8 USFL Players That Will Be Invited to NFL Camps
By Pat Rifino
As the USFL wraps up their “inaugural season” it is becoming extremely evident that some players are beginning to separate themselves from their peers while other players are barely hanging on to their roster spot in the USFL. As with several spring leagues upon completion of the season many players will transition into NFL camps where players will pursue their dream of making it to an active NFL roster. Below are 8 players who will be in an NFL camp at the end of the USFL season. Note all players selected are players who have not played in a NFL regular season game.
Kyle Sloter New Orleans Breakers Quarterback
Sloter has been the best QB in the USFL in my opinion. After going undrafted in 2017, Sloter has bounced around the NFL for the last five years and is now finally getting his shot in the USFL. Sloter leads the USFL in passing yards and second in touchdowns. Sloter has also led the Breakers to a 5-2 record and could solidify a playoff spot in the next week or two. With the class of ‘22 QB draft class being less than stellar, and Sloter playing well, I doubt anyone would be surprised to see Sloter end up in an NFL and even an NFL roster.
Brandon Aubrey Birmingham Stallions Kicker
Aubrey, is definitely one of the more surprising players to come in the USFL. Aubrey has been one of the more dominant kickers throughout the first 7 weeks. So far Aubrey is 14/15 for field goals, and 18/20 on extra points totaling 60 points. With Kickers in constant demand Aubrey definitely will be on many teams short-lists when injuries begin to add up.
Cole Murphy Michigan Panthers Kicker
This one can be viewed as a slight cop out, but not including Cole Murphy on this list could be criminal. Murphy is 7 of 8 on field goals and 5 of 5 on extra points totaling 26 points. Murphy has had a cup of tea with the Cardinals, the AAF Fleet, and the Spring League, but his time in the USFL is what has put him on the map. Murphy has converted on field goals of 56 and 60 so far in the USFL, which are both USFL records. Like with Aubrey, Murphy has begun to turn heads with his first two games in the USFL and is likely to continue to improve the more opportunity he is given.
Adam Rodriguez Philadelphia Stars Defensive End
Rodriguez is currently second in the USFL in sacks trailing behind Chris Odom (AAF/CFL/NFL vet) by .5 sacks. Rodriguez was a USFL supplemental draft pick out of Weber State in 2022, and has turned into one of the premier pass rushers of the league. Rodriguez so far has 7 sacks and 34 tackles as the Stars are currently in 2nd place in a prime position for the playoffs out of the Northern Division. At 6’2 and 245 lbs Rodriguez does have the size and the quickness to possibly make an impact on an NFL roster.
Reggie Corbin Michigan Panthers Running Back
USFL leading rusher has continued to impress week in and week out. His dynamic rushing ability has kept the Panthers extremely competitive despite their 1-6 record. With the Panthers still mathematically in the playoff hunt Corbin will have to essentially put the team on his back as the team has experienced less than stellar QB and wide receiver play. In addition to being the leading USFL rusher, Corbin is also second in All-Purpose Yards. With versatility an asset to any NFL team, Corbin's ability to contribute on special teams could garner him an NFL opportunity.
Channing Stribling Philadelphia Stars Cornerback
Stribling has burst onto the scene as he’s recorded five interceptions through five games in the USFL. Stribling is a AAF, XFL, and CFL vet who has been regarded as a top 5 corner now in the USFL. Though a bit older (27) Stribling has proven at each of his spring league stops he is extremely capable, the only question now is will an NFL team take a chance? I think so.
Sal Cannella New Orleans Breakers Tight End
Cannella at one point was a leading receiver in the USFL but has since cooled down. Still, Cannella continues to be a matchup nightmare for USFL defenses and is considered a Top-Tight End in the league. Cannella 270 receiving yards rank 1st among tight ends and was named to Mike Mitchell’s of USFL News Hub mid season All-USFL Team. Cannella at 6-5 233 lbs boasts a solid frame that is being utilized more and more throughout the NFL for Tight Ends.
Jonathan Adams New Orleans Breakers Wide Receiver
Adams is currently a Top-5 receiver in the USFL who week after week continues to find himself on Fox Sports highlight reel. The Breakers passing attack has a three headed attack led by Adams, Cannella, and Johnnie Dixion, with Adams being the leading receiver of the three. Adams was another selection to Mike Mitchell’s Mid-Season All-USFL team and with a strong final three weeks will look to make an impression on NFL scouts to get an invite into camp.
As with every spring, many will be curious to see if players can successfully transition from the USFL to NFL. Regardless, despite some ups and downs the USFL has provided an opportunity to many young men who would not have been able to showcase their skills. As the season winds down many of us at The Markcast and USFL News Hub will continue to look forward to seeing a new batch of players make their childhood dreams come true