
On January 5th the UFL had their first of Two drafts with the ultimate goal of bringing their rosters to 75 players for the beginning of training camp. The Battlehawks who were able to select players from the Orlando Guardians, Houston Roughnecks, Vegas Vipers, and Seattle Sea Dragons were able to begin building their 2024 roster with the help of their former rivals.
Jahcour Pearson Wide Receiver Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: 60 Receptions 670 Receiving Yards 4 Receiving TDs EXP: 2 YRs
Pearson was the XFL’s top receiver in 2023. Despite his diminutive size, the shifty slot receiver should easily supplement the Battlehawks receiving corps that’s missing Marcell Ateman, Darrius Shepherd, and Gary Jennings.
Blake Jackson Wide Receiver Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: 50 Receptions 490 Receiving Yards 3 Receiving TDs EXP: 7 YRs
Joining Pearson from Seattle is Blake Jackson out of the Division-III school Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2018. Jackson who has had stints in the CFL and was with the Roughnecks in 2020 should be able to not only stretch the field but provide a physical presence to help Hakeem Butler build on his 2023 season.
Dohnovan West Center Vegas Vipers Career Stats: 10 Games 7 Starts EXP: 3 YRs
The Battlehawks went into 2023 with a bit of mystery at Center with former DC Defenders Offensive Lineman (2020) Jon Toth, not reporting. To combat that Dohnovan West looks to compete with All-XFL Center Mike Panasiuk in an effort to add so much needed depth at the position.
Keylon Kennedy Defensive Back Vegas Vipers Career Stats: 36 Tackles 2 Interceptions EXP: 2 YRs
Keylon Kennedy may be one of the steals of the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. The physical Defensive Back from Garden City Community College racked up two interceptions and should be a prime candidate to contribute to a Battlehawks secondary that is without Lukas Denis, and Nate Meadors who are both on NFL Practice Squads (or signed to futures deals).
Chris Payton-Jones Defensive Back Seattle Sea Dragons Career XFL Stats: 20 Tackles Career NFL Stats: 48 Tackles (26 NFL games) EXP: 7 YRs
A Defensive Back with plenty of NFL experience, Chris Payton-Jones offers a veteran presence for Donnie Abraham’s Defensive Secondary. The Battlehawks opted to not protect Jon Alexander, Elijah Hamilton, and Mister Harriel clearly showing a value for a veteran with NFL ties.
Anthony Cioffi Defensive Back Vegas Vipers Career USFL Stats: 36 Tackles 1 Int Career CFL Stats: 119 Tackles 4.0 Sacks 3 Ints EXP: 7 YRs
Cioffi was linked to the Battlehawks in 2023 however never was offered a contract. A veteran of the NFL, CFL, and USFL (2022), Cioffi offers plenty of experience in an effort to replace Nate Meadors who is currently with the Steelers.
Qwynnterrio Cole Defensive Back Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: 48 Tackles 3 Interceptions Exp: 2 YRs
With St. Louis opting to not protect almost their whole Defensive Backfield, along with Meadors and Denis in the NFL, it was no surprise for Dave Boller and Anthony Becht to go heavy with this position group in the dispersal draft. With Cole the Battlehawks pick up a physical safety who could with Cioffi and the rest of the St. Louis secondary creating a “No Fly Zone”
Sage Doxtater Offensive Tackle Houston Roughnecks Career Stats: 5 Starts (XFL) EXP: 2 YRs
Losing a huge piece in Jaryd Jones-Smith to the Washington Commanders, Doxtater may be able to compete with Eric Magwood for a starting job in 2024. Doxtater has some NFL experience along with starting 5 games for the Roughnecks in 2023.
Jack Snyder Offensive Lineman Houston Roughnecks Career Stats: 9 Starts (XFL) EXP: 3 YRs
A versatile Offensive Lineman Snyder joins the Battlehawks after a quick cameo in the NFL. St. Louis who opted to not retain Christian Olmstead, as well as releasing Shane Carpenter add to their offensive line room which may have a bit of shake up in that room.
Jazston Turnetine Offensive Lineman Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: Rookie Season 2023 EXP: 2 YRs
A true rookie in the 2023 season Turnetine was selected by Seattle in the summer of 2023 and primed to be the anchor of the Sea Dragons Offensive Line. Turnetine displays a massive frame at 6’7 and started 17 FBS games at Florida State and South Carolina.
Mykael Wright Defensive Back Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: 12 Tackles EXP: 3 YRs
The final piece to the Battlehawks revamped Defensive backfield, Wright came on late and boasts the perfect frame for a nickel corner. Wright earned a 76.2 coverage grade on Seattle from PFF giving him the 2nd highest grade for the Sea Dragons.
Antwuan Jackson Defensive Line Seattle Sea Dragons Career Stats: 20 Tackles EXP: 2 YRs
Fresh off his training camp with the Panthers Antwuan Jackson offers a major upside for the Battlehawks who opted to not protect Tani Tupou, and Gelen Robinson, in addition to losing LaCale London to the Atlanta Falcons. Jackson provides the Battlehawks with major upside that play the “3” technique in addition to pass rushing in a 3-4.
Final Thoughts:
With the Battlehawks current roster at 54 players St. Louis is set to add an additional 21 players to complete their squad for training camp. With position of needs evident like Quarterback, Long Snapper, and Kicker look for St. Louis to put the final touches on their team in hopes of making the playoffs in 2024.