Are Any of These XFL Players Worthy of a Place in the NFL?

The most recent form of the professional football league, XFL, started playing in 2020. It consists of eight teams which are split between separate east and west divisions. Originally based in Stamford, Connecticut, the original XFL was managed by Vince McMahon’s WWF, along with NBC and only ran for one season in 2001. The intention was to compete in 10 games throughout the season, as well as further games in winter and spring, just after the Superbowl took place. Unlike a franchise model, all eight teams were owned and operated by the league itself. 

Today, the XFL has been reformed, albeit sharing the same name and trademark as previous. It’s new aim is to create quick and easy play, while reducing ‘off-field controversies’. It’s now owned by Alpha Entertainment, a company separate from WWE.

The Six Best XFL Players You Must Keep Track of

1. P.J Walker. The stats for P.J Walker are impressive. He led XFL with 15 passing touchdowns and 1,338 yards in total, as well as a QB rating of 104.4, the second highest rating achieved. With 99 rushing yards over five games, his mobility is exceptional, so there’s no surprise a couple of teams have shown interest. Not to mention his accurate arm as well. Between 2017 and 2018, he was on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts’. Although he’s likely to enter the NFL, it probably won’t be as quarterback. That’s not to say he couldn’t work up to this though. In the meantime, he now has a two-year deal with the Panthers.

2. Cam Phillips. He is a leader in all categories of XFL with 455 receiving yards, 31 receptions and 9 touchdowns. So it’s easy to see that regardless of where he’s played, he has been very productive. When he was at Virginia Tech, he achieved 236 passes over four seasons, but in 2008 was undrafted.  At six foot tall, he always seems to deliver, which is reflected in his position of XFL’s star of the week three times out of five. He’s only twenty-four years old, so is certainly a promising star of the game, and with his continually impressive yard scores, it’s likely that interest will be shown by other teams, particularly ones with a high threat receiver.

3. Jordan Ta’amu. With a 72% completion rate and 217 rushing yards, it’s easy to see why Jordan Ta’amu was leading the quarterbacks at XFL. He does have limited playing experience at the young age of 22, but the five XFL games he’s played in have all shown promise. It wouldn’t surprise us if he was offered a tryout with the NFL this season. His passing ability could have a serious impact on the NFL spreads if someone were to take a punt on him.

In fact, he has one of the best completion percentages in the league at 72.4%. With the third highest QB rating of 101.3, and the third greatest passing yards (1.050) it’s clear he’s a very productive player, making him both a great runner and passer. The Chiefs have rightfully recognised his talent by signing him up to their team.

4. Donald Parham. With 24 receptions over 307 yards and four touchdowns as well, it’s easy to see why Parham led the tight ends at XFL. At 6 foot 8, he always plays well, even at higher levels, sometimes, despite being light at only 237 pounds. Although he didn’t perform fantastically in Dallas, he still remains a reliable option, with 15 of 24 receptions leading to first downs. The Chargers are now lucky enough to have him on their team.

5. Derron Smith. Back in 2005, Derron Smith was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as a sixth-round draft pick. He also played in the AAF, and between three other NFL teams. Not to mention other practice squads as well. In December 2018, he headed to the Alliance of American Football and at only 28 years old, was one of the best players, considering his tackling ability when playing for the San Antonio Commanders.

6. Kenny Robinson. Due to a team violation at West Virginia University, Kenny Robinson was forced to leave. Rather than having to wait around to join another school, he went straight for XFL. This means, rather than him becoming a free agent, he will be drafted in April with the opportunity for pick on day two. It could be possible that he is picked on day three, which is the feeling of Arif Hasan, a writer for The Athletic. This is pretty much the same feeling for Mike Renner, lead draft at Pro Football Focus who mentioned in a Tweet that he’d also accept Robinson in the third round.