In a now-deleted post on Twitter/X, Vegas Vipers WR Jeff Badet shared a text message with information concerning the upcoming dispersal draft, specifically regarding teams and players on the XFL side. December 27 will reportedly mark the first of two of those dispersal drafts. The rules:
-Each surviving team will get to protect 42 players currently on its off-season roster.
-Each of the four teams will then get to select 10 players from the rosters of those teams that did not survive the merger,
Keep in mind, nothing has officially been announced by the league(s), and therefore is subject to change. With December 27 rapidly approaching, I wanted to take a look at each XFL team’s rosters as they currently stand, what 42 players they’re most likely to protect, and name a few players they may consider targeting from the four contracted franchises. We’ll start with the Arlington Renegades:
Projected protections (42)
QB Luis Perez
RB Leddie Brown
RB De’Veon Smith
WR Brandon Arconado
WR JaVonta Payton
WR Tyler Vaughns
WR Caleb Vander Esch
TE Nate Becker
TE Shaun Beyer
OT Willie Beavers
OT Garrett McGhin
G Bobby Evans
G Mike Horton
G Dru Samia
C Cameron Hunt
DE Will Clarke
DE Josiah Coatney
DT Ami Finau
DT Tomasi Laulile
LB Otaro Alaka
LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley
LB Donald Payne
LB Merlin Robertson
LB Edmond Robinson
LB Colin Schooler
LB Tuzar Skipper
LB Noah Taylor
LB Willie Taylor
CB De’Vante Bausby
CB Shakur Brown
CB Javaris Davis
CB Darren Evans
CB Josh Hawkins
CB Delonte Hood
CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
CB Jordan Miller
CB Jamar Summers
S Will Hill
S Joe Powell
P Marquette King
LS Antonio Ortiz
K Taylor Russolino
Analysis:Arlington has an embarrassment of riches at the linebacker and corner spots; it’s entirely possible they trim some players from there to beef up other positions. Vander Esch and Lujuan Winnigham was a toss-up as the final receiver. It’s worth noting that the XFL.com roster page lists players who have been claimed/drafted but who have not yet signed letters of intent. I’m not sure if those players are eligible to be protected so I only chose players who are either holdovers from last season, or who have signed those LOIs.
Possible dispersal draft targets
RB Devin Darrington (Orlando Guardians)
TE Cody Latimer (Orlando Guardians)
C Alex Mollette (Houston Roughnecks)
Analysis:Arlington’s ground game was largely ineffective last season – they averaged 3.4 yards per carry as a team, and their leading rusher just 3.2 yards per carry. De’Veon Smith is a bruiser, whereas Darrington can add a different dimension with his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Sal Cannella was released so that he could sign with an NFL team this summer and has yet to re-up with the league. If he doesn’t return, a pass-catching tight end will be needed. Latimer showed last year that he can still provide a spark, performing as Orlando’s leading receiver. Center Brian Folkerts is expected to retire, leaving a hole in the middle of Arlington’s line. Alex Mollette was one of the best centers in the league last year and he returns after playing briefly with the Detroit Lions in training camp.
