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

revrew · 10-03-2019, 08:44 AM

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

After a pair of disappointing, 7-9 seasons, the Dragons entered training camp with a new coaching staff, and the comparisons began immediately. How would things be different? Would the new staff evaluate talent – and thus, depth charts – differently?

The most immediate, recognizable difference has been how closely Coach Josh McDaniels plays his cards tight to his chest. Little information has come out of camp, while most of the attention has been focused on younger players, making it harder to see how the new staff is evaluating the veterans.

Training camp highlights

Two of the bright spots among the younger players have been the two second-round picks. CB Alfredo Hanson has looked smooth and capable in every facet of coverage, and his ball-hawking abilities have turned heads. Projected by some to be nickel or dime back, Hanson looks to be a solid contributor who may even be able to step into the starting lineup if called upon.

Meanwhile, diminutive outside linebacker Antonio Lepsis has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, particularly against the run, where he's flashed the tackling skills that made him a star in Iowa City. Now that he's in Des Moines, he looks to have locked up the backup spot behind starting SLB Bob Clinton.

The fifth-round picks, RB Bubba Clayton and WR Sean Reeves, both look like contributors as well. Clayton, in particular, has been sure handed and even explosive from the flat, as his pass-catching skills have not been oversold.

Training camp question marks

Two, big questions are on everyone's mind: First, will the new coaching staff prefer the veteran QB Dakota Corriveau, or the promising, strong arm of backup QB Julian Price?

And second, is there anyone on this roster who can lead the rushing game out of the doldrums?

Predictions

Easy prediction: Rookie RB Bubba Clayton emerges as the starting back before the preseason ends. Sensible prediction: Rookie CB Alfredo Hanson works his way onto the starting roster. Gutsy prediction: The Dragons finish within a game of the Wild Card spot, one way or the other.

10-03-2019, 08:44 AM	#236
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Dragons Pre-Season Preview Dick Grayson, sports reporter, Des Moines Register After a pair of disappointing, 7-9 seasons, the Dragons entered training camp with a new coaching staff, and the comparisons began immediately. How would things be different? Would the new staff evaluate talent – and thus, depth charts – differently? The most immediate, recognizable difference has been how closely Coach Josh McDaniels plays his cards tight to his chest. Little information has come out of camp, while most of the attention has been focused on younger players, making it harder to see how the new staff is evaluating the veterans. Training camp highlights Two of the bright spots among the younger players have been the two second-round picks. CB Alfredo Hanson has looked smooth and capable in every facet of coverage, and his ball-hawking abilities have turned heads. Projected by some to be nickel or dime back, Hanson looks to be a solid contributor who may even be able to step into the starting lineup if called upon. Meanwhile, diminutive outside linebacker Antonio Lepsis has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, particularly against the run, where he's flashed the tackling skills that made him a star in Iowa City. Now that he's in Des Moines, he looks to have locked up the backup spot behind starting SLB Bob Clinton. The fifth-round picks, RB Bubba Clayton and WR Sean Reeves, both look like contributors as well. Clayton, in particular, has been sure handed and even explosive from the flat, as his pass-catching skills have not been oversold. Training camp question marks Two, big questions are on everyone's mind: First, will the new coaching staff prefer the veteran QB Dakota Corriveau, or the promising, strong arm of backup QB Julian Price? And second, is there anyone on this roster who can lead the rushing game out of the doldrums? Predictions Easy prediction: Rookie RB Bubba Clayton emerges as the starting back before the preseason ends. Sensible prediction: Rookie CB Alfredo Hanson works his way onto the starting roster. Gutsy prediction: The Dragons finish within a game of the Wild Card spot, one way or the other. __________________ 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.