2017 CRFL Draft Preview: Juice Box Heroes

The 2017 NFL draft is this week! 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. Next up is Juice Box Heroes, who are still in rebuilding mode. Can Cam Newton return to superstar status to jump start this team?

2017 Keepers

QB Cam Newton CAR
QB Alex Smith KC
RB Tevin Coleman ATL
RB Derrick Henry TEN
RB Paul Perkins NYG
WR DeSean Jackson TB
WR Dorial Green-Beckham PHI
WR Terrelle Pryor WAS
TE Ladarius Green PIT
D/ST Denver Broncos DEN

2017 Draft Picks

1.04
1.12
2.02
3.02
5.02
6.02
7.02
8.02
9.02
10.02

Preview

The 2016 season was more of the same for the Heroes. It appeared for weeks that they were going to finish last, but an ill-advised victory over injury-riddled Gem State meant the Heroes would pick 1.02 in the 2017 CRFL Draft. They eventually traded back to 1.04, but gained a 2018 1st rounder in the process. The Heroes also have the 1.12 pick thanks to the horror Antonio Brown trade from a few years back.

The Heroes have followed the winning formula. They haven't stacked up on average free agent talent to compete right away. They've been patient, drafted rookies in the hopes that they turn into studs. Some have high potential (Derrick Henry), others haven't panned out (Dorial Green-Beckham).

This team has one elite talent in Cam Newton and three RBs who could end up being pretty good, but face competition within their backfields. I like DeSean Jackson's upside in Tampa, not sure how I feel about Terrelle Pryor. The new DST rules might make the Denver Broncos DST a real asset. There is potential for the Heroes to finish with a surprise 6-8 wins. Drafting a successful rookie at 1.04 would go a long way to getting this team out of the cellar.