Barely two days after the conclusion of the NFL draft, the UFL has started a draft of its own.
And at a time when the UFL hopes to lure undrafted free agents who can’t sign with NFL teams until the lockout ends, the first round has been devoted not to big-name guys that weren’t drafted but to players who may be more likely to join the UFL.
The first pick, by the Hartford Colonials, was Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson. Next in round one, the Nighthawks laid claim to veteran cornerback Reynaldo Hill, who played for the Nighthawks in 2010. Third, the Sacramento Mountain Lions picked Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn, who was among the undrafted incoming rookies.
Next, the Virginia Destroyers selected Martail Burnett, who played college football at Utah and who has spent time with a couple of NFL teams. Fifth, and finally in the first round, the Las Vegas Locomotives picked former Furman tackle Joel Bell, who was NFL draft-eligible in 2009.
The draft is still unfolding, with all picks being announced on Twitter. Selections include former NFL defensive tackle Ryan Sims, the eighth overall pick in 2002, by the Destroyers in round two and former Tennessee State center Cecil Newton, Jr., the brother of Cam Newton.