2017 Rare Reminder Draft

The National Football League draft starts tonight and runs through the weekend. Here’s what the first two rounds of the draft would look like if we entered The Land of Make Believe, in which NFL teams had to select out of the pool of talented athletes who played at the five local schools this fall.

Welcome to the 3nd Annual Bizarro Draft…

First Round

#1: Cleveland Browns- Tyshaun James (QB- Middletown): After years of searching the Browns finally have a face of the franchise in James, who is a can’t-miss prospect that excels inside and outside the pocket. This fall, the multifaceted QB destroyed opponents with his pinpoint accuracy and fancy footwork, posting eye-popping numbers totaling 2955 yards and 38 touchdowns.

#2: San Francisco 49ers- Ricky Montalvo (MLB- Rocky Hill): New GM John Lynch wants to build his team around hard-nosed defenders and Montalvo is the ultimate building block. He’s a magnet to ball carriers and his production the past three years is unmatched. A defensive field general from day one.

#3: Chicago Bears- Damon Stewart (OT- Newington):  Prototypical size for the next level. Chicago needs help on offensive and the gifted Stewart can both pave the way in the running game and protect the passer. The type of grinder that head coach John Fox covets.

#4: Jacksonville Jaguars- Kristian Sapp (RB- Cromwell/Portland): The new regime in Jacksonville seeks an identity on offense and Sapp can fill that need with his explosiveness. He’s a low to the ground runner who is both elusive and has deceptive power when finishing runs. His 2000+ rushing yards and 30 touchdowns from the fall say it all.

#5: Tennessee Titans- Stone Belzo (DB- Middletown): Belzo burst onto the scene and became a productive leader for a defense filled with stars. He can play effectively both down in-the-box and in pass coverage, amassing 109 tackles, two interceptions and 20 pass deflections this fall. Should be a perennial Pro-Bowler.

#6: New York Jets- Grant Nieves (RB- Rocky Hill): The Jets have a lot of needs, but a touchdown juggernaut like Nieves is too good to pass up. He’s a long-striding runner with an attacking, competitive nature and can go the distance on any given play. Adds major value in the return game and also starred as a cornerback, making him the ultimate triple threat.

#7: Los Angeles Chargers- Anthony Puntiel (OT- Cromwell/Portland): A new dominant lineman will make the Chargers transition to a new city a little more bearable. Puntiel has the size and foot speed to engulf defenders and his leverage allows him to overpower just about anyone on the field.

#8: Carolina Panthers- Joe Catania (RB- Rocky Hill): Carolina has struggled to find an offensive compliment to Cam Newton, but the wait is over. Catania has a rare blend of power, speed, and agility and runs just as hard on his first carry as he does on his last. Consummate professional and a workout warrior.

#9: Cincinnati Bengals- Isaac Ortiz Jr (WR- Newington): Ortiz is a big play waiting to happen, which is something the Bengals lacked a season ago. Dynamic anytime he has the balls in his hands, Ortiz will open up the offense and makes defensive coordinators prepare for trick plays due to his experience playing quarterback.

#10: Buffalo Bills- Kyle Vasquez (DE- Wethersfield): Relentless motor and production will help improve an already stout Bills defensive line. This fall, Vasquez made 19 tackles in the backfield and he played running back on offense, giving him the shiftiness and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line.

#11: New Orleans Saints- Jamal Bagley (LB- Wethersfield): Injuries cut his season short, but Bagley has off-the-chart athleticism, explosiveness and play-making ability. Vicious hitter that could be the defensive stalwart New Orleans has been searching for since The Dome Patrol under Jim Mora.

#12: Cleveland Browns- Max Cyr (OT- Middletown): The Browns got their franchise QB with the first pick and now they get his high school teammate to protect him. Cyr’s size and length will bolster and already underrated group in Cleveland.

#13: Arizona Cardinals- Jay Nanfito (LB- Middletown): Nanfito plays bigger than his frame and can deliver bone-crushing hits. He’s just the type of hybrid player that the Cardinals defensive staff will love and utilize.

#14: Philadelphia Eagles- Dante Baker (LB- Rocky Hill): Baker always finds his way to the ball and has a knack for create game-changing plays. Has athleticism allows him to play multiple positions and his mental makeup will remind Philly fans of Brian Dawkins.

#15: Indianapolis Colts- Justin McMillian (CB- Middletown): McMillan has a sheriff’s mentality and fills an immediate need in Indy with his ability to play man-coverage and support the run. His blazing speed makes him a threat in the return game and potentially on offense.

#16: Baltimore Ravens: Aveontae Frazier (RB- Newington): One of the most intriguing prospect in the draft after surging onto the scene this fall. Frazier can run between the tackles and has the wiggle to break outside in traffic. His running style will fit Baltimore’s offense perfectly.

#17: Washington Redskins: Matt Wolak (OT- Cromwell/Portland): A perfect addition to a Washington offense looking to improve the run game. Wolak is a workhorse lineman that has been well coached and will become an immediate leader.

#18: Tennessee Titans: Tevin Walker (CB- Wethersfield): The Titans bolster their secondary with another playmaker. Walker has the ball skills (four interceptions, eight pass deflections) to match up with both outside and slot receivers. Not afraid to support the run and his return ability is a bonus.

#19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Pappalardo (S- Newington): Pappalardo fills a need and is a major steal at this point in the draft. He processes a high football IQ and plays the run (80 tackles) and the pass (2 interceptions) equally well.

#20: Denver Broncos: Ethan Roy (DE- Cromwell/Portland): The key to Denver’s success has been pressure on the passer and that’s what Roy does best. Quick burst makes him nearly unblockable around the edge and he plays with good leverage despite his 6’2 frame.

#21: Detroit Lions: Kittrell Lauray (LB- Cromwell/Portland): An amazing athlete that plays at a blazing pace and creates momentum-shifting plays. Detroit needs a heat-seeking missile like Lauray to put their defense over the top.

#22: Miami Dolphins: Lukasz Zduniak (OL- Rocky Hill): Miami has put an emphasis on solidifying their front and Zduniak is a flexible lineman that loves to run block. Has experience on both sides of the ball and his high football character will be a welcomed sign in South Beach.

#23: New York Giants: Jon McAlister (OL/DL- Wethersfield): McAlister can eat up the interior and the Giants will love that he’s willing to do whatever the team needs. Vastly underrated and should be a starter for years to come.

#24: Oakland Raiders: Derrick Vereen (DL- Middletown): Vereen makes his living in the opposing backfield, registering nine sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last fall. Often overlooked by scouts, but his production is undeniable.

#25: Houston Texans: Dianta Highsmith (WR- Cromwell/Portland): Highsmith can be used in multiple roles and is dynamite with the ball is in his hands. His height-speed combination should make him the offensive spark plug the Texans desperately need.

#26: Seattle Seahawks: Krist Veli (OL- Rocky Hill): Seattle’s offensive line struggled immensely last season and Veli will add a consistent, competitive road-grader to the equation. Has the heart of a lion.

#27: Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Vasquez (DL- Wethersfield): Vasquez’ motor never stops and he can multiple positions along the defensive line. Oxen strength and a perfect fit in Kansas City’s stout, attacking defense.

#28: Dallas Cowboys: Jon Siena (DB- Cromwell/Portland): The Cowboys secondary was exposed late in the season and Siena can immediately take the leadership reins. The ball-hawking (5 interceptions), sure tackler (111 tackles) is an absolute steal late in the first round.

#29: Green Bay Packers: James Johnson (DL-Middletown): Johnson has the versatility that Green Bay covets on the defensive line. Has equal ability to stop the run and get after the passer, registering 13 takedowns behind the line of scrimmage this fall.

#30: Pittsburgh Steelers: Jared Simmons (WR- Newington): Pittsburgh shakes up the draft with this selection. Simmons is as athletic gifted as any player in the draft and can high-point the ball in the red zone, but he may ultimately choose basketball over football. A high-risk, high-reward pick.

#31: Atlanta Falcons: Osbourne Richards (OL/DL- Middletown): Atlanta takes a chance on this young, talented interior lineman. Osbourne was a force on the inside last fall (18 tackles for loss) and is just entering his prime.

#32: New Orleans Saints: Damon Lonero (LM/K- Rocky Hill): Saints use their second first-round pick to select a unique three-way player. Lonero can be effective on both sides of the line and adds a massive leg in the kicking game.

Round Two

#33: Cleveland Browns- Chris Cravero (LB- Wethersfield): Proficient tackler that makes up for his lack of size with great instincts and high motor.

#34: San Francisco 49ers- Danny Cavallaro (QB- Rocky Hill): Smart, heady quarterback that possesses great touch and has been well coached. Cavallaro is a worker bee who is only going to get better.

#35: Jacksonville Jaguars- Kyle Martin (OL- Cromwell/Portland): Another solid addition to a budding offense in Jacksonville. Martin has the technique, size, and determination to have a long career.

#36: Chicago Bears- Bryce Karstetter (QB- Cromwell/Portland): Possible gem that made great strides this fall. The lively-armed Karstetter may end Chicago’s lengthy search for franchise signal caller.

#37: Los Angeles Rams- DeAaron Lawrence (DB- Middletown): Speedy playmaker that could thrive as a defensive back or wide receiver at the next level.

#38: Los Angeles Chargers- Matt Osgood (WR- Rocky Hill): A quarterback’s best friend thanks to his precise route running and Venus flytrap hands. Osgood plays with passion and is an underrated athlete.

#39: New York Jets- Mike Aresco (K/P- Middletown): The J.E.T.S pull the trigger on Aresco, who has a monster leg (nailed a 52-yarder in the fall) and is deadly accurate. Added value as a punter.

#40: Carolina Panthers- Will White (DB- Rocky Hill): Scary athlete who creates splash plays and has unwavering confidence. White loves contact and is an eraser.

#41: Cincinnati Bengals- Austin Stefano (WR/K- Wethersfield): Cincy loves versatile players and Stefano is best known for his tremendous kicking abilities, but is also a capable receiver on the outside. The right attitude and size.

#42: New Orleans Saints- CJ Sprowl (WR- Middletown): New Orleans hopes to replace offensive weapons and Sprowl could fill a vacancy. Despite lack of size, he’s tough as nails and will compete for every ball.

#43: Philadelphia Eagles- DeShaun Bradshaw (RB- Middletown): Lighting in a bottle with elite speed. Bradshaw is a homerun hitter that must be accounted for.

#44: Buffalo Bills- Jack Hansen (DB- Rocky Hill): Deceptively long athlete that is around the ball at all times. Plays angles well and has high football acumen.

#45: Arizona Cardinals- Conor Keane (OT- Wethersfield): Gifted and agile tackle that is a thievery at this point in the draft. Coached to protect blindside and ready to start on day one.

#46: Indianapolis Colts- Brent Robbins (LB- Cromwell/Portland): Emerged as a tackling machine and could develop into an every down linebacker at the next level.

#47: Baltimore Ravens- Austin Rambarose (DL- Cromwell/Portland): Baltimore steals the round with this pick. Rambarose is a disruptive lineman that had 7 sacks and 17 more tackles in the backfield in the fall.

#48: Minnesota Vikings- Roberto Sanchez- (HB- Newington): Strong, athletic playmaker with good size. Sanchez could thrive as an H-back in Minnesota’s efficient passing game.

#49: Washington Redskins- Tim Blaisdell (QB- Wethersfield): Interesting selection for a strong-armed quarterback with ideal size. Blaisdell hasn’t been able to show his talent on the field due to injuries, but Redskins could be grooming him for the future.

#50: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nico Cavaliere (DB- Middletown): A thumper for his size and has a propensity to create turnovers. Cavaliere is a wise, safe selection at this point in the draft.

#51: Denver Broncos: Michael Alessandra (LB/DE- Wethersfield): Another athletic, strong man for the Denver defense. Alessandra has a rare ability to play at all three levels on the field and has a ton of upside.

#52: Cleveland Browns: Matt McKinnon (DE- Newington): Great edge rusher with a long frame that can disrupt passing lanes. Another Newington athlete that may pursue a career on the hardwood.

#53: Detroit Lions- Alex Hinkle (LB/S- Cromwell/Portland): Plays downhill and can also run sideline to sideline with natural fluidity. Hinkle may become a box safety at the next level.

#54: Miami Dolphins- Connor Brennan (DB- Newington): Confident DB that welcomes contact. If Brennan puts on some more size, look out.

#55: New York Giants- Hunter Held- (LB- Rocky Hill): Rock solid defender who plays with consistency. Held is a fascinating talent with a productive lacrosse background.

#56: Oakland Raiders- Brandon Kamansky (LB- Newington): A blossoming prospect that made great strides this fall, developing into a sure tackler and difference maker. Ceiling is high.

#57: Houston Texans- Payton White (OL- Middletown): Great balance that could become anchor to an offensive line in flux. White is a coach’s dream and leads by example.

#58: Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Skelly (CB- Wethersfield): Skelly moves effortlessly for his size and has a nose for the ball. His willingness to absorb contact is a great fit in Seattle as they try to reboot the Legion of Boom.

#59: Kansas City Chiefs- Nate Alleyne (DE- Newington): High-energy enforcer who attacks the line of scrimmage, made seven stops in the backfield this fall. Alleyne is an ideal rotational lineman.

#60: Dallas Cowboys- Nick Kerlejza (LB-Newington): Another high-motor defender who can play in space and is a solid open-field tackler.

#61: Green Bay Packers- Brendan Dowd (LB-Wethersfield): Intriguing athlete that played all over the field, including quarterback. Dowd’s frame should allow him to thrive as a tweener at the next level.

#62: Pittsburgh Steelers- Luke Devine (OL- Rocky Hill): Devine is well groomed and game-ready. Steelers struck gold late in the second round.

#63: Atlanta Falcons- Corey Pertillar (DB/KR- Newington): Solid as a defensive back, but his best asset is his ability to return kicks. A genuine playmaker.
#64: Carolina Panthers- Richard Loza (K/P- Cromwell/Portland): Carolina’s kicking game was horrendous a season ago and Loza would cure both elements with his accurate leg and booming punts.

Rocky Hill's Joe Catania and Damon Lonero are selected in the first round of the Rare Reminder draft

Wethersfield's Brendan Dowd and Middletown's Nico Cavaliere go off the board in the second round.