Editor’s Note: The prospects listed below are based purely on speculation rather than a confirmed draft pool, as very little information has been released regarding players in the upcoming XFL Rookie Draft. Please also note that none of these players are under contract with NFL teams at the time that this article is published.
While the D.C. Defenders had All-XFL cornerback Michael Joseph as one of the members of their defensive secondary, their pass defense was underwhelming and arguably the fatal flaw of their 11-2 season that ended one win short of a championship. By the end of the season, even Joseph was showing signs of slowing down, as he failed to make another interception after making four through the first five weeks of the season. With that said, D.C.’s secondary core could certainly use some improvement if they want to see more success in another playoff run next season, and the upcoming Rookie Draft will be one of the first avenues for the Defenders to do so.
Last season, the Defenders allowed 282.1 passing yards per game, the most by any XFL team. Throughout their final five regular-season games, they let each of their opponents surpass 300 yards through the air, including the Orlando Guardians in week seven, who were winless before Quinten Dormady’s 328 passing yards and six touchdowns propelled the Guardians to their first-ever victory. Against the San Antonio Brahmas during week ten, albeit a meaningless matchup for the Defenders, Jack Coan threw for a season-high 312 yards as his team lost by just inches on a last-second missed field goal from John Parker Romo. Seven of D.C.’s ten regular season contests were determined by one score, six of which were won by the Defenders. And as previously mentioned, lackluster pass defense allowed opposing teams to stick with D.C.’s high-octane offense led by Jordan Ta’amu.
Although some improvement was shown during their divisional championship against the Seattle Sea Dragons, everything unraveled during the championship game as D.C. failed to force a punt/turnover from the Arlington Renegades until late in the third quarter, as Luis Perez threw for 288 yards and the underdog Renegades cruised to an XFL championship.
D.C. targeted some physical defensive backs during last year’s draft process as per Gregg Williams’ aggressive scheme. While safeties like Santos Ramirez and Kentrell Brice were effective in run support throughout the 2023 season, big plays often occurred through the air due to their high usage inside the box, as this resulted in mismatches with quick receivers against D.C.’s corners acquired chiefly for their strength over other factors like speed or pass coverage ability. And while there’s nothing wrong with some physicality in football, I think the Defenders will need to diversify during the Rookie Draft and get some defensive backs (mostly cornerbacks) who could remediate D.C.’s pass coverage woes. After all, I believe improvement in this category would be all the Defenders need to have another shot at a championship.
Here are some guys that fit this criteria. If not immediate starters, they could definitely at least make impacts on special teams:
CB Anthony Adams, Portland State
Unfortunately, an ankle injury prevented Adams from playing his fifth college season. Regardless, his film from his four seasons at Portland State shows he’s more than ready to make an impact at the next level. Not only was Adams effective in pass coverage, but his versatility and toughness make him a perfect fit for a Gregg Williams defense. Adams also proved that he could come up and play the run, setting the edge when need be. In 37 games, the two-time All-American racked up 180 tackles, 42 pass breakups, and nine interceptions from both the cornerback and safety positions. He has the experience and size to line up in the slot or outside at 6-0 185 lbs. Draft Projection: Early-round selection
While undersized, Sanders provides speed and burst to a D.C. squad needing help defending faster receivers. During Nevada’s pro day, the 5-9 179 lbs defensive back ran an admirable 4.39 40-yard dash. Not only that, he’s aggressive inside the box and makes for an effective blitzer with his speed, which adds to his stock for the Defenders. Although he has some experience at safety, I see him as more of a slot corner with D.C. due to his quickness and smaller frame. He may not be exactly what Gregg Williams is looking for, but I think he’s worth a shot. Draft Projection: Early-round selection
S Michael Tutsie, North Dakota State
The four-year starter out of North Dakota State knows what it’s like to be part of championship teams, having won the national championship four times in five seasons with the Bisons. Not only that, Tutsie is a hard-hitter, having recorded 338 tackles during his collegiate career, likely much to the liking of Defenders defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. There’s also an upside in pass coverage, as Tutsie totaled 22 passes defended and 11 interceptions during his time at North Dakota State. While he’ll probably be buried on the depth chart behind strong safeties like Santos Ramirez and D.J. Swearinger, Tutsie could provide depth and eventually fulfill these guys’ shoes with their similar play styles. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
CB Datrone Young, Duke
Young spent five years at Iowa State as a rotational corner before transferring to Duke for his final season of college ball. With the Blue Devils, Young started 12 games and racked up a team-high seven pass breakups, demonstrating his ability in pass coverage. He plays bigger than his size at 5-9 179 lbs, having made 132 tackles in 55 career games (37 starts), and could line up outside or in the slot. He’s undoubtedly an aggressive player that will be on D.C.’s draft board. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
CB John Smith, Holy Cross
Out of Holy Cross, Smith provides physicality and versatility at the defensive back position. His physical skill set is similar to that of DeJuan Neal, who started at right corner for the Defenders last season. At 6-0 190 lbs, Smith uses his long arms to his advantage while covering bigger receivers and is reliable in making tackles, having racked up 175, including six for a loss during five seasons at Holy Cross. He also logged 33 pass breakups and thirteen interceptions through 54 career games, demonstrating his capability in defending the pass. Draft Projection: Late-round selection
