB Daniel Timothy - U24
DB Jayden Mills
DB Bobby Bastian
DB Oswald Murray - U24
S Tom McDougall

Top Available
OL Jordan Bryson
WR Carter Henderson
LB Brian O’Flaherty
S Johnny Berger
QB David Simmons

Montreal Rouge
QB Gene Bishop
RB Hugo Hughes
OL Mathieu Roy
OL Elliot Barrett
OL Bradley Clark - U24
OL Shane Willis - U24
WR Taylor Karis
WR Yahui Sun
DL Lucas Kipling - NTC
DL Alan Franjkovic - U24
LB Conrad Kurst
LB Aloysius King IV - U24
DB Jayson Klyde
DB Lamar Brown - U24
S Garet deVale
S Etienne LaMond - U24

Top Available
WR Russell Wilcox
OL Paul O’Doherty
TE Hunter Ziegelbauer
DB Ross Conroy - U24
DL Sebastian Hamilton - U24

Ottawa Royals
QB Drake Young - U24
RB Corbyn Knight
OL Crawford Starrick
OL Tommy Reynolds - U24
OL Amos Sewell
OL Matt Helmut
WR Marshall Leonard
WR Colby Bancana
TE Luiss de Brands - U24
DL Bernhard Hartmann - U24
DL Zane Tannith - NTC
LB Sam Wheeler
LB Wallace Jordan - U24
DB Jerome Caldwell - NTC
DB Sergio Alvarez
S Marc Bellecourt

Top Available
QB Martin Keller
DB Wesley Nires
WR Piers Key
OL Xavier Villeneuve
LB Enzo Morello

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
QB Louis Vaughn
RB Tresean Jones
OL Ben Jammin
OL Erik Nelson
OL Lars Nordssen - U24
WR Taylor Austin
WR Orlando Barrack
DL Matthias Hartmann - U24
DL Tyrone Powers
DL Arthur Bradshaw -U24
LB Patrick Hamilton
LB Quinn Masters
DB Aiden Sargent
DB Zed McLaughlin - U24
DB Jim Norbel - U24
S Jarrett Sutherland

Top Available
WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence
RB Carter Roy
LB Red Clarkson
DB Corey Ross
S Calvin Hobbes

Providence Gold Stars
QB Ulysses Lawyer
RB Ronnie Byers - U24
OL Joseph Samberg
OL Herman Mecklenburg
OL Bobby Shields - U24
WR Doug Piva
WR Owen Paisley
WR Mark Taylor - U24
DL Craig White
DL Bartolo Cruz
DL Newton Dalton - U24
LB Victor Falkensteig
LB Kurt Warlock
DB Neville Falkner
DB Perry Ferris
S Paul Christopher

Top Available
RB Rashed Smith
OL Ted Cole
DL Ryan Sargent
DB Charles Grimm
WR Cedric Peterson

Toronto Steelheads
QB Todd Baker
RB Max Tracy - NTC
OL Gregory Farrell
OL Wolfgang Vander Waal
OL Alan Farquharson
WR Edmund Landry
WR Al Allmendinger - U24
WR Sterling Underhill - U24
TE Jesse Butler
DL Allen Barrera
DL Johnathan Ellison
LB Lincoln Webster
LB Judge Barrett - U24
DB Luke Warren
DB Dwayne James - U24
S Charles Clerk

Top Available
LB Kenneth Mercer
DB Felix Roy - U24
LB Grover Smith - U24
DL Richard Blunt
QB Matt Fletcher