The XFL’s official Twitter account just dropped the first list of players available in the draft. We have the full XFL Draft list on XFL News Hub. Here’s who stood out at a first glance.
Connor Cook: QB-Michigan State
The former Michigan St. Spartan headlines this group, and has an impressive resume. Cook was a bonafide winner as a 3 year starter, and holds the school record for most career wins.
He came up big on the national stage three years in a row. In 2014 Cook led the Spartans to victories over Ohio State in the Big 10 Championship, and Stanford in the Rose Bowl. As a Junior, he won the Cotton Bowl, and as a Senior won the Johnny Unitas Award during Michigan State’s playoff run.
With a school record 9,194 yards and 71 TD’s, he went in the 4th round to the Raiders. He was pressed into service early, making one start before moving around the NFL as a reserve.
With a winner’s mindset and everything to prove, Cook is looking to get back into the championship club.
Jalen Rowell WR-Air Force
With a 6’4″ frame and 4.53 speed, Rowell is cut out to be a serious weapon downfield. During his time at Air Force, he put up 2,687 Rec Yards and 18 TD’s. In his senior year he had an insane 27.4 yards per catch, proving his value as a deep threat.
After serving our country for 2 years, he’s ready to get back in the game.
Roberto Aguayo: K-Florida State
Aguayo had a historic career at FSU. He is the third most accurate kicker in NCAA history, and was stunningly drafted in the 2nd Round in 2016 by the Buccaneers.
Unfortunately, he had trouble living up to the hype, largely due to his attempt to refine his kicking technique before his rookie year. The changes to his motion threw him off, and after his first season, he had a hard time catching on anywhere else.
He’s ironed out the deficiencies in his technique, and is ready to prove that he’s back into form.
Vontae Jackson RB-West Georgia
During his time at West Georgia, Jackson rushed for 3,779 yards at a whopping 6.0 ypc and 31 TD’s. At 5’7″ and 180 lbs with a ~4.5 40 time, he’s cut out to be a change of pace back, and has experience catching passes out of the backfield. Don’t count him out between the tackles though; he’s proven that he gan gut it up the middle too.
He signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason, and despite their deep backfield he was given the lion’s share of preseason touches. In 33 rushes, he gained 103 yards and a score with another through the air.
Trey Caldwell: CB-Louisiana-Monroe
Trey Caldwell is a burner. His 4.34 40 time, along with disruptive play in Louisiana-Monroe’s secondary earned him a 5th round selection in the 2016 Draft.
Unfortunately, and injured hamstring in his rookie camp with the Browns meant he had to sit out a year, and never caught on afterwards. However, with that kind of speed, alongside coverage skills that netted 21 PD’s and 2 INT’s in college should go a long way in the XFL.
Joe Callahan: QB-Wesley
The 26 year old QB has intrigued many coaching staffs throughout his career but has not had a legit chance to prove himself. From 2011-2015 he absolutely dominated D-III football at Wesley, passing for 12,878 Yards and 130 TD’s. His senior year, he became the first D-III player to pass for over 5,000 yards, and put up 55 scores.
Though D-III competition doesn’t quite sharpen iron, Callahan got enough national attention to find his way into the Packer’s legendary QB room. He since has spent time with the Saints, Browns, Eagles, Buccaneers, and Ravens. Though he never got to see significant game action in the NFL, perhaps one of the football minds in the XFL can unleash the talent that has attracted him so much attention out of D-III.
Sealver Silgia: DT-Utah
The 29 year old Silgia is a legit football vet. He’s spent time with the 49ers, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Jaguars. In 8 seasons of play, he’s posted 102 tackles and 6.5 sacks, displaying both run-stuffing and pash-rush skills.
He’s been part of struggling teams, contenders and Super Bowl Champs, so any locker room looking to put a strong veteran presence in their locker room would be lucky to have him. Having a proven 330+ pound force in the middle of your defense can’t hurt either.
Unleash the Action: Sign up for XFL Insider and Fuel Your Passion for Football!
