Tag: UFL Draft

49ers could lose rookies to another league

Four rookies were selected in the 2024 edition of the UFL draft.

On Wednesday, the Memphis Showboats kicked off the 2024 USFL draft by selecting quarterback Jason Bean with the No. 1 overall pick. While no members of the San Francisco 49ers were selected in the first round of the UFL draft, four rookies came off the board in the spring football league draft.

Undrafted rookie free agents Cody Schrader, Evan Anderson, Briason Mays and Tanner Mordecai were all selected in the first nine rounds of the UFL draft.

Schrader’s was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Battlehawks. After a decorated season at Missouri that included All-American honors, Schrader signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Schrader ran for 1627 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns last season for the Tigers.

Schrader will have the chance to compete for a place on the roster or a spot on the practice squad at training camp.

Via @XFLBattlehawks on Twitter:

Undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Tanner Mordecai came off the board in the ninth round to the D.C. Defenders. Mordecai played three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to SMU. Mordecai then spent his final season of college football at Wisconsin.

Via @XFLDefenders on Twitter:

The Memphis Showboats drafted defensive tackle Evan Anderson in the fourth round, Reigning XFL champions, the Arlington Rengades selected center Briason Mays in the ninth round.

Via @USFLShowboats on Twitter:

Via @XFLRenegades on Twitter:

The UFL could be a potential option for the undrafted rookies if they don’t stick with the 49ers or make a practice squad in the NFL.

The UFL season is slated to kick off after the NFL season has come to a close. The 2024 season began in late March and came to an end in mid-June.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Commanders QB Sam Hartman selected in the UFL draft

Commanders QB Sam Hartman selected in the UFL draft.

If quarterback Sam Hartman doesn’t make the Washington Commanders’ 53-man roster this summer, he could have a fallback option. The United Football League held its draft on Wednesday, and Hartman’s name was included.

The defending UFL champion Birmingham Stallions selected Hartman in the ninth round. All 10 UFL teams made 10 picks each.

The Stallions went 9-1 last season and defeated the San Antonio Brahmas in the UFL championship game. Quarterback Adrian Martinez completed almost 59% of his passes last season for 1,749 yards, with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions.

In addition to Martinez, the Brahmas also have former NFL third-round pick Matt Corral. The Panthers selected Corral in the 2022 NFL draft and released him ahead of the 2023 season.

While Hartman went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders gave him a significant signing bonus to sign as an undrafted free agent. Washington selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall and viewed Hartman as a potential long-term backup.

Hartman spent the first five seasons of his college career at Wake Forest, where he started 45 games before transferring to Notre Dame for his final season. Hartman started all 12 games for the Fighting Irish last season.

Whether Hartman ends up on the Commanders’ roster or not, he should find work in the NFL, even if it’s on a practice squad. However, if he did choose to play in the UFL, Birmingham would hold his rights.

Steelers lose QB John Rhys Plumlee to UFL draft

John Rhys Plumlee was selected No. 3 overall in the UFL draft.

On Wednesday, the United Football League held its draft which allowed them to select NFL undrafted free agents who are currently on NFL rosters. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee at the end of the 2024 NFL draft due in large part to his ridiculous athleticism.

However, Plmulee was selected No. 3 overall by the Arlington Renegades. This means the Renegades hold his rights at this point but could give them up if Plumlee is doing well with the Steelers and could make the team. Even after they have signed a UFL contract, players have the option to leave for the NFL until December 31, 2024.

Despite strong OTAs with the Steelers, Plumlee could stick around with Arlington. Pittsburgh has their three-deep at quarterback with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen so Plumlee would have been a longshot to make the team without a position change during training camp.

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Complete selections from 2024 UFL draft

The UFL draft saw 10 rounds completed

The United Football League draft took place on Wednesday. Each of the eight teams made picks over the 10 rounds.

There was an occasional familiar name from college football. Many were not known but hope to continue their careers on the gridiron.

The complete draft:

Round One

Round Two

Round Three

Round Four

Round Five

Round Six

Round Seven

Round Eight

Round Nine

Round 10

In case you are wondering who the last pick in the 10th round was, kind of the the UFL’s Mr. Irrevlevan, Marshall tackle Ethan Driskell earned the “honor.”

Kansas QB Jason Bean tops first round of UFL draft

Who did the Memphis Showboats take with the first pick in the 2024 UFL draft?

The UFL is planning for its second season. On Wednesday, the fledgling league held its draft of college players.

There were several rules around player eligibility for the selection process. They must have not been selected in the NFL draft. Also, they will have an “NFL out” until Dec. 31, 2024.

The first pick went to the Memphis Showboats and they chose Kansas quarterback Jason Bean.

Kenny Churchwell III on UFL Draft watch

Kenny Churchwell drawing some eyeballs.

The UCLA Bruins football program lost a number of players to the NFL this offseason. Now, they have one former player who is drawing interest in the upcoming UFL Draft.

UFL Draft contributor Avion Plummer examined Kenny Churchwell III as an option in the upcoming draft and he had high praise for the former Bruin:

“Safety Kenny Churchwell III out of @UCLAFootball was on the better defensive players coming out of college. A strong cover safety that affected the game all across the field. Standing at 6’2 and 205 lbs, Churchwell is one of the biggest DBs coming out of the @pac12. He played in all 12 games for the Bruins and made an instant impact every time he stepped onto the field. A great player that will make a presence on a UFL team roster.”

Churchwell played four years in Westwood and had 34 tackles with an interception in his final season wearing a Bruins uniform. The UFL Draft will be coming up in the middle of July.