Locomotives’ UFL Draft picks facing uphill climb

For the eight players who will be selected by the Las Vegas Locomotives in today's United Football League Draft, here's a little friendly advice -- don't rush out and splurge on anything fancy.

If history is any indication, the chances of the draftees-to-be making the 2011 roster of the two-time defending UFL champs are going to be difficult at best. In 2010, the Locos selected 12 players in the UFL Draft. Of those 12, only safety Lewis Baker was on the roster at the end of the season when the Locos defeated Florida Nov. 27 to win their second title.

"It's not going to be easy to make this club," Locos president and head coach Jim Fassel said. "But that doesn't mean the guys we draft can't make it. We'll look for the same three things in who we draft as we do with free agents and anyone else we bring in. One, we want guys who want to be with us. Two, how committed he is to playing, and three, what his passion for football is. After that, I worry about speed, size, things like that."

Today's UFL Draft is for rookies who were not selected in last week's NFL Draft as well as any player who is not contractually tied to any football league (NFL, UFL or the Canadian Football League). There will be 10 rounds with the five UFL teams (Las Vegas, Sacramento, Hartford, Omaha and Virginia) having five minutes to make their picks. Because of two trades last year, the Locos have only eight picks.

The league will announce each selection via Twitter beginning at 5 p.m..

"We're not going to have time to have lengthy discussions," Fassel said of the Locos' draft plans. "If we make a move, it has to be quick. We have to have it all strategized out before we pick."

Last week, the Locos formulated their 10-man Reserve Unsigned list, comprised of veterans who have pro experience. Among those selected were running back J.J. Arrington, who had played for the Arizona Cardinals, former Chicago Bears defensive back Kevin Payne, Mike Montgomery, a defensive end who played with the Green Bay Packers and guard Tim Duckworth, who was a member of the New Orleans Saints' 2009 Super Bowl championship team.

"We've been able to address some needs with the reserve list," Fassel said. "We think the 10 guys we have can come in and help us. They all have NFL experience and they have all indicated they want to be with us."

Fassel said he did not take a quarterback last week and will likely not take one today. He's happy with Chase Clement as his starter and if veteran Tim Rattay returns from his torn Achilles tendon injury, he's comfortable.

"Tim's coming along great," Fassel said. "But Chase is our starter and Tim knows that. We're hoping to have Tim back with us so we'll see how it goes. We're not on the field until July so there's plenty of time for him to get ready and be with us."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.Follow him on Twitter @stevecarprj.