Wide receiver JuanCarlos Santana, Tulsa (University of Tulsa Athletics)
The D.C. Defenders carried arguably the top receiving corps in the XFL during their near-perfect 2023 campaign that ended one win short of a title. The season saw guys like Lucky Jackson and Chris Blair hauling in catches for big gains week in and week out. And while both finished the season with over 600 receiving yards, only Jackson was given All-XFL honors. Regardless, Blair led the Defenders in receiving yards with 674 and led the league in catches for 40+ yards, with five, speaking to his ability as an explosive playmaker. On the other hand, Jackson finished with 664 receiving yards and six touchdowns – two more than Blair. Not far behind, Josh Hammond finished with a solid 513 yards on 46 grabs out of the slot for the Defenders. Each of these receivers regularly contributed to an almost immaculate offense that averaged an overall XFL-high 352.2 yards per game and carried D.C. to a league-best 11-2 record. The Defenders’ 30 points per game was also a league-high, as opposing teams often struggled to keep up with D.C.’s high-scoring offense.
But now, with Lucky Jackson on to greener pastures, having signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and Brandon Smith, a rotation piece on the D.C. receiving corps, having signed with the Arizona Cardinals, it seems the Defenders staff may have some work to do this offseason with reloading its once unstoppable wide receivers room. As evident with his impact, Jackson’s departure leaves a huge void on the Defenders’ offense. Meanwhile, Smith was fourth on the depth chart for most of last season and had ten receptions for 132 yards in six games.
While it’s not the only option to improve their roster during the offseason, the XFL Rookie Draft provides the Defenders and all XFL teams an opportunity to stock up on raw talent straight out of the collegiate level. And while a return for any of the former Defenders who made the jump to the NFL is possible, it’s important for the Defenders to plan for any scenario.
So without further ado, here are four wide receivers the Defenders could look out for during the XFL Rookie Draft, considering their current roster holes and scheme fits:
WR JuanCarlos Santana, Tulsa
While Santana struggled with drops during his collegiate career at Tulsa, his overall numbers stick out and show exponential improvement on a year-to-year basis. Through five seasons, Santana recorded 2,325 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, with six 100+ yard performances throughout his three years as a starter. His best season undoubtedly came during his fifth and final year, as he racked up new career highs in almost every category possible with an imposing 859 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and 71.6 yards per game. At 6-0 183 lbs, his speed and athleticism make him a promising prospect at outside receiver and a potentially productive replacement for Jackson as a vertical threat. Draft Projection: Early-round selection
WR DevinRavenel, James Madison
With his quickness and strong playmaking ability, Ravenal could provide depth at the slot position for D.C.. Much like he did at James Madison, he could be reliable in making catches and turning underneath routes and screens into big plays for the Defenders. While he spent five seasons with the Dukes, he only was a full-time starter during the last one. And it’s fair to say that his patience paid dividends, as his redshirt senior season saw Ravenal breakout with 24 receptions for 313 yards and seven touchdowns. Although the sample size is limited, his pre-draft measurables, which entail a 4.45 40-yard dash and 6.83 three-cone drills, certainly add to his stock. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
WR Zane Pope, Fresno State
At 6-2 195 lbs, Pope could provide explosiveness and burst to the Defenders receiving. The wideout’s skill set is similar to Lucky Jackson’s – a guy he could be replacing – both of which could use refinement in route running. Pope recorded 109 receptions for 1,496 yards and eight touchdowns through five seasons with the Bulldogs, including a career-high 623-yard redshirt senior performance. Although he likely won’t be an immediate impact player, he could provide depth to a D.C. squad that can use some help on the outside. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
WR Todd Simmons Jr., Dubuque
While looking at available receivers from this year’s draft class, Simmons Jr. stands out as a potential replacement for Lucky Jackson with his 4.40 40-yard dash and above-average playmaking ability displayed at the college level, where he played at four different schools, most recently DIII Dubuque after transferring from FCS Wagner. Simmons’ lack of competition at the college level is concerning, as with all non-FBS prospects. His game could certainly benefit from some refinement, but look at All-XFL cornerback Michael Joseph out of Dubuque. D.C. struck gold there, and maybe they could do it again with Simmons. Draft Projection: Late-round selection
