CFF Series - VP's Way-Too Early 2024 1.01 Candidate

VP takes an early look toward next season's CFF drafts, and one name is immediately standing out as the top player for 2024.

Night’s quiet, with only one to witness…

- Invent Animate, music band

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Ah, October—the enchanting gateway to fall, my absolute favorite season. I must admit; I'm a tad suspicious of anyone who claims to dislike autumn. The notion that it heralds the arrival of Canada's unforgiving winter simply doesn't faze me. The darkness, the crisp chill in the air, cozying up by a crackling fire—these are all things I eagerly anticipate. Moreover, it's the holiday season, and every day seems to be an occasion for football. You'll never hear me complain about that…

The other evening, I decided to embark on an evening stroll, relishing the vibrant tapestry of autumn hues adorning Toronto's foliage. A gentle breeze rustled through the moonlit canopy as I slipped in my AirPods and wandered through the nearby neighborhoods. Approaching a bustling intersection, it suddenly struck me that it was already 8:30 pm. This meant one of my favourite bakeries might still be open. Should I drop by to greet Jeff, the friendly baker, and perhaps purchase a half-dozen chocolate chip cookies? I debated with myself, "I probably shouldn't; it's getting late, and sugary treats at this hour aren't the wisest choice." Despite my inner warning, I pressed on, thinking, "There's no harm in stopping by to say 'hello,' right?"

Stepping into the bakery, I wondered if Jeff would remember me from my visits during the previous two autumns when I purchased pumpkin pies. To my delight, he did. With some reluctance, he informed me that they had no pies ready and were close to closing for the night. He added that I should have given him a heads-up about my visit. Waving my hands, I reassured him, "Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not here to make a purchase; I just wanted to see if you'd remember me." He chuckled and replied, "Of course, last time you were here, we chatted about my fantasy football team while I prepared your order."

Relieved, I recalled, "That's right, if I remember correctly, your team wasn't doing so well." Jeff laughed, saying, "Yeah, I'm definitely better at baking than fantasy football, thankfully." I nodded in agreement, "I can vouch for that. You know what, Jeff? I think I will place an order after all. Can I get some cookies to go if you have some left?" Jeff nodded and began preparing my order. As he worked, he asked, "But you're more into college football, right?" I confirmed, "Yes, that's correct. So, I'll make sure to give you some names next time I come in, ones to keep an eye on for rookie picks in your NFL fantasy draft. Maybe that'll help your teams." "That'd be fantastic," he said with a smile, handing me a bag of cookies. I bade farewell to Jeff the baker and resumed my evening stroll.

I increased the volume on my AirPods, deciding to surrender to the inevitable temptation. I plucked a cookie from the bag and savored it as I walked. The song playing was unfamiliar, chosen because the band I admired had deemed it their favorite from their latest album. I reasoned that if they created music I liked, their recommendation was worth considering. The song was passable, with some pleasant moments, but nothing I'd revisit. That is, until I reached the outro. The contrast between the gentle vocals and the robust instrumentals, akin to a warm cookie dipped into a glass of cold milk, paired with an eerie production, proved utterly mesmerizing. "Is this what ascending to heaven feels like?" I mused before taking another bite of the chocolate chip cookie. The gentle autumn breeze caressed my face, it was a strangely quiet night in Toronto’s core, and my inner voice concurred, "Yes, this must be it."

With all of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs met in that moment, my thoughts naturally turned to the next pressing matter—who would be the top pick in next season's CFF drafts if the season ended today?

One name immediately came to mind, followed by the thought that I probably should have purchased some milk to go along with these cookies, because now my mouth is getting kind of dry. Moments of bliss are fleeting, as they say…