7 Players the XFL Should Target in Its Supplemental Draft
by Pat Rifino
The first phases of the XFL Draft have come and gone seeing many former XFL stars rejoin the league, along with many new faces joining the league for another shot at pro football. While some names like Kyle Sloter and Martavis Bryant shocked us, others like Luis Perez and Andrew Jamiel seemed to be a bit expected by multiple sources. With a supplemental draft scheduled for January 2023, below are seven players we’d like to see join the league for its 3rd reiteration.
Note: QBs like Jordan Ta’amu and Bryan Scott will not be included while both are rumored to be joining the league come January, QBs are “selected/allotted” and not drafted. That being said, we do look forward to seeing them join the XFL in 2023.
7. Reece Horn, Wide Receiver
It seems like every month we spotlight Reece Horn, whether it highlighting his career, or the statistical accomplishments over his career. The veteran of the NFL, CFL, XFL 2.0, TSL, and EFL is an alt-league champion (2021 Spring League and European League 2022), is in the draft pool, and hopefully will join the XFL for 2nd team come January. Fun fact, Horn is the post-2000 alt-league receiving yards leader with 962, he’d be the first receiver to join the 1,000 yards club if he joins the XFL this spring.
6. Qwan’tez Stiggers, Defensive Back
Stiggers is the youngest prospect in the XFL draft pool. Stiggers was a star in the FCF leading the league in interceptions including grabbing three in one game. Stiggers is a raw athletic prospect that should be the next member of the FCF to transition to the traditional XFL.
5. Jeremy Hill, Running Back
The XFL did not shy away from drafting former NFL talent as the league picked up Martavis Bryant, Brian Hill, and Ja’Marcus Bradley all players with NFL experience. Hill has 55 games under his belt totaling 2898 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Hill’s been out of the NFL since 2018 however his “name recognition” is a solid draw for a young XFL running back room.
4. Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, Wide Receiver
If we are talking about name recognition Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi is a name that draws a lot of notice. The Phoenix College return man has had multiple stints in pro leagues since lying his way into an NFL tryout in 2019. After getting cut by the Browns Sheehy spent time with the New York Guardians, two iterations of the Spring League (2020 Alphas, 2021 Linemen), the FCF, the Ottawa Redblacks, and most recently spent time with the MLFB’s Arkansas Attack which before the league folded.
3. D’Veon Smith, Running Back
The victim of Pizza Gate deserves another shot at pro football especially after being a Top-6 rusher in the AAF and the leading rusher in the XFL’s 2020 season. Smith has performed admirably in every stop he’s made in pro football and the former Michigan man hopefully will be a part of an XFL team come January.
2. Jhurell Pressley, Running Back
Originally thought to be done with Football as Pressley began coaching most recently he’s received an XFL invite and is currently in Japan with the X-League. Pressley has been with five NFL teams and was the AAF’s leading rusher. In addition to being the AAF’s leading rusher, Pressley put together a solid season for the DC Defenders where he would finish the year as a Top-8 rusher.
1. Josh Gordon, Wide Receiver
Most recently cut by the Titans, Gordon has expressed interest in joining the XFL. Gordon, who is no stranger to the Alt-Leagues, was a part of the FCF in 2021 with the Zappers. Gordon is a Super Bowl Champion and All-Pro receiver, though his best days may be behind him Gordon is definitely a draw to boost crowd interest for the XFL in 2023.
