Journey To The NFL: TE Kyle Auffray . . . When Opportunity Knocks

Posted on May 9, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

: (Kyle Auffray / Unknown)

By Jim Saranteas

A little over a year ago, Kyle Auffray was chasing his dream to play professional football at the highest level. He had been working out at one of the better known football training facilities in Florida, Bommarito Performance Systems, staying in game shape, improving his game, and most of all, preparing for a chance. Over a year later, Kyle still is. But, he’s much, much closer to making it. This is a story of sacrifice. This is a story of perseverance. A year later Continue reading →

Journey To The NFL: Northwestern’s Corbin Bryant … One Step At A Time

Posted on April 4, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

: (Northwestern Photo / Stephen J. Carrera)

By Jim Saranteas

You know you have to interview a player when someone else tells you, without any detail, that they have a story to tell that you will not believe. Indeed, Chicago-born and raised, Corbin Bryant is that person with an unbelievable story to tell. The son of a preacher, and the second youngest of five children, you would think Corbin’s story would have much to do about where he was raised and what he went through outside the lines. While it may very well be true that there were influences at work here — indeed, Corbin Continue reading →

Defense: 2013 NFL Free Agent List & Tracker

Posted on March 3, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

With free agency set to begin in a little over a week, here is a master list of free agent players on defense (defensive ends, defensive tackles, linebackers, and defensive backs). Players are grouped alphabetically by position. For ease of reference, restricted free agents are noted with an “(R)” by the player’s name, with further notations for tackles, linebackers, and defensive backs as referenced. Player names in bold indicate a top free agent or a player who was the starter on his former team’s depth chart. In some instances top back-up names are Continue reading →

The Combine: Defense – Making A Case

Posted on March 1, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

On defense, this year’s NFL draft class looks deep along the defensive line, especially at the defensive end position, and at the defensive back position. It looks like an ideal draft for teams that need to improve their pass defense. This is particularly good news for playoff teams like the Patriots, Colts, Redskins, Vikings, and Falcons whose pass defenses struggled for one reason or another. This is also good news for teams whose poor pass defenses likely doomed their season like the Lions, Giants, and Saints. Indeed, there are teams who should reverse their fortunes in 2013 through improved defensive play. The draft will provide one way of doing so. Continue reading →

The Combine: Offense – Trying To Catch On

Posted on February 26, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

On offense, this year’s NFL combine shaped up to be much like what our expectations of what the NFL draft will be — not very sexy. There is no real, highly touted quarterback prospect this season. There is no real, highly touted running back prospect this season.There is no real, highly touted wide receiver prospect this season. There are a bunch of good to average ones though. The tight-end group has some solid prospects in it too. On the other hand, if you are team set at the skill positions, but are in dire need of some pass protection for your quarterback, or some run blocking for your running back, then there are whole lot of other players that make for top picks this season. And, if some of your position players are getting up in age and you want to plan for the future, this looks like a good draft for you. Continue reading →

In the Trenches: Draft Scouting with Ourlads’ Dan Shonka

Posted on February 22, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

With the NFL Combine beginning on February 23, 2013, The Fantasy Greek felt it appropriate to re-publish this article (previously published by The Fantasy Greek on August 28, 2012) about Dan Shonka.

For anyone who has spoken to Dan Shonka of Ourlads NFL Scouting Services, you know he is not short on words, has many wonderful stories of NFL and drafting experiences, and is an overall good guy. Always happy to speak with you, Dan tries never to turn down a radio appearance in the months leading up to the NFL draft. Dan is genuinely filled with the passion which makes up professional football. Continue reading →

No Senior-itis At This Year’s Senior Bowl Practices

Posted on January 25, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

In the past two seasons, we’ve seen several rookies make a significant impact in their first season in the NFL. Among these players are quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Russell Wilson, running backs Trent Richardson and Doug Martin, wide-receivers AJ Green and Julio Jones, and tight-end Aaron Hernandez. While friends of this year’s Senior Bowl players are in the throes of preparing for the last days of their college experience, the soon to be professional rookie players at Senior Bowl practices are looking to make an impression on a future boss, likely in attendance. As a result, this season’s Senior Bowl’s practices were intense, to say the least. Continue reading →

Journey to the NFL: Kyle Auffray

Posted on April 1, 2012 by The Fantasy Greek

You have been reading about our chronicle of Kyle Auffray’s journey in his pursuit of his ultimate dream — to make it into the NFL. But, not every path to the NFL is the same. Kyle’s journey is one of versatility, perserverance, hard work and always having a bag packed. In the last 2 weeks, all 32 teams have seen Kyle, both at his Pro Day at University of New Hampshire, and at the NFL’s Super Regional Combine in Detroit. Now we wait and see. But in the meantime, let’s recap what we’ve learned about Kyle, starting at the beginning, and help you get to know the player, the man, that is Kyle Auffray. Continue reading →

Journey to the NFL: Kyle Auffray

Posted on March 16, 2012 by The Fantasy Greek

As you’ve been reading, we’ve been following tight-end Kyle Auffray’s journey in his pursuit of the NFL. Kyle has two big dates in the upcoming weeks — March 20th Pro Day at University of New Hampshire; and March 31st NFL Super Regional Combine in Detroit. To read more about what has led to those dates, read about Kyle’s background and his current routine. Before we hear about his successes during those dates, let’s learn more about Kyle outside of football. Continue reading →

Journey to the NFL: Kyle Auffray

Posted on March 15, 2012 by The Fantasy Greek

We continue down the path of tight-end Kyle Auffray’s journey in pursuit of the NFL. Read his background for what led up to his current try-outs in our first installment here. He has a number of key dates in the next 2 weeks that might be the difference in whether he makes it into the NFL.

Let’s see what Kyle’s been up to and hear about what he’s preparing for next. Continue reading →