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Old 03-07-2019, 08:27 AM   #144
revrew
Team Chaplain
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA
ESPN Draft Profile: Des Moines Dragons

The Dragons have finally built a solid offensive line. But their run game is as ineffective as it's ever been.

The Dragons have a young and noise-making front seven, but the secondary is aging.

The Dragons have an improving receiving corps, but the young QB may be too turnover-prone to play NFL ball.

In short, Des Moines is a better team than their record, but a few Achilles heels are tripping them up. If the Dragons had the entire draft pool to choose from, we would expect them to target a quarterback in round one, and probably follow it up with a running back or cornerback depth in round 2.

But since the Dragons only draft Iowa players, let's take a look at which prospects the Dragons might target:

1st Round
S Gerald Barnes, University of Iowa – Despite a frame a bit too small for strong safety, Barnes is a powerful, heavy hitter with a nose for making plays. His outstanding speed and punt return ability are a real plus as well. Rated the top safety in this year's draft, the Dragons may have to use a top-10 pick to secure him.

OLB Bob Clinton, University of Iowa – Clinton has prototypical size, great measurables, and a never-ending motor. He stands out especially when dropping back into zone coverage and should instantly slide into any NFL team's nickel or dime packages. He's not the kind of elite pass rusher that will push for a top spot in the draft, but as the best pure linebacker available, expect him to fall in the upper half of the first round.

Other notables:
CB Ross Lee, Iowa – A very physical corner whose play merited 1st round consideration, but a less-than-stellar combine should drop him into the second round.
FB Dwight Stanton, Tulane – The Cedar Rapids native would have been a high draft pick decades ago, but fullbacks are rarely considered top priorities in today's NFL. His well-rounded skill set, however, would be a major upgrade for the Dragons.
CB Warren Sims, Iowa – Ross Lee's counterpart for the Hawkeye's bruising secondary, Sims could be a mid-round pick.

Sleeper
WR Chris Greene, Iowa – More of a track star than a polished receiver. Still, Greene could be considered late as a high-upside project.
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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!
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