2020 AUDL Keeper Fantasy Draft

April 23, 2020
By Daniel Cohen and Adam Ruffner

What if nearly every AUDL player was suddenly a free agent? With the recent WNBA and NFL drafts, one can’t help but wonder what an AUDL fantasy draft might look like. So we set out to answer this question.

Here were the guidelines:

  • Each of us drafted for a team, going every-other on picks
  • Keepers were selected before draft order
  • Rosters of seven
  • Draft order was determined through random selection using this
  • The draft was a "snake" style, in that the order reversed at the end of each round
  • Players selected had to have been previously announced as a part of a 2020 roster

1. Minnesota Wind Chill

Any team that’s able to keep the downfield matchup nightmare that is Rehder immediately has a competitive edge. Picking first overall and grabbing Lindsley, however, locked this team into a 2020 division title. Minnesota’s offense is going to be lethal; take two solid handlers in Thorne and Gallagher and give them the field-stretching, athletic cutting corps of Rehder, Lindsley, Mitchell and Langdon. With Berry playing safety alongside Rehder on defense, opposing teams will have trouble finding deep space against this squad that seemingly has no weaknesses.

- Daniel Cohen

2. Dallas Roughnecks

The one-two star tandem of Froude-Coffin is a proven commodity—they've made back-to-back championship game appearances, and each has garnered All-AUDL nominations the past two seasons—and adding the world-caliber throwing talents of Boston's Markette gives this Dallas lineup a master key to unlocking opposing defenses. Radlauer and Reppermund provide height and a tremendous canopy for this Roughnecks defense in the deep space, allowing Froude to roam and use his athleticism to maximum potency. The youngsters Yanuck and Lindquist both have developed skillsets for their age and a nice throwing repertoire, having already played roles on both offense and defense early in their careers; both have also shown the ability to get the disc in the endzone, with Lindquist racking up 32 scores (15 assists, 17 goals) and Yanuck 14 (12, 8). This Roughnecks team will excel at dictating pace and style on offense, but will also have formidable counterattacking when challenged.

- Adam Ruffner

3. San Jose Spiders

Young talent mixed with seasoned vets. This San Jose team has loads of potential with two of the top rookies from 2019 in Laurence and Landesman. Both players finished top-three on their respective teams in plus/minus — as teenagers. Helton and Bacon bring firepower to the offense, while Vickroy is an all-around playmaker who has averaged nearly six scores per game for his career. Rounded out by a consistent handler in Tran and last season’s block leader in Kittlesen, San Jose could surprise people in this alternate universe with a fun mix of talent.

- Daniel Cohen

4. Detroit Mechanix

Get ready for Babbitt and Johnson to swat Detroit's two-season long losing streak into the stands as this refueled Mechanix lineup is ready to win now. All-time league completions leader McKnight will the be the ballast for this offense, and his methodical efficiency will be complemented nicely by Cubitt's ambidextrous creativity and hucks. Babbitt, Johnson, and Lloyd are all All-AUDL caliber hybrids who can slot in as a number one option on offense, or cover the opposing team's best player. The 6'3" Richardson has quietly been one of the most dangerous downfield options the past two seasons when healthy, tallying 60 goals in just 20 appearances, while the lanky rookie Vogt has shown glimpses of being a dominant receiver. There are multiple AUDL champions girding this Mechanix team, and that "been there, won that" leadership is invaluable when contending with the league's elites. 

- Adam Ruffner

5. Ottawa Outlaws

While they may not have as strong a roster on paper as some of these other fantasy teams, nailing their first round pick of Williams is going to keep them in every game. With Williams commanding the offense alongside Mazur, the duo has several versatile cutters to work with in Hill, Groth and Hirst. All will have their moments on offense, but this is Jack’s team; Ottawa’s success will come down to how quickly Williams can develop chemistry with six guys he’s never played with. Snagging the Turner brothers late certainly helps the defense, however the offense will need to come together fast in order to compete against some of these super teams.

- Daniel Cohen

6. Montreal Royal

This Royal team rosters the league leading goal scorer in Bonnaud, but make no mistake: They will win with defense. Bonnaud himself is superbly underrated as a defender, tied for 20th last season in takeaways with 14. Kocher is capable of both leading the offense, and denying the opposition at the point of attack—his handler defense has helped win Team USA gold in the not-so-distant past. Knoche is one of the toughest defenders in single coverage, and is tied for second all-time in AUDL history with 2.03 blocks per game in 36 career appearances. Larberg is one of the most unique and enigmatic players around, a true savant at getting poach interceptions in the lane and immediately converting them into break scores with his big throws and quick trigger decision making. The Drosts—here taken as a package deal—are the most productive pair of defenders in AUDL history, each ranking in the top four all-time in total blocks. Taylor and Towle are both slightly undersized offensive skill players, but both pack a lot of explosiveness. This team has the firepower, speed, and defensive tenacity to deal with any contenders, but could also potentially punch themselves out if they are too aggressive. 

- Adam Ruffner

7. Philadelphia Phoenix

The Philadelphia Phoenix are a team of exciting hybrids who play fast, aggressive, and have no trouble moving the disc. Built around dynamic lefty Mott, the Phoenix have an explosive set of cutters with a consistent offensive handler in Burden. Mott, Munoz and Fairfax will all rotate into the backfield, but I expect a fluid offensive system built around quick disc movement and opportune hucks. Speed and versatility define this team, and with Silverman and Munoz locking down opposing cutters, the Phoenix could have a lot of success in the new Atlantic Division.

- Daniel Cohen

8. Seattle Cascades

Speed, defense, and deep bombs define this Cascades squad. Burton and VanDusen are both howitzers with the disc who have endzone-to-endzone range; their righty-lefty power dynamic would prove wholly unfair for defenses trying to establish a mark, as covering one would effectively concede massive bombs for the other. Laviolette and Maurer are both terrific defenders whose throwing talents tend to be under emphasized: the two put up 33 assists on 357 completions compared to just 31 throwaways combined in 2019. Carroll—the three-time East Division nominee for "fastest player"—remains criminally underrated and borderline unguardable when he's playing at his peak. Gross has been one of the most productive scorers league-wide the past three seasons, but cut his teeth playing defense and has good coverage instincts. Merriman impressed as a teenager last year guarding top tier talent, and seems to have the skills and confidence to reach a new level. Seattle may have some height struggles in certain matchups, but if they generate turns, they will be able to run. 

- Adam Ruffner

9. Boston Glory

Big bodies, aggressive handlers, and impressive athletes. Johnson’s squad features Garvey and Bennett in the backfield, two fearless throwers that’ll have plenty of targets to choose from. Johnson is a dominant downfield presence who is no stranger to skying the pack on jump balls. El-Salaam and Mackenzie bring speed, energy and athleticism to both sides of the ball, while x-factors Shanahan and Geertz-Larson will spark momentum with highlight reel layouts. This team will live and die by the huck; expect Boston to make some of the most exciting plays of the season. 

- Daniel Cohen

10. Chicago Wildfire

Janas has the ability to almost singlehandedly drive an offense with just his throws, but now paired with the Swiss Army knife talents of North, the Wildfire will have one of the most dynamic offensive attacks in the league. North operates equally well in the backfield quarterbacking drives as he does downfield as an explosive receiving target, allowing Chicago's offense a wide range of sets to work from. Mehta and Poitte-Sokolsky are both receiving workhorses who churn out yardage and wear down defenders over the course of games, combining for 80 goals last year. Weaver has adapted his game from primarily coverage defense to be a good-if-not-great continuation thrower, too. But this roster really boils down to a healthy Saul and the x-factor of Martin. Saul is like Janas in that he can command an offense all on his own when he's feeling it, and Martin has breakaway athleticism as a receiver. The Wildfire might struggle a bit defensively on turnovers, but that will be a seldom occasion for this lineup and its high efficiency. 

- Adam Ruffner

11. DC Breeze

2018 MVP Rowan. Two-time AUDL champion Gibson. Two-time MVP and five-time AUDL champion Kittredge. Putting the best player in the world together with the winningest players in the history of the sport should be illegal. I don’t believe you when you say half these guys are past their primes; these are the biggest names in ultimate for a reason.  Alongside their combined experience, the collective work ethic of this team is tops in the league; they know what it takes to win, and they will not quit. The kings of DC have arrived. 

- Daniel Cohen

12. Indianapolis AlleyCats

One of my favorite imaginary cores from this draft, the throw-and-go, smallball duo of Carpenter and Smith could revolutionize how offense is played on the large pro field. The speedster Jaime seems like a great fit for keeping opposing defenses on their toes, and Arcata, Masek-Kelly, and Walch all add height for when this team needs to open up and go deep. Ellis is coming off back-to-back seasons of 45+ scores, and his high-velocity throws from the continuation cutter role can be lethal. The versatility of this 'Cats rostere doesn't stop on offense, though, as Carpenter, Smith, Masek-Kelly, and Walch are all above-average to great defenders. Stopping Indy at the point of attack will be vital for opponents, because once they find their rhythm, good luck. 

- Adam Ruffner

13. Los Angeles Aviators

This hodgepodge of a team is going to take the West by storm. Goff and Schoenrock will take the top off defenses and get targeted regularly by Maxstadt missiles. Meanwhile, McDougall and Wilder will grind away in the intermediate space, picking spots of their own to shoot deep to big continuation cuts. One of the strongest D-lines in the league, Maxstadt, Bloodgood and Weaver all have D-line handling experience while Strings and Goff are two shutdown defenders that will constantly patrol the deep space. Featuring at least one player from every division, chemistry will undoubtedly be a concern in the early weeks of the season, but once this team clicks, the sky’s the limit.

- Daniel Cohen

14. Toronto Rush

Let's start with the absurd cutting quartet of Harris-Vohnoutka-Snider-Monroe. You could throw actual pie tins at these guys and they'd make highlight plays out of it. Harris is as dynamic an offensive skill player as anyone in league history, and is third all-time in scores. Vohnoutka is one of the best receivers in isolation, continually winning one-on-one matchups seemingly at will. And Snider and Monroe are two of the most raw-talented players in the league. The guy dishing the rock, Norden, has averaged 45 assists and 435 completions over the past three years. Oh and should any of them turn it, Tan and Fontaine are both lockdown defenders and adept at leading a countering drive. There is little handler depth, but honestly, I don't think it will really matter once the disc gets into play. 

- Adam Ruffner

15. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds come into the season with a lot of talent on the offensive side. With Okita, Klane, Olsen, and Sheppard, this is an offense that can beat you with their legs and/or through the air. Camp is a strong downfield receiving threat, while Seuntjens is coming off a career-high 42-goal season after a switch to the Tampa Bay O-line. On defense, the deep help of 6’6” Trevor Purdy will enable Seuntjens and co. to play aggressive defense on unders. This team plays with an unrelenting fire, and with Max Sheppard at the helm, they will be a playoff team once again in 2020.

- Daniel Cohen

16. Atlanta Hustle

Just going to come out and say it: I don't know what I was doing when assembling this roster. That isn't to say I don't like it, just moreso than any other I don't exactly know what I was going for here. The speeding trio of Smith, Arsenault, and Boychuk will give throwers Roger, Fortin, and Boucher a lot of open looks. Wuensch was one of the most underrated coverage defenders as a rookie last season for Austin. But this lineup lacks height and a discernible style beyond "get it to the fast receivers", which could be gameplanned against with a zone. Roger is one of the most unique throwing talents to come into the AUDL, and the stable of receivers has upside. But it might not translate on the actual field against a hard nosed defense that takes away space.

- Adam Ruffner

17. Tampa Bay Cannons

The south all-star team that is Tampa Bay will give opponents headaches all season. Possibly the tallest team in the league, Tampa’s lineup features a cutting corps of Henke, Cunningham, Kline, Williams, and Richardson, all of whom are 6’2” or taller. Roney and Furuta will have a field day targeting these big receivers, having full confidence putting up 50/50 hucks to any of them. Cunningham, Williams, and Richardson will anchor the defense, creating a No Fly Zone on anything thrown more than 30 yards downfield. Opponents will likely resort to small ball hoping they can beat Tampa with speed, but if the Cannons set up in a zone to force over-the-top throws, teams are going to struggle to move the disc.

- Daniel Cohen

18. Raleigh Flyers

Fisher, Marshall, and Fairley compose the most intimidating lineup of versatile bigs, and they will certainly give both opposing offenses and defenses fits if they try to test them in the air. Taylor was phenomenal last season as a rookie; ditto the 18-year-old Nissen, who registered zero throwaways in five appearances; Taylor has the big throws to boost it to Fisher et al, while Nissen can carve up smaller spaces. Below the tree line downfield, the lightning quick Chan and fit-anywhere Cassell could have tons of opportunity for production given the shadow cast by their teammates' size. Defensively this team has questions apart from Marshall and Fairley, but they won't be put in that position often given their balance on O. 

- Adam Ruffner

19. San Diego Growlers

A balanced team of hybrids, San Diego has a lot of versatility. Quinlan, Brown, Dunn, and Jacobs all excel at downfield cutting, though with big throws and great instincts, they’re all more than capable of plugging in as handlers. Handler sets will center around Player Pierce, who offers a steady presence in the backfield. On the defensive side, 6’3” Joe Richards is a raw talent that has averaged 1.5 blocks per game over 18 career games, while Mieser is a strong coverage defender capable of swinging momentum with full-extension layout blocks. An experienced team with impressive all-around players, the Growlers are going to put up a consistent fight week in and week out.

- Daniel Cohen

20. Austin Sol

The most versatile team in the draft, this Sol squad boasts multiple players who can play both ways. Led by the inimitable Katz and his deep bag, Austin will be able to switch player roles and styles mid-point as it suits them. Babcock is nominally a thrower, but his big size and athleticism make it easy for him to transition into a primary receiving role. Barker began his career as one of the purest continuation players on offense, but has transitioned into a lockdown defender and leader of the counterattack; Coolidge has had a similar career arc. The rookie Gouchoe-Hanas remains unproven, but he could very well fit the mold of (actual real life teammate) Eric Taylor in his ability to distribute at both a high volume and high rate of efficiency. The 6'6" Walter was leading the league in blocks last year before a season-ending injury, and continues to push his ceiling higher when healthy. Bray is similar: He missed the 2019 season due to injury, but is a pure bomber with the disc who has a lot of skills in the open field. 

- Adam Ruffner

21. Madison Radicals

Of course a team known for their defensive prowess is going to be loaded with D-line athletes. Pettit-Scantling will have a fun defense to captain, featuring longtime Radicals teammate Meshnick, Central Division athletes Hutton and Swanson, and a former college football player in Polk. These defensive playmakers will have no difficulty generating blocks, but the question that remains of course is whether they have enough offensive firepower. With veteran handlers Matzuka and Plew manning the backfield, the two will use their previously built up chemistry to facilitate offensive possessions while picking their spots to involve their athletic cutters downfield. As with past seasons, the Radicals’ success will come down to the cohesiveness of the offense.

- Daniel Cohen

22. New York Empire

Last but not least, the defending champion Empire have restructured a bit around Jagt. The goal is still to feed the reigning MVP the disc as much as possible, and the combo of Edmonds and Ley, though undersized, might be the most balanced backfield in the division, if not the AUDL as a whole. Wodatch and Orloff are terrific working away from the disc as receivers while remaining potent scorers, allowing Jagt to command attention and giving them easy looks. Lewis and Milardovich are two adaptable defenders with size, able to cover both handlers and receivers alike. With Jagt, Ley, and Edmonds, this team will take a lot of shots downfield. But they will also be able to win the disc back given their size and tenacious defenders. 

- Adam Ruffner

 

Full draft results

 

Follow Daniel Cohen and Adam Ruffner on Twitter for more insights, breakdowns, and analysis.