Winning the paper championship of assembling a roster that should be a title contender can be quite satisfying for a player. Unfortunately champions aren’t determined on paper, they are determined by how well a team fares on the field against vigorous competition.

Last night the PFFL convened at Cupka’s Cafe 2 for our upcoming Draft Tournament on Sunday, June 19. The night was filled with second-guessing, spirited debates, and good old fashioned trash talk. 

While every player is apt to believe that his team will be on the only one left standing at the end of the tourney, my years with the league have shown me which teams will have the highest probability of winning the whole enchilada.

TEAM DAN- Adam Zyski, Zach Stewart, Adam Barkefelt, Josh Moody, Dereke Mason and Dan Barson

• Veteran quarterback Adam Zyski was a sound first overall pick for GM Dan Barson. His poise in the pocket combined with his running ability will help to keep the chains moving for the offense.
• Selecting Zach Stewart in the second round was a steal for TEAM DAN. Stewart played so well in his rookie season with the PFFL that he won a PLAYER OF THE YEAR Award
• TEAM DAN is loaded on offense. The question is whether or not they will be able to play at a high level on defense.

TEAM AVI- Cornell Mack, Josh Linton, Sun Bear Coe, Darryl Robinson, Justin Miney, and Avi Teitelbaum

• Picking all-time great QB Cornell Mack was a no-brainer. Mack’s versatility as a playmaker will result in a high-powered offensive attack for TEAM AVI.
• All-Star Defensive Back Josh Linton is an accomplished two-way player who was in the running for a PLAYER OF THE YEAR Award this past season.
• All-Star Sun Bear Coe will most likely play running back and receiver for Avi’s team.
• Fans should pay attention to how well Mack’s cousin Darryl Robinson plays because according to All-Star Wide Receiver Bryan Maldonado, Robinson is “just aight.”
• On paper TEAM AVI should be favored to win the tournament because of their multiple all-stars.

TEAM JEREMIAH- Jeff Bollinger, Elliot Williams,  Jason Bialek, Angelo Naccarato and Jeremiah Davis

• All-Star QB Jeff Bollinger runs an offense that is predicated on short to intermediate passing and trick plays. 
• All-Star Rusher Elliot Williams will be a pest for opposing quarterbacks because of his relentless pass-rushing style.
• All-Star WR Jason Bialek will pick up first downs and keep drives going with key completions.
• Overall TEAM JEREMIAH will live and die with Bollinger.

TEAM BRANDON- Dane Williams, Bryan Maldonado, Ryan Lancia, Jacob Johnson, Alex Lohman, and Brandon Hill

• All-Star DB Dane Williams will finally get an opportunity to show what he can do on offense.
• All-Star WR Bryan Maldonado has informed me that he will be playing quarterback for TEAM BRANDON. According to Darryl Robinson that might not be a good idea.
• All-Star Rusher Ryan Lancia is one of the best pass-rushers in league history.
• On paper TEAM BRANDON could pose a threat to TEAM AVI for the championship because of their potential ability to thrive on offense and defense.

TEAM MIKE- Jeff Holmes, Josh Vermeulen, Jake Gard, Kyle Ficklin, Ryan Hall, Robin Doherty, and Mike Carr

• TEAM MIKE drafted a familiar face in the first round in All-Star WR Jeff Holmes. Holmes played with Mike Carr on the PATS last season.
• All-Star Josh Vermeulen might be the most talented wide receiver in the league. His speed and agility will make Carr’s throws look very good when TEAM MIKE has the ball.
• The rest of the players on this team are a toss-up. Perhaps there are more playmakers that we just haven’t seen in the league.
• Be on the lookout for a game-day trade between TEAM MIKE and TEAM JEREMIAH.