2024 Rare Reminder Bizarro draft

 From left; Colin Skene, Jack Williams, and Jova’n Hill are the first three selections in the 2024 Rare Reminder Bizarro Draft.  
 
The National Football League draft starts tonight! Since 2015, the scouts and staff at the Rare Reminder have put together the annual Bizarro Draft — where we entered The Land of Make Believe, in which NFL teams selected from the pool of talented players who starred at the five local public high schools (Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield).

"The Chicago Bears are now on the clock…"
[Draft order as on April 22]

1. Chicago Bears - Colin Skene (QB-Middletown): Skene has the tools to be the missing piece behind center that Chicago has longed for since the departure of Sid Luckman. Skene delivers a beautiful ball with touch, along with bringing a wealth of experience, rocket arm, and wiggle in the pocket to the Windy City. 

2. Washington Commanders - Jack Williams (DL-Cromwell/Portland): A+ talent and teammate who checks all the boxes. Williams brings reliability, leadership, and a dominance force to the field. New head coach Dan Quinn gets a perennial Pro-Bowler that will unify the locker room. 

3. New England Patriots - Jova’n Hill (RB/WR/DB-Wethersfield): Versatile and supreme athlete who can add value in all three phases. New regime in Foxborough will find multiple ways to get Hill the rock because of his explosive first step, receiver hands, and big play ability as a returner. Built for football with a sky-high ceiling. 

4. Arizona Cardinals - Akari Rosemond (WR-Newington): Rosemond is a physical specimen that can high-point any ball and has Lynn Swann-esque body control. A matchup nightmare, elusive after the catch, and has the finishing power of a running back. New version of DeAndre Hopkins for Kyler Murray. 

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Daryl Asante (MLB-Rocky Hill): A perfect cornerstone addition to start the Jim Harbaugh-era in the City of Angels. Asante is a rock in the middle who is a thumper at the point of contact and is elite in pursuit. A weight room stud with defensive back quickness.  

6. New York Giants - Cam Righi (QB-Wethersfield): Righi is a once in a generation athlete with a cannon for an arm that has the tools to be a long-term starter behind center or the next Taysom Hill. Strong like an ox with deceptive wheels and natural leadership qualities. Brian Daboll’s new voice on the field.  

7. Tennessee Titans - Zy’Kie Askew (RB-Middletown): Rare combination of breakaway burst and brute power make Askew a fitting replacement for Derrick Henry in The Music City. Askew is dynamite in a bottle on the field and a workout warrior off it. Can handle a heavy load and will be an ideal backfield complement to fellow Connecticut native Will Levis. 

8. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Gish (LB-Cromwell/Portland): Gish brings a menacing mentality to the field and will be a centerpiece for a revamped unit led by the defensive-minded Raheem Morris. Tenacious tackler thanks to his wrestling background and plays like he’s shot out of a cannon on every snap.

9. Chicago Bears - JD Nazario (LB-Newington): Tough as nails competitor that is smooth from sideline to sideline. Nazario plays with a low center of gravity and has fluid hips, allowing him to change direction quickly. Warrior mentality.   

10. New York Jets - Edward Kocaqi (DT-Rocky Hill): Kocaqi uses his frame and leverage to create gaps in even the best offensive lines. Engulfs ball carriers and is a developing talent that makes the rich richer for a loaded Robert Saleh defense front in NY. 

11. Minnesota Vikings - Jess Elfreich (QB-Cromwell/Portland): Answer at signal caller falls to quarterback-hungry team in Minnesota. Elfreich is a fearless field general that processes lightning quick release, along with an ability to push the ball deep. Great technique in and out of the pocket and a knack for making plays with both his arm and legs in crucial moments.  

12. Denver Broncos - Enzo Corvino (QB-Newington): Corvino is an underrated talent that delivers a catchable ball and excels at throwing on the run. Solid frame and can decipher defenses quickly, often finding second and third options. Sean Payton will love his 11:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio he posted last fall. 

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Jason Fleurejiste (LB-Middletown): Fleurejiste is exactly the type of player that Antonio Piece wants to build his defense around. Lives in the opposing team’s backfield (12 tackles for loss and six sacks in ten games) and delivers a pop on contact (four forced fumbles). Solid in coverage with great mitts from his time playing tight end. 

14. New Orleans Saints - Oleg Korotkyy (WR-Rocky Hill): Versatile offensive weapon that has natural hands and big frame. Korotkyy is willing and capable of lining up anywhere and is a mismatch at all levels. Sets positive example for teammates. Reminds scouts of a mix of Michael Pittman Sr. and Michael Pittman Jr.  

15. Indianapolis Colts - Mikel Lleshi (TE-Wethersfield): Smarty, heady player that sees the field well from his time filling in at quarterback. Has both a high IQ and motor and should quickly become Anthony Richardson’s security blanket. Three-down tight end with build to block and skills to move chains. 

16. Seattle Seahawks - AJ Signorello (OL-Cromwell/Portland): Signorello is a worker that can play multiple positions along both sides of the line. Strong base and does all the unsung things that allow teammates to flourish. Destined for a 10+ year career. 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Josh Ferguson (WR-Middletown): Complete wideout with all the tools in his bag. Ferguson has ideal size and excels at tracking the ball in flight, along with stellar speed and sticky hands. Trevor Lawrence will love his reliability and run-after-catch ability. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Emeka Yearwood (RB-Cromwell/Portland): After losing starting running back in free agency, Cincinnati has a scary talented standout fall to them in the middle of the first round. Yearwood is an athletic stud with elite speed that fights for extra yardage and shines in big moments. Leg churner that runs with a purpose.  

19. Los Angeles Rams - Robert Spadaro (T-Wethersfield): Spadaro fills both a need and adds tremendous value to the Rams. A workout warrior with ideal build, strong hands, and refined footwork. He looks the part and smooth for his size.   

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Josiah Sims (ATH-Newington): Sims is a unique prospect whose gritty, hard-nosed mentality will be welcomed in the Steel City. Could play running back or on either of the first two levels on defense thanks to his athletic prowess and incredible power. Is the all-time leader in rebounds on the hardwood at his high school, adding another layer of intrigue. 

21. Miami Dolphins - Joey Motes (QB-Rocky Hill): Dolphins make splash by selecting for the future in Motes, an exceptional athlete with a quick release that is ideal for Mike McDaniel’s offense. Throws effortlessly and delivers a tight spiral. A team-first guy that players rally around. 

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Heath Weeden (LB-Newington): Weeden is a tackling machine that is just reaching his potential. Has a nose for the ball and lacrosse background allows him to see the field better and process quickly. 

23. Minnesota Vikings - Saad Khan (LB/DB-Rocky Hill): Khan plays with a relentless motor and packs a punch for size. Heart-and-soul guy that loves contact and will elevate players around him. Reminds scouts of a young London Fletcher.   

24. Dallas Cowboys - Dhallas Morgan (RB-Wethersfield): Brings the perfect name and skill set to the Lone Star State. Jerry Jones will love his burst, breakaway speed, and ability to cut on dime. Speed merchant with added value out of the backfield and in the return game. 

25. Green Bay Packers - Anthony Nanfito (LB-Middletown): Every down grinder who is also a worker-bee off the field. Nanfito is always in the right spot at the right time and is fundamentally sound in all phases. 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jack Nolan (WR-Cromwell/Portland): Tampa is building an explosive offense and Nolan is the next dynamic piece of the puzzle. Polished route runner with soft, glue-like hands. Tough as nails over middle and plays with swag. 

27. Arizona Cardinals - Evan Pigott (RB-Newington): Pigott has a nose for the end zone and brings toughness to the field. A shifty, chain mover that finishes runs with purpose and is always moving forward. 

28. Buffalo Bills - Jayzair Hall (DE-Rocky Hill): Incredible talent that has the makings of an elite edge rusher. Supreme first step and intimidating presence and power. Next Bruce Smith in Buffalo? 

29. Detroit Lions - Nicolas DeShong (G-Middletown): Prototypical tough Dan Campbell-type player who has ideal height, weight, and athleticism. Nibble feet and finishing power while pulling. Solid as the day is long.  

30. Baltimore Ravens - Danny Gonzalez (LB/S-Wethersfield): Gonzalez provides position flexibility to a Baltimore defense that craves versatility. Drives through ball carriers and tracks the ball well in coverage. 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Taverus Jefferson (DE-Middletown): Jefferson has the size to play inside or out in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defense and will bury ball carriers. Adds Grade-A talent to an already loaded San Fran unit.  

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Cipolla (RB/RET-Cromwell/Portland): Star in the making that loves the big moments and is another dynamic weapon for Andy Reid to deploy. Cipolla has fast feet and cuts effortlessly, adding home run value in return game.  

Dozen Day Two Prospects (Alphabetical order by last name)

Erik Bellovoda (LB-Wethersfield): Intriguing prospect that is deceptively powerful and has natural on-field vision. Added value on special teams and will work his way on the field because of his work ethic.   

Aiden Bengtson (S-Newington): A playmaker who is always around the ball thanks to instincts and elite closing speed. Charismatic and plays with confidence that is needed at the next level.    

Nathan Clark (Athlete-Newington): Unique athlete that can play on both sides of the line, as well as in the offensive backfield. An asset in any locker room and is long, strong, and physical. 

Maxim Ellis (LB-Middletown): Sneaky strength and sheds blocks with ease. Smooth sideline to sideline and finishes tackles. A potential steal. 

Zachary Girolamo (LB-Newington): Thumper that is exceptional in space. A solid tackler with a high ceiling. 

Caden Huddleston (S-Rocky Hill): Rangy athlete that can cover the entire field. Not afraid to mix it up and has a knack for creating turnovers. Tons of upside. 

Alex McKiernan - (LB-Cromwell/Portland):  Second round gem that is stout and powerful. Plays with an old school mentality and is willing and able to fill any role, even punter. 

Julian Middlebrooks (DB-Newington): Versatile athlete with quick reaction time. Plays on third level with the aggressiveness of a linebacker in run support and will make receivers pay for going over middle. 

Vaughn Payne (S-Cromwell/Portland): A lucky team is getting a major value on day two. A ballhawk with wide receiver hands that tracks and high points the ball extremely well. Oozing talent.   

Jaeden Torres (LB-Rocky Hill): A budding talent that is a sure-tackler. Plays with passion and has football in his blood.  

Jaden Veal (WR-Rocky Hill): Emerging prospect that uses body well and is terrific after catch. Quarterback friendly.

​Paul Wimbish (DB-Cromwell/Portland): Knack for making big plays with a track and field background that gives him elite closing speed, along with a willingness in run support.