Tag Archives: leaf draft 2014

NFL

Zumwalt, Jordan

Card: Leaf Draft 2014
Acquired: 2014, Box Breaker

Jordan Zumwalt played linebacker at UCLA from 2010 to 2014.  He finished his time at the college with 216 total tackles (141 solo, 75 assisted), 20 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions for 56 yards- taking one to the house for a TD, and one forced fumble.  Considered an over achiever, teams thought he needed to polish his game at the pro level, but could easily find himself a home as a special teams player or backup linebacker.

The Steelers selected Jordan in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.  He spent both 2014 and 2015 on injured reserve. In 2016, Zumwalt hit the field in the preseason and coaches were impressed by his play- however he was waived during final cuts.

I don’t know why but I got thoroughly turned off by Leaf after 2014, however for me it may have had something to do with risk versus reward, them floating ‘wood’, or a bit of me just being plain greedy. Point being is when I go spend my shrinking budget dollar, it goes typically to either Sage or Leaf. In the end Sage won that battle.  So other than design what became the main driving factor between my choices? Well quality of name would be next- but when the quality is the same- it simply came down to quantity and Sage trumped Leaf in spades.  Sage offers 3-4 autographs per box as opposed to Leaf which offered just 1-2 for the same price point.

NFL

Pedersen, Jacob

leaf12 pedersenCard: Leaf Draft 2014
Acquired: Box Breaker, 2014.

Jacob was a 2013 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection at Wisconsin, where he racked up 541 yards on 39 receptions and 3 touchdowns. His 17 career touchdowns, are most ever for a Wisconsin tight end- a tall order, considering names like Owen Daniels and  Graham Garrett both proceeded him there and went on to become productive pros in the NFL. For his frame, Pedersen gives it his all on blocking downs, and has great hands, locating the ball in traffic and catching the off-errant throw, but needs to put on more bulk to survive the wear and tear of a full NFL season. After the draft Pedersen signed a Free Agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

NFL

Martin, Kareem

leaf12 kmartinCard: Leaf Draft 2014
Acquired: Box Breaker, 2014

Kareem was considered one of the nation’s top defensive end talents entering the 2014 draft. At North Carolina, the Tar Heel had 11.5 sacks (8th) and was an imposing force against the run (23rd).  For his efforts he was an All-ACC First Team selection.

Martin’s combine really showcased what a physical specimen and athlete he is posessing the frame and straight speed that many teams look for. His size allows him to kick inside on passing downs, while his impressive arm and leg strength compensate for his lack of fluidity tackling ball carriers. He was also a tempting prospect as a left end in a 4-3 alignment.  The Arizona Cardinals drafted Martin in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft.  He was penciled in at defensive end, and made 8 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble that season in the Cardinals’ stout defensive line rotation.