Pony Express: The Stallions’ Unexpected First Round Pick

Had the Baltimore Ravens decided earlier that they were going to select a quarterback in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Josh Woodrum could possibly still be with the organization.

However, general manager Ozzie Newsome signed reclamation project Robert Griffin III to initially be Joe Flacco’s backup, then selected former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. That left no space for Woodrum in Charm City, which resulted in his presence in the AAF.

The former Liberty quarterback was picked eighth overall by the Salt Lake Stallions in the protect-or-pick QB draft. He will likely start on long time NCAA and NFL head coach Denis Erickson’s offense. Given Woodum’s prior history, he looks like a good candidate to turn some heads in the new league.

At Liberty, the Virginia native started four full seasons and led the Flames to three straight conference titles. Woodrum holds his school’s record for yards and completions with the best interception avoidance rate in Liberty history.

His production (64 percent completion percentage over four years) led to an invitation to the 2016 NFL Draft Combine. He went unselected, probably due to his odd windup and over-the-top throwing motion, and bounced around rosters until July 2017. The Ravens signed him prior to the preseason, and Woodrum displayed his overlooked talent.

Through four games, he completed 25 of 36 passes with four touchdowns (two on the ground) and no interceptions. He was cut before the season, but less than two weeks later he was added to Baltimore’s practice squad.

He received another opportunity to prove himself during the 2018 preseason. Although he didn’t live up to the 115.6 rating he earned in 2017, he was productive by completing 63 percent of his passes over three games. He displayed good pocket presence and the ability to scramble for yards as a Raven, as well as put good velocity on throws.

“Accurate with blitz reads and gets ball to hot reads quickly,” said NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein in Woodrum’s draft profile in 2016. “Can sense when corners are looking to jump routes and will pump fake his way into a cleaner throw. Has enough arm to operate in a more aggressive, vertical offense.”

The defenses Woodrum will face in the AAF will likely be comparable but not as complex as those he faced during the two preseasons. He came in during the second half of games, mostly playing just the fourth quarter for the Ravens. Therefore, he didn’t face many NFL starting defenses. He primarily battled players who were fighting for roster spots and backups.

Much of his competition in his new league will be those who did not make it to the pros, which creates a lot of optimism for Salt Lake given their 26-year-old quarterback’s successes in college and NFL preseasons.

Forged in Fire: Scott Tolzien’s Fresh Start

After six seasons in the National Football League, it was time for a change of scenery for the 31-year-old quarterback. Scott Tolzien spent the first year of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, but failed to make it onto the field for a passing attempt. After parting ways with the 49ers, Tolzien was picked up by the Green Bay Packers for the 2013 season.

In his first season with the Packers, Tolzien started two games and appeared in three games, but he failed to impress enough to earn a starting job in the NFL. After three seasons with the Packers, Tolzien boasted 721 passing yards on his career with one touchdown and five interceptions on 91 passing attempts.

Despite not having the most appealing touchdown-to-interception ratio, Tolzien landed another NFL job after parting ways with the Packers at the conclusion of the 2015 season. The veteran found himself with the Indianapolis Colts, just in time to replace the injured Andrew Luck as a starter for one game in his first season. He also started one game in the 2017 season for the Colts, combining for 32 completions on 55 attempts, adding another touchdown to his resume along with four more interceptions in his two starts and four total appearances in Indianapolis.

After the conclusion of the 2017 season, Tolzien’s future in the NFL was questionable. After some time in the off-season, Tolzien decided to sign with the Alliance of American Football, and is now a member of the Birmingham Iron. Despite boasting some of the most experience out of any quarterback on the roster, the starting job is not necessarily his job to lose. He will be going up against players like Blake Sims in an attempt to earn that starting role, and his age may prove to be detrimental for him.

For Tolzien, the goal for him should be to go back to the success level that he saw in college. While in college, Tolzien led the Wisconsin Badgers to a massive amount of success. In his sophomore year he did not get the chance to get on the field much, only attempting eight passes, but Tolzien emerged as a talented starter in his 2009 junior season. Through 13 games, the Badgers finished 10-3 with a win over the Miami Hurricanes in the Champ Sports Bowl. Tolzien played all 13 games that season and completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 2,705 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.

Despite emerging in his junior season, Tolzien hit his stride in the 2010 season with the Badgers. Wisconsin finished the year with a record of 11-2, including a rose bowl victory. The Badgers also became Big Ten Co-Champs that season and finished ranked seventh in the nation. Tolzien completed an astonishing 72.9 percent of his passes for 2,459 yards and 16 touchdowns. Although he had less yards and the exact same amount of touchdowns in his senior season, compared to his junior year, Tolzien had an eight percent increase in his completion percentage and threw five less interceptions.

With a chance to revive his career with the Birmingham Iron, Tolzien will have to outwork the other quarterbacks on the roster to earn that starting job. Luckily for him, it is a situation that he is very familiar with.

Breaking Down the Inaugural Protect-or-Pick QB Draft

Nick Frias and Matt Boerner broke down and graded each pick from tonight’s special style of draft. In the first round, teams had the opportunity to either protect one of their current roster quarterbacks or pick one of the free agents on the board. In the remaining rounds, everyone else was fair game, although some did remain with the team that originally signed them.

First Round

San Diego Fleet: Josh Johnson

The San Diego Fleet used their first overall pick to protect the quarterback out of the University of San Diego. In his 10 seasons in the NFL, Johnson spent time with eight different teams, and put up 1,042 yards with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Johnson has the best odds to win the MVP award in the inaugural season, as the quarterback will likely utilize his legs this season as well.

GRADE: Nick – A; Matt – A; Average – A

Atlanta Legends: Aaron Murray

The former Georgia quarterback threw for 13,166 yards in his four years in college, adding 121 touchdowns and only 41 interceptions. This was a smart protection for the Legends, keeping Murray on a talented roster, given the fact that Murray threw for a 62.3% completion percentage. It will be interesting to see what Murray can accomplish with Michael Vick as his offensive coordinator this year.

GRADE: Nick – A+; Matt – A-; Average – A

Memphis Express: Troy Cook

An interesting protection for the Memphis Express as Cook has very little exposure to high level competition. Cook spent his senior season with the UT Martin Skyhawks, putting up 1,004 yards and nine touchdowns with six interceptions. In his best year with the Skyhawks, Cook put up 1,769 yards and 19 touchdowns while only throwing seven interceptions. With such low passing numbers, you would think that he is a dual threat player but he only put up a total of 90 yards on the ground in his three years at UT Martin.

GRADE: Nick – B; Matt – C+; Average – B-

San Antonio Commanders: Dustin Vaughan

As a Junior at West Texas A&M, Vaughan led his team to their first ever semi final, throwing for 4,712 yards a 64.7% completion percentage. He also threw for 45 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions. His 314.1 yards per game was helped out by his 409 yard game against Western State, a game where he scored five touchdowns. While boasting great stats, Vaughan will have a lot to prove this season.

GRADE: Nick – B+; Matt – B; Average – B

Birmingham Iron: Luis Perez

While with the Los Angeles Rams, a story came out about Perez and his work ethic. Head Coach Sean McVay expressed that Perez “pissed” him off by beating him to the office. Of course McVay meant that in a light hearted manner, giving praise to his work ethic. In his two years with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions, Perez put up 8,325 yards while completing 665 out of his 985 passes.

GRADE: Nick – B; Matt – B-; Average – B-

Arizona Hotshots: Trevor Knight

Knight spent his first three years of college with the Oklahoma Sooners, putting up 3,424 yards with 25 touchdowns and 19 interceptions before transferring to Texas A&M. While with the Aggies, Knight put up 2,432 yards in his senior season, adding 19 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Knight also boasts a Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama, making him one of the most highly sought after quarterbacks in this draft.

GRADE: Nick – A+; Matt – A+; Average – A+

Orlando Apollos: Garrett Gilbert

After three years with the Texas Longhorns and 3,301 passing yards, Gilbert transferred to Southern Methodist University where he spent his last two years of eligibility. While with SMU, Gilbert passed for 6,460 yards and 36 touchdowns. Gilbert spent time with the Carolina Panthers but did not ever make it onto the field for a passing attempt.

GRADE: Nick – B; Matt – B; Average – B

Salt Lake Stallions: Josh Woodrum

Woodrum put up some impressive numbers while at Liberty, throwing for 61 touchdowns in his four years there. The young quarterback also ran for 16 rushing touchdowns, and has many coaches excited about the upside that accompanies his athletic abilities. However just like a bunch of other names in this draft, Woodrum will have to prove himself coming from a small school.

GRADE: Nick – C; Matt – C;Average – C

Second Round

San Diego Fleet: Mike Bercovici

Despite going to high school in Southern California, this was a disappointing pick from a fan standpoint because of Bercovici’s involvement with Arizona State University. If he had not been selected by the Fleet and remained on the Hotshots roster, he would have been playing in Sun Devil Stadium once again. Regardless, the Fleet got a steal with this pick as Bercovici is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the draft. While with the Sun Devils, he threw for 5,332 yards and 42 touchdowns. He also only threw 13 interceptions in his four years with the Devils.

GRADE: Nick – A-; Matt – A; Average – A-

Birmingham Iron: Blake Sims

Sims holds the single-season passing yardage record for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, with 3,487 in his 2014 season. He also threw for 28 TDs and only 10 INTs that year on a 64.4% completion percentage. A pocket passer with the legs to run if needed, Sims will give Perez a run for his money when the Iron get to training camp.

GRADE: Nick – A; Matt – A+; Average – A

Arizona Hotshots: John Wolford

An interesting pick here. Wolford was a four year starter at Wake Forest, where he totaled 8,794 yards, 59 TDs, and 41 INTs. Most notable was his senior season, where Wolford threw 29 touchdowns and only 6 picks to go along with a career high 3.192 yards en route to a Belk Bowl berth. At the draft Hotshots head coach Rick Neuheisel said he first put Wolford on his radar at that Belk Bowl, where he saw the QB continue to bounce back and lead the Deacs to a bowl win.

GRADE: Nick – B-; Matt – B; Average – B-

Orlando Apollos: Stephen Morris

Morris spent his collegiate career a few hours south of Orlando, playing for the Miami Hurricanes. He set countless ACC records during his time with the Hurricanes, but he was never able to see any real playing time at the NFL level. With Spurrier’s “Fun-n-Gun” offense making its return to central Florida, Morris has a big opportunity to show off his gunslinging abilities.

GRADE: Nick – A-; Matt – B+; Average – B+

Atlanta Legends: Matt Simms

Son of legendary Giants quarterback Phil Simms, the Tennessee product will complement Murray nicely. Though Murray is the clear cut #1 QB, Simms will fit into the pro-style offense nicely and can easily step in if necessary.

GRADE: Nick – C+; Matt – C; Average – C

Salt Lake Stallions: BJ Daniels

Daniels was drafted in the 7th round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, but he did not make his first NFL appearance until the final regular season game of 2015, where he went 1-2 for 7 yards in a game for the Texans. He has also spent time on NFL rosters as a receiver, running back, and return specialist. The Stallions may not start Daniels at quarterback, but a veteran presence with even a little bit of NFL experience can be very helpful in the locker room, and his versatility may prove useful, even at age 29.

GRADE: Nick – B+; Matt – B-; Average – B

Memphis Express: Christian Hackenberg

A former second round NFL pick out of Penn State, Hackenberg was never able to get it going on Sundays. With a talented offense surrounding him and Mike Singletary calling the plays, look for Hackenberg to thrive in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

GRADE: Nick – A-; Matt – D; Average – C+

San Antonio Commanders: Marquise Williams

The four year Tarheel from the University of North Carolina will be in a good position to compete for the starting job. He put up 7,965 yards in his four years, and added 61 touchdowns with only 25 interceptions. Perhaps the most appetizing part of this pick is that while with North Carolina he also ran for 2,458 yards and 35 touchdowns, and added three receiving touchdowns as well. Williams is a pure athlete and has a chance to take over the league.

GRADE: Nick – A-; Matt – A; Average – A-

Third Round

San Antonio Commanders: Logan Woodside

GRADE: Nick – B+; Matt – B- ; Average – B

Memphis Express: Brandon Silvers

GRADE: Nick – B; Matt – B+ ; Average – B

Salt Lake Stallions: Austin Allen

GRADE: Nick – A; Matt – B ; Average – B+

Atlanta Legends: Peter Pujals

GRADE: Nick – B; Matt – B; Average – B

Orlando Apollos: Austin Appleby

GRADE: Nick – A; Matt – B+; Average – A-

Arizona Hotshots: Quinn McQueary

GRADE: Nick – C+; Matt – C; Average – C

Birmingham Iron: Scott Tolzien

GRADE: Nick – B-; Matt – B+;Average – B

San Diego Fleet: Philip Nelson

GRADE: Nick – C+; Matt – B; Average – B-

Fourth Round

San Antonio Commanders: Dalton Sturm

GRADE: Nick – C; Matt – D+; Average – C-

Memphis Express: Zach Mettenberger

GRADE: Nick – B-; Matt – B+; Average – B

Salt Lake Stallions: Matt Linehan

GRADE: Nick – B+; Matt – B+; Average – B+

Atlanta Legends: Justin Holman

GRADE: Nick – C-; Matt – C+; Average – C

Orlando Apollos: Kevin Anderson

GRADE: Nick – B-; Matt – C; Average – C+

Arizona Hotshots: Jack Heneghan

GRADE: Nick – C+; Matt – C+; Average – C+

Birmingham Iron: Alek Torgerson

GRADE: Nick – C+; Matt – D; Average – C-

San Diego Fleet: Alex Ross

GRADE: Nick – C; Matt – D+; Average – C-

The Journey Begins

Hey AAF fan!

Welcome to AAF Nation, the place where you can find Alliance of American Football game previews, recaps, player profiles, podcasts, videos, and much, much more! Each team has its own page, which you can find under the blogs tab. The other tabs will fill up with content over time, so if there is nothing in one yet, just be patient! We hope you’re looking forward to the best professional American football league as much as we are!

Nick Frias, Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Pope is 77 years old and he’s in charge of a billion people. All I have to do is put 11 on the field. — Steve Spurrier