An integral part of the NFL Draft, the Combine provides Teams with the ability to observe potential players in identical, if artificial, situations. Teams comparing “apples to apples” feel better prepared when weighing their picks and the resultant money they will spend on their new players. In the Professional Grappling Federation, the Managers had the opportunity to observe most of the Season 5 competitors perform in the four events of the PGF Scouting Combine today (29 Oct 2023). These events were grip strength, medicine ball throw, Rollbot breaking mechanics and kills, and catch-and-release (flow rolling).
PGF Competitors first stepped up and demonstrated their grip strength. Using a tool often implemented by physical therapists, the competitors chose one hand to squeeze the device as hard as possible. Some were humbled. Some amazed. In jiu jitsu, grips begin every technique. Winning the grip battle often leads to victory. Here, some lesser-known competitors turned some heads. Representing the county of Duval Florida, Paul Bahri and Matthew Dewees came in at second and third place with 120.8lbs and 117.8lbs of grip strength, respectively. But the competitor who amazed was Travis Thomas. Where most competitors in the low 100s, Travis Thomas registered 143.8lb of grip strength. Managers learned when “the Mantis” Travis Thomas gets ahold of his adversaries, they’re not getting away.
After testing the competitor’s grips, the PGF gave the competitors a chance to show their explosive power with the medicine ball throw. Competitors launched a medicine ball from the same spot and were measured on the distance before the ball first landed. Competitors used various techniques with some competitors trying multiple techniques. In the end, Travis Thomas once again ended up in the top three with 31.1 feet. Carson Thigpen tied Thomas also launching his medicine ball 31.1 feet, but it seems logical that a former collegiate baseball player knows how to throw a ball. Lucas “Church” Claunche likely improved his stock as a new competitor who was subbed in from Sawyer Griffin (under the weather, not injured). Church launched the medicine ball an impressive 33.5 feet.
With the two events testing athleticism out of the way, competitors had two events showcasing their skills. The first included the Roll Bot! The Roll Bot is a next-level grappling dummy. The quality build allows grapplers to truly test their mechanics, providing feedback with actual joint dislocations and breaks. The Roll Bot also has sensors located on each carotid artery testing pressure and whether the uke would tap, flat line, or suffer a “fatality.” Each competitor had to demonstrate an inside heel hook, outside heel hook, and an armbar – providing the Managers a chance to compare competitors” breaking mechanics. After showing off their breaking mechanics, competitors had to demonstrate their killing ability, by demonstrating their rear-naked chokes, triangles (traditional or mounted), head and arm triangles, and any submission of their choice. Of the competitors who participated, Sam Schwartsapfel, the Rock Troll Maximus Jolly, and Nick Craton greatly impressed. When it came to the Sam and Maximus once again impressed, but Cam Hurd and Buddha Tony McClure also opened some eyes. Craton showed DEVASTATING breaking mechanics. Cam and Buddha showed they had more to their games than wrestling, scoring multiple fatalities against the Roll Bot. Sam definitely made the best impression on the Roll Bot, showcasing scary breaking mechanics and multiple fatalities.
Finally, each competitor had one minute each against one of the reserve players to send any message to the managers they wanted. While many competitors showed very smooth flows from takedowns, to passes, to submissions, Handsome Kevin Sherrill provided the most impressive display. Handsome Kevin put on a clinic of takedowns for jiu jitsu. He made sure every manager remembered Handsome Kevin was a former D1 wrestler and state champion. But more than takedowns, Handsome Kevin showed he could achieve dominate positions off those takedowns.
Taking this new information and adding it to their previous research of the competitors, the Managers will have the opportunity to form their teams at 6pm Central TODAY (29 Oct 2023), streamed LIVE on Brandon Mccaghren’s YouTube Channel. Each of the four managers will have a budget of $2500 to assemble their teams. The Draft format follows the Auction-Style of so many fantasy football leagues. The order of the Auction was determined by the Mock Draft held by the PGF Insiders on 22 October. The order resulting from the mock draft set the order of the action. As Elijah Carlton was the first pick in the Mock Draft, he’s the first person on the auction block. Once on the block, each team will get a chance to bid on him with the highest bidder earning a new teammate. Managers must pay each of the five competitors on their teams at least $100, so the max a competitor could receive would be $2100 if the Managers stuck to the PGF budget. HOWEVER, Managers can exceed the $2500, but the Managers must cover any excess money they pay to their teams. Hypothetically, the PGF could have a Major League Baseball situation where the Yankees blow the salary cap and put together a MVP team.
With the dynamics of the multiple teams bidding, players making the case for themselves, the commentary, the comments from the fans and the interaction between all the entities – the PGF Season 5 Auction Draft should be EXCITING! By the end of the night, the teams will be assembled and the regular season schedule will be set. Let’s enjoy a wild draft and get ready for some PGF!!!!!!
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