XFL Draft Predictions - Quarterbacks (Part Two)
Our second installment of our predictions for the 2023 XFL draft at the QB spot!
With the 2023 XFL season approaching at warp speed, we figured we’d add a second installment of our XFL Draft Predictions - Quarterbacks series. This second list of signal callers will focus on a few more veterans, some younger talent, and a few players who have played in other professional football leagues across the globe. If you missed part one, check it out and coke back to part two!
The Vets
A.J. McCarron – University of Alabama
McCarron could be the Landry Jones of the XFL’s 3rditeration. McCarron has made a career out of being an NFL backup. The former Alabama Crimson Tide signal caller is currently a free agent, having last played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. McCarron has been with a total of five different NFL squads since 2014. With many young Quarterbacks likely to be selected in the upcoming XFL Draft, guys like McCarron could pop up on draft boards. With upwards of seven years of NFL experience, we could see a team pick up McCarron in the hopes he’s got something left in the tank.
Brett Hundley - UCLA
While it’s likely Brett Hundley could latch on with an NFL team before the 2022 regular season starts, he could be another veteran QB that lands in the XFL. Hundley has some decent athletic traits and a resume that includes nine starts for the Green Bay Packers in 2017. Originally drafted by the Packers in 2015, Hundley has also played for the Seahawks, Cardinals, Colts, and most recently, the Ravens. Hundley could bring some leadership and poise to many of the QB rooms in the XFL in 2023.
Jake Luton – Oregon State University
Jake Luton is a guy who has started a few games in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. As a rookie being thrust into a starting role, Luton had his ups and downs. Since then, Luton has bounced around a bit in the league. After being waived by the Jags in 2021, Luton would sign with the Seattle Seahawks where he’d be relegated to the practice squad. After that, a short stint with the Miami Dolphins led Luton back to Jacksonville this year. Buried on the depth chart, a guy like Luton needs a chance to start on a professional team, and the XFL could be that chance for Luton.
The Sleepers
Jake Fromm – University of Georgia
Jake Fromm hasn’t exactly produced in the NFL since being drafted in the 5th round by the Buffalo Bills in 2020. Following a practice squad stint in Buffalo, the New York Giants would sign Fromm to a deal. Fromm started one game for the G-Men in 2021. He’d be non-tendered in March of 2022 and is currently a free agent. An opportunity to resurrect his career could come to fruition in 2023 via the XFL.
Kurt Benkert – University of Virginia
Benkert is another guy who could benefit from the XFL. After spending the better part of three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Benkert would sign with the Green Bay Packers. He’d appear in just one game for the team, taking a couple of kneels at the end of a win. After being waived this past June, he remains unsigned. Benkert has a larger-than-life personality and would a welcome addition to the XFL.
Chris Oladokun – South Dakota State University
Fresh off the heels of being waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, it’s possible Chris Oladokun lands with another NFL team. Oladokun played for USF and Samford before making his way to the Jackrabbits at SDSU. The 2022 7th rounder had failed to appear in either of the Steelers preseason games this summer. It’s likely he could wind up on an NFL practice squad as rosters shrink to 53 in the coming week, but if not, Oladokun could be a name buzzing around XFL circles.
The Dart Throws
Zach Edwards – The College of St. Scholastica
Zach Edwards has been playing lights out football overseas in the European League of Football. Edwards attended Division III St. Scholastica in Duluth. MN where he put up over 9,000 passing yards and 90 touchdowns in his career. Now the QB1 for the Barcelona Dragons, Edwards leads the league in both Passing Yards and Passing Touchdowns. The Dragons sit at 8-2 in the Southern Conference and have already secured a playoff spot. With the ELF season winding down, it’s possible that Edwards could make the jump to the US to play professional football in the states. At just 24 years old, Edwards could be a great backup in the XFL.
Deondre Francois – Hampton University / Florida State University
Deondre Francois has had a storied career on the gridiron. A freshmen phenom with FSU with all the upside you can ask for. He’d sit out with an injury in his sophomore season and would be removed from FSU’s program the next year due to an off the field issue. Francois ended up transferred to Hampton University to finish off his college career. The FCF gave Francois his first professional playing time, playing for the Glacier Boyz in 2021. The Spring League signed Francois where he’d play for the Blues and Generals later in 2021. Francois would get his second chance in the FCF in 2022 with the Bored Ape Football Club, leading the team to a league best 5-2 record. It’s clear that Francois has ability coupled with poise, having played in the ACC as a true freshman at FSU. The XFL could be a potential landing spot for the once sought-after prospect.
This concludes our look into potential Quarterbacks who could be drafted to play in the XFL in 2023. With prospects across the country getting accepted into the XFL Player Draft Pool, we’re sure a name or two could be called that shocks fans and spectators alike. So, who’d we miss? Leave a comment and let us know!