The United Football League held their rookie draft this week, and the list of picks was filled with undrafted rookie free agents from this year’s NFL draft class.
Among them was Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent back in April.
DeLoach was selected in the third round of the UFL draft by the Arlington Renegades.
A star for the Seminoles in college, DeLoach will now get to choose whether or not he wants to sign a contract to play for the Renegades, or remain with the Bucs heading into training camp later this month.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have landed a sleeper in undrafted linebacker Kalen DeLoach from Florida State
Every year, each of the NFL’s 32 teams hope to land some diamonds in the rough with their undrafted free agent class.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have just done that with one of their finds this year, as linebacker Kalen DeLoach is already getting national attention as a potential sleeper who could make an impact.
Recent reports from Bleacher Report, Pro Football Network, and Pewter Report all pointed out the fact that DeLoach’s unique skill set could put him in position to not only make Tampa Bay’s roster, but earn some meaningful snaps as a rookie.
PFN’s Ian Cummings listed DeLoach as one of the best players who went undrafted this year:
Kalen DeLoach was an incredibly productive linebacker at the college level, but his lack of size could make it difficult for him to remain at that position in the NFL. His short-area quickness and hip fluidity may limit his upside, but he flashed the coverage skills to succeed as a safety at the next level.
Ryan Fowler at B/R also had good things to say about DeLoach and his chances of making an impact for the Bucs:
Versatility remains king in today’s NFL.
While Kalen DeLoach could be classified as a tweener, thus muddying his initial projection, the former Florida State standout has the instincts and coverage ability to wear multiple hats for Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.
Last spring, Tampa Bay struck gold by adding hybrid corner/safety Christian Izien post-draft. DeLoach would give Tampa another versatile skill set to roam at varying depths this fall.
Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report also thinks the Bucs got a steal with DeLoach:
It’s a wide-open competition for the other starting linebacker spot opposite Lavonte David this season, and while K.J. Britt and other returning players might have a leg up due to their experience, DeLoach is clearly turning heads already, and could surprise some buy pushing for that role as an undrafted rookie.
The Buccaneers announce the signing of its 2024 undrafted free agent class.
The Buccaneers are taking care of all its rookie business at its rookie minicamp this weekend. With its undrafted free agents in town, the Bucs have officially announced signing them to the roster (via Buccaneers.com’s Brianna Dix):
The notable players include Florida St.’s standout LB Kalen DeLoach and son of former Buccaneer Brad Culpepper, Toledo DT Judge Culpepper. With more veterans returning and free agents signed than last offseason, this class of undrafted free agents may have a little harder time making the final roster. Nonetheless, the undrafted pathway worked for the likes of Christian Izien and Markees Watts. There is a real chance one of these players will suit up for Tampa Bay on Week 1.
