The Paris Musketeers had a somewhat disappointing 2023 season going 6-6, but for a first-year team it was a solid season. The expectations are sky-high in 2024, but let’s break down the roster to see if they are contenders or pretenders in the 2024 European League of Football season.
Roster Breakdown
The team consists of 52 players with 4 American imports and 6 European imports.
Quarter Back:
At Quarterback, the team brings back Zach Edwards, a former all-star in the ELF, Edwards struggled at times last year. Now, a lot of that due was due to poor offensive line play, but Edwards also has to be a bit smarter with the ball. If he can keep his composure, the Musketeers should be great this year.
Running Back:
Jason Aguemon returns as the Musketeers top rusher, but he wasn’t as effective as the Paris Musketeers needed last year, rushing for only 333 yards in 12 games. Most of this team’s rushing attack comes from Zach Edwards, but for this team to be effective, Edwards will need to stay in the pocket and deliver the ball while his running backs get it done on the ground.
Wide Receivers:
At wide receiver, this team adds a 1st team all-star in Anthony Mahongou while also adding American import Austin Mitchell. Mitchell went to Southeastern Louisiana University and is an absolute burner, running a 4.55 40 yard dash. Look for this duo to lead the way for this team.
Offensive Line:
This offensive line needs to improve greatly if the Musketeers have any chance of becoming champions this year after Zach Edwards led the league in sacks taken last year. To boost this front, Paris added great players in Lewis Thomas and former CFL player Toby Lettman. They should be much improved from 2023.
Defensive Line:
On the defensive front, this team will be lead by second team all-star Aslan Zetterberg who comes over from the Stuttgart Surge. Look for Stanley Zeregbe, Mamdou Sy, and Vincent Buffet to also make some noise as homegrown players.
LineBackers:
The strength of this team is in their linebackers this year with Dauson Dales returning for another year. Dales was fifth in the ELF with 93 total tackles last season. To help him out, the Musketeers signed former Notre Dame and UCLA linebacker Jordan Genmark Heath. Genmark Heath is an E-import and brings amazing talent to the ELF.
Defensive Backs:
At defensive back the Musketeers signed the best defensive player in the league last year, Maceo Beard. Beard led the league in interceptions for the Helvetic Guards in 2023 and is a huge signing for this team. Joining him is Chandler Jones, a former Division-I cornerback at University of Louisville who should be one of the top defensive backs in the league this year.
Conclusion
This roster is good, really good. The defense may have had the best offseason of any in the ELF, but I do worry about this offense and their rushing attack. The offensive line has improved and if Edwards can cut down on turnovers (12 interceptions last year) this team will no doubt be at the top of the league by years end. Time will only tell how this mostly new group holds up, but the football in Paris should be a lot better this year.
Offseason Grade: A
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