It’s been a quiet off-season for the UFL teams, as the NFL signings have ceased for the time being. On July 17th, the UFL did have their first major movement of the off-season, with the UFL’s college rookie draft taking place. The Battlehawks like all teams selected 10 new players this week, in order to prep for the 2025 season.
Round 1: Chevan Cordeiro, QB San Jose State
Cordeiro signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks before getting released on May 8th. After playing at the University of Hawaii for Four Years, Cordeiro finished up at San Jose State as throwing for over 12,000 yards and totaling over 100 touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Currently a free agent, Cordeiro could opt for a UFL season if left unsigned for the rest of the 2024 NFL season.
Round 2: Cody Schrader, RB Missouri
A St. Louis Native from Lutheran South HS, Schrader recently signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers after the 2024 NFL draft. Schrader was an All-SEC RB at Mizzou while also earning multiple accolades at Division-II’s Truman State University. Schrader could be a long shot to make the NFL roster for the 49ers however looks to be an instant household name in St. Louis if he plays in the UFL.
Round 3: Pheldarius Payne, DE Virginia Tech
Signed as UDFA with the Houston Texans, Payne recorded 31 tackles (10 for loss) with 4 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries in 13 games in 2023. Previously he played at Nebraska and Lackawanna College. Payne was recently released by the Texans the day he was drafted by the Battlehawks.
Round 4: Bradley Ashmore, T Vanderbilt
Ashmore was a team captain for the Commodores and started 24 games at right tackle. A versatile Offensive Lineman who also started 16 at right guard Ashmore earned SEC Academic Honors while at Vanderbilt. So far, he has had no NFL opportunities and could be a possible replacement for Jaryd Jones-Smith.
Round 5: Carl Jones Jr., OLB UCLA
Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears, Jones Tallied 31 tackles and two sacks for UCLA in 2023. He also appeared in school record of 57 games for the Bruins. Jones currently remains on the Bears roster, and if released could replace Willie Harvey Jr for St. Louis in the UFL.
Round 6: Isaiah Coe, DT Oklahoma
Coe attended a Rookie Mini Camp Tryout with the Indianapolis Colts after the 2024 NFL Draft. Coe was an honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2023 and recorded 55 tackles (15 for loss) in 37 games with the Sooners. Coe is currently not on an NFL roster.
Round 7: Jelani Baker, WR Limestone
Baker signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens before getting released on May 6th. At Limestone he was selected to the All-South Atlantic Conference after recording 118 catches for 1681 yards and 19 TDs in 24 games. He also totaled an additional 23 kick returns for 656 yards and a TD. Currently, Baker remains a free agent.
Round 8: Jadon Janke, WR South Dakota State
Jadon Janke signed as an undrafted free agent with the Texans after recording 170 receptions for 2800 yards and 30 TDs in 67 games at South Dakota State. Along with identical twin, Jaxon, the duo won two national titles and three state titles All-MVFC as wide receiver and a return specialist in 2022. He currently remains on the Texans roster going into camp.
Round 9: Myles Sims, CB Georgia Tech
Sims started 26 games for Georgia Tech with 136 tackles and 2 interceptions. He also recorded 5 pass breakups and recovered 2 fumbles in 2023. During his Pro-Day he ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. With injuries hitting the Battlehawks secondary in late 2024, St. Louis looks to add depth and youth to the unit for 2025.
Round 10: Myles Jones, CB Duke
Jones was signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets after the 2024 NFL draft. In 2023 Jones played 208 snaps for Duke with 7 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Jones registered 124 tackles, 29 pass break ups, and 4 interceptions for the Aggies Lettered for Four years prior to his final year at Duke. Currently, Jones remains on the Jets roster.
Overall, the Battlehawks chose five defensive and five offensive players in the draft: two cornerbacks, two defensive linemen, two wide receivers, linebacker, quarterback, running back, and a tackle. Last year the Battlehawks added Rookie Draft Picks like Nico Bolden, and Kevon Latulas both made impacts on special teams for St. Louis with Kemari Averrett (A 2023 UDFA) making an impact on offense.
The Battlehawks will hold exclusive rights to these players until the player reports to the team or the team gives up that player’s rights. All players who sign a UFL contract, including players who remain under contract from the 2024 season, will have an “NFL Out” during the NFL season.
