5 USFL Players That the NFL Missed Out On
By Pat Rifino
Nobody’s perfect, especially those in the NFL front office, however, there is a reason why many of them do get to keep their jobs and while most of the time NFL executives are able to successfully construct a solid 53-Man roster, oftentimes there are players that miss an opportunity to even get into an NFL Camp. 52 USFL players were granted the opportunity to take part in an NFL contract, and fight for their football lives, however below are 5 players who the NFL might want to take a second look at before the end of the season.
1. Donald Payne, Linebacker Houston Gamblers
Not the polarizing figure like his position-mate Reggie Northrup, Payne was the leading tackler on the most dynamic defense in the USFL. Between Payne, Northrup, Ahmad Gooden, DPOY Chris Odom, and Will Likely, Payne was the leader of a star-studded line-up that only saw one player transition to the NFL. A veteran of 30 NFL games, recording 76 tackles, Payne provides a possible late-season special teams addition for an injury-riddled NFL team. Payne, who was with the 49ers at one point in 2021, did nothing but raise his stock in 2022 and seems to be a candidate for many teams as the NFL season begins.
2. Adam Rodriguez, Defensive End Philadelphia Stars
Rodriguez could be viewed as one of the more underrated players in the USFL, gaining limited exposure despite being 2nd in the USFL in Sacks. Rodriguez is only 25 and athletic enough to be able to become a contributor on special teams in an attempt to garner rotational playing time on the defensive line. I don’t know what the future holds for Rodriguez however, right now it appears Stars fans get to watch a player who has NFL-Level talent.
3. Cole Murphy, Kicker Michigan Panthers
Murphy turned the Panthers’ Special Teams from floundering to one of the top units in the league. After bouncing around between NFL camps, the AAF, and TSL, Murphy finally found his footing in the USFL garning 9/11 on Xtra Points, and 11/12 on field goals with a long of 60. As many have seen in the NFL, kicker turnover is extremely volatile so despite garnering limited NFL interest during training camp it’s only a matter of time before Murphy is kicking this fall for an NFL squad.
4. Cam Scarlett, Running Back Michigan Panthers
Out of all the Michigan Panthers running backs, you would think Reggie Corbin would be the guy that ends up on an NFL roster right? Well in my opinion no. The most NFL-ready Running Back on the Panthers was and has been Cam Scarlett. When looking at Alt-League Players most coaches already have their RB1 and RB2 already selected, so who are they looking for? Special Teams assets! Scarlett was able to return kicks and punts, he covered kicks and punts, and he was able to catch passes and block. Though not a star by any means, Scarlett was gritty and played in every capacity of the game. It’s a skillset like that makes him an attractive candidate to NFL executives.
5. Case Cookus, Quarterback Philadelphia Stars
Cookus seemed to be primed for an NFL opportunity if not for a leg injury in the USFL Championship game come July. Despite starting 7 games, Cookus was among the passing leaders in the USFL for the Stars who may have been champs if not for his injury. Cookus continues to remain on the NFL radar as he most recently worked out with the Cowboys in lieu of the injury to Dak Prescott. Moving forward, as injuries continue to pile up (Mac Jones, Tua, Josh Allen, Jameis Winston, and Justin Herbert) don’t be surprised if Cookus returns to the NFL in a practice squad capacity at a minimum.
