The USFL just held its inaugural draft on February 22nd.
Rounds 2-4 exclusively featured edge rushers; here are the 26 draftees who will look to record highlights sacking quarterbacks and logging tackles for loss in the first season of the USFL.
1. Davin Bellamy, New Orleans Breakers (University of Georgia)
The first pick of the second round, Bellamy spent four years at Georgia. He played for three years, logging over 100 tackles and 13 sacks. After that, he played for practice squads on four different NFL teams, and even signed a one-year contract with the 49ers. Now, he is the premiere edge rusher in the USFL.
2. Carlo Kemp, Pittsburgh Maulers (University of Michigan)
A Boulder, Colorado product, Carlo Kemp was a four-timer on the Big Ten All-Academic Team, a captain for two years, and was the most improved player on his defense for one season. Kemp also spent a year at Michigan as a graduate player. Though he didn’t fit the measurables in the NFL, he could easily find a home in the USFL.
3. Aaron Adeoye, Birmingham Stallions (SE Missouri State)
At 6’6”, it’s no surprise that Adeoye first started in college basketball, but he also proved to be a menace on the defensive line. After starring in the AAF, he got a chance to try out for the Ravens, and later became a New York Jet. He produced well in the AAF, and his size and speed coming off the edge pose problems for any tackle.
And the rest…
4. Houston Gamblers: Chris Odom, Arkansas State
5. New Jersey Generals: Bryson Young, Oregon State
6. Philadelphia Stars: Freedom Akinmoladun, Nebraska
7. Tampa Bay Bandits: Mekhi Brown, Alabama
8. Michigan Panthers: Adewale Adeoye, Utah State
9. Michigan Panthers: Cavon Walker, Maryland
10. Tampa Bay Bandits: Michael Scott, Oklahoma State
11. Philadelphia Stars: Gus Cumberlander, Oregon
12. New Jersey Generals: Kolin Hill, Texas Tech
13. Houston Gamblers: Ahmad Gooden, Samford
14. Birmingham Stallions: Chauncy Haney, North Greenville
15. Pittsburgh Maulers: Nasir Player, East Tennessee State
16. New Orleans Breakers: Anree Saint-Amour, Georgia Tech
17. New Orleans Breakers: James Folston Jr., Pitt
18. Pittsburgh Maulers: Eric Assoua, Western Michigan
19. Birmingham Stallions: Seth Thomas, Northern Iowa
20. Houston Gamblers: Drequan Brown, Central Oklahoma
21. New Jersey Generals: Malik Hammer, Jackson State
22. Philadelphia Stars: Carroll Phillips, Illinois
23. Tampa Bay Bandits: Adam Shuler, Florida
24. Michigan Panthers: Chase DeMoor, Central Washington
25. New Orleans Breakers: Nigel Chavis, Norfolk State
26. Birmingham Stallions: Jonathan Newsome, Ball State