Earlier today, the XFL announced 44 undrafted rookies that teams claimed rights to following last Friday’s inaugural Rookie Draft. Of the 44 players, the D.C. Defenders claimed four guys, including two offensive linemen, one defensive back, and one tight end. While the probability that some of these guys make the final roster isn’t the highest, each prospect is intriguing and addresses D.C.’s needs differently. Additionally, claiming the rights of these players gives each of them the much-deserved opportunity to live out their dreams in The Rock’s “league of opportunity.” Expect more free-agent signings in the coming weeks, with offseason rosters expanded to 90 players per team.
The XFL announced that following the Rookie Draft conducted on June 16, 2023, the rights to 44 undrafted players have been claimed by teams.
— XFL Communications Department (@XFL_PR) June 20, 2023
OL Adonis Boone, Louisville
As if the Defenders didn’t already add enough offensive linemen during the draft with three selections invested toward the position group, they claimed two more undrafted interior offensive linemen this week. Boone, the Daytona Beach native, has experience playing both the guard and tackle positions at the collegiate level. He’s only given up one sack over the past two seasons solely at right guard, demonstrating his ability in pass protection. What he lacks in athleticism, a feature many teams look for in offensive linemen nowadays, Boone makes up for with his strength and 6-5 303 lbs frame. His long 33.7-inch arms are also a plus. Boone was invited to New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp in May but couldn’t stick. All-in-all, he certainly brings value as a reserve to help with blocking on the interior for D.C.
DB Jahlil Brown, Central Connecticut State
Having struggled last season with their defensive secondary, I was surprised when the Defenders only used one pick on a defensive back, selecting Bentlee Sanders during last week’s draft. This week, they’ve added another defensive secondary member in the latest round of roster additions, claiming the rights to Brown out of Central Connecticut State. Brown spent four seasons (three as a starter) at CCSU, recording 179 tackles, including six for a loss, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions. He earned second-team all-NEC honors twice, including for his performance during his junior year, where he recorded a team-high and career-high 59 tackles. While Brown has a long road toward making D.C.’s final roster, he has upside as an effective rotational piece at the safety position, with his capabilities in both tackling and coverage.
OL Warren Ericson, Georgia
Having won back-to-back national championships at Georgia, Ericson’s collegiate experience is undoubtedly a compelling aspect of his resume. This is the case, especially for a team like the Defenders, who’ll again be looking to contend after they came one win short of a title last season, falling to the underdog Arlington Renegades in the championship. Ericson started all but one game during the Bulldogs’ 2021 championship season, playing a vital role on their offensive line. In 2022, he switched from right guard to center and took a backseat on the depth chart. While not a starter, the Suwanee native remained an essential piece of Georgia’s offensive line, a Joe Moore award finalist, as the Bulldogs cruised to their second-straight title with their high-powered offense. Interestingly enough, Ericson forwent his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, where he went undrafted. He was invited to Denver Broncos minicamp in May but was never signed. With his versatility, he could play a similar role with D.C. as he did at the collegiate level as a depth piece on the interior offensive line.
TE Josh Falo, USC
Similar to Ericson, Falo’s best statistical season wasn’t his last, unlike many of these other rookies. As a matter of fact, Falo’s most productive season came during his sophomore year in 2018, as he tallied ten catches for 158 yards as a backup tight end at USC. Although talented, Falo only started in five of the 36 career games he saw action in. Overall, he only recorded 18 catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns over the course of his career. He didn’t record any catches during the shortened 2020 season or 2022 season with new HC Lincoln Riley at the helm. While he’s an effective pass catcher, his big 6-6 255 lbs frame could help him in blocking for the Defenders, who often utilized their tight ends as extra blockers at the line of scrimmage last season.
