The UFL has seen 12 players signed with over 20 receiving NFL workouts. With NFL teams on “vacation” till about mid-July roster movement has been extremely slow as this article is being written. With 12 players already being “called up” below are 10 players deserving of NFL opportunity this year.
Bryce Perkins Quarterback Michigan Panthers
UFL MVP, All-UFL, UFL OPOY, x3 UFL Offensive Player of the Week
Perkins was easily the UFL’s best player when healthy. Despite being injured Perkins still managed to earn the UFL “Triple Crown” in only 7 games. Perkins showcased ability similar to Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen at the UFL level, often making the game look like it was on “easy mode” at times. While the Panthers came up short in the UFL Championship Game, Perkins still managed to pass for 338 yards and 4 TDs in the losing effort. Perkins should garner NFL opportunity and could be a fit for the Lions, Ravens, or Eagles in the fall of 2025.
Jacob Saylors Running Back St. Louis Battlehawks
All-UFL 2024,2025, x1 UFL Offensive Player of the Week
Saylors earned Two NFL contracts in 2024 and should earn another one in 2025. Saylors is an extremely versatile Running Back, who bolstered his NFL stock with his ability to be a difference in the passing game while also proving to be an every down back who can run between the tackles. Saylors is still only 25 and has plenty of gas left in the tank for an NFL franchise.
Ryan Nelson Offensive Line Michigan Panthers
All-UFL 2025
Nelson “popped” this year for the Panthers translating into one of Michigan’s best players according to PFF in 2025. The former Virginia Offensive Linemen earned All-UFL honors in 2025 and has been a stalwart on the Offensive Line since 2024. In addition to his success at Tackle, Nelson has the ability to play Offensive Guard as well. Look for Nelson to draw interest from the Lions who took a chance on Panthers Guard Jake Burton in 2024.
UPDATE: After a Workout with the LA Chargers, Per James Larsen of PFN, Nelson is signing with the team
Bradlee Anae Defensive Line Birmingham Stallions
5th Round Draft Pick, 16 Tkls, 4.0 Sacks
Anae at times looked like one of the UFL’s best players who unfortunately was slowed down by injuries at times. Anae possesses great length and burst off the ball allowing him to get to the edge against UFL tackles. Anae still has youth on his side at 28 and could join Jeremiah Pharms, Labryan Ray, Domenique Davis, Bruce Hector and Khalil Davis as Defensive Linemen who’ve had success in the NFL since 2022.
Tae Crowder Linebacker Birmingham Stallions
7th Round Draft Pick, 44 Tkls, 2 Ints, 2 TDs, x1 Defensive Player of the Week
Crowder proved this season he still has a bit of juice in tank after spending all of 2024 out of football. The NFL veteran provided steady production in a crowded and talent LB room in Birmingham, while also earning player of the week honors for a 2 TD performance. Crowder has extensive amount of experience that could benefit NFL teams once injuries hit their LB room during training camp. A veteran of 43 games and 31 starts (NFL), Crowder should have a chance to prove he belongs in the next couple of weeks.
Cam Dantzler Defensive Back Memphis Showboats
3rd Round Draft Pick 13 Tkls, 1 INT, 1 TD
Dantzler looked a bit more comfortable this season, compared to his rocky start in 2024. Dantzler possesses good length, excelled in zone, while being capable to play man-coverage as well. Additionally, he’s only 26 Years Old (27 in September) giving him some of the benefit from Father time. Prior to the UFL Dantzler also owns 26 starts (37 games), giving an NFL team an experienced youthful option.
Rodrigo Blankenship Kicker St. Louis Battlehawks
All-UFL 2025, x1 Special Teams Player of the Week, 21/22 LG of 56
Specialist have always thrived in their NFL journey, with Jake Bates, Brandon Aubrey, and several long snappers successfully carving out solid NFL careers. Blankenship should be another success story, despite him losing out to Harrison Mevis who recently signed with the Jets.
Lucas Havrisik Kicker Arlington Renegades
22/25 LG of 54
Replacing the consistent figure of Taylor Russolino, and 2024 replacement Jonathan Garibay, Havrisik put together the best season for a Renegade kicker in their Four-year history. While scouts would probably have liked to see Havrisik earn more attempts from beyond 50, the University of Arizona alum is easily a solid replacement for teams in a pinch if NFL teams need a boost on special teams.
Chris Rowland Wide Receiver D.C. Defenders
All-UFL 2024,2025
Rowland has been chomping at the bit for an opportunity going back to 2022 with the Philadelphia Stars. Rowland has been a key figure in any offense he’s been a part of consistently being at the top of the leaderboards in All-Purpose yards the past two seasons. Rowland’s ability to provide value on the ground, through the air, and on special teams has already gotten him some interest in NFL circles.
Justin Hall Wide Receiver Houston Roughnecks
All-USFL 2023, x2 UFL Reception Leader
Hall has been a consistent option for Gamblers/Roughnecks since coming into spring football in 2023. Hall has totaled 165 receptions and 1,618 yds in 30 games in addition to providing value on special teams as a returner. Hall earned a contract last season with the Vikings, and with another strong season should be able to provide value to NFL team this fall as well.
1 Comment
by Gary Winter
I think it’s awesome that these and others are getting a chance to show their skills in the NFL. However, doesn’t the UFL have anything going on that they can make available to their fans besides some of their favorites may be leaving? Expansion, relocation or maybe coaching changes that we can look forward too? I’m surprised the UFL isn’t making a better attempt at trying to keep their name in a conversation, any conversation. They should be feeding outlets like the UFL News Hub, PFN, etc. just to keep their name out there. I may be wrong but it seems with a brand that lost a little luster with some fans last year they should be working harder to get their names out there. Gosh, the UFL app on my phone hasn’t even changed since the end of the season other they have new t-shirts to sell.
Just thinking out loud…