The UFL’s Super Draft has come and gone, with the Houston Roughnecks only making 6 selections despite 14 rounds. With those six picks, they selected a running back, wide receiver, offensive and defensive linemen, a kicker, and a long snapper. Following their Dispersal Draft, these selections seem to only reinforce their run-first philosophy.
Round 1: Ezra Gray, RB – USFL Memphis Showboats
The 5’7″ running back from Alabama State is still looking to make a splash in the pros. He played 50 games in college, accumulating 1,959 rushing yards on 756 attempts with 11 touchdowns. In his first season with the USFL, Gray saw little playing time with the New Orleans Breakers. It was in his second season he saw some carries, including a 37-yard rumble, playing for the Memphis Showboats. Gray will need to compete with USFL OPOY Mark Thompson for the RB1 role or breakout on special teams against All-USFL Returner Isiah Hennie.
Round 2: Glenn Logan, DT – XFL Houston Roughnecks
Big Glen Logan was a starter for LSU, appearing in 51 games for the Tigers. During his time in the SEC, he recorded 7 sacks and 110 total tackles. Logan joined the XFL Houston Roughnecks following a stint with the Cleveland Browns. During the 2023 XFL Season, Logan recorded 1.5 sacks and 16 tackles across 10 games. After drafting multiple defensive linemen in the dispersal draft, Glen will be joining a very deep and talented position group entering the 2024 UFL season.
Round 3: Luis Aguilar, K/P – USFL Philadelphia Stars
The Roughnecks walk out of the draft with, arguably, the best place kicker available. Aguilar is coming off an All-USFL season for the Philadelphia Stars. They led the league in kicking points and even had a USFL-record-breaking game with 8 field goals against the New Jersey Generals. They finished the season making 25 out of 29 field goals and 19 out of 20 extra points. Luis also doubles as a punter, punting the ball over 42 times for the Stars, landing 2 inside the 20-yard line. With Punter Hunter Niswander on the roster, however, Luis Aguilar can be expected to drop their punting game with to focus on continuing their kicking success.
Round 4: Norman Price, OT/OG – XFL San Antonio Brahmas
Norman Price brings some NFL experience to the Roughnecks O-Line, adding more depth to an already deep position group. They had a very solid career coming out of Southern Miss, before spending time with the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers across 4 seasons. They would go on to start 6 games in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas. Another solid piece for the offensive line to generate a dominate run game.
Round 5: Logan Klusman, LS – Kansas Jayhawks
Not a flashy pick, but a very much-needed one as the Roughnecks solidify their Special Teams core with Long snapper Logan Klusman. Klusman was Academic All-Big 12 Football First Team during his senior year with the Jawhawks, appearing in all but one game that year. He has also earned Special Teams Player of the Week during his collegiate career, being a consistent piece for the Jayhawks. With the Roughnecks’ special teams secure, look for Klusman to be the solid piece upfront.
Round 6: Gene Coleman II, WR – Deleware Blue Hens
After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, former Deleware Blue Hen, Gene Coleman II looks to make a name for himself down in Texas. He made Second-Team All-CAA in his Junior season with the Blue Hens, leading the conference with 44 catches for 443 yards and a touchdown. Across 31 collegiate games, Coleman recorded 81 catches for 991 yards and 3 touchdowns. Houston needs some more playmakers in the passing game, following a dismal year in 2023. With a group of receivers all hungry to make a name for themselves, Gene has the opportunity to rise above the rest.
Following Phase 2 of the UFL, the Houston Roughnecks seem to be prioritizing the interior of their defense and offense. With a lot of picks being spent on their offensive and defensive line, they seem to be building around their top stars RB Mark Thompson and DE Chris Odem. With Spring around the corner, this raises questions about the Roughnecks’ secondary and passing offense entering the inaugural UFL season.
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