Silver Dragon Draft Preview

Silver Dragon Preview With the league's teams finally established today, GM Mark Trollinger can begin focusing on the upcoming draft, now just five days away. Trollinger traditionally heavily scouts players and compiles a lot of data and research hours prior to the draft. This year is no exception, especially on the heels of a season ending six game losing streak that took the Silver Dragons to their worst record in several seasons. Ricky Williams is considered to be among the players Hayashi scouts have heavily watched.

"One of the most important factors for the Silver Dragons this year will be speed", Trollinger said. "The competition is increasing and I feel that speed is a factor that will greatly help us. In the past we haven't been as mobile as other teams in the league, and the stretch run last season was added proof to that. We need athletes who possess speed and durability. Mobility at quarterback is another key issue. We are going to spread it out more this season. Plans are to draft a good throwing, mobile quarterback and use a three WR set most of the time. Big, strong WR that possess speed and good hands. Last year Donald Driver really impressed me and he was one of the few highlights to our season. We may not see some of the long time familiar faces in a Silver Dragon uniform this season. RB Eddie George almost is certain to sign elsewhere and while QB Steve McNair and TE Frank Wycheck may be considered for deep reserve roles, chances of seeing them start for the Silver Dragons in 2003 will be slim."

Sources indicate that some of the faces Trollinger is highly interested in are RB Ricky Williams, Hayashi Captain Edgerrin James, QB Mike Vick, QB Dante Culpepper, WR Randy Moss, WR Donald Driver and TE Jeremy Shockey. It is rumored that the Silver Dragons will take Williams in the first round. Hayashi has the third overall pick behind Apex and Steubenville. Apex has said on record that it will pursue RB Priest Holmes with the first pick of the draft. The Snails pick is uncertain at this time.