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This weeks prompt is #collaboration, which pairs up a multiple Prompt writers for one piece. This piece has been written by Erin Vail and Jake Cantrell.
Welcome to The Prompt’s first ever fantasy Star Wars draft! Erin Vail and Jake Cantrell have drafted two teams full of Star Wars characters, based on how they would fare in the world of the NFL. Whose team has the edge? Which stats don’t lie? Check out their picks, and may the Force be with them!
QB:
Jake’s pick: Darth Maul
Age: 52
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 176 lbs
Analysis: Darth Maul has a double-sided lightsaber, the arm strength to wield it efficiently, and the speed to get away if he needs to. As the only Star Wars character with a double-bladed lightsaber, everything about his game says “dual-threat.” I see him as a Deshaun Watson type, as one who could win the game with his feet, but might fight you with his arm just because he can. And much like Watson, Darth Maul’s run on Star Wars was cut short due to injury, so there’s a ton of potential that we haven’t seen yet.
Erin’s pick: Rey
Age: 19
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 119 lbs
Analysis: You want someone in the quarterback position who is a leader, on and off the field, which is why I’m going with Rey in the QB1 slot. Rey would be a mobile QB, not afraid to leave the pocket or even take a hit: she has a lot of stamina, and isn’t afraid to take risks, like when she mailed herself to Kylo Ren in a space coffin. Rey also has powerful Force abilities, which make up for her smaller hand size. And have you seen her aim? She whipped that lightsaber deep into coverage, right into Kylo’s hand during the Praetorian guard fight. Rey is versatile, athletic, strong, and positive: all attributes which will carry my team to victory.
WR:
Jake’s pick: Yoda
Age: 900
Height: 2’2”
Weight: 29 lbs
Analysis: If the New England Patriots have taught us anything, it’s that if you have the right guy at QB, you can win with ANY WR out there. Yoda would fit their scheme perfectly. As an old, veteran-type player, Yoda is deceptively quick, has major hops for his size, and has a Football IQ like the NFL has never seen. Expect precise, perfect route running and ultra attention to detail, basically a Wes Welker back in the day.
Erin’s pick: R2-D2
Age: 67
Height: 3’7”
Weight: 71 lbs
Analysis: R2-D2 is constantly catching lightsabers and holding onto important things that people in the Star Wars universe need hidden, making him the ideal WR. He can also shoot himself into mid-air, which would be helpful when it came to laying out for catches. R2 is stocky and can fend off a defender or two, and can extend wherever, whenever.
WR:
Jake’s pick: General Grievous
Age: Early 40s?
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 351 lbs
Analysis: I mean he’s giant and has four arms, what more do you want in a deep threat? And while he may have the smallest sample size of any of the prospects, his size and strength are off the charts. It took a double-team of jedi to take him down and on the the gridiron that kind of matchup will, at worst, open up holes for his teammates.
Erin’s pick: Cassian Andor
Age: 26
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 165 lbs
Analysis: Cassian is an extremely agile, speedy athlete with amazing upper body strength. He’s a smaller guy so he can make quick cuts and go deep, and he’s not afraid to get creative. Cassian is also is willing to sacrifice himself for it all.
WR:
Jake’s pick: K-2SO
Age: 12
Height: 7’1”
Weight: Comparable to General Grievous, heavy enough to slam smaller players but light enough to not make a major dent in the floor when he falls.
Analysis: A long, strong, droid who isn’t afraid of contact and his head is almost literally on-a-swivel, which will help on those dangerous routes across the middle. And hand size, would ya look at those mitts?! Most importantly, K-2SO knows that the play you called only has a 5% chance of getting a first down, but he’s going to give it his all to try anyway. Everyone knows you can’t coach effort and K-2SO would/did give his life for his team.
Erin’s pick: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Age: 57
Height: 6’
Weight: 175 lbs
Analysis: Another Force user with a long history of agility and patience. Obi-Wan knows exactly where the ball is coming from, and where it’s going – so you can count on him to make solid catches and gain decent yardage. He’ll bring veteran leadership and valuable experience to the team.
RB:
Jake’s pick: CHIRRUT IMWE
Age: 52
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 150 lbs
Analysis: Okay so I know what you’re thinking, a blind running back can’t find a running lane. But when you are one with the force and the force is one with you, not only do you find the holes that would be clearly visible, but you also see the holes before they open up. Great anticipation, and ironically, great vision, which paired with his speed makes Imwe a can’t miss talent at running back.
Erin’s pick: Mace Windu
Age: 57
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 207 lbs
Analysis: Mace Windu is all power, but is also extremely controlled in how he wields it. He’s definitely got the muscle to push through the line, but is graceful as he is tall. He’s also able to jump extremely high in the air thanks to the Force, giving him somewhat of a leapfrog ability.
RB:
Jake’s pick: Jyn Erso
Age: 21
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 121 lbs
Analysis: Running since she was a child, Jyn is athletic in a small frame. She has an explosive first step and awareness to find the holes in a defense. Look for Jyn not only to contribute to the run game but also catch passes out of the backfield, much like similarly short but speedy backs Darren Sproles or Jaquizz Rodgers.
Erin’s pick: BB-8
Age: 10
Height: 2’2”
Weight: 39 lbs
Analysis: This guy rolls so fast, everywhere, all the time, and would have no problem finding the holes in the defense.
TE:
Jake’s pick: Chewbacca
Age: 234
Height: 7’6”
Weight: 243 lbs
Analysis: Imagine a tight-end that’s just a wrecking ball to the defense. Someone too fast to cover with a linebacker and too big to lockdown with a corner. An actual animal on the field, who can’t muster the brain power to speak and communicates solely by yelling undecipherable groans, scoring touchdowns, and slamming people/things into the ground. Yes, it’s Gronk, but this version is covered in fur. Look for similar output from Chewbacca.
Erin’s pick: Kylo Ren
Age: 30
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
Analysis: Kylo Ren is bulky and muscular, tall and strong, and definitely not afraid to get physical. He’s able to leap over defenders and run right through them – and let’s not forget how emotional he can get. That emotion can help propel his power and success in any position on the field.
FLEX:
Jake’s pick: Han Solo
Age: 63
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 165 lbs
Analysis: Han is the ultimate flex. He’s constantly making up plans on the fly and being resourceful in order to get him and his friends out of whatever mess he got them in. Look for him to contribute all over the field, maybe even in the passing game, as the smuggler always seems to have a trick up his sleeve.
Erin’s pick: Darth Vader
Age: 46
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 299 lbs (with armor)
Analysis: Who better to fill every position on the field than the man who has been on both sides of the battle? Vader is tall, quick, extremely powerful with the Dark Side of the Force, physical, and downright ruthless. He’ll choke the ball out of the defense’s hands if need be, and you can count on him to never drop a pass or fumble. Vader’s an experienced leader, too, vocal when necessary, and still has surprising wingspan.
D/ST:
Jake’s pick: Stormtroopers
Analysis: An unbreakable unit, brainwashed to be fundamentally sound. While they may not make the big plays that will win you a game, you won’t have to worry about the costly mistakes and penalties that will lose you a game.
Erin’s pick: Padme’s decoys
Analysis: Padme’s decoys have all been training their entire lives to step up to the big leagues. They’re willing to die for their queen, and equally skilled in physicality and communication. Also, Padme’s decoys have an incredible amount of restraint, discipline, and coldness when necessary. They’re not letting anything get by them.
COACH:
Jake’s pick: Emperor Palpatine
Age: 88
Analysis: So sometimes there’s a formula to success and in the NFL it looks like that formula is getting an evil, old, short guy to wear a hood and convert people to the dark side to help them reach their full potential. The evil emperor took Tom Brady, a clumsy QB with one of the worst combines in history and made him into a powerful force the universe both hates and fears. And Palpatine did nearly the same thing with Anakin, a jedi who lost his lightsaber and was rejected by the elders of the Jedi Council. And neither Belichick nor Palpatine lost faith in their apprentices when they went through the weird ponytail phase.
Erin’s pick: Mon Mothma
Age: 53
Analysis: Mon Mothma’s been low key running the Rebellion since before it was officially created. She’s a soft spoken leader who knows sometimes, sacrifices have to be made. (RIP, many Bothans) She also has a track record of success: two Death Stars destroyed is no easy feat. You want someone calm, cool, and collected in a leadership role, and Mon Mothma will bring a steady hand to the team.
BN 1:
Jake’s pick: Padme
Age: 27
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 99 lbs
Analysis: Padme is a real value pick. She’s a powerful leader with a lot of heart and someone who isn’t afraid to get dirty in the trenches (Anakin wasn’t the only one falling in love with her during Episode II when she helped battle their way out of the arena.), which are qualities you can’t have enough of on a team.
Erin’s pick: Leia Organa
Age: 20
Height: 5’
Weight: 100 lbs
Analysis: Leia has spirit, quiet strength, and isn’t afraid to leave everything she has on the field. She’ll sneak by defenses with ease, can run quick, dependable routes, and is the only person you want open for a last second Hail Mary, when you consider her track record of delivering the Death Star plans. Leia is reliable when you need it the most, and always willing to give a good pep talk.
BN 2:
Jake’s pick: Baze Malbus
Age: 53
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 176 lbs
Analysis: Another member of the Rogue One team, which means a real team player who would give their all for the squad. Not to mention he’s incredibly stout and would likely be immovable for nearly anyone he matched up against.
Erin’s pick: Count Dooku
Age: 83
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 189 lbs
Analysis: Another Dark Side force user, Count Dooku’s got skills and style. He’s all about flourish, and although he might be a bit cocky, he’s got a lot of heart. Dooku has a lot of strength and speed, and his height gives him an advantage. Plus, the Force lightning he can generate will be a roadblock for any defense he comes up against.
BN 3:
Jake’s pick: Galen Erso
Age: 56
Height: 6’
Weight: 181 lbs.
Analysis: While he’s maybe not an early choice off the board, Galen Erso is a valuable glue-guy to have on the team. Smart enough to design the Death Star, but also smart enough to design a flaw and enable the resistance to defeat it, he’s obviously a smart guy. Not to mention his knowledge of both the empire and the rebellion could definitely come in handy. And when he’s not contributing on the field, his knowledge and veteran savvy will make him a valuable mentor to younger members of the team.
Erin’s pick: Lando Calrissian
Age: 33
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 175 lbs
Analysis: Lando is a bit of a wildcard, but that would make him an exciting player to watch under any circumstances. He’s not afraid to take risks, which sometimes can be costly – but when they pay off, the entire team collects. Lando has fast feet and always has a backup plan – he can get away with almost anything.
Which team do you think will go all the way this year? Let Erin and Jake know on Twitter!
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