2021-2022 USFL Offseason Report: January Edition

January 27, 2022

Welcome back, USFL Fans, and, boy, do we have some news to share. With camps about to open across the country, the USFL is buzzing with news and activity in preparation for the league’s 40^th season. The Draft concluded this past weekend, and it certainly had some surprises, including a trade at the very top. We will break down both the Territorial and Open Draft results, bring you up to date on all the player movement across the league, including the trades that impacted draft day, and get you prepared for the final phase of offseason player acquisition by previewing the names highlighting the upcoming NFL-USFL Transfer Window. All this plus a look at the 10 biggest roster gaps yet to be addressed in the offseason as we get set for our 40^th year of covering USFL football. It’s all coming up, so don’t go anywhere.

Flurry of Trades Creates Wild Draft Week

Maybe it was the lack of QB depth in the draft. Maybe the sense that the T-Draft was where the action was. Or maybe teams just did not like where they stood and how their cap situation was panning, out, but this year’s USFL Draft set a record with 47 picks swapped between the Territorial and Open Drafts, and that includes 15 different teams moving up, down, or out of the first round of the Open Draft. It made for entertaining television as the announcers and pundits kept having to readjust on the fly as trades came in just as picks were due and teams either moved up or dropped down to try to maximize the value of their picks. Even with the knowledge that half, if not more, of the players chosen this week would find their way to NFL rosters instead of spring football camps, there was more than enough activity to make it a very engaging watch.

So, what kicked off the flurry of moves? Well, it seems a pretty innocuous trade of late T-Draft choices was the trigger, indirectly we think, for what would become a parade of moves and deals. There were, of course, several picks that had already changed hands, either from 2021 deals or as part of early offseason swaps, but the move that seemed to kick things off was when Seattle and Atlanta came up with a deal to swap their 2^nd T-Draft picks. The plan was clear, Seattle had two top corners on the board in Washington’s Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon. Atlanta, hungry for a nickel corner to help against the passing attacks of Dak Prescott (TBY), Trevor Lawrence (JAX), Russell Wilson (ORL), and the newly-signed Paxton Lynch (CHA), was eager to try to nab one of the two. Seattle, on the other hand, was looking at the deep pool of Georgia Bulldog players, had their eye on DT Jordan Davis and had no faith that Davis would last until the end of the first round in the Open Draft, even if Atlanta did not use one of their 3 T-Draft picks on him. And so, the deal was cut, 2^nd pick for 2^nd pick. We would not see the results of those picks, with Seattle taking Davis after Atlanta used their 1^st choice on LB Quay Walker, and with Atlanta choosing Kyler Gordon after Seattle’s first pick, Trent McDuffie, was named, but the impact of the early deal was that it seemed to open a flood of swaps.

By the day of the Territorial Draft, not only had 11 teams traded away at least one of their picks, but in the mix, the Charlotte Monarchs traded away their 1^st overall pick, only 2 days before the first selections were announced. The deal, one which gave the LA Express the first overall pick in the Open Draft, allowed Charlotte to use LA’s first overall Territorial pick and still have the 13^th overall pick come the Open Draft. The Monarchs would use their two top picks to do what many USFL teams rely on, the “double down”, selecting two top tier players in the same position in the hopes that they can land one of the two and not get shut out of a position of need.

That need for Charlotte was clear, a weapon for their new QB, Paxton Lynch. So, when it was time for LA’s first Territorial pick, Charlotte wasted no time, announcing that they would use the swapped pick to select USC wideout Drake London. Four days later, when pick 13 in the Open Draft was on the clock, the Monarchs sent up the card with another wideout named, this time Penn State’s Jahon Dotson. But before that second choice was announced, LA stepped into the first Open Draft slot, making a bid for one of the top defenders in the draft, Georgia DE Travon Walker. Walker, not chosen by an Atlanta team that feels pretty good at DE, was a clear favorite to be the top pick, and LA securing the pick and salivating over the idea of Walker lining up opposite Nick Bosa, did what it had to, moving up 12 spots to land the player they see as a potential bookend pass rusher.

But Charlotte moving out of the top spot was hardly the only movement in the first round of the 2022 Open Draft. We saw teams moving up and down all day long, gaining extra picks by stepping back or jumping up to get the player they most coveted. Among the movers were San Antonio, who jumped from 9^th to 3^rd, swapping with Jacksonville to get their chance to select Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson. Jacksonville, who initially dropped to 9^th with that deal, would then drop again, swapping with Ohio at 19. Interestingly, both Ohio and Jacksonville would choose halfbacks, with Ohio moving up to the 9-spot to select Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker, while Jacksonville still got the man they wanted at 19^th, with Georgia back James Cook, and added a few additional picks along the way as well.

Las Vegas also opted to drop down twice, first giving their 8^th pick to Oakland at 13, so the Invaders could select Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning, then dropping from 13 down to 26 so Chicago could select Alabama wideout Jameson Williams. Done moving down the board, at 26 Las Vegas selected guard Kenyon Green from Texas A&M. But perhaps our favorite mover and shaker in the first round was St. Louis, who, recognizing they needed volume as much as they needed talent, dropped from the 4-spot, then packaged picks again to finish with 2 picks in the first round, the 27 and 29, all without losing their 2^nd rounder. So, what did they get with 3 picks between 27 and 34? How about Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce, UConn DT Travis Jones, and, the piece-de-resistance, Georgia safety Lewis Cine. That is two likely starters on defense and a deep ball weapon for Lamar Jackson. Now, the tricky part, of course, is that any or all of the three could opt for the NFL and make St. Louis’s moves look like a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing (Shakespeare at the USFL Draft? Wow, look at us being sophisticated!)

Trading, moving, and making deals was all the rage in the draft, both in Monday’s T-Draft and the Friday-Saturday Open Draft. It was a whirling dervish of activity, cards, announcements, and deals. We will review all the big picks, of course, but the story of the day was the willingness of teams to make deals, move picks, and put themselves in a position to get who they wanted, when they wanted. Will there be winners and losers? Oh, you bet! But we likely won’t know who those are until after the signing flurry between the NFL and the USFL concludes and we see just who got the help they need and who lost out.

So how do we analyze the draft in a year like this? Well, we focus on the players selected, trusting that the USFL will, as it usually does, finish the next few weeks with about 50% of all chosen players on their rosters, and that the ones who do sign are the players in high need positions. So, for today’s analysis, we will focus on the picks we like best and the potential they provide, potential USFL GMs hope come to fruition with players suited up for spring football.  We will go in the order of the Open Draft before the trades, starting with the 1-15 Charlotte Monarchs and finishing with the 2-Time League Champion Tampa Bay Bandits.

CHARLOTTE MONARCHS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: QB Sam Howell (UNC)

The choice of Howell was not really a surprise, after all he was one of the top rated QBs to come out this year and Charlotte was a team with horrible QB play in 2021, but what makes this pick so interesting is the fact that Charlotte already made their move to land a QB in Paxton Lynch. Lynch is only 26, so it is not as if they see him as a short-term bridge as they get Howell pro-ready. So, is the plan to develop Howell and then trade Lynch? Or are they just not as confident in one or the other as we think they should be?

The Sure Thing: Getting WR Drake London in the trade with LA seems a no-brainer. If he signs with the Monarchs over the NFL Falcons, he could be the go-to guy for Paxton Lynch from the start of the season. He is polished enough to make an immediate impact.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: We really like two mid-round picks, CB Martin Emmerson and TE Jake Ferguson. Both have a lot of upside and both should be able to make the roster on special teams if they come to Charlotte. 

SAN DIEGO THUNDER

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Thunder did not have a particularly deep pool, and no players rated as 1^st round talent, so they were happy to trade their top pick to TE-hungry Baltimore, secure in the belief that the Blitz would be going for UCLA’s Greg Dulcich. The swap of picks allowed San Diego to select a position of need as well, choosing Montana State LB Troy Anderson. It was a risky move by the Thunder because Baltimore had to be persuaded to select Montana State as a supplemental 4^th school ahead of the draft, giving San Diego a shot at Anderson.

The Sure Thing: First Round Pick, LSU corner Derek Stingley Jr., has elite man coverage skills and is fast, like jackrabbit fast (4.37 Forty). He could challenge veteran Justin Gilbert for a starting position in short time.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: WR Jalen Nailor out of Michigan State needs more snaps and more coaching to be a better route runner, but the raw talent is there. He may be a steal in the 5^th round. 

JACKSONVILLE BULLS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: With Clemson and Florida as 2 of their 3 protected schools (along with FIU), there was no need for the Bulls to get fancy. They had plenty of talent to choose, and they started with a clear need at cornerback, selecting Florida’s Kaiir Elam. Elam is a rangy CB with good physicality who could find himself competing with A. J. Terrell for a starting job from Day One.

The Sure Thing: We love that Jacksonville dropped down twice in the first round and was still able to get a talented back like Georgia’s James Cook. Brother of the Bandit’s multitalented Dalvin, James might actually be a bit shiftier, a nice pairing with the more direct style of Bulls’ 2^nd year back Chubba Hubbard.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: If Cook ends up signing with the NFL Bills, there is still T-Draft pick Dameon Pierce out of Florida, a pretty decent consolation prize.

ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: St. Louis, with 2^nd string All-USFL center Rudy Niswanger established at the pivot, had no desire to draft Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum, so they made a deal with Orlando, allowing the Renegades to select the burley lineman, while St. Louis happily snapped up 2^nd and 4^th round open draft picks. With their first T-Draft pick (2^nd round) they went with an intriguing choice, Indiana LB Micah McFadden. Certainly a position of need for the Skyhawk defense.

The Sure Thing: Of the three players St. Louis chose in their drop-down strategy, we think the one with the greatest immediate impact has to be WR Alec Pierce. He runs crisp routes and he will contest balls in the air.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: CB Dallis Flowers, a 7^th round pick out of Division 2 Pittsburg State (which is in Kansas, by the way) will have to adjust to a much faster, much bigger game, but he could be a solid special teamer until he does.

PORTLAND STAGS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: In one of the least surprising picks of the entire week, Portland quickly announced that Oregon DE Keyveon Thibodeaux would be their first protected player. Despite missing some 2021 games with an ankle injury, the All Conference edge rusher still had 7 sacks and 12 tackles for lossin his final season. Expect him to line up along with another duck, Dion Jordan if he signs with the in-state Stags.

The Sure Thing: If they land Thibodeaux, well, that is your answer, but behind door number two is also Ohio State tackle, Nicholase Petit-Frere. He may not be the best tackle in the draft, but what we do know is that he is used to mashing it up with the big boys.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Portland just loves to stockpile backs. They already have veteran Doug Martin and 2021 first pick (via trade in the T-Draft) Javonte Williams, but they also added another back (if he signs) in 4^th rounder Jordan Mason out of Georgia Tech. If Martin has lost a step, expect Mason to sub in for Williams regularly.

OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Outlaws went Defense-Defense-Defense with their 3 picks, choosing OU LB Nik Bonitto, OU DT Perrion Winfrey, and OSU LB Devin Harper with their three picks. Seems a good idea considering the defense was such an issue in 2021.

The Sure Thing: The Outlaws had to be beside themselves when they saw that not only had WR George Pickens escaped the T-Draft, but he had also dropped to them at 6. They wasted no time selecting the Georgia receiver, but will now have to compete with the NFL Steelers to sign the former Bulldog.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: QB Skylar Thompson will need time to grow into form if he lands in Oklahoma instead of Miami (NFL), but with Jalen Hurts as the starter he will have time to develop, and we think Skylar could be a very effective practice squad foil for the Outlaws.

WASHINGTON FEDERALS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Another team without an obvious 1^st or even 2^nd round talent in their pool, the Feds still think they found a good one in Va Tech guard Lecitus Smith. Smith is raw, but he is physical, the kind of player who may need a year or two to fully grow into the pro game, but one to keep an eye on long term.

The Sure Thing: Washington may have hit the jackpot with their choice of CB Sauce Gardner. Not only is he a gifted athlete, but with the NY Jets as the competition, the Federals may well have a leg up on getting Gardner signed.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: You will not see him carry the ball often, but Purdue FB Zander Horvath will be a road grater for Travis Etienne, and you will see his blocks open lanes for the Federals’ back.

LAS VEGAS VIPERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The obvious option would be to say Utah LB Devin Lloyd, and that certainly was a nice pick, but the player we want to put a pin into is University of Nevada WR Romeo Doubs. Projected as a 3^rd or 4^th round pick, Doubs will have the advantage of watching Aaron Dobson as a route running mentor, and no one does it better than Dobson. So, Dobson & Dobbs, son, that may just work.

The Sure Thing: If I am Coach Landry, I plug former Aggie Kenyon Green at LG right away and I do all I can to keep him there for the next 10 years. This A&M product is ready to be a mainstay of the Las Vegas line.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: QB Donald Knox is not a name that many know, but he was a stud in Division III and will now likely be the practice squad 3^rd QB for the Vipers as they navigate a possible QB competition between McGloin and Minshew.

SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Gunslingers spent a lot of time moving picks, changing position, and confusing the draft monitors, so we are not surprised that in the end they had only 1 T-Draft pick, the 3^rd of 3. They used that pick on UTSA tackle Spencer Burford.

The Sure Thing: The Gunslingers wheeled and dealed, moving all over the place, but they got the player they coveted, wideout Garrett Wilson from Ohio State. Plug him in opposite Brandon LaFell and watch as Joe Flacco has fun going deep again.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Linebacker Jesse Luketa was not a regular starter at Penn State, but he had some moments, and if you can get a LB from Linebacker U. in the 7^th round, you do it.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: One of a small number of teams that kept all 3 picks in the Territorial Draft, the Breakers started with Mississippi State OT Charles Cross and added two Bayou Bengals with CB Cor’Dale Flott and LB Damone Clark. Cross is the obvious Year One impact player, but we are still not sure if New Orleans wants to keep him at left tackle or move him to the right side, assuming they can sign him, of course.

The Sure Thing: A lot of folks are already criticizing New Orleans’s draft, but we are not hearing them critique the selection of OT Charles Cross in the T-Draft. That seems a very safe and very solid pick, in a position of need as well.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: TE Ko Keift out of Minnesota was a 5^th round pick of both the Breakers and the Buccaneers. So, if you are a hybrid H-Back type TE, do you want to be on a team with Geno Smith, Justin Jefferson and Jordy Nelson, or in the “other” team in Tampa, with Blaine Gabbert, Scotty Miller, and Cyril Grayson. Yeah, that seems an easy choice.

NEW ENGLAND STEAMROLLERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The ‘Rollers started with a weak hand, with BC and UConn as their first two schools, but they chose well (at least for this year) when they made non-New England school, Iowa State, their third protected team. That pick was made in 2020, but it pays off now as the Steamrollers have the inside track on Cyclone HB Breece Hall, a playmaker who could finally give Coach Fox the kind of break away back he has been hoping for. And, just for good measure, they brought along a buddy in QB Brock Purdy, Hall’s college QB.

The Sure Thing: It’s Breece Hall all day and again on Sunday. He is the real deal, and, to be honest, the rest of the Steamroller draft is leaving us a bit flat. So, it may be Hall or nothing.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: App State’s D’Marco Jackson has some potential, certainly he has the size and lateral movement to succeed. But he tends to get lost in coverage, which is not a good look in the pass-happy USFL.

MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Coach Ryan is not known for his offensive acumen, but someone clearly got to him, with the Showboats selecting not only Arkansas WR Treylon Burks but also Tennessee’s Velus Jones Jr. It’s a classic “double dip” at the position, but with Devin Funchess gone, they need to find someone who can step in.

The Sure Thing: I am not sure I see a “Sure Thing” in Memphis’s draft. T-Draft pick Treylon Burkes is likely the closest thing, but we are not entirely sold on his upside.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: If nothing else, 7^th round pick Rashid Shaheed has a fun name to say. Out of Weber State, he will likely have to make a name for himself as a return man before he gets many shots in the offense.

LOS ANGELES EXPRESS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Express gave away their first pick (WR Drake London) to Charlotte as part of the deal to get the 1^st overall Open Draft Pick, but still feel they found value with their other 2 T-Draft picks, DE Drake Jackson and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, both fellow Trojans.

The Sure Thing: To say that an entire draft relies on one player may be simplistic, but when you move as many pieces as LA did to draft Georgia DE Trevon Walker, you better make sure you sign him and you prepare him to be great. LA has to first compete with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but if they land him, they better give him every opportunity to succeed.  

Potential Diamond in the Rough: We are just not seeing a lot of value late in the draft for LA. I am not hating the selection of Illinois OT Vederian Lowe in the 5^th, but I am not loving it either.

OAKLAND INVADERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Oakland was trying to swap some picks here, but with one of the weaker pools (Cal, Stanford, Fresno State, and the addition of Youngstown State as bonus), no one wanted in. So the Invaders made their picks. CB DeRon Bland of Fresno is perhaps the most likely to see the field, but we are not seeing impact in any of their choices, not right away at least.

The Sure Thing: Trevor Penning, the Northern Iowa tackle, would be a good fit for Oakland, but the same can be said for the NFL Saints, so Oakland has to show him some love, and a good pile of money as well, if they want him on their line this year.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Keep an eye on TE Cade Otten from Washington. The 5^th round pick of the Invaders could be a third receiving tight end on a team that uses a lot of big man formations. Along with starter Zach Ertz and 2^nd stringer Austin Hooper, Otten could be a forgotten man or a surprisingly effective red zone target.

ATLANTA FIRE

The Georgia Crop this year was deep and good, so even after trading away their 2^nd pick, the Fire, having already selected LB Quay Walker, had more than a few good options. Many thought they would go for WR George Pickens, but they still felt their D needed more help, so pick 3 was DT Devonte Wyatt, a starter from Week 1 for the muscle-needy Fire.

The Sure Thing: We expect Quay Walker to be standing just to the side of Luke Kuechley before the 2022 season gets too long, if they can keep him from signing with Green Bay that is. Will Walker prefer midsummer humidity in Atlanta or midwinter ice storms in the tundra?

Potential Diamond in the Rough: UCF DT Kalia Davis is a project, but one with some pretty good upside. We could see him rotating in over the course of the season, particularly because Coach Elizondo likes to keep his D-Line fresh.

DALLAS ROUGHNECKS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Roughnecks had mostly mid-round talent between SMU, Wake Forest, and added option South Dakota State. In a year when almost no one came out of the Longhorn program in Austin, they took what they could get, which included Jackrabbit HB Pierre Strong, who could make the roster as a backup to Samaje Perine.

The Sure Thing: With all the hype that Quay Walker got at Georgia, we think fellow Bulldog Nakobe Dean was a bit overshadowed, but he could blossom in Dallas, especially if he pays close attention to the work ethic of new Roughneck LB Myles Jack.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Wyoming LB Chad Muma is another potential contributor for the Roughnecks, though we think he starts off on kick blocking and return teams if he lands in Dallas.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Talk about sending a message! When Pittsburgh selected Kenny Pickett with their first pick, you could hear Andy Dalton screaming. If Pickett signs with the Maulers, which is still very much in doubt, he could well signal the end of the Dalton era in Pittsburgh.

The Sure Thing: Let’s put aside QB Kenny Pickett, because there is a whole story yet to explore there. Honestly, the obvious choice is kicker Brandon Aubrey. The Golden Domer has a cannon for a leg and he can play in cold, windy weather. We saw that in South Bend.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: The Maulers used a 5^th round pick on guard Cade Mays out of Tennessee. He is not ready right now, but by 2023 or 2024, he could be a nice addition.

BALTIMORE BLITZ

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Blitz clearly don’t feel secure with what they have behind C. J. Uzomah at Tight End. Not only do they pick Isaiah Likely out of Coastal Carolina with one T-Draft pick, but they make a deal with San Diego to select Greg Dulcich from UCLA as well. Honestly, if both sign, we think both will contribute.

The Sure Thing: The Blitz moved a round a bit in the 1^st round, but they like what they see with their eventual pick, CB Roger McCreary out of Auburn. He was not picked until the 2^nd round in the NFL, but he was picked by the Tennessee Copperheads, so if he wants to stay close to home, Baltimore may be out of luck.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: For those who don’t watch a lot of FBS football, there are two things you need to know. North Dakota State is a juggernaut, and WR Christian Watson is a speed burner whose game could help Baltimore become very dangerous.

OHIO GLORY

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Glory opted not to select both Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, which is interesting, considering they later chose projected slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson out of Kentucky. If Olave signs, he lines up opposite McLaurin. If Robinson signs, he will compete with Tutu Atwell for 3^rd receiver status.

The Sure Thing: Hard not to land someone who will impact your team when you get first dibs on all the Ohio State players, but Ohio had better do all they can to build an all-Buckeye WR group by adding Chris Olave to Terry McLaurin as their starting duo.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Believe it or not, the Glory actually drafted 2 Michigan Wolverines, guard Andrew Stueber and LB David Ojabo, and we think both could be very good choices, especially Ojabo. Now, just don’t start singing “Hail to the Victors” in Columbus and you will fit in fine.

MICHIGAN PANTHERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: No surprise, no shock, no doubt. It was DE Aiden Hutchinson all the way. Coach McDermott needs more pressure on opposition passers, and the potential OLB/DE is a menace. The question now is whether he joins the Panthers or another local club, the NFL Lions.

The Sure Thing: Football fans in Detroit are going to love watching Aiden Hutchinson continue to wreak havoc in their state, but will he do it in Honolulu blue or Panther plum?

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Our sincere pick here is, well, sincere. UT-San Antonio back Sincere McCormick. We just love the wordplay, but he could also be a good change of pace for LeVeon Bell. 

HOUSTON GAMBLERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Another club hoping to boost their pass rush, Houston went for their obvious choice, DE Logan Hall from the in-town Houston Cougars. Hall is projected as a Right End, which means that he could start right away, and the Gamblers did not gamble, using an Open Draft pick on South Carolina’s Kinglsey Enagbare just as insurance.

The Sure Thing: Houston could have protected safety Jalen Pitre in the T-Draft, but they let him ride into the Open Draft only to use their first pick on him. A weird strategy, but if Pitre signs, all will be forgiven and he could be a nice addition.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Another team stockpiling tight ends, with Cal’s Jake Tonges joining Gerald Everett and Tony Moeaki in a very deep, very pass-oriented TE room.

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The biggest surprise for Philadelphia was not who they picked, it was who they let escape, not selecting Nittany Lion WR Jahon Dotson with their T-Draft picks, going instead with DE Arnold Ebiketie, G Logan Bruss, and OT Rasheed Walker. For a team without deep ball playmakers, the choice of Dotson seemed a given, but perhaps the Stars know something we don’t.

The Sure Thing: We have to be honest. We don’t think the Stars got the game-changing player fans hoped they would. They wanted Drake London or Garrett Wilson, but they got Baylor’s Tyquan Thornton instead. Not sure that is a win for Coach Quinn.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: We don’t like the top of the draft for the Stars, but their late round pick of Ohio State tackle Thayer Munford, a likely “handcuff” pick to pair with T-Draft choice Rasheed Walker from Penn State, makes a lot of sense.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Yes, Purdue DE George Karloftis was a popular pick, the kind of player General fans love to get behind, but the one we think could be a lot of fun is their 3^rd pick, local star, Rutgers HB Isaiah Pacheco. The man is like a human pinball, bouncing off tackles and finding ways to gain just few more yards when he needs them.

The Sure Thing: Mark our words, HB Kyren Williams of Notre Dame should not have been around in the 3^rd round. He should have gone sooner, and New Jersey is going to laugh themselves all the way to the bank with that pick, assuming, of course, that they out-woo the LA Rams to sign him.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: We already gave this one away. The T-Draft pick of Isaiah Pacheco is not really a “double down’ on Williams, because he is a very different type of back, but New Jersey should have room for them both if they both want to be there.

ARIZONA WRANGLERS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: DT Jordan Jackson from the Air Force Academy will be an interesting story to follow, because while he plays in Arizona, he will have to split time between practice and service, assuming the Air Force allows him to join the Wranglers at all.

The Sure Thing: Overall there seemed to be an air of confusion about Arizona’s draft, but that does not mean that they missed with every pick. We feel pretty good that their 2^nd round choice of BYU halfback Tyler Allgeir will prove to be a nice choice, especially with a hole in the HB group now that Isaiah Crowell has moved on.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Is 4^th round pick Bailey Zappe going to step in and be the new David Carr in 2022? No. Get that out of your heads right now. But, the Western Kentucky QB could do worse than to sign with Coach Tomsula and perhaps work his way up the depth chart over time.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The cavalcade of Bama players continues, though this time the Stallions did trade away their top choice, allowing Denver to select OT Evan Neal. But, they were right back to the Crimson Tide, selecting WR John Metchie and DT Phidarian Mathis with the remaining 2 picks. Must sting if you are at Auburn or UAB that you are almost always an afterthought.

The Sure Thing: The deal that swapped T-Draft picks gave Birmingham just what they wanted, a chance to sign a player with the potential to follow in the Stallion footsteps of Shannon Sharpe. That may be a lot of pressure on Trey McBride, but his film gives Stallion fans a lot of hope for the TE position this year.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: DE Kyron Johnson suffered through a lot of bad seasons with the Kansas Jayhawks. Can he turn that frustration into motivation to stick with the Stallions roster this year?

CHICAGO MACHINE

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Chicago traded away their 2^nd pick, but used their first and third on defense, doubling down at safety with Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton and Illnois’s Kerby Joseph. Both are purely depth picks since SS Jordan Poyer was All-USFL this year and FS Xavier Woods is one of the top 5-6 in the league.

The Sure Thing: We love the selection of Alabama speedster Jameson Williams by Chicago. They pair him with Chase Claypool and you could have a very tough 1-2 combo to defend.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Penn State punter Jordan Stout got the call in the 7^th round, but his chance to play in Chicago is pretty solid since the Machine have yet to sign another punter to compete in camp.

ORLANDO RENEGADES

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Having given up their first pick to Michigan, the Renegades used their final 2 picks on depth, picking South Carolina HB Kevin Harris and TE Nick Muse, both seen as backups behind starters Chris Carson and David Njoku.

The Sure Thing: Center Luke Fortner did not even wait until the Jaguars called, he signed on with Orlando just 20 hours after the NFL draft concluded. Not sure why he was so quick to join Orlando, but the Renegades are happy to have him.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Safety Theo Jackson was expected to be called as early as the late 4^th round, so Orlando getting the Tennessee defender in the 6^th is really a steal.

DENVER GOLD

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: Denver made a one-for-one swap with the Stallions, sending TE Trey McBride to Birmingham while landing the rights to OT Evan Neal. That is a classic win-win, as long as both teams win at the negotiating table and keep their top pick from heading to the NFL.

The Sure Thing: The Gold could have two rookies on their O-line this year, if both sign with the team, and both OT Evan Neal and C Cam Jurgens could be the foundation for a solid like for the foreseeable future. You are welcome, Josh Allen.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: Kicker Cade York, out of LSU, may not be able to beat out Greg Zeurlein in Denver, but the 7^th round pick could very well find a spot on another team’s roster if he doesn’t.

SEATTLE DRAGONS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: We love the pick of WR Khalil Shakir for the Dragons. Yes, Amari Cooper remains option number one, but having a slot receiver with Shakir’s elusiveness will absolutely help make the Dragon offense more difficult to gameplan against.

The Sure Thing: We have already talked up Shakir, so how about we give some attention to the Dragons’ first pick in the Open Draft, DT Jordan Davis out of Georgia. Yet another Bulldog who is likely to be playing on Sundays in short order.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: With all the trades and swapping, it took some time to realize that Seattle actually had the last pick in the draft, and that pick could potentially make the team, Colorado State punter Ryan Stonehouse. 

TAMPA BAY BANDITS

Most Intriguing T-Draft Selection: The Bandits chose 3 players from Ole Miss, a sign not only that something is happening right in Oxford, but also that things are not going well in Tallahassee. No Seminoles? Wow! But, of the Rebels chosen, it is QB Matt Coral who we think will be the long-term story. We are not sure how much action he will see this year, though Dak Prescott did miss several games in 2021. The more intriguing question is whether or not Coral’s presence can influence Prescott’s contract negotiations.

The Sure Thing: Another punter? Yes, and this time it is one taken well before the 7^th round, with Tampa Bay using a 4^th round pick to land San Diego State’s Matt Araiza, know to Aztec fans as “The Punt God”. With a 51.19 average, we see why he earned the odd name, and why Tampa used a mid-round pick on a punter.

Potential Diamond in the Rough: We are going to go back to Matt Coral here. Not because we think he will have a breakout year, but because we think he is a very good fit for the Bandit offense and could well be a solid option if Dak again has issues with his health.

While there are still a few big name free agents out there, we certainly have seen our fair share of signings over the past few months. Teams across the board have worked the salary cap, found space, and added talent where they felt it was needed. Some were extravagant, others a bit more frugal, but as camps prepare to open and the attention of the GM’s has shifted to signing the recent draftees and preparing for a last minute flurry of action with NFL free agents becoming available, we thought it would be a good time to review the offseason signings across the league. So, here goes, our team-by-team breakdown of free agent signings.

LA: QB Nick Foles, QB Kyle Lauletta, HB Kenyan Drake

The Express moved a lot of funds around to find themselves a potential Plan B if Kyler Murray continues to struggle. Foles could see some time under center, while Lauletta’s presence could make Murray expendable if things really go south.

OAK: FS Jordan Lucas, G Joshua Garnett

Two depth moves for the Invaders as they try to keep under a pretty tight cap.

POR: C Erik McCoy, OT Paris Lambert

The Stags and head coach John Harbaugh are clearly working to improve their line, which can only help their run game as well as a somewhat shellshocked Marcus Mariota.

SD: QB Mason Rudolph, DT Sheldon Rankins

The Thunder are looking to open up a QB competition, pitting former Outlaw Rudolph against 2021 acquistion Christian Hackenberg.

SEA: No signings since October.

Seattle made waves early with the signing of WR Devin Funchess, but the cap-strapped Dragons have made few additional moves.

ARZ: G Carmine Belcher, SS Jayron Kearse

The big news in Arizona was through a trade, with Arizona sending Jerry Hughes and a 2023 draft pick to the Feds to bring the prodigal son, QB Ryan Nassib back to the desert. Beyond that big move, one which could define the season for the Wranglers, we do like Kearse as a swing safety behind Budda Baker and Talanoa Hufanga.

DAL: FB Tommy Bohanan

After spending big to land Myles Jack, we are not surprised that Dallas focused on the draft and not more high-priced free agents. Bohanan, however, is a solid addition at a value price.

DEN: G Dru Samia, WR Chester Rogers

Denver found two lower cost additions to help add depth on offense.

LV: OT Gabe Carimi, OG Nick Allegretti, LB Paul Dawson

The Vipers spent a combined $17M on Carimi and Allegretti, but essentially bought themselves as much improved front line. Expect Carimi to lock down the LT position while Allegretti will provide solid run blocking on the right side.

OKL: No significant signings.

The Outlaws were in cap-cutting mode after some early offseason additions, and may still have to rework some deals to get under this year’s cap.

CHI: SS Terrance Brooks, FB Jakob Johnson

The Machine are still looking for a dynamic receiver, and may consider the NFL pool, though they could still be in the mix for Odell Beckham Jr. as well.

MGN: QB Brandon Allen, OG Ross Pierschbacher, WR Equanimeous St. Brown

After getting outbid early in free agency, Michigan found the right targets at the right price. Expect Pierschbacher to find himself a starting slot, while St. Brown and Allen are depth signings.

OHI: QB DeShone Kizer, WR Taywan Taylor, CB Damontae Kazee

The Glory think Kizer can be a solid understudy for Justin Fields, though he is not quite the scrambler that Fields is. Kazee is a nice addition to the secondary as well.

PIT: CB Ronald Darby, LB Reggie Ragland

Two very nice additions to the defense in the last 3 months, with both projected to be starters for the Glory after solid 2021 seasons.

STL: No major signings.

Maybe it was all the draft pick swapping, but it seems like St. Louis forgot that they are allowed to add talent in the offseason.

BIR: SS Baccari Rambo, HB Isaiah Pead

Two high need positions, two solid pick-ups. Pead will be a nice change of pace (and mentor) for Najee Harris, while Rambo has been among the better safeties in the league the past two years.

HOU: FB C. J. Ham, CB Rashaan Gaulden

A new lead blocker for Carlos Hyde and a solid nickel back for Coach Crennel’s defense.

MEM: No major signings.

The Showboats are putting a lot of faith into the draft, at least that is the message their general disinterest in free agents is sending.

NOR: WR Olamide Zacheaeous, C Pat Elflein

Zacheaeous will have some big shoes to fill after Tyler Lockett headed off to Arizona. He will get looks, so this could be a big year for him.

SAN: No major signings.

The Gunslingers were another team seemingly fixated on the draft to the detriment of their free agency plans.

ATL: No major signings.

Quarterback remains a position of need. With Pat White on the way out (released by the team in December) it seems they have their eyes set on a possible NFL import, but who?

CHA: No major signings.

After landing Paxton Lynch back in the opening days of free agency, it has been crickets from Charlotte, which is surprising when we consider the number of holes they need to fill, but not surprising when we see how much of their cap Lynch occupies.

JAX: TE Eric Ebron

A really solid addition, Ebron could quickly become a favorite target for Trevor Lawrence, and a clear upgrade from Gavin Escobar in the position.

ORL: DE Chase Winovich, CB Cam Lewis

With a trade providing them a very interesting 1-2 punch at QB, with Jameis Winston coming over from New England to back up Wilson (or challenge him if his issue with picks keeps growing), Orlando used free agency to bolster the defense. Winovich should benefit greatly from teams overloading Montez Sweat’s side of the line, while Lewis is a very solid addition as a nickel corner.

TBY: DT Sylvester Williams, OT Ross Burton

Someone in Tampa’s front office deserves a raise, and that person is their cap guru. How the defending champs managed to free up enough money to land the best DT in the free agent pool and also find a solid option at tackle is a mystery, and a sign that they are at the top of their game both on and off the field.

BAL: No major signings.

We don’t think Baltimore is done, but if they are going to add anyone now, it may well be someone they really like in the NFL free agent pool.

NE: P Drue Chrisman, K Bobby Miller

After some big signings in the first month of free agency (Mike Pouncey, Devin Singletary, Andre Smith, and Jacob Hollister) the Steamrollers bring in some warm bodies to compete at the two kicking positions. They freed up quite a bit of cap space by trading Jameis Winston to Orlando for OT Cameron Fleming and a 2024 draft pick, so they could still be in the market for talent when the NFL-USFL Transfer Window opens.

NJ: QB Connor Shaw, WR Victor Cruz, G Forrest Lamp, WR Leonard Hankerson

After multiple efforts to bring OBJ back, the General shrugged and moved on, signing Victor Cruz to a 1-year deal and adding Hankerson, all for less than Beckham wanted as a minimum.

PHI: DE Robert Quinn, CB Rashad Fenton, WR Cobi Hamilton

Quinn moves from Baltimore to Philly, where he can now torment his former club twice a season. Expect Danielle Hunter to shift to the right side with the veteran acquisition taking over the left end, blind side position.

WSH: QB Jeff Tuel

The trade that sent Ryan Nassib back to Arizona also provided Washington with some defensive help in the form of DE Jerry Hughes, while adding Tuel feels like a bit of a desperation move as the Feds wanted a veteran backup for Jacoby Brissett, but did not have much cap room to work with.

As we have come to expect of the 2^nd transfer window, the USFL pool of talent is quite thin by this late stage of the offseason, though there are a few big names still holding out for the best possible deal, while the NFL talent pool is quite flush, with over 150 players expected to be on the market once the Super Bowl is played. That means that we are likely, as always, to see a market that heavily favors USFL teams that are still looking for impact signings, the opposite of the September window’s strong current from the USFL to the NFL.

On the USFL side, the biggest names still unsigned are perhaps more than we have seen in recent years, though once again we have quite a few players on the cusp of retirement, so perhaps 1-year deals at best. Among the big names still unsigned we find HB Jeremy Hill, TE Martellus Bennett, WR Doug Baldwin, C Ethan Pocic, CB Jalen Collins, HB Miles Gaskin, and perhaps the biggest late season free agent we have seen in several years, WR Odell Beckham Jr.. OBJ had more than his fair share of offers over the fall but seems adamant about getting exactly the deal he wants from exactly the team he wants, and that may well now be an NFL team instead of another USFL opportunity. We expect USFL clubs to continue to sweeten the pot, trying to land the talented wideout, but at this point, we are not sure who, if anyone, is willing to meet the outspoken receiver’s demands.

On the NFL side of the transfer window, we have a mix of younger players coming off their rookie deals and veterans seeking to max out their earning potential with a new deal. We also have a few players who are simply seeking more advantageous positions with teams that have greater title potential, and a fair share of players who just have not reached the potential that their college production anticipated. Here is our list of the most promising candidates for a league-to-league relocation.

QUARTERBACK: Five names rise to the top, including 2 members of the highly touted Class of 2018. Could either Baker Mayfield, let go by the Browns, or Josh Rosen, who never got a real shot as a starter, be joining classmates Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the USFL after a rough start to their NFL careers? Joining them is another intriguing but perhaps higher risk player in Houston Oiler QB DeShaun Watson, a talented player, but one with a lot of clouds (in the form of sexual assault allegations) hanging over his head. Finally, there are two lesser-known quarterbacks who could help teams with depth, Davis Webb from the Giants and Garrett Gilbert from Washington.

RUNNING BACK: Not as rich a pool as in recent years, but certainly some talent who could help out a club. Names most fans will recognize include the Bears’ Tarik Cohen, San Francisco’s Raheem Mostert, Carolina’s Ameer Abdullah, Chase Edmunds from Arizona, J. D. McKissick of Washington, and Rashaad Penny from Seattle. Do we see a clear option as a lead back here? Not really, but any of these backs could be effective as a change of pace, perhaps a 3^rd down back, or in a committee format. Honestly, the best back in the pool is likely not a ballcarrier at all but Baltimore Raven fullback Patrick Ricard. Ricard is one of the most devastating lead blockers in the game and would be an instant upgrade for the run game of pretty much any USFL team that was willing to foot the bill for him to change leagues.

RECEIVER: Starting with the Tight End position, we have a trio of potential difference makers as both blockers and receivers. Miami’s Mike Gesicki is undervalued at present and could be ready to become a top 10, maybe top 5 target at the position. Dalton Schultz (DAL) and Mo Allie-Cox (IND) are also solid receivers, though both lack Gesicki’s tenacity and ability to make contested catches. At wideout we are missing the big name, immediate impact receiver that so many teams seem to need, but that does not mean that a USFL squad could not improve their passing game options by signing one of these players: Jacksonville’s D. J. Chark, Arizona’s Christian Kirk, Dallas’s Michael Gallup, Atlanta’s Russell Gage, or New Orleans’s Tre’Quan Smith. While not likely a starting receiver, we expect someone to take a flyer on Pittsburgh return man Ray-Ray McCloud, who excels as both a kick and punt return specialist.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Highlighted by tackles Orlando Brown (KC) and Sam Trevi (IND), the lineman group has a range of talents. Other potential targets at tackle include Trent Brown (NE), Germain Ifedi (CHI), and La’El Collins (DAL). At guard, Connor Williams (TBY) will certainly get some looks, as should Ram Austin Corbett, Buc Alex Cappa, and Colt mark Glowinski. Finally, at center, we see interest in Kansas City’s Austin Blythe, Cleveland’s J. C> Tretter, and Billy Price, who is likely to be leaving the NY Giants.

DEFENSIVE LINE: If your goal is to find the next 20-sack man, we don’t think this is the pool for you, but there are some players here who could get to double digits and help your other end expand their opportunities by drawing blockers. We like Alex Okafor (KC),Rasheem Green (SEA), Trey Flowers (DET), and Dorance Armstrong (DAL) as potential crossovers. Inside, the name we are hearing quite a bit of in USFL circles is Bilal Nichols of the Bears, though there is also certainly interest in Washington’s Matt Ioannidis, Buffalo’s Harrison Phillips, and another Bear, Akiem Hicks.

LINEBACKER: Fast and athletic pass rusher Za’Darius Smith of Green Bay is absolutely going to be a target of USFL interest, as should the Giants’ Lorenzo Carter, Miami’s Elandon Roberts, and Smith’s teammate, Packer De’Vondre Campbell. Not as much help in the middle, though we think that Pittsburgh’s Joe Schobert could do well in a 3-4 alignment.

SECONDARY: At corner Kansas City’s Chavarius Ward looks like a good option, as does another Packer, Kevin King, as well as D. J. Reed from Seattle. But there is more talent at safety, which is good since so many USFL clubs seem to struggle at the position. A needy club could and should take a long look at Jayron Kearse from the Cowboys, Landon Collins from Washington, Justin Reid of the Oilers, and Quandry Diggs from Seattle. Cleveland’s Ronnie Harrison is a bit raw still but could also draw some interest.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Punters Laclan Edwards (CAR) and Bradley Pinion (TBY) are available. At present it does not appear that any well-established kickers are going to be cut loose, but that is always a post-season decision, so it is possible.

We will be back with you in just a few weeks with our 2-part Season Preview. We will take a look back at the offseason, catch you up on the 11^th hour signings, including all the action from the NFL-USFL transfer window, and get you ready for the 2022 Season as the USFL celebrates 40 years of spring football.