A little over 24 hours ago, the USFL held its first ever Draft. Unfortunately, they didn’t stream it or even hold it on the Sunday following the Super Bowl, missing two huge opportunities for exposure. (Shoutout to the Content creators streaming it on YouTube!) So, it’s fair to assume you may have missed some familiar faces making their way over to the new football league.
Here’s all you need to know
Birmingham Stallions
Manasseh Bailey, WR: Many considered Bailey to be a UDFA gem at the time of his arrival at the NovaCare Complex in 2020, thanks to his blazing speed. He failed to make the final roster and would go on to spend time with the Chargers and Jets.
Cary Angeline, TE: Angeline did spend some time with the Eagles this past Summer after a brief spurt with the Cardinals as a depth tight end. Unfortunately, his stint was shortlived.
Houston Gamblers
Clayton Thorson, QB: What more needs to be said about this man? Legend. Without Clayton Thorson’s sometimes dipsy quarterback play, PSN may not be where it is today. Thanks for the memories Clayton, and sorry for burdening your career with that song.
New Jersey Generals
De’Vante Bausby, CB: He’s actually had quite the career. After struggling to make the cut in Philadelphia as a nickel corner, he went over to the AAF before bouncing back to make the Broncos roster one season later. An injury stunted his growth and he gradually fell down pecking orders and became a practice squad journeyman. But he reunites with another member of the Super Bowl 52-winning squad.
Destiny Vaeao, DT: Vaeao was one of the most underrated cogs in the 2017 defensive machine. One of the lone viable DT4’s the Eagles have had over the past five years, Vaeao now finds himself just down the road in New Jersey.
Pittsbutgh Maulers
Trae Elston, CB: I remember really liking Elston in 2017. He was another scrappy underdog DB, who, like Jordan Poyer before him (only on a smaller scale), ended up in Buffalo and made his mark. He picked off Derek Carr in a 35-14 win. He returned to Philadelphia in 2019 but failed to make the team.
Ajene Harris, CB: Another training camp signee, USC product, Ajene Harris, failed to make the cut in 2019 and joins his old friend Elston. #Besties.
Kyle Lauletta, QB: If the Eagles are a QB factory, Lauletta was a faulty product that needed returning. It’s a shame because he showed so much promise in New York and looked to give Sudfeld a run for his money. That wasn’t to be. I really enjoyed Lauletta’s backstory and breaking down his play before he joined the Eagles. It’s a shame he was unable to unseat Nate the Great.
Michigan Panthers
Jameson Houston, CB: His time with the Eagles will be best-known for the fact he was in the trade that landed the Birds Joisah Scott. Ah.
Tampa Bay Bandits
Obi Melifonwu, S: A former day-two pick of the Raiders, Melifonwu was a freak athlete who looked to bring size and speed to the defensive backfield. He was unable to find a long-term home with the Raiders or Lions. Despite a the Eagles taking a flyer on him before the 2021 season, he didn’t show enough to warrant keeping him. It’s a real shame as on paper, he ticks all the boxes Howie Roseman could ever possibly have…he just couldn’t fit the jigsaw together.
Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire
