With NFL Rookie Mini-Camps in full swing, followed by the first wave of roster realignment has begun for NFL teams with the UFL already taking advantage. The UFL's Houston Gamblers amid a slew of quarterback injuries recently signed John Rhys Plumlee who was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 28th.
With the rosters of many NFL teams being filled by a new wave of UDFAs, the remaining athletes from the 2026 class have now begun to look for the next step in the professional careers whether it be in the UFL or CFL.
Earlier in the pre-draft process I made a list of several players the UFL could look at moving forward, with several players on that list, signed below is a list of eight defensive options the UFL could sign moving forward.
Grant Finley Defensive Line Missouri Western
Finley is a local prospect to St. Louis, who earned All-MIAA honors and recently earned rookie mini-camp invites to a couple NFL teams. He owns prototypical NFL size at 6-4, 270 which could make him a solid developmental candidate as a 3 technique or a 3-4 defensive end. It's worth noting that the UFL has signed several players from the MIAA over the past several years.
Paul Manning Cornerback Henderson State
Manning owns the ideal size, coupled with an impressive resume from his time at Division-II Henderson State. Manning was a late bloomer in school finding his footing during his junior season, eventually earning post-season honors after his senior year. Manning has the ability to play in both zone and man-to-man schemes as well.
****UPDATE: Manning was signed by the Broncos after a successful rookie-mini-camp with the team****
Jordan Kwiatkowski Linebacker Central Michigan
Kwiatkowski became a tackling machine at Central Michigan, including registering 28 TFLs over the past two seasons. He's a solid 3-down Linebacker that has the ability to cover with three interceptions last season. He plays extremely similar to ex-Battlehawks linebacker Callahan O'Reilly.
Edward Vesterinen Defensive Line West Virginia
With the UFL looking to give opportunities to international prospects, Vesterinen has the potential to take advantage of that opportunity. Vesterinen (whole hails from Finland) has plenty of experience at West Virginia appearing in 77 games, and could continue to develop with a team like the Orlando Storm, or D.C. Defenders.
Travis Shaw Defensive Line Texas
Shaw lacks reps despite his 6-5 340 frame, which could see a UFL team taking a stab at him. Shaw lacks explosiveness, and is limited as a pass rusher however, with his frame along with natural ability he may be able to turn into a serviceable player like Joe Wallace or T.J. Barnes.
Adonis Williams Jr. Defensive Back Ohio University
Williams has plenty of upside coming from the MAC school Ohio earning post season awards during his tenure. Williams has decent speed (4.5), and good size (6'2) in addition to being a solid tackler (184) throughout his college career. Williams also appeared in over 45 games in his career and could thrive with a team like the Columbus Aviators. He also recently worked out for the Jets during their rookie-mini-camp.
Kobe Stewart EDGE SUNY Buffalo
Stewart in two years at Buffalo, could be a riser if given a UFL opportunity. His game mimics that of Malik Fisher (Gamblers), with his ability to fire off, with his first step. Stewart recorded 19.5 TFLs (12 in 2024), along with registering 13 sacks over his career at Buffalo.
Steven Weston Safety Ouachita Baptist
Weston is another small-school player who has garner some NFL interest, via rookie mini-camps. He's been a four-year contributor registering over 140 tackles and six interceptions in his college career. His ability to play in the slot could garner him some attention from UFL teams down the stretch if needed.