On January 15th, the Battlehawks continued to build their 2024 team between the merged USFL and XFL. St. Louis who went into the day with 54 roster spots, added 8 players to their team in hopes of building a championship roster. Most notably St. Louis did not draft a Quarterback leaving fans speculating about the status of A.J. McCarron in 2024.
Round 1: Dravon Askew-Henry Safety
A veteran of the 2020 XFL, Askew-Henry has been around spring football since 2020 after appearing in all Five games with the New York Guardians. Askew-Henry has had several stints with NFL teams and has spent the last Two seasons with the New Jersey Generals totaling 71 Tackles and 2 Interceptions for Mike Riley’s Defense.
Round 2: Chris Garrett OLB
Garrett was a 7th round draft pick in 2021 with the LA Rams earning a Super Bowl Ring with the team and appearing in One game for the franchise. Garrett who comes from Division-II Concordia, had stints with the Rams, Seahawks, and Vikings before signing with the Houston Gamblers in June of 2023. Garrett appeared in Two games in the USFL, recording One tackle in his spring league “rookie” season.
Round 3: Kameron Kelly Safety
Kelly rejoins Coach Becht and DPP Dave Boller from their time in AAF with the San Diego Fleet. Kelly since his days in San Diego comes to St. Louis with a wealth of NFL and CFL experience appearing in 46 games (32 CFL, 14 NFL) in his “mainstream” career, earning an All-Star appearance in 2022. Kelly appeared in 8 games (6 starts) for the Brahmas in 2023, and could be a key piece in Donnie Abraham’s rebuilt secondary in 2024.
Round 4: John Daka OLB
Daka was drafted by the Roughnecks (XFL) during the 2022 XFL Draft. The JMU Alum, earned multiple All-Conference honors enroute to an opportunity with the Ravens in 2020. Daka also had stints with the Jets, Rams, and Bears in the NFL before appearing in all 10 games for the Roughnecks totaling 26 Tackles and 4.5 Sacks in 2023.
Round 5: Abdul Beecham OG
Beecham was a late signing by the Guardians who ended up starting 10 games for Orlando in 2023. Beecham spent 2022 with the Pittsburgh Maulers, along with a stint in 2021 with the Spring League and looks to compete for a spot at Guard between Steven Gonzalez, and Vadal Alexander.
Round 6: Mandy Alonso DT
Alonso was originally acquired by the Seattle Dragons in 2023 after his stint with the Calgary Stampeders. Alonso spent his college career at the University of Virginia totaling 116 tackles and 9.5 sacks during his college career.
Round 7: Kahlil McKenzie OG
McKenzie started Three games for Vegas Vipers and provides quality depth in the interior of the Offensive Line. McKenzie played in 12 games for the NFL along with 2 games in the XFL 2020.
Round 8: Christian Olmstead OG
Olmstead was the Battlehawks final pick and returns to the team as their reserve Offensive Lineman. Olmstead spent 2023 with St. Louis, but was inactive for the majority of the season. Olmstead played in the Spring League in 2021 winning a championship with the Lineman. Olmstead was highlighted by the XFL due to him finding a way to the league via the XFL Showcase.
With the addition of 8 players, the Battlehawks roster now sits at 62 players moving into free agency. With rosters allowed to expand to 75 players Anthony Becht, and Dave Boller will look to NFL practice squads to find key pieces in hopes of making a playoff push in 2024. Last season St. Louis missed the playoffs despite going 7-3 during a controversial tiebreaker.
