This year's host city: Minneapolis

Normally, the TUFF Draft rotates among its 16 cities, but two deaths made Minneapolis a natural choice to host this year's draft.  The first was Ken Mach, who owned the Minnesota Fats for 14 seasons, including a TUFF Bowl championship in 2011.  He passed on last August.  (They are now owned by Bob Andrews and called the Minnesota Fighting Saints.)  The other, just last month, was the unexpected loss of 1980s pop superstar Prince.

Here's a quick review of the icons next to some of the names and what they mean:

	Significant improvements on a TUFF team's starting lineup, could be cornerstone players for that team, and/or are great values for where they were taken.
	High risk/high reward picks (e.g. players picked relatively high because of his upside, even in spite of character, medical, low college productivity and/or job situation concerns).
	Either a reach and/or there was at least one player the team should have taken.
	Picks that leave me asking why a team didn't take a player I expected them to take or address another need on the roster (example from 2011: Cleveland moving up to 1.05 to take RB Mikel Leshoure instead of going with a QB or WR at 1.09).

1.01 Dallas Golden Tornadoes - RB Ezekiel Elliott

In the real world: The Dallas Cowboys took easily the best RB in this year's draft, even though they already have two veterans in Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden. Is he the real deal, or product of a top-notch O-line? Draft pundits have leaned towards the former, putting Elliott far ahead of any other RB in their rankings this year. The Cowboys didn't draft him 4th overall just to put him in a committee. It's more likely that Alfred Morris, who had been signed just a few months previously, will serve as the main backup, with Darren McFadden getting passing-down/change-of-pace touches.

In the TUFF world: Was there ever any doubt on this pick? The newly-renamed Golden Tornadoes needed help at RB badly, and Elliott was drafted by Mike Scott's hometown team, the Cowboys. Before this draft began, the only RB worthy of being placed in the starting lineup was Latavius Murray. Tre Mason, the Tornadoes' first-round pick two years ago, went from potential starter to the end of the bench in just over a year; he was arrested on drug and traffic charges in March.

1.02 Tennessee Taz Devils - WR Josh Doctson

In the real world: Doctson, a 2015 Biletnikoff Award finalist, is already an upgrade for Washington at WR regardless of whether they cut either (or both) of the pricey veterans atop their depth chart, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. As it is, Garcon is a free agent after this season, meaning Doctson could be the #2 wideout in DC next year.

In the TUFF world: The Taz Devils are rebuilding their wide receiver corps after trading away Demaryius Thomas and A.J. Green in recent years. Entering this draft, their most productive wideout was Marvin Jones. They found themselves in an unusual quandary--picking the first wide receiver off the board in a draft where three could make a case for being the best. They are the three Fred Biletnikoff Award finalists (Doctson, Laquon Treadwell and Corey Coleman, the last of whom won the award).

1.03 Denver Devils - WR Laquon Treadwell

In the real world: Treadwell, another 2015 Biletnikoff Award finalist, overcame a nasty leg injury to re-establish himself as one of college football's best wide receivers. Justin Howe says he may be more like Michael Crabtree--a possession receiver rather than a #1. But he's a beast of a wide receiver--great physicality against opposing corners, will fight for yards after the catch--and he could be the Vikes' #1 receiver already.

In the TUFF world: Denver moved up to #3 in a trade with Minnesota, the original holders of this pick, on May 1 (one week before this draft began), and wound up with arguably the best receiver in this year's draft. They did have to cough up a second-rounder in 2017 to make it happen. They also have Alshon Jeffery, Tavon Austin and Jarvis Landry, with two 2015 first-round picks (DeVante Parker and Phillip Dorsett) waiting in the wings.

1.04 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddy's - RB Derrick Henry

In the real world: The Tennessee Titans surprised the fantasy football world by taking Henry in Round 2 less than two months after trading for pricey, injury-prone DeMarco Murray. He could get short-yardage and goal-line carries right out of the gate. At Alabama, he set the SEC conference record for most rushing yards in a season (2,219), most rushing TDs in a season (28) and most consecutive games with a rushing TD (20) in addition to winning the Heisman Trophy.

In the TUFF world: Indy fell to 5-9 in part because they didn't get the production they had hoped for from their rookies, most notably RB Melvin Gordon (taken second overall last year). With Gordon still unproven, Frank Gore still on his last legs, and Ryan Mathews still injury-prone, taking Henry makes sense here. Besides, if Indy falls flat on its face again this year, next year's draft promises to be the best for RBs in at least nine years.

1.05 Green Bay Ground Hogs - RB Kenneth Dixon

In the real world: Best pass-catching RB during Senior Bowl week; showed flashes of brilliance in pass protection. Wear on tires (802 carries and 87 receptions) and fumbling issues (13 fumbles—11 lost—over his last 3 seasons) are causes for concern. His job situation with the Baltimore Ravens, who drafted him in Round 4, is promising given that Justin Forsett is already 30, Lorenzo Taliaferro has been injury-prone, and Buck Allen may be ticketed for the passing down/change-of-pace role.

In the TUFF world: Last season, Green Bay sent Russell Wilson and their own first-round pick (1.15) to the Chocolate City in exchange for Sam Bradford and this pick. But the Ground Hogs may have compromised their QB depth, now that Bradford is, at best, a stopgap QB for the Eagles while they prepare Carson Wentz to be their starter for the future. In addition, Green Bay sought to trade down from here, since it was too early to take Wentz or Jared Goff, and they didn't have a particularly strong need for a RB or a WR. Dixon makes sense because if he succeeds, he could replace 29-year-old Jonathan Stewart (Green Bay's current #2 back) in the long run.

1.06 Minnesota Fighting Saints - WR Sterling Shepard

In the real world: Drafted by the New York Giants in Round 2. Very route-runner, competitive, great work ethic.  The Giants present a great job situation because they have Odell Beckham, but not much else. Victor Cruz (knee, calf) hasn't played since Week 6 of 2014 and may never be the same player.

In the TUFF world: Bob Andrews makes the first pick for this franchise since taking it over earlier this year. Shepard makes sense both on his own merits (a job situation that may suit his skill set best) and as an insurance policy (in case the Fighting Saints' current #1 receiver, the very same Odell Beckham, gets hurt). But boy, do they need help at RB (where their best runner last year, undrafted free agent surprise Thomas Rawls, is recovering from a severe ankle injury; there is no timetable on when he can return to the gridiron).

1.07 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - RB Devontae Booker

In the real world: Booker, a JuCo transfer in 2014, "has the potential to develop into a good third-down back" according to Todd McShay. He needs to improve ball security, and has relatively small (8.5") hands. He tore his meniscus late last season. Could he land in a similar job situation to Arian Foster? (Foster was the Texans' lead RB for years when Gary Kubiak was their head coach; he led the Broncos to a Super Bowl title in his first season as their head coach.)

In the TUFF world: The Meat Goats, already in need of depth at running back, took a nasty hit at that position when the Tennessee Titans, DeMarco Murray's new team, also drafted Derrick Henry. Thus, Booker is a reasonable pick here. If he supplants C.J. Anderson as Denver's top back, this becomes a great pick.

1.08 Detroit Vipers - WR Corey Coleman

In the real world: Coleman led the nation with 20 receiving touchdowns last season on the way to winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and he went to a Cleveland Browns team in sore need of all the help it could get at wide receiver, period. The Browns see him as the draft's most dynamic player. He did have 10 drops this season and seven the year before (although some of last year's drops could be attributed to having to work with four different quarterbacks). He's raw as a route runner, but he's got speed and can be dangerous after the catch.

In the TUFF world: The Vipers still needed help at wide receiver, even after the emergence of Allen Robinson last season. Longtime starter Vincent Jackson is now 33 and entering his 12th season as a pro. A starting trio of Robinson, Coleman and 2015 first-rounder Kevin White, with Jackson and fifth-year veteran Kendall Wright as backups, could be a vast improvement from 2013 (when Detroit counted on malcontent Mike Williams, substance abuser Justin Blackmon and rookie Justin Hunter to produce, and were let down by all three). Rick Dailey (Denver Devils) said of this pick: "I never thought Coleman would fall that far; if so, I wouldn't have moved up." (Rick originally had the 1.06 pick, but moved up to 1.03, where he took Laquon Treadwell.)  This pick gets the green checkmark for value, because while the two other Biletnikoff Award finalists went 2nd and 3rd, this one fell to #8.

1.09 Minnesota Fighting Saints - WR Tyler Boyd

In the real world: The Bengals needed a possession receiver after Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu left via free agency, and landed Boyd in Round 2. This is an ideal fit for him because, according to Sigmund Bloom of footballguys.com, he doesn't have the quickness, acceleration or suddenness to be a #1 (which is AJ Green's job in Cincinnati anyway).

In the TUFF world: Minnesota's new owner is determined to strengthen the wide receiver corps and have begun doing so with Sterling Shepard (1.06) and now Boyd. 2014 first-rounder Kelvin Benjamin returns from a torn ACL this season, and 2015 first-rounder Nelson Agholor will be counted on to bounce back from a high ankle sprain. A mild surprise, though, is that the Fighting Saints did not opt for C.J. Prosise (as insurance for Thomas Rawls).

1.10 Baltimore Brown Clowns - RB C.J. Prosise

In the real world: Prosise has only played one season at RB (he played previous two seasons at WR at Notre Dame, and he didn't play RB in high school), which speaks to his opportunities for improvement at the position. It's more likely that he'll be the passing-down/change-of-pace back in Seattle, with Thomas Rawls continuing to get the bulk of the work (assuming he recovers from his broken ankle). Matt Waldman points out that Prosise lost a fumble every 45.6 touches. Seattle also drafted Alex Collins and signed Tre Madden as an undrafted free agent.

In the TUFF world: Smarting from the Dallas Cowboys' selection of Ezekiel Elliott, which messed up Alfred Morris' job situation, Baltimore was in need of depth at running back. Right now, there's no timetable for when Rawls (Minnesota Fighting Saints) will recover from the ankle sprain he suffered last season.

1.11 Carolina Convicts - WR Will Fuller

In the real world: The Houston Texans took Fuller 21st overall because he can create big plays with his speed—potentially the perfect complement to DeAndre Hopkins. He is short on size, however, and drops (9 in each of last two seasons) and small (8.25") hands are additional causes for concern. His NFL.com scouting report compares him to Ted Ginn Jr. (and the writer of this Draft Wrapup couldn't agree more).

In the TUFF world: The Convicts went with depth at wide receiver rather than trade up for Kenneth Dixon (whom they could have handcuffed to two other Baltimore Ravens RBs, Justin Forsett and Buck Allen). Their starting WR trio is Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and John Brown, but the reserves left much to be desired.

1.12 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS - RB Kenyan Drake

In the real world: The Miami Dolphins drafted Drake out of Alabama in Round 3. ESPN's Todd McShay, Rotoworld's Evan Silva and NFL Network's Mike Mayock all see Drake as a passing down/change-of-pace back to the current starter, Jay Ajayi. Matt Waldman notes in his annual Rookie Scouting Portfolio that Drake lost a fumble every 39.9 touches, which might explain why he didn't get used more often at Alabama.

In the TUFF world: The BIG PAPAS had a tough choice here--either take QB Jared Goff to solidify their depth at that position (since Nick Foles did not prove to be a good backup for Andrew Luck), or handcuff Ajayi (their first-round pick a year ago). Drake is the safer bet, given that their other RBs aren't in really good job situations (Darren McFadden will be relegated to 3rd down duty behind Ezekiel Elliott, T.J. Yeldon is going to give up touches to Chris Ivory, and Chris Johnson, who turns 31 in September, will share carries with David Johnson and Andre Ellington).

1.13 Arizona Outlaws - RB Paul Perkins

In the real world: Perkins was drafted by the Giants, whose RB situation seems as muddled as any other, in Round 5. Their starter, Rashad Jennings, is 31 years old. Andre Williams has been used primarily as a short-yardage back. They do have Shane Vereen, who has averaged 4.2 ypc in his five seasons as a pro, but he has been labeled a "scatback" and pigeonholed into the "passing down/change-of-pace back" role. However, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News does not expect Perkins to make much of an impact initially.

In the TUFF world: This pick makes very good sense given Perkins' potential job situation, plus the fact that the Outlaws already have Jennings. Jordan Howard would have been a good pick for Arizona for similar reasons. They probably considered QBs Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, but were evidently willing to gamble that 36-year-old Carson Palmer and reclamation project Robert Griffin III could hold down the fort at quarterback for one more year.

1.14 Carolina Convicts - QB Jared Goff

In the real world: Baptized by fire as a freshman (1-11 in 2013), Goff showed vast improvement in the last two seasons. The Los Angeles Rams mortgaged their future to take him with the first overall pick. Perhaps the Rams learned about his QBASE score—the 9th best in last two decades.

In the TUFF world: Is Goff a good value at this spot? Absolutely. And it so happens that Carolina has an unusual situation this year: Their best quarterbacks, Blake Bortles and Alex Smith, are off in Week 5. (Maybe Smith will get traded to a team in need of a backup at quarterback--Cleveland, the team that drafted Smith 11 years ago, is a possibility there--or to a team that needs help when their starting QB is a bye week at a time when they are still in playoff contention; one possible example could be Pittsburgh in Week 10.)

1.15 New Orleans Chocolate City - WR Michael Thomas

In the real world: Thomas, the nephew of former Jets WR Keyshawn Johnson,  will replace the departed Marques Colston with the Saints, whose best WR options going into the Draft were Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead (they're both a few inches shorter than Thomas). He could be compared favorably to Michael Floyd of the Cardinals.  The only red flag of note: He reportedly struggled with academics and with picking up Ohio State offense early in his college career, which is why his coaches redshirted him in 2013.  NFL playbooks can be much tougher than college playbooks.

In the TUFF world: Thomas is a homer pick of sorts for Tommy Hartdegen (because the New Orleans Saints drafted him). He was in the "green room" for far too long--he usually goes in the first eight picks in most rookie drafts, and here he is at #15 (hence the green check mark). What was once a terrible wideout corps has gotten a serious boost with Amari Cooper and Dorial Green-Beckham last year, and now Thomas--truth be told, even with the mental red flag, he was my second choice at 1.08.

1.16 Denver Devils - QB Carson Wentz

	In the real world: Wentz has a lot of what NFL teams want in a quarterback (size--similar to Joe Flacco--intelligence, mobility, work ethic). Can he handle the NFL spotlight after growing up in North Dakota his whole life? He only had 23 FCS starts, so there could be a steep learning curve here.
	In the TUFF world: Peyton Manning retired, but Denver lucked out by getting Wentz here. Long-term, Wentz could be an upgrade over unproven Brock Osweiler, who has had all of seven starts thus far in his career; and Tyrod Taylor, who has only been a starting quarterback for one season himself. In the short term, he'll hedge any bets on Osweiler and Taylor.

2.01 Dallas Junglehawgs - RB Jordan Howard

In the real world: Howard transferred from Alabama-Birmingham after UAB's controversial decision to end its football program, and ran for over 1,200 yards last season despite missing three games plus the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Todd McShay: "Howard does not miss many holes, showing the ability to make decisions at full speed, which is critical in the NFL." Sigmund Bloom argues that he has no burst or second gear. Howard reportedly had trouble with catching passes and picking up blitzes, and if that continues in the NFL, he won't be on the field as much. However, he lands in an intriguing job situation in Chicago, whose running back corps is presently led by second-year man Jeremy Langford, who was inconsistent as a rookie; and the unimpressive Ka'Deem Carey.

In the TUFF world: I really like this pick. What impressed me about Howard is how well he did against three of the Big Ten's better teams: 68 carries for 490 yards and 5 TD's against Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan. For the Golden Tornadoes, Ezekiel Elliott (1.01) may be the instant starter, but Howard should add quality depth.

2.02 Tennessee Taz Devils - QB Paxton Lynch

	In the real world: The Denver Broncos traded up to get Lynch and anoint him as their quarterback of the future. He's got the arm, mobility, and size, but hasn't been as consistent as he should be. Question: How does he do vs. pass rushes? He did not fare well vs. Auburn in Birmingham Bowl
	In the TUFF world: Another great value here--if Lynch develops as John Elway expects he will, Tennessee will have gotten its backup for Aaron Rodgers without trading up or reaching--or even using a Round 1 pick.

2.03 Denver Devils - TE Hunter Henry

In the real world: Four years ago, the San Diego Chargers drafted LaDarius Green with the idea that he would be the long-term replacement for veteran Antonio Gates. Green did become a long-term replacement for a veteran tight end, but only after leaving for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent (to replace the retired Heath Miller). Enter Henry, this year's best TE prospect.  Without any obvious weaknesses, he should replace Gates in the long run.

In the TUFF world: Even after acquiring Jordan Reed in a trade with Minnesota earlier this offseason, the Devils still needed depth at tight end. In the short-term, Henry will be a far more solid backup than the other tight ends already on Denver's roster. Will Tye (Giants) is still a relative unknown, and Jeff Heuerman (who is recovering from a torn ACL) is stuck in a committee on the Denver Broncos.

2.04 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddy's - WR Leonte Carroo

In the real world: Carroo produced despite being the Scarlet Knights' only receiving threat (in 2014 and 2015 combined: 94 receptions for 1,895 yards and 20 TDs). Last October, however, he was suspended after he was accused of slamming a woman into the concrete outside the Rutgers football facility. The woman, who was in a previous relationship with Carroo, refused to testify against him and the domestic violence charge was dropped.  The Miami Dolphins drafted him in Round 3; he has Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker in front of him, and he'll need to beat out Kenny Stills to be the #3 receiver.

In the TUFF world: Indy needed help at wideout. Eric Decker was their most productive WR last year. The next three most productive--Ted Ginn Jr., James Jones and Willie Snead--tell a tale of how much help they need. Two were free agent pickups, and the other (Jones) was still looking for a job at the time this Draft Wrapup was published.  The domestic violence issue scares me, though--a similar thing happened with Dorial Green-Beckham when he was in college, and I can only hope that it does not happen again.

2.05 New Orleans Chocolate City - RB Alex Collins

In the real world: Collins rushed for 1,000 yards and at least 5.4 yards per carry in each of his three seasons. He got the chance to be the #1 running back for Arkansas after Jonathan Williams went down with a foot injury. Mel Kiper: "Collins has had occasional ball-security issues, but in terms of raw ability, he's much closer to (Ezekiel) Elliott than many realize."

In the TUFF world: Running back depth was also a need for New Orleans coming into this draft.  Their top RB, Jeremy Hill, is still sharing carries with Geovani Bernard (Detroit Vipers), Arian Foster remains unsigned coming off a torn Achilles', and Joique Bell hasn't landed anywhere since being cut by the Lions.  Collins was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in what shapes up to be a crowded backfield with Thomas Rawls (Minnesota Fighting Saints) and C.J. Prosise (Baltimore Brown Clowns) ahead of him. Welcome to the Seattle Running Back Crapshoot, Tommy.

2.06 Minnesota Fighting Saints - WR Pharoh Cooper

In the real world: Cooper ran a 4.60 40 at the Combine, but Todd McShay says he plays faster than that. He was expected to go in Round 2 before his rough Combine performance and subsequent Pro Day performance lowered his draft stock. Sigmund Bloom: "Cooper's poor athletic testing and lack of baseline NFL receiver skills make him tough to project as a success, but he should get a shot due to his production in the SEC and raw ability." The newly-relocated Los Angeles Rams drafted him in Round 4. He's got a decent potential job situation, seeing as the #3 wide receiver spot in LA is up for grabs between Brian Quick (who spent 2015 recovering from a severe 2014 shoulder injury) and Mike Thomas (the Southern Miss version, drafted in Round 6). And he'll have Jared Goff throwing to him rather than Nick Foles or Case Keenum.

In the TUFF world: Bob Andrews went on auto-draft this round and later said he did not want to draft Cooper. Maybe he thought he was setting the auto-draft for his pick in Round 3 when he was making his list for this pick--I don't know and I haven't asked. In any case, Andrews decided to grin and bear it. I can't say I blame him for feeling bad, but given the job situation, it's not that bad of a pick.

2.07 Tampa Bay Meat Goats - RB Jonathan Williams

In the real world: Sigmund Bloom: "Williams has NFL size with surprising lateral agility and balance. His burst is subtle but impressive, with a combination of elusiveness and tackle breaking ability that should translate well. Williams finishes his runs like a pro." The short-term job situation is not so rosy with LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams and Mike Gillislee in front of him (although Gillislee is only on a 1-year contract).

In the TUFF world: Give Paul Granholm credit--he didn't let the job situation scare him. Like another back he drafted five years ago--DeMarco Murray--Williams has serious talent, but his history of injuries is why he fell to Round 4.