Several former UFL players made a big impact in Week 2 of the NFL season. Find out which former UFL stars were atop the NFL leaderboard this past week.
UFL To NFL: Week 2, Top 5 Standout Players
Each week, this list will highlight the former UFL talents who stood out and made an impact, contributing to their team's victory. On occasion, worthy players who had a strong performance despite their team's loss will receive an honorable mention.
Honorable Mention: Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions RB and return specialist (St. Louis Battlehawks)
On Thursday Night Football, the Detroit Lions lost a tough 41-31 battle to the Buffalo Bills. With two of the NFL's premier offenses going head-to-head, ultimately, it was the Lions' struggling defense that determined the outcome. All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylors split kickoff duties with Tom Kennedy. However, he made the most of his two kickoff returns, recording a total of 58 yards with an average of 29 yards per return. His longest return was for 30 yards, and he added a solo special teams tackle.
Week after week in Detroit, Saylors continues to prove himself just as he did last season and throughout training camp. With Isiah Pacheco currently on IR following back surgery, fans should expect to see Saylors be given a bigger role for Detroit.
Number 5: Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
It was a long afternoon for the Green Bay Packers, who needed an overtime game to emerge with a 20-17 victory over the New York Jets. Thanks to Daniel Whelan's superior punting, the Packers emerged from a 10-point 4th quarter deficit to claim the victory. Whelan’s six punts totaled 324 yards. His longest punt was a 66-yarder with an average of 54-yards.
Number 4: Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Over the past two seasons, Andre Szmyt has proved to be one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, and he is routinely the team's top-point getter amid Cleveland's offensive struggles. On Sunday, Szmyt accounted for three field goals with a 50-yarder as his longest and two extra points in the Browns' 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Szmyt has been perfect this season, converting both field goals and extra points.
Number 3: KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys return specialist (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Now in his 5th season with Dallas, KaVontae Turpin continues to be one of the premier return specialists in the NFL. In Week 2, Turpin led the NFL with 4 returns for 122 yards, one punt return for nine yards, and rushed once, gaining a yard. Turpin’s longest kickoff return this week was for 35 yards.
In topping the list of NFL rushing leaders for Week 2, Turpin beat his next closest competitor, the Denver Broncos’ R.J. Harvey, by 11 yards. He also tops the NFL leader board over the first two weeks with 244 yards on nine returns. Chris Moore of the Baltimore Ravens ranks second on the list with 229 yards on 8 carries, due in part to an impressive 42-yard kickoff return as his longest.
Number 2: Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
After scoring 59 points in Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings' stellar defense under the direction of DC Brian Flores held the Chicago Bears to a measly 3 points on Sunday. With the 9-3 victory, the Vikings are now one of five NFL teams with a 2-0 record. Jalen Redmond was a big part of that win, forcing a fumble on D’Andre Swift at the one-yard line as he tried to reach the endzone.
Punching the ball loose and preventing the touchdown, Redmond continues to be an elite defender on the Vikings' defense. He finished Sunday as Minnesota’s highest-rated defender with a 78.2 PFF grade. In addition to the forced fumble, he also recorded four tackles and a pass defense.
Number 1: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys Kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
When it comes to kicking long distances, no one in the NFL is better than Brandon Aubrey. On Sunday, he nailed his first 60-yard field goal of the season and the seventh in his illustrious career. No other kicker in the NFL can touch that record. The three-time Pro-Bowler also nailed a 44-yard field goal along with a 25-yard chip shot, and added 4 of 4 extra points.
Each week, the top five UFL-to-NFL players will be highlighted. Check back here next week to find out which spring talents were the standout players for their team.