Draft Grades

The PCL Season 2 draft has now officially wrapped up and the time has come to assign some draft grades, ala NFL.

Baltimore Honchkrows
Best Pick: Xerneas. Xerneas is an amazing steal for the Honchkrows and their head coach, Varz. I had Xerneas going off the board by the second or third pick so this was a bit of a lucky slide for Baltimore. Ranking in as one of the most dominant Pokemon in the entire competitive scene, Xerneas will undoubtably be a focal point of the Honchkrows' offense all season long.
Worst Pick: Cofagrigus. Cofagrigus isn't in this spot for being a bad Pokemon; it's just an unusual fit on this team. After taking Xerneas with the 7th overall pick, Varz spent the next several rounds picking counters and walls for Xerneas' threats. This feels like a mispick for a team that sorely lacks a physical sweeping presence.
Analysis: Baltimore succeeded in doing what the best teams do. Vaz picked his star in Xerneas and build around it. Forretress, Houndoom and Gastrodon build up a solid core of checks and counters to protection and modest offensive presence. Galvantula and Venusaur provide some offensive versatility; neither are strong enough to carry the team on their own but each can change the momentum of a battle and provide a valuable KO or two. Cofagrigus will probably not see as much time on the team as others but can provide a nice wall when facing physically threatening teams. Overall the Honchkrows will be a team that plays to their gameplay very well but needs to be smart in their match-ups.
Grade: B

Chicago Beartics
Best Pick: Tentacruel. I'm giving Tentacruel the best pick demarcation not because it's the best Pokemon on this team, but instead because of where it was picked. With Darkrai, Gardevoir and Ferrothorn already on the team the Beartics made a smart choice in adding a very versatile utility Pokemon in Tentacruel. Tentacle will be able to fill a lot of useful roles on this team and provides them flexibility on a game to game basis.
Worst Pick: Rhyperior. A huge defensive presence is brought to the table in Rhyperior, but one that is also prone to a large number of common type weaknesses. With most teams running at least one grass knot, low kick or aqua jet it makes Rhyperior unlikely to stay in for more than a turn or two before being taken out.
Analysis: A wise first five rounds of the draft gave the Beartics a solid core of Darkrai, Gardevoir, Ferrothorn, Tentacruel and Latios. This group looks ready to feast on teams frail in the special defense department with potentially three special sweepers. Unfortunately the last few picks seem to be throw aways in Rhyperior and Mismagius. If I had to venture a guess I'd say that Magnezone (one of CrocodiletheKidd's assigned Pokemon) will be seeing a lot of action as the sixth slot.
Grade: C+

Cleveland Clefables
Best Pick: Terrakion. Terrakion is a very underrated threat competitively bringing a huge physical move pool while also effectively removing any Dark-type attacks your opponent would use through its ability, Justified. While many of the Clefables' opponents this year will find themselves game planning for Arceus and Mega Absol, it'll actually be Terrakion who will clinch victories for this team.
Worst Pick: Swanna. Not the strongest of Pokemon, Swanna was a poor choice when compared to what was still on the board. Better Water and Flying-Types were still available in a large number at the time. Instead Captain Chaos chose to pick up a Pokemon rarely seen competitively; due to its poor stats and shallow move pool.
Analysis: Terrakion and Absol will make a partnership that will threaten almost any team not carrying a dedicated physical wall. Though I do question its selection as the first pick Arceus provides a good typing versatile for this team to cover its weaknesses from one game to the next. Outside of those three (and possibly Starmie) the rest of the group looks like a set of interchangeable set-up and support Pokemon. Expect to see a lot of changes in this team's starting six during each different match-up.
Grade: C-

Jacksonville Jumpluff
Best Pick: Aegislash. The first two picks brought a lot of offense in Kyogre and a lot of defense in Blissey. So what does Mr. Bubbleshot do with his third pick? The Jumpluff go out and grab both offense and defense in Aegislash. Aegis lash will give Jacksonville a great Pokemon to build around and an excellent momentum changer during games. Look for this pick to make a huge impact during this season.
Worst Pick: Hippowdon. On a team with Blissey, Clefable and Aegislash, Hippowdon is definitely not a needed pick. The Jumpluff would have been much better suited had they added another sweeper to the team; perhaps Excadrill or Garchomp if they still wanted a Ground-Type to use STAB Earthquake.
Analysis: It's scary to think about how hard it will be to break the defense of Jacksonville. Blissey, Aegislash and Clefable make a tough group for any trainer to overcome. Paired with Blaziken and Kyogre on offense this has the makings of a top tier team this season.
Grade: A