The 2024 United Football League College Draft marked Will Lewis’ first as General Manager of the Houston Roughnecks, following the retirement of Lionel Vital. Lewis brought a wealth of experience to his new role, setting the stage for a strategic approach to the draft.
Will Lewis: A Seasoned Football Executive
- Previously served as Director of Player Personnel for the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas (2023)
- Extensive NFL experience, including roles with the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs
- Former GM of the AAF’s Memphis Express (2019)
- Worked as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel for the Houston Roughnecks in the 2020 XFL season
- Played professionally across NFL, USFL, and CFL for nine seasons
Lewis’ appointment signals the Roughnecks’ commitment to leveraging spring football experience and NFL connections in building their roster.
The Roughnecks’ 2024 Draft Selections
Round 1: Eyabi Okie (DE, Charlotte)
- Led Charlotte in sacks and tackles for loss
- Second Team All-American Athletic Conference
- 56 total tackles, 5.5 sacks (fifth in AAC)
- Former 5-star recruit, played at Alabama, UT Martin, and Michigan before Charlotte
Round 2: Tra Fluellen (S, Middle Tennessee State)
- 64 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, team-high 3 interceptions in 2023
- Career total of 323 tackles (197 at MTSU)
- Named to Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Award Watch Lists
- Voted permanent team captain
Round 3: Kameron Stutts (OG, Auburn)
- Started every game in 2023
- 31 career games with 25 starts (18 at RG, 7 at LG)
- Team captain and Tropical Bowl participant
- Versatile player with experience at both guard positions
Round 4: Donovan Manuel (LB, Florida International)
- Set FIU single-season record with 5 forced fumbles
- 121 total tackles (second-highest in CUSA, 13th nationally)
- Second-highest single-season tackle total in FIU history
Round 5: Hayden Gillum (OL, Kansas State)
- Started all 13 games at center in 2023
- All-Big 12 Honorable Mention
- Helped K-State rank in top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories
- Part of offensive line that set school record with 30 passing touchdowns
Round 6: Malcolm Epps (TE, Pittsburgh)
- Played at Texas, USC, and Pitt over 5-year college career
- 49 career games, 12 starts
- 37 career receptions, 483 yards, 7 touchdowns
- Former Under Armour All-American, ranked 4th-best TE out of high school
Round 7: Xavier Benson (ILB, Oklahoma State)
- Started all 27 games at OSU
- 65 total tackles (37 solo) in 2023
- Among team’s leading tacklers in both years at OSU
Round 8: Rayshad Williams (CB, Texas Tech)
- 37 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery in 2023
- 136 career tackles, 26 pass defenses over five collegiate seasons
- Signed as undrafted free agent with Las Vegas Raiders
Round 9: Malik Dunlap (CB, Texas Tech)
- 36 tackles (31 solo), 7 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery in 2023
- Started 11 of 13 games in final season
- Second on team in interceptions
- Highest coverage grade (79.9) on Texas Tech in 2023
Round 10: Geor’Quarius Spivey (TE, Mississippi State)
- 52 career games, 8 starts (5 at Mississippi State)
- 28 career receptions, 298 yards, 1 touchdown
- Transferred to TCU before returning to Mississippi State for final season
Lewis’ Draft Strategy
In his first draft as Roughnecks GM, Will Lewis employed a conservative approach:
- 7 out of 10 selections are currently free agents
- Focus on trenches: 5 picks on offensive or defensive line
- 6 defensive players, 4 offensive players
- 3 players with Texas Tech experience
This strategy aligns with Lewis’ extensive experience in player evaluation and spring football leagues. By targeting free agents and players with local ties, Lewis aims to increase the likelihood of signing draft picks and building a competitive roster.
Head Coach C.J. Johnson expressed confidence in Lewis’ approach, stating, “Will’s deep understanding of spring football and previous NFL experience will undoubtedly help develop these players, prepare them for the next level of their career, and position the Roughnecks for a competitive edge this season.”
The success of this draft class will be a key factor in the Roughnecks’ efforts to improve upon their previous 1-9 record. While lacking big names, this strategy could provide valuable depth and competition, reflecting Lewis’ and Johnson’s shared vision for a tough, physical football team.
