The Vegas Vipers strengthened their squad by selecting 10 players during the XFL Rookie Draft on June 16, 2023. The Vipers have focused on boosting their offensive line and reinforcing the defense, with the selection of players across different positions.
Vegas Vipers Selections:
1. Nicholas Amoah (OL, UC Davis)
- Amoah, who briefly signed as an UDFA with the Chicago Bears, was Big Sky Phil Steele Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Sky honors in 2022.
2. Desmond Bessent (OL, Buffalo)
- Bessent, who took part in the Chicago Bears’ rookie minicamp, started 13 games for Buffalo in 2022 and earned third-team All-MAC honors.
3. Dwayne Boyles (LB, South Florida)
- Boyles, who participated in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp, played in a program-record 54 games and ranked among South Florida’s all-time leaders in career tackles.
4. Stacy Chukwumezie (WR, Northern Arizona)
- Chukwumezie recorded 96 receptions for 1,629 yards and 12 TDs in 28 appearances for Northern Arizona and was invited to the New York Giants rookie minicamp.
5. Jamare Edwards (DL, James Madison)
- Edwards, a second-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2022, recorded 44 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He transferred to JMU after spending five seasons at Marshall.
6. Lorenzo Fauatea (DL, BYU)
- Fauatea appeared in 46 games for BYU, totaling 64 tackles and six sacks. He was part of the defensive line from 2017 to 2022.
7. T.J. Green (RB, Liberty)
- Green led Liberty with 477 rushing yards on 75 carries in 2022 and was the offensive MVP of the LendingTree Bowl.
8. Robert Mitchell (OL, North Carolina Central)
- Mitchell was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2022. He played in 26 games during his three-year tenure at NCCU.
9. Darrius Nash (DB, Utah Tech)
- Nash played in 47 career games at Utah State, finishing with 214 career tackles and four interceptions.
10. Naasir Watkins (OL, Liberty)
- Watkins started 12 of 13 games in his lone season with Liberty after transferring from Kentucky.
Breakdown of Positions Taken:
- Offensive Linemen (OL): 4
- Defensive Linemen (DL): 2
- Linebacker (LB): 1
- Wide Receiver (WR): 1
- Running Back (RB): 1
- Defensive Back (DB): 1
Notable Mention:
Former UNLV linebacker Austin Ajiake was selected by the Houston Roughnecks during the draft.
With a focus on strengthening the offensive line and bolstering the defense, the Vegas Vipers have made strategic selections during the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft. The team now holds exclusive rights to these players, who will be placed on XFL rosters along with players who finished the 2023 season on active and reserve lists.
In the coming months, the XFL will host player showcases across the United States for undrafted players. These showcases will offer prospective players an opportunity to showcase their skills to XFL coaches and personnel directors.
