S.R.F.L.

The SRFL was started in 2023 based on the AFL-NFL rosters of 1960. 20 SRFL teams began drafting from the 21 existing professional football franchises. A lottery was drawn to determine draft positions and a serpentine style draft was implemented to stock the 20 new SRFL franchises. Let's take a look at the inaugural first round draft for the league.The top picks were not surprises as they represented the cream of the NFL in passing and rushing. The strategy for the rest of the league coaches would begin to flesh out as the drafting progressed.

1	St. Louis	Jim Brown, Cleveland - FB
2	Rich East	Jim Taylor, Green Bay - RB
3	Richmond	Bart Starr, Green Bay - QB
4	Huntley	Johnny Unitas, Baltimore - QB
5	VII Hills	Len Dawson, Cleveland - QB
6	Oldsmar	John Brodie, S.F. - QB
7	Canton	Sonny Jurgensen, Philadelphia - QB
8	Minnesota	Joe Schmidt, Detroit - MLB
9	Missouri	Milt Plum, Cleveland - QB
10	Cleveland	Paul Lowe, San Diego - RB
11	Dracut	Don Maynard, NY Titans - WR
12	Detroit	Abner Haynes, Dallas (AFL) - RB
13	South Beach	Y. A. Tittle, S.F. - QB
14	Michigan	Bobby Mitchell, Cleveland - RB
15	Baja	Willie Wood, GB - S
16	Lakewood	Billy Wade, LA Rams - QB
17	Maine	Jim Otto, Oakland - C
18	Riverbottom	Alex Karras, Detroit - DT
19	Decatur	Ray Nitschke, Green Bay - MLB
20	St. Paul	Forrest Gregg, Green Bay - OT

How valuable are the Quarterback and Running back spots? Of the first 16 picks 13 players shared these two skill positions. While these can provide short term success, some other areas of football can provide more longevity. In 4-5 seasons we might see a turnover in the strength of teams as the "skill" position players begin to show the wear and tear of football.

Now, thanks to the effort of our intrepid Commissioner Rob DiNardo (pictured above), we are able to enjoy the merger of the two leagues 10 years ahead of schedule.