2017 CRFL Draft Preview: Connell Conquistadors

The 2017 NFL draft is less than a month away! In the mean time, I'll be doing a preview of each of the 12 CRFL teams, where they currently stand, what they need to address in the draft, etc. The final preview of the Basin Conference belongs to the Connell Conquistadors, who knew when they joined the league that this team is rebuilding. Has progress been made?

2017 Keepers

QB Russell Wilson SEA
QB Carson Wentz PHI
RB Rob Kelley WAS
RB Doug Martin TB
RB Devontae Booker DEN
WR Kevin White CHI
WR Cameron Meredith CHI
WR Will Fuller HOU
WR Breshad Perriman BAL
TE Hunter Henry LAC

2017 Draft Picks

1.05
3.04
5.04
6.04
7.04
8.04
9.04
10.04
11.03
12.02

Preview

It didn't take a football genius to see that the Conquistadors were going to struggle. Despite a great trade to acquire Russell Wilson, giving Connell a much-needed franchise QB, the 'Dors fell to a 4-9 record. Frankly, they probably wish they had struggled even more. It's not every year a 4-9 record results in the 4th overall pick, but that was the case this year.

Connell acquired Doug Martin in the off-season and in return moved back to the 1.05 pick. TE Hunter Henry proved to be a steal in 2016, giving Connell a TE with TE1 upside going forward. Those are difficult to find. That said, this is a very young roster hoping a few gambles pay off. I loved Kevin White coming out of West Virginia. He could be great if healthy, but that health has alluded him.

All this said, 2017 very much appears to be another rebuilding season for the Conquistadors. In a brutally tough Basin Conference, it's not crazy to think Connell is picking 1.01 come 2018. That said, they've proven to be a smart team that does their homework. This team won't be winning a championship next season, but it's hoping to hit a home run with the 5th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Expect another rookie heavy draft haul in the hopes that the next Jordan Howard is Connell bound.