Fantasy Look: AFL Quarterbacks
Patrick Daly
Wednesday January 26, 2005
If you don’t have one of the top three or four picks, you will want to grab one of the top offensive specialists, otherwise grab a quarterback with your first pick and then come back to get a second one as soon as you’ve got your starting receivers.
After another big season, Las Vegas Gladiators quarterback Clint Dolezel demands consideration for your fantasy roster. New York Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia has been a pretty consistent performer and, even in his new home, Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani has the tools to be a top scorer.
I’ve listed my top eight picks at the quarterback position as well as four quarterbacks who you should take a chance on after you get your starting quarterback. Some of the notable exclusions include Joe Hamilton in Orlando and Shane Stafford in Tampa Bay, each whom won’t be bad picks in the later rounds. In Austin, John Fitzgerald appears to be penciled in as the starter and Chad Salisbury seems to have the inside track Columbus after the release of Ryan Vena, while Dallas and Grand Rapids are too early to call, regardless of who might be name the opening day starter.
Quick Picks
1. Clint Dolezel, Las Vegas – After averaging just over 80 touchdowns per season prior to 2004, Dolezel stepped up his game in the new environs of Las Vegas. With a target like Marcus Nash on the receiving end of his passes, Dolezel should be the top choice in just about any league. He’s flirted century mark twice in his career and appears poised to do so again.
2. Aaron Garcia, New York – Garcia has set the touchdown passing bar for all other quarterbacks with two seasons with over 100 touchdowns. He’ll have no shortage of offensive weapons with the full-time return of Kevin Swayne, along with Will Holder and newcomers Mike Horacek and Markeith Cooper.
3. Tony Graziani, Philadelphia – The biggest free agent acquisition of the off season, Jon Bon Jovi’s new quarterback has surpassed 90 touchdowns each of the last two seasons. He won’t have Chris Jackson to throw to, but he’ll have some options with Sean Scott, Terrill Shaw and Steve Smith.
4. Jim Kubiak, Georgia – A preseason neck injury cancelled Kubiak’s 2004 campaign, but he’s back with the Force and he’ll be reunited with offensive coordinator Steve Thonn. Thonn, one of the best offensive minds in the AFL, played the same role in Dallas in 2003, Kubiak’s best season.
5. John Dutton, Colorado – The former backup who won an ArenaBowl with San Jose greatly reduced his interceptions and maintained his touchdown pace with 77 scores in his second season in Colorado. He’ll have much the same choices at receiver with Damian Harrell, Willis Marshall and company, along with the addition of Andy McCullough, which makes Dutton a signal caller to watch.
6. Mark Grieb, San Jose – You don’t necessarily have to have the best stats to win an ArenaBowl, but you won’t find a more consistent and accurate passer than Grieb. Grieb has thrown at least 70 touchdowns in each of the last three seasons and you should be able to put him down for more of the same.
7. Sherdrick Bonner, Arizona – Playing in what amounted to a ball control offense in the AFL, Bonner has excelled with over 60 touchdown passes in seven of the last eight seasons (only an injury plagued 2001 season kept Bonner from reaching 60), which includes 89 touchdowns in 2003. With new offensive coordinator Lary Kuharich in place, look for more long touchdown opportunities for Bonner.
8. Raymond Philyaw, Chicago – Philyaw enters his second season in Chicago and should be a bigger force this season. He’ll add to his passing touchdown total with 10-12 rushing touchdowns as he’s one of the more mobile quarterbacks in the league.
Keep an eye on…
1. Jim Kubiak, Georgia – I know I have him in the list above, but you’ll need to keep an eye on him for both the good and bad. He’s been off the field for a season, so it’ll be tough to say how well he’ll bounce back, since a neck injury can stick with you mentally as well as physically. The Force signed another former Dallas quarterback in Glen Gauntt as insurance.
2. Leon Murray, Nashville – Despite having an old name, the Kats are a new team, which means they won’t have the same continuity of an established franchise. Offensive specialist Fred Coleman appears to be ready for the full-time job after being one of many options in San Jose, which gives Murray a good target, although, outside of Jarrick Hillery and Darryl Hammond, there’s not much experience at receiver.
3. John Kaleo, Los Angeles – Kaleo is an established starter, but he’ll be playing for his third team in three years. After a big season with the expansion Austin Wranglers that followed a strong ArenaBowl season in Tampa Bay, Kaleo should have a chance to continue that success with targets like Greg Hopkins and Kevin Ingram in Los Angeles, although you’ll want to see who emerges as the offensive specialist.
4. Andy Kelly, New Orleans – Kelly comes off of two solid seasons in Detroit and he should be a good fit in the VooDoo offense. He’ll run Mike Neu’s offense and has an excellent option in Aaron Bailey and a familiar face with Thabiti Davis.
I’ll have further coverage at the other positions as the week goes on, with a final wrap-up that provides some advice on the overall draft, including where to start and where to take a chance on some potential hidden gems.
Patrick Daly has been an Arena Football League enthusiast since he first stumbled across the late-night ESPN broadcasts and has followed the Arizona Rattlers since their inaugural season in 1992. He graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree and is currently a member of a web development team for Direct Alliance in Tempe. Patrick currently resides in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, Arizona with his beautiful wife, son and a very large football helmet collection.
