For the second time in three years, another South Dakotan saw his dream of playing in the NFL come true. Sunday, Aberdeen native Taylor Mehlhaff was drafted in the 6th round by the New Orleans Saints. Mehlhaff follows in the footsteps of Mt. Vernon native Chad Greenway, who was drafted in the first round two years ago.

Now the real work begins for Mehlhaff. He'll begin Saints rookie camp May 9th. Mehlhaff will enter camp looking to dethrone incumbent Martin Gramatica. But when I spoke to Mehlhaff Sunday afternoon, he wasn't afraid of the challenge. By the tone of the voice, it seemed to me it will inspire him. He knows nothing is handed to you in life. I truely feel Mehlhaff can be the Saints opening day kicker, hopefully he can avoid injuries in the preseason and come in at the top of his game.

Here's how I look at it. Kickers don't often get drafted. Normally, they are one of the thousand of players inked to free agent deals following the conclusion of the draft. But in Mehlhaff's case, he was drafted. So clearly the Saints think he can get the job done on the next level. The former Badger is known for his explosive leg, and hopefully the veteran Gramatica can offer a few tips to the latest member of the South Dakota NFL Club. It's a small but rather tight group.

One more thing on the Draft....I laugh at the "report cards" that are handed out following the draft. The kids haven't even put on a jersey yet and everyone is saying "oh that team did terrible"....The only thing I can somewhat understand is pre-draft analysis on players...but to say a team had a bad draft before even stepping foot on a field is crazy....

Now onto "Mailbag Monday"....Don't forget if you have a question you want answered, email me at tpeters@ksfy.com

Tim,
I enjoyed your article about Coach Lavin in your last blog. With the great run the Coyotes made this season, do you think that momentum will run into next season when they make the jump to D-1 and how do you think the team will do?
Steve
Yankton, SD

Steve,
It's hard to say what kind of momentum the team will bring into next season as so many key players will have graduated. The back-bone of this year's squad were the Hoffmans. Now, I'm not saying the Yotes will struggle next year. They return a good core, but remember, they'll be entering uncharted waters. I think Ryun Williams is the perfect coach to lead the Coyotes into their new era.

Tim,
I am a huge baseball fan and played club baseball a couple of years ago. One thing I always wanted was to play baseball for my high school. Has South Dakota talked about making baseball an official high school sport and do you think it would be a good idea?
John
Sioux Falls, SD

John,
Yes the SDHSAA has talked about making baseball a varsity sport, but that may not happen until 2020....why 2020, because decisions around here are made at a snails pace. And honestly, baseball doesn't generate revenue. So who knows what will happen. Do I think they should make it a varsity sport...absolutely....I think they should move it to the summer like they do in Iowa so they can get in more than just 8 games a year.

Tim,
I am a huge Twins fan and after beating the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1987 World Series I don't really mind YOUR Cardinals either. Both teams have gotten off to better than expected starts. Between the Twins and the Cardinals, who do you think will win another World Series first?
Sandy
Sioux Falls, SD

Sandy,
I'm glad you can tolerate my Redbirds as I do the same with the Twins. While the Twins got off to a decent start, I think the true Twins are beginning to show. They are in a brutal division (unlike my Cardinals) and honestly, a third/fourth place finish won't be something to hang your head about....
Being that I'm a Cards fan, from STL, do I really have to answer your question on who will win a series first? I think we all know my answer.