
During Phase 1 and 2 of the UFL player allocation process, the San Antonio Brahmas and head coach Wade Phillips took advantage of an opportunity to add much-needed talent to their roster for the 2024 UFL season. Predictably, many of the Brahmas player picks in the first XFL-USFL dispersal draft are from Wade Phillips’ former team, the former XFL roster of the Houston Roughnecks. Out of 20 picks, eighteen of the players chosen came from the Houston Roughnecks former roster. San Antonio also added All-XFL tight end Cody Latimer from the Orlando Guardians and defensive lineman Jalen Dalton from the Seattle Sea Dragons.
In addition to the 20 dispersal draft picks, the Brahmas protected 42 players from their roster. Among those retained by San Antonio were a pair of All-XFL defenders in defensive end Drew Beesley and linebacker Jordan Williams. Many of the Brahmas picks focused on the defensive side of the ball and added depth to the offensive side, a point of emphasis for defensive-minded Wade Phillips. The Brahmas did not choose a quarterback in the first dispersal draft but decided to retain quarterbacks Jack Coan, Kurt Benkert, and recently signed quarterback Matthew McKay.
Let’s look at some of the impact players that will take a starring role for the 2024 Brahmas from the Phase 1 and 2 player allocation process.
Providing A Boost For The Brahmas Offense
The Brahmas were able to add two All-XFL players to their offense. From the Orlando Guardians, the Brahmas selected Cody Latimer, and from the Roughnecks, they chose offensive lineman Alex Mollette. Both players should make an instant impact on the San Antonio offense.
During the 2023 XFL season, Cody Latimer led all XFL tight ends with 50 receptions for 593 yards and four touchdowns. With a 6’3″, 222-pound frame, Latimer can make an impact like a traditional tight end, but he also has the athletic ability to flex out and make plays in space. The presence of Latimer on the Brahmas offense should bolster their running game and provide an effective passing weapon for the San Antonio offense.
Offensive lineman Alex Mollette is also a 2023 All-XFL player and will come in as a center for the Brahmas offensive line. With a 6’2″, 300-pound build and a wealth of professional football experience, Mollette should become a foundational player for the Brahmas offensive line. The former Roughnecks offensive lineman will have the advantage of having played in offensive coordinator AJ Smith’s system, which should help speed up the learning process for the offensive line unit of the Brahmas.
Brahmas Bring Back Outstanding Defensive Players And Add Another
Their defensive unit defined the strength of the 2023 Brahmas team. Considering the defensive success of San Antonio in their first year in the XFL, it makes sense that they chose to keep two of their standout players on the defensive end, Drew Beesley and linebacker Jordan Williams. They also continued the transfer of players from the Roughnecks’ 2023 roster to the Brahmas’ 2024 roster by selecting Roughnecks linebacker Tavante Beckett.
Defensive end Drew Beesley returns to the Brahmas after playing at an All-XFL level in 2023. During that All-XFL campaign, Beesley had 27 total tackles, 5.5 quarterback sacks, and an interception for a touchdown. Beesley has proven that he can pressure the quarterback and be an impact player as an edge defender.
Linebacker Jordan Williams is also an All-XFL talent who returns to the Brahmas for the 2024 season. During the 2023 XFL season, Williams had 89 total tackles and an interception. Like Beesley, Williams has shown the ability to play at a high level in the XFL and should be one of the top defensive players in the UFL in 2024.
Linebacker Tavante Beckett was a dispersal selection for the Brahmas, and he comes to San Antonio after having an impressive 2023 season with the Houston Roughnecks. During the 2023 season, Beckett had 63 total tackles, .5 quarterback sacks, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. The combination of Beckett and Williams as linebackers could dominate during the 2024 UFL season.
San Antonio fans can find the 2024 Brahmas roster on UFL News Hub. The next stage of the UFL player allocation process will be the league-wide draft, scheduled for January 15th, and the Brahmas will have the opportunity to select additional “non-protected” players from the UFL pool of available players.
Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7