1. KaVontae Turpin WR (New Jersey Generals -> Dallas Cowboys)
In a league that Tyreek Hill has taken by storm, it is not a reach to think that someone would jump at the chance to sign Turpin. He led the USFL in all-purpose yards and won league MVP. This amazing resume landed him a three-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, and practically makes him a shoo-in to make the roster. I not only expect to see him on the roster, but I might draft him in fantasy.
2. Ike Brown DB (New Orleans Breakers -> Las Vegas Raiders)
This is a very exciting player because we already got to see him play in a preseason game. After a stand-out season performance with the Breakers where he scored more touchdowns than were scored on him, he would have been one of my picks for this list without seeing him play in the preseason. Since he did play, we might as well talk about it. He played with the second team, which is already a good sign this early. He also had a respectable performance with multiple tackles and a pass breakup. Overall, I think it is likely that we will see him suiting up in black and silver come September.
3. Chris Odom DE (Houston Gamblers -> Cleveland Browns)
No one impressed more than Chris Odom in the USFL. His outstanding performance was rewarded with the DPOY award for the entire league, and a shout on the All USFL team. Somehow this was not enough for a lot of teams, and he did not immediately sign like everyone thought he would. I like to think this was because he earned the right to be picky and weigh his options after the workouts he had. The defensive end position is very hard to get a solid footing in the NFL because of the talent that is already present. I believe his chances of making the team, and even starting are much higher than most USFL to NFL players.
4. Sal Canella TE (New Orleans Breakers -> Green Bay Packers)
The Packers had a clear hole at the TE position, and they signed Canella very early. Most NFL teams keep 3 tight ends, so it is likely we will see Canella in that lineup when the cuts come. Canella was 3rd among his position, and 11th overall in yards this season, and showed he was the complete package, ready for the NFL.
5. Lance Lenoir WR (Michigan Panthers -> Philadelphia Eagles)
As a Panthers fan, it gives me great pride to say that this pick shouldn't surprise anyone. Lance was clearly Michigan's #1 option in the passing game all year, and has already been turning heads in training camp. If I was betting on who Lenoir would sign with, I would have lost money considering the already crowded wide receiver room the Eagles have. Despite the crowded WR room, he has already been mentioned positively in a couple of their practice notes. An unverified report has given hints that Lenoir may fill in the WR3 role, and Reagor is being shopped around because of it. Personally, I have no doubt he will make the roster and am very excited about his chances to see playtime.
Honorable Mentions Likely to Stay on NFL Rosters
6. Bailey Gaither WR (Pittsburg Maulers -> Baltimore Ravens)
You can't call yourself a USFL fan if you don't know Bailey Gaither’s name, or have at least seen him blowing by first-round draft picks at the Raven's training camp. I've heard his new nickname is Papa Hamilton around Baltimore. Gaither was one of the most consistent wide receivers, on easily the most inconsistent team in the USFL. He had different quarterbacks practically every week, yet still produced big numbers. The Ravens cleared out their wide receiver room, and after Bateman, the roster is a blank slate that Gaither can easily earn a spot in.
7. Maurice Alexander WR (Philadelphia Stars -> Detroit Lions)
Alexander was one of the most versatile players in the USFL. He returned kicks and punts leading the entire USFL in these categories. On top of that he was on the punt team making tackles on the other side of the ball. Finally, he was a starting wide receiver in arguably the best receiving core in the league. His stats might not have been as exciting as some of the other players, but his versatility is what really sets him apart. The Detroit Lions do have a lot of skill on special teams ranking top 10 in most categories, but Alexander could fill multiple positions. Expect to see Alexander making the final cut before this season starts.
8. Domenique Davis DT (Houston Gamblers -> Cincinnati Bengals)
This last one makes me very excited because I did an analysis of him before the USFL draft, and now he is back in the NFL. Davis is a personal friend of the Network, which is why we are able to bring you this inside scoop, and include him in this list. Davis has already made his way into practicing with the second string, and Lou Anarumo, the Bengals D line coach, only has positive things to say about him. Expect to see a lot of play time for Davis in Friday’s preseason game, while he fights to earn his spot.
9. Victor Bolden WR (Birmingham Stallions -> Arizona Cardinals)
Victor Bolden was All-USFL and one of the top wide receivers in the league. With stats that include fourth in yards, second in targets, and third in receptions, all while playing in one less game than most of his competition. It probably does not shock you that I included him in this list, because if he can't then who can? Videos of him making miraculous catches have been floating around social media, and anytime the Cardinals are mentioned it is usually followed closely by the name Victor Bolden. Considering the suspensions and trades the cardinals have lost at the position, it is safe to say that Bolden will likely make the roster.
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