When the USFL announced that they were having a college draft in February of 2023, a lot of fans and media were extremely surprised, confused, and hopeful for the new wave of players that could be suiting up for the 2023 season and beyond. As we look at the USFL Draft over 2 Years removed let’s take a look at the 7th round of USFL Draft picks from the 2023 Draft.
48th Overall Michigan Panthers Tight End Gunnar Oakes
Oakes joined the Panthers in 2024 after several workouts in the NFL cycle in 2023. Oakes has been a consistent figure for Michigan in the past two seasons, being an elite blocker while also growing as a pass catcher. Oakes earned All-UFL honors in 2025 and has totaled 17 receptions for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns in his UFL career.
49th Overall Pittsburgh Maulers Wide Receiver Taylor Grimes
Grimes earned an NFL contract in 2023 as a UDFA with the Denver Broncos. After being released at the conclusion of training camp, Grimes went into coaching where he is currently the assistant QB coach at Incarnate Word.
50th Overall Houston Gamblers Offensive Lineman Alex Jensen
Jensen received limited NFL interest and was also drafted by the D.C. Defenders. Jensen would sign with D.C. however, retired prior to the 2024 season and taking a snap in professional football.
51st Overall Memphis Showboats Defensive Back Nehemiah Shelton
Shelton signed with Memphis in May of 2023 and has been a consistent piece in the Showboats Defensive Backfield. Shelton has earned NFL contracts with the Jets and Chargers after stints with the Showboats even spending time on practice squads with the NFL clubs. Shelton has earned $98,000 in his NFL career in addition to his UFL/USFL earnings. He’s totaled 26 tackles with Memphis so far in his spring football career.
52nd Overall New Orleans Breakers Running Back Darius Hagans
Hagans would spend 2023 with the Colts and Steelers before being released at the conclusion of training camp. Hagans would sign with the D.C. Defenders in 2024 being utilized as a reserve running back over the past two seasons. Hagans was inactive during the Defenders victory over the Michigan Panthers in the 2025 UFL championship.
53rd Overall New Jersey Generals Defensive Lineman Jermaine McDaniel Jr.
McDaniel would sign with the Generals the final part of the 2023 season after limited NFL interest. He’d spend the rest of the 2023 season on the inactive roster, and post-merger sign with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL. He’d be released during final cuts, and has been out of football since.
54th Overall Philadelphia Stars Offensive Lineman Demontrey Jacobs
Jacobs made the switch to Offensive Line in college becoming a key piece at South Florida, and Grambling State. He’d become a UDFA for the Broncos in 2023 spending the season on their practice squad. After being cut by Denver , he’d be picked up by the Patriots starting 13 games for New England in 2024.
55th Overall Birmingham Stallions Wide Receiver Grant DuBose
DuBose was a 7th round draft pick by the Packers in 2023, spending time on their practice squad with several elevations. He’d get waived by Green Bay in 2024, eventually getting claimed by the Dolphins where he’d be placed on Injured Reserve before an injury against the Texans ended his season prematurely in December.
