Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Detroit's Dark Knight: The Des Moines Dragons Reborn

revrew · 05-14-2019, 01:40 PM

Dragons Pre-Season Preview
Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register

Training camp for the Des Moines Dragons has come to a close, the NFL preseason is about to begin, and it's time for a look back at what we've learned about the all-Iowa roster.

Training camp highlights
I remember some pundits complaining when the Dragons took FS Gerald Barnes in the first round last season, arguing the team had bigger needs. This training camp, only Barnes' 2nd in the NFL, may have completely silenced those critics. Barnes may well be the best safety in the league now, and coupled with SS Mitch Plante, there's no question the Dragons have the best safety tandem in the NFL. Who knows, but if Barnes had been healthy and suited up for the Super Bowl, if the outcome may have been different?

Undrafted rookie MLB Wes Price out of Iowa has become a fan favorite, and with good effort and a good head on his shoulders, he looks to make the team, at least as a special teamer.

Speaking of rookies, QB Julian Price of Iowa is outpacing Drake grad Scottie Coffman in the battle of fourth round signal-callers.

Meanwhile, another QB, Dakota Corriveau, is leaps and bounds ahead of the rookies, showing a good grasp of the playbook. This should be an important campaign for him, as he has a natural rival in Chicago who was just drafted #1 overall.

Training camp question marks
The Dragons took Iowa State RB Douglas Flagg in the third round, hoping he could bring fresh legs to a tired backfield. So far, the results haven't been particularly promising.

The bigger question mark, however, may be at CB. The whispers are long-time vet Mitch Wells is slowing, and while the newcomer via trade, Warren Sims, is looking to lock down one starting spot, there will be a battle for the second.

Projections
The Dragons got older, and this past draft did almost nothing to improve the team. Chicago, meanwhile, hauled in top picks in each round, and while every team in the NFL hopes itself improved in the off-season, Des Moines remained largely stagnant. It's not likely the Dragons will achieve back-to-back NFC North titles.

05-14-2019, 01:40 PM	#180
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Dragons Pre-Season Preview Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register Training camp for the Des Moines Dragons has come to a close, the NFL preseason is about to begin, and it's time for a look back at what we've learned about the all-Iowa roster. Training camp highlights I remember some pundits complaining when the Dragons took FS Gerald Barnes in the first round last season, arguing the team had bigger needs. This training camp, only Barnes' 2nd in the NFL, may have completely silenced those critics. Barnes may well be the best safety in the league now, and coupled with SS Mitch Plante, there's no question the Dragons have the best safety tandem in the NFL. Who knows, but if Barnes had been healthy and suited up for the Super Bowl, if the outcome may have been different? Undrafted rookie MLB Wes Price out of Iowa has become a fan favorite, and with good effort and a good head on his shoulders, he looks to make the team, at least as a special teamer. Speaking of rookies, QB Julian Price of Iowa is outpacing Drake grad Scottie Coffman in the battle of fourth round signal-callers. Meanwhile, another QB, Dakota Corriveau, is leaps and bounds ahead of the rookies, showing a good grasp of the playbook. This should be an important campaign for him, as he has a natural rival in Chicago who was just drafted #1 overall. Training camp question marks The Dragons took Iowa State RB Douglas Flagg in the third round, hoping he could bring fresh legs to a tired backfield. So far, the results haven't been particularly promising. The bigger question mark, however, may be at CB. The whispers are long-time vet Mitch Wells is slowing, and while the newcomer via trade, Warren Sims, is looking to lock down one starting spot, there will be a battle for the second. Projections The Dragons got older, and this past draft did almost nothing to improve the team. Chicago, meanwhile, hauled in top picks in each round, and while every team in the NFL hopes itself improved in the off-season, Des Moines remained largely stagnant. It's not likely the Dragons will achieve back-to-back NFC North titles. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.