This past weekend the XFL concluded their 2023 regular season. It marked the first time since 2001 that the XFL had played a full season. For all matters, it was a success. Not just because it finished the season, but because of the quality of football it displayed. The XFL provided fans with excitement and highlighted quality football players who had slipped through the cracks of the NFL. Players who should get another shot at earning a spot on an NFL team. Today, we list XFL offensive players who should be on the radars of NFL teams.
XFL Offensive Players on the Radars of NFL Teams
The owners of the XFL, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Red Bird Capital, should be happy with what they saw on the field this past season. It was expected that it would take time for offenses of XFL teams to catch up with the defenses. That turned out to be the case. But when the offenses started to click, the excitement clicked up a notch as well.
When the offenses started to click, many of the XFL offensive players started to show they were capable of playing at a high level. The NFL is always looking for players who can contribute, on either side of the ball. But with the NFL being an “offensive” league, the search for quality offensive players becomes even more important.
We composed a list of XFL offensive players who could get another look from NFL teams. Players who not only could make NFL practice squads but also have a chance of making 53-man rosters. Here are some names to keep in mind when NFL training camps kick off late this summer.
Quarterback Ben DiNucci – Seattle Sea Dragons
Before becoming the starter for Jim Haslett and the Sea Dragons, Ben DiNucci spent time with the Dallas Cowboys. In 2020, DiNucci suited up in three games for the Cowboys, starting one of those games. He went 23 of 43 with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss for the Cowboys.
There is no doubt that DiNucci’s NFL experience helped him earn the Sea Dragons starting quarterback spot. This season as the Sea Dragons starting quarterback, he threw for 2,671 yards with 20 touchdown passes. His play is a major factor in why the Sea Dragons earned a playoff spot this season.
While DiNucci did throw for a league-high 13 interceptions, his ability to make big plays with his arm as well as his legs help offset those interceptions. Throughout 2023, DiNucci displayed an NFL-caliber arm and was able to keep plays alive with his scrambling ability. He doesn’t lack confidence either, something that is required to be an NFL quarterback.
Quarterback AJ McCarron – St. Louis Battlehawks
The Battlehawks were edged out for the last playoff spot by the Sea Dragons in the final week of the season. While the Battlehawks didn’t make the playoffs, it didn’t have anything to do with the play of starting quarterback AJ McCarron.
McCarron, a seven-year NFL veteran, threw 1,730 yards with 18 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. What made McCarron’s play even more impressive is that he did it behind an offensive line that was frequently giving up pressure.
At 32 years of age, McCarron’s days of winning an NFL starting quarterback job seem over. But there are NFL teams looking for a veteran presence as their backup. There is also a possibility that McCarron is content playing in the XFL and that he won’t pursue an NFL job.
Wide Receiver Jahcour Pearson – Seattle Sea Dragons
Jahcour Pearson is a perfect example of why the XFL is a benefit to players who have slipped through the cracks. The 5’8″ dynamo took full advantage of the opportunity the XFL gave him to show what he can do as a wide receiver.
Pearson finished the regular season as DiNucci’s top target. He hauled in 84 receptions (league high) for 670 yards with four touchdown receptions. The NFL is always looking for good slot receivers who can make plays out of the slot. Pearson displayed in the XFL that he could be that type of receiver if given the chance.
Wide Receiver Hakeem Butler – St. Louis Battlehawks
Hakeem Butler has the type of size NFL teams covet. At 6’5″, Butler used every bit of his tall frame to catch 73 passes for 599 yards with 8 touchdown receptions. McCarron usually looked to Butler when the Battlehawks needed a big pass play.
As a former fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, Butler has spent some time in the NFL. Because of his size, and lack of blazing speed, some might think he is best off at tight end. But playing primarily wide receiver in the XFL, Butler would be best off playing on the outside.
Wide Receiver/H-Back Cody Latimer – Orlando Guardians
Many NFL fans will remember Cody Latimer from his days playing for the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. He played in six NFL seasons, his last in 2019, catching 70 passes for 935 yards with six touchdown receptions.
He reinvented himself in the XFL, moving from wide receiver to more of an h-back role. He was the Guardians leading receiver catching 66 passes for 593 yards and four touchdown receptions. He did this all while playing with arguably the worst group of quarterbacks in the XFL.
Lattimer is older, 30 years old, but his ability to show he can play H-back can help his chances of getting another NFL shot.
Running back Abram Smith Running Back – Washington Defenders
Not only was Abram Smith the top regular-season rusher for the XFL, but he was the focal point of the Defenders offense. He finished the regular season with 788 rushing yards on 157 carries with seven touchdown carries.
Smith is only 24 years of age, which means he has a lot of treads still on the tires. Most NFL teams use a running back-by-committee approach. There is little doubt that Smith could be a contributor to an NFL team that utilizes that approach.
Main Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
