The XFL already had a questionable future once it suspended its inaugural season after five games due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now the league’s future seems to be in serious jeopardy.
Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the XFL is suspending day-to-day operations and all employees have been laid off. The league held a conference call to inform employees of the decision Friday with one employee telling NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero the term the league used was “shut down.”
The new XFL suspended play prior to Week 6 of its inaugural season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and canceled the season a week later. The league allowed its players to sign deals with NFL and Canadian Football League teams shortly after, and some of the league’s notable players reached deals with NFL teams in the following weeks.
Per Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, the decision came less than 24 hours after the league gave fans back all money in their season ticket accounts, including deposits for 2021 season tickets. The league had plans to play a second season in 2021, but ESPN reported that the league currently has no plans to return.
The XFL was off to a solid start in its first season with interesting rule changes to the game, most notably the new kickoff rules and the league doing away with kicking for an extra point. The league had one, two and three-point conversions instead of an extra point try. The league averaged around 15,000 fans per home game, drawing strong crowds in some cities. It even handled an officiating gaffe consistently, the first true test of the league’s structure.
The coronavirus pandemic shut down an XFL that seemed financially stable, compared to the Alliance of American Football — which tried an attempt at a spring football league last year. The XFL took a massive hit from circumstances out of its control and, apparently, it could be over before Year 2.
The XFL has filed for bankruptcy, putting a period on what has been an unexpected and difficult month for the start-up football league. The league made its filing Monday in Delaware, just days after it shut down operations and laid off its employees.
According to the filing, the league has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors with assets and liabilities somewhere in the $10 million to $50 million range. One of the biggest creditors is Dallas Renegades coach Bob Stoops, who is owed more than $1 million from his contract with the XFL.
The league still intends to return all ticket sales to fans. The filing, as one would expect, is particularly hard on XFL mastermind Vince McMahon, who held a majority of the ownership shares in the league. As part of the bankruptcy filing, Austin Karp of the Sports Business Journal reports that the league is for sale.
The @XFL2020 declared bankruptcy in a filing today. Here’s the ownership structure:
— Vince McMahon had 100% of Class A shares — He also had 76.5% of Class B shares. @WWE held the rest#SportsBiz
— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) April 13, 2020 The XFL effectively canceled its season a month ago when widespread concerns about COVID-19 forced the entire sports world on hiatus. Initially, the XFL was optimistic that it would be able to return for a full season in 2021 and it kept its full-time employees on payroll. However, with poor economic conditions and uncertainty about when anything will return to normal, the league was forced to shutter. As one source told CBS Sports last week, McMahon was prepared to fund the league for up to two years — he had sold off more than three million shares of stock in 2019 to help finance the operation — but funding the league in the middle of a pandemic was an unforeseen scenario and a completely different job.
When Vince McMahon rebooted the XFL, one of his most important hires was commissioner Oliver Luck. With the XFL shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, McMahon finds himself at legal odds with Luck, who is suing his former boss for wrongful termination.
In a federal lawsuit filed last week in Connecticut, Luck claims that “Despite fulfilling his obligations as Commissioner and CEO since May 30, 2018, Mr. Luck was wrongfully terminated by Alpha Entertainment LLC (“Alpha”), an affiliate of Defendant, on April 9, 2020. Thus, Alpha has repudiated Mr. Luck’s employment agreement. Mr. Luck brings this action for breach of contract and declaratory judgment against McMahon.”
The XFL laid off practically all its employees on April 10, nearly one month after deciding to cancel the 2020 season six weeks into it. The league then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the following week, on April 13. Per Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic, the lawsuit says that Alpha, in its bankruptcy motion, filed to have the court reject “Certain Executive Contracts.” In response, Luck’s complaint says that he “wholly disputes and rejects the allegations set forth in the Termination Letter and contends they are pretextual and devoid of merit,” suggesting Luck was fired with cause.
Luck, the father of former NFL star Andrew Luck, was reportedly on a $20 million deal and it’s possible he gets some, or all, of that through the bankruptcy filing, depending on the verbiage of his contract. However, Luck is taking legal action to at least try to ensure he recoups as much as possible.
By filing for Chapter 11, the XFL is leaving the door ever-so-slightly cracked that it could return. The league plans a sale by July 15, which would include the name, trademarks, intellectual property, equipment, etc. Whether anybody buys the league in this climate remains to be seen.
The CFL and XFL hope to return at some point in the near future after COVID-19 wrecked their individual seasons in 2020. What that will look like remains to be seen, but the two leagues are entering into discussions to “identify potential opportunities … to collaborate, innovate, and grow the game of football.”
Exactly what these innovations and collaborations will yield remains to be seen, though there doesn’t appear to be any discussion of a merger. Each league has its own sets of rules, some of which were popular among fans. The XFL, for instance, tweaked kickoff rules to make it safer without making it a useless play. Shootout style overtime rules and the double forward pass were also well received.
The XFL was midway through its first season in nearly 20 years when the coronavirus pandemic halted operations and eventually bankrupted it. With the pandemic still raging throughout the summer, the CFL canceled its 2020 season. Under new ownership (i.e. The Rock), the XFL had hopes to debut — for a third time — as soon as 2022. But according to a statement from the league those efforts are “on hold” pending the outcome of its conversations with the CFL, which plans to return this year.
From @DanyGarciaCo, XFL Chairwoman and Owner: pic.twitter.com/bBlzGYbw1w
— XFL (@XFL2022) March 10, 2021 Though these discussions don’t mean anything just yet, they represent a heartbeat for alternative pro football leagues. As we’ve seen with the XFL and the AAF before it, it doesn’t take much for these leagues to go belly up. At the same time, the demand for them, with niches for gambling and fantasy football, is impossible to ignore.
The possibility of the Canadian Football League and the XFL forming a partnership has been put on ice. After releasing statements back in March revealing that the two leagues have entered formal talks to “identify potential opportunities for the leagues to collaborate, innovate, and grow the game of football” they have since announced those talks have been put on pause.
“Our talks with the XFL, exploring the potential for collaboration and innovation, have been positive and constructive,” the CFL said in a statement released on Wednesday. “While we remain open to finding new ways to work together in the future, we and our XFL counterparts have jointly decided to not pursue any formal arrangements at this time.
“We at the CFL are now squarely focused on preparing for Aug. 5 and the start of our 2021 regular season, which will culminate Dec. 12 with the playing of the 108th Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ontario. We are looking forward to this year and a bright future for our league.”
Pick Six Newsletter Get the day’s big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings.
I agree to receive the “Pick Six Newsletter” and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge Paramount’s Privacy Policy. Email Address Both leagues felt the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year and a half. The XFL was midway through its first season after nearly a 20-year hiatus, but stopped play due to the pandemic and eventually went bankrupt. They’ve since been taken over by new ownership headlined by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Talks of returning to play were originally put “on hold” as the conversations with the CFL unfolded but now the XFL aims to get back on the field in the spring of 2023.
“While our discussions with the CFL did not ultimately lead to a collaboration, the effort reinforced our belief and commitment to developing the XFL for international spring football,” the XFL said in a statement obtained by Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal. “We look forward to seeing everyone for kickoff in spring of 2023.”
As for the CFL, the pandemic forced the league to cancel its 2020 season.
While there may not be a collaboration between these two leagues right now, the CFL’s statement does leave a glimmer of hope for some sort of partnership down the road. For talks to spark back up again, however, it’ll likely take both leagues to actually get some games under their belt to set a better foundation when speaking of a possible marriage.
Now that the 2023 XFL Draft is complete (festivities began with quarterbacks being taken), let’s hand out some grades and take a look at a few of the prospects you may not be familiar with, but will definitely need to change before the season kicks off on February 18th, 2023.
Also let’s spin things forward and take a look at some potential areas they can address in the upcoming Supplemental Draft in January, which will take place right before teams report for Training Camp.
Arlington Renegades Grade: B
Supplemental Draft Focus: Tight End & Pass Rusher
WR Lujuan Winningham
College: Central Arkansas Height: 6’3 Weight: 189 Draft Class: 2022 Winningham has a good, raw set of tools to work with as a player. He’s long, athletic, with a good vertical leap and acceleration. When he gets a clean release off the line of scrimmage, he can really accelerate past coverage, stacking the defensive back in the process. He’s got the short memory you look for in a prospect, able to overcome rough patches within a game, only to come through later in a big way.
OL Keenan Forbes
College: Florida A&M Height: 6’3 Weight: 330 Draft Class: 2022 Forbes is naturally strong and has some good knock-back power. When he’s able to roll his hips into a defender, they hit the turf. He does show that he has the capability to be out on the move and when he has a clear lane, he’s able to get there and execute the block. Also, his hand fighting is good to where he can reset his hands, hold a block long enough to create a lane or stop a pressure.
DL Josiah Coatney
College: Ole Miss Height: 6’4 Weight: 309 Draft Class: 2020 Coatney has both an excellent use of hands and length. He gets a really good punch upon the snap, extends out and is able to see everything going on in the backfield. I think he plays a fundamentally sound game. The former Ole Miss Rebels stud has good quickness off the ball, but is able to win mostly with both technique and length, while also being able to pursue the ball rather well. I like that he shows potential versatility as a 5-Tech.
CB Abu Daramy-Swaray
College: Colgate Height: 5’9 Weight: 178 Draft Class: 2020 Daramy-Swaray instantly upgrades the special teams units, as he was an excellent punt returner at Colgate, where he also ran 10.9 in the 100-meters there. He shows excellent patience in zone coverage, with the ability to click-and-close really well. With the top-notch ball skills that he possesses and excellent hand/eye coordination, he’s able to either make the interception or play through the receiver’s hands for the pass breakup. The 5’9 178-pound corner isn’t afraid to come up in run support and is actually a really good open field tackler.
D.C. Defenders Grade: A+
Supplemental Draft Focus: Quarterback
RB Pooka Williams Jr.
College: Kansas Height: 5’10 Weight: 175 Draft Class: 2021 Williams has outstanding elusiveness, doing a great job in both the set-up and execution of making a defender miss. He’s got very good patience to the hole, with even better acceleration through it. I’m a big fan of how comfortable he is in running routes downfield, which could open the door for him as a slot receiver if he chose to focus on that. And despite his 175-pound frame, he isn’t afraid of contact. In fact, he does some of his best work running in-between the tackles. What truly makes him special is his A+ vision, showing the ability to operate two or three frames ahead of the defender.
WR Jequez Ezzard
College: Sam Houston Height: 5’9 Weight: 191 Draft Class: 2022 A tremendous playmaker with the ball in his hands. An excellent broken field runner who is looking to score the ball every time. Ezzard is a core special teamer from day one who will boost your return game, both kickoff and punt return, while also having elite ability in the WR run game as well. He’s got great hands and despite his 5’9 frame, will go up top to challenge, and in most cases, win a 50/50 ball opportunity. He’s a well put together prospect who turns into a RB after the catch, possessing the elusiveness you want and a great sense of timing, knowing when to make the play.
OG Liam Fornadel
College: James Madison Height: 6’4 Weight: 308 Draft Class: 2022 Fornadel shows good agility and quickness when edge rushers try to run the hoop against him. He’s able to shuffle with them and promptly escort them out of the club. He’s got a really good pop upon contact, especially when asked to block down in the run game. I like that he’s able to deliver the blow and also use his hands to ‘play the piano’ to pass guys off to the next offensive lineman.
LB Andre Mintze
College: Vanderbilt Height: 6’3 Weight: 247 Draft Class: 2021 Mintze has underrated quickness and footwork for a guy who primarily played with his hand in the dirt. You can see him as either an edge rusher, or as a SAM backer. He’s got some pass rushing potential upside, which he could definitely blossom into as a pro. His hand usage when he’s in close contact is impressive. Right out of the gate, he’s a core special teamer that could find a role early in a sub-package player, as a pure rush end.
DB Julius Faulk
College: Delta State Height: 6’0 Weight: 211 Draft Class: 2022 A well accomplished player at Delta State, Faulk brings both size and physicality to the position. He has an extremely high football I.Q., studies the game and schemes like a coach, and is absolutely infatuated with every aspect of football. He can play corner or safety, does a great job in press coverage at the line of scrimmage and has a pretty effective long-arm stab that is consistently able to stymie a wide receiver. Faulk is a good open field tackler, who also had superior ball skills to turn the ball over, while also using his length to close passing windows.
Houston Roughnecks Grade: A
Supplemental Draft Focus: Tight End
FB-TE Garrett Owens
College: Duquesne Height: 6’3 Weight: 215 Draft Class: 2022 Remember the former Dolphins player Jim Jensen? That’s who Garrett Owens reminds me of. He was a highly productive player at D2 Merrimack before transferring to Duquesne last season. He was primarily a tailback at both places, consistently producing when asked to carry the ball. I like his ability in pass pro, as he’s able to fit up the blitz really well, showing both the leverage and technical skills to hold up in that capacity. He’s a physical runner who tends to move the pile consistently, and works well in short yardage/goal line situations.
OL Sam Cooper
College: Merrimack Height: 6’1 Weight: 315 Draft Class: 2021 Cooper has very good contact power and matches up well in that regard coming from an FCS program. I was able to see that up close and personal at the 2021 Tropical Bowl. In the run game his hands are consistently tight inside and he’s able to get movement rather frequently. He’s got some good initial quickness off the ball, and could even transition into a quality Center or Guard at the professional level.
SS-LB Tavante Beckett
College: Marshall Height: 5’10 Weight: 214 Draft Class: 2021 Beckett played linebacker at Marshall, but also projects to be a strong safety at the professional level. He’s an instinctual player at the second level of a defense and is fantastic around the line of scrimmage, making a ton of plays versus the run, as well as pressuring the QB. He’s a very good blitzer, showing the good agility necessary to make the position transition as a pro. He’s got that dart-and-dash ability that makes him a problem for an opposing offense. I like that he shows the closing speed in the alley, to the runner in the hol or when he’s closing in on a low crosser in zone coverage.
DB Brandon Easterling
College: Dayton Height: 5’11 Weight: 205 Draft Class: 2022 Easterling was a ball magnet at Dayton, finding the football a total of nine times in his career, six of which came in 2019. He’s able to hold his own as a split field safety, single high or as an alley player. He gives you good flexibility on the backend and the versatility to be equally as strong versus the run, as he is in pass coverage. He’s such an underrated player and will be an immediate impact guy both on special teams and within the regular defense.
Orlando Guardians Grade: B
Supplemental Draft Focus: Running Back
WR Dieuly Aristilde Jr.
College: Bethel (TN) Height: 6’3 Weight: 220 Draft Class: 2022 For a big bodied wideout, Aristilde runs polished routes. He does a great job of attacking the leverage of a defensive back and doesn’t waste time getting in-and-out of his breaks, showing the ability to work himself open versus man and/or zone coverage. He’s got a strong set of hands and a large catch radius. I was amazed in watching him back at the College Gridiron Showcase, that despite him being a big receiver already, he is able to play even bigger than his listed size. Expect him to be a significant red zone threat as a pro.
OL Jordan Ighofose
College: Grambling State Height: 6’3 Weight: 330 Draft Class: 2022 In close contact, he’s a mauler who can match physicality with Power 5 guys and not blink an eye. When working in tandem with either the Center or the Tackle, he does a really good job working off double teams. I think he would be ideally suited in a gap/power scheme. What really jumps out at you on film with Ighofose is that he’s always looking for work in pass pro and brings a good pop upon contact as well.
DL Khristian Tate
College: Georgetown Height: 6’0 Weight: 295 Draft Class: 2020 Tate is a fun player to watch. He’s got excellent athleticism for the position. He was a former high school running back when he arrived at Georgetown before making the transition to a stud defensive lineman. He still has the same fluidity within his movements as a DL. The athleticism shows up on special teams, as he’s blocked four kicks in his career. Up front along the defensive line, he shows the versatility to play in various techniques, has good quickness off the ball and the change of direction skills to pursue the ball carrier. He was one of, if not the, strongest defensive linemen on the team, with the ability to anchor, hold the point of attack and win with leverage.
S Antwan Collier
College: Florida A&M Height: 6’2 Weight: 185 Draft Class: 2022 Collier is a super smart player that plays with a high football I.Q. He takes really good angles to the football, understands down and distance and is a very good tackler who is able to use his wingspan to wrap up the ball carrier in the hole, and outside on the perimeter. I think he plays with good length at the position and does a fantastic job of using his hands in coverage. That aspect allows him the ability to get in on a lot of pass breakups or interceptions.
San Antonio Brahmas Grade: B
Supplemental Draft Focus: Receiver & Pass Rusher
RB/WR Calvin Turner Jr.
College: Hawaii Height: 5’11 Weight: 202 Draft Class: 2022 Turner is a pure football player who just excels with the ball in his hands. He can affect the game in three ways: as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Watched him live at the East West Shrine Bowl last year and he got better each day running routes as a receiver, showing the upside there at the position as he’s still a neophyte at the position. Remember, he played QB and DB at Jacksonville University before switching to RB and receiver at Hawaii. Right out of the gate he’s able to be heavily involved in the WR run game and be a core special teamer.
OL Jonathan Irizarry
College: Mississippi Valley State Height: 6’3 Weight: 300 Draft Class: 2022 Irizarry plays with an edge that’s necessary up front. He will fight with a defender through the whistle. The former Delta Devil shows good versatility being able to play across the front, even at Center. There could be a chance he could ultimately end up there as a pro. I believe he does a really good job bringing power with his initial contact, especially on combo blocks.
DL Prince Emili
College: Penn Height: 6’1 Weight: 309 Draft Class: 2022 A technically and fundamentally sound player, he does a fantastic job of not allowing himself to get reached or cut-off blocked. There’s no secret to why he was such a highly productive player with the Quakers, as he plays with a solid base, always in a great position to change direction if need be and his hand usage is above average, helping him shed blocks almost immediately. He’s a read-and-react player, showcasing the fluid athleticism to get to the ball carrier or QB and make the play.
CB Luq Barcoo
College: San Diego State Height: 6’0 Weight: 172 Draft Class: 2020 Barcoo does a great job of not wasting any stelps coming out of his breaks and is able to plant-and-drive on the ball, or ball carrier. He’s not afraid when the ball comes his way, showing comfortability in playing the ball when it is in the air. I like his ability in zone coverage, as he can execute a shuffle-and-drive technique really well. He shows patience in running with the receiver in regards to playing the upfield shoulder. Another area of his game where he shines is in run support, knowing how to set an edge as a defensive back.
College: Duke Height: 6’1 Weight: 200 Draft Class: 2022 Durant is a smooth runner who is able to reach his top speed rather quickly and coast past defenders in the open field. A no nonsense type of runner who doesn’t waste time in getting downhill. He will keep the run playside and get what is there, but he won’t ever take an unnecessary loss. I like the effort in pass protection, meeting the blitzer at the contact point and arriving with good technique. As a receiver, I strongly believe he’s underrated in that capacity. To me, he can be considered a downfield threat in the passing game.
OL Jay Jackson-Williams
College: Florida A&M Height: 6’4 Weight: 297 Draft Class: 2022 A long, lengthy athlete who started at left tackle at Florida A&M. Projecting forward as a guard, he brings good versatility and flexibility to the table. His long arms gives him the opportunity to reach block rather well and I believe in a zone-blocking scheme, he could have a ton of success. Once engaged, he does a fantastic job of locking out and extending, keeping a great distance between the defender and the QB.
DL Lacale London
College: Western Illinois Height: 6’4 Weight: 297 Draft Class: 2020 London uses his hands really well for the position. He definitely wins the ‘hands first’ battle that takes place along the line of scrimmage. He’s able to hold strong in his particular gap, set the edge in the run game and also push the pocket with his length. A very active player at the line of scrimmage, London is supremely versatile, capable of lining up in any one of the techniques up front. He’s the type of defensive lineman who would be considered a nuisance and always involved in the play, in some form or fashion.
CB Mike Hampton
College: South Florida Height: 6’0 Weight: 190 Draft Class: 2021 Hampton brings really good lateral agility to the position, which allows him to quickly get himself in good position on the backend in coverage, or to get down inside versus the run. Coming off of the short corner, he’s an excellent blitzer as well. He doesn’t get surprised or anxious when the ball is in the air, showing the ability to both see it and play through it. In that regard, he’s got the above average ball skills you want. He’s a strong 1-on-1 player, matching up against some of the big time receivers while in college and was more than able to hold his own.
Seattle Sea Dragons Grade: B+
Supplemental Draft Focus: Quarterback
RB Brenden Knox
College: Marshall Height: 6’0 Weight: 220 Draft Class: 2021 Knox reminds me so much of former Eagles RB Duce Staley. His feet stay extremely busy, which when combined with his top tier vision, allows him to be an excellent pick-and-slide runner. He runs with good pad level, which maximizes the physical strength he has as a player, subsequently making him a tough runner to bring down. In pass protection, he is more than capable in blitz pickup. I believe he has the makeup of a foundational back at the pro level.
OL Michal Menet
College: Penn State Height: 6’4 Weight: 306 Draft Class: 2021 Menet takes complete advantage of a defensive lineman who has average-to-poor technique. He’s got a strong, fundamental base that allows him the ability to do that. He’s very solid on both ends of offense, getting movement in the run game while showing the above average patience and recognition in pass protection. Menet plays with the perfect amount of balance, technique and length within his game. Rarely is he in a bad position.
DL Niko Lalos
College: Dartmouth Height: 6’5 Weight: 270 Draft Class: 2020 Lalos really came into his own as a senior, leading the Big Green in tackles for loss. He was able to build on that with an excellent week at the 2020 Hula Bowl, which saw him live in the backfield often and get into the end zone. With the length he has up front, he’s able to get good extension at the line of scrimmage and has shown to be a strong, one gap penetrator. He’s got very good awareness, getting a pick six versus Princeton at Yankee Stadium as a senior. He had stints with the New York Giants on the active roster and even playing within the regular defense and on special teams.
DB Shabari Davis
College: Southeast Missouri State Height: 6’0 Weight: 186 Draft Class: 2022 Big fan of Davis and what he brings to the table. He’s got fantastic technique and an all-around skill set. His ability in zone coverage is terrific because it is all tied to his technique. From his footwork to his fluidity in his transition, he’s able to read, react and drive on the football. He’s a good open field tackler who can be trusted on the boundary as well as inside as a slot defender. Davis has the good ball skills to turn the ball over, and once he gets it, he’s a threat to score. Because of that threat, it makes him an elite return specialist. He is an A+ special teamer, in both coverage and in the return game. He was one of the best returners in the FCS last season.
Vegas Vipers Grade: B+
Supplemental Draft Focus: Quarterback
TE/WR Isaih Macklin
College: North Carolina Central Height: 6’5 Weight: 230 Draft Class: 2022 Macklin played at San Diego State from 2017-19 before transferring to NCCU, becoming an All-MEAC player before he finished. He has really good upside at the position, as he’s capable of playing all three tight end spots: Inline, Flex and H-Back. But I believe he’s ideally suited to play H-Back as a pro. Got really good work in that regard down at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. From a receiver perspective, he’s got good hands and uses excellent technique to maximize opportunities that come his way in the passing game. A solid release off the line of scrimmage gives him a chance to win with his routes, and overall is an above average route runner. As far as blocking is concerned, the effort and want-to is there, which is all you can ask for.
OL Dohnovan West
College: Arizona State Height: 6’3 Weight: 315 Draft Class: 2022 I love the way West uses his hands versus defenders. He’s able to strike first and also keep them at bay with his length. There is some veteran savvy there as well, to the point where guys struggle to disengage from his blocks. He’s very good on the move, whether that is executing reach blocks, or getting out on screens. West is a good athlete where blocking on the move is a major asset for him. He’s also got the above average footwork to mirror defenders in pass pro. He was my #3 Center coming out of the 2022 draft class.
DL Robert Windsor
College: Penn State Height: 6’4 Weight: 287 Draft Class: 2020 Windsor has a knack for being able to slip blocks and get into the backfield. Maybe a good reason for that is his quickness and footwork that he possesses, which is solid for the interior defensive line. He is someone who you would classify as a nuisance because he’s a high effort player that doesn’t allow himself to stay blocked for long.
DB Will Adams
College: Virginia State Height: 6’1 Weight: 190 Draft Class: 2022 Adams is a very good athlete who put on a show at the 2022 HBCU Combine and then followed that up with a strong showing at the HBCU Legacy Bowl as well. He’s got the top tier explosiveness that coaches and scouts covet on the backend. I like how he is able to close on teh football, playing with good pad level and body lean, showing the ability to lay a good pop on the receiver or ball carrier. Adams is able to match up well versus tight ends and some bigger wide receivers. And just from an overall football perspective, he’s quick to diagnose what’s going on and is able to head in that direction in a flash.
The XFL will relaunch once again this weekend with two games on Saturday and two games on Sunday to begin the 2023 XFL season. An ownership group led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson now leads the new spring football league after an attempted 2020 revival of the XFL had to be abandoned because of the global pandemic. The action begins on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET with the Las Vegas Vipers against the Arlington Renegades and concludes with the Seattle Sea Dragons visiting the DC Defenders on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
The latest Week 1 XFL odds from Caesars Sportsbook list the Dragons as 1.5-point favorites against the Defenders. The Renegades are -3.5 against the Vipers, the Roughnecks are -3.5 against the Guardians and the BattleHawks are -2.5 against the Brahmas. Before locking in any Week 1 XFL picks or predictions, you need to see what SportsLine’s Emory Hunt has to say.
Hunt is the founder and CEO of Football Gameplan, which has been supplying analysis of all levels of football since 2007, and a former running back at Louisiana-Lafayette. He knows the game from a player’s perspective.
Now, Hunt has analyzed Week 1 of the 2023 XFL season from every possible angle and locked in his best bets for XFL Week 1. You can head to SportsLine to see his picks.
Top Week 1 XFL picks One of Hunt’s strongest XFL picks for Week 1 is the Defenders (+1.5) at home against the Seattle Sea Dragons what Hunt views as the two strongest rosters in the new league. This coaching matchup will pit former NFL receiver and long-time HBCU coach Reggie Barlow against former NFL head coach Jim Haslett.
Haslett most recently coached inside linebackers for the Titans in 2021 but Barlow ran Division I programs at Alabama State and Virginia State from 2007-2021 while Haslett was last a head coach in 2009 with the Florida Tuskers. So Barlow will have the recency advantage and he should be able to get the most out of his mobile quarterback options after successfully running up-tempo, spread offenses in the SWAC and CIAA.
Hunt is expecting DC quarterbacks Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eriq King’s mobility to present a serious issue for Haslett and the Sea Dragons. Ta’amu rushed for 342 yards and six scores in his final year as the starter for Ole Miss in 2018 while King rushed for 2,055 yards and 32 scores in his six-year career with Miami and Houston in college. See more XFL picks at SportsLine.
How to make 2023 XFL predictions Hunt has also released his best bets for each of the other three games on the Week 1 XFL schedule, including one on a team “built with being a bully in mind.” He’s sharing them only at SportsLine.
Who wins during Week 1 of the 2023 XFL season? And which team will have a big physical edge? Visit SportsLine now to see Week 1 XFL picks for every game of the weekend from a former college football player with a proven track record.
Week 1 XFL odds, schedule, start time See XFL picks at SportsLine
Saturday, Feb. 18 Las Vegas Vipers at Arlington Renegades (-3.5, 36) | 3 p.m. ET Orlando Guardians at Houston Roughnecks (-3.5, 35) | 8:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Feb. 19 St. Louis Battlehawks at San Antonio Brahmas (+2.5, 36.5) | 3 p.m. ET Seattle Sea Dragons at DC Defenders (+1.5, 36) | 8 p.m. ET
The XFL has had a tenuous time establishing itself since its debut season in 2001. When the league resumes play yet again for its 2023 season on Saturday, it will do so with a quarterback that has begun to make a name for himself in spring professional football leagues. Jordan Ta’amu was the quarterback for the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2020, and returns to the XFL to lead the DC Defenders in 2023, but should he also be the QB for your XFL DFS lineups?
After his first stint in St. Louis, Ta’amu bounced around several NFL teams’ practice squads before leading the USFL in passing yards (2,014) and passing touchdowns (14) last year. The XFL DFS player pool features several recognizable names at QB, like Paxton Lynch and AJ McCarron, but Ta’amu’s recent experience could push your roster over the top in tournaments and cash games on DraftKings. Before making any XFL DFS picks on DraftKings for Week 1, be sure to check out the XFL DFS advice, strategy and projections from CBS Sports Fantasy and gambling editor R.J. White.
White, a Fantasy and gambling editor for CBS Sports, consistently crushes against-the-spread picks and went 535-450-30 on his ATS picks from 2017-22, which returned more than $3,500 to $100 players. He also closed the NFL season on an incredible 107-80-6 on his last 193 against-the-spread and total NFL picks during the 2022 NFL season, returning more than $1,800 for $100 bettors.
White has crushed not only the NFL but also the XFL during its abbreviated 2020 season, going 16-4 on XFL ATS picks before the league suspended operations as sportsbooks scrambled to correctly evaluate team quality in a league where little was known heading into the season. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, White has turned his attention to Week 1 XFL action and locked in his top daily Fantasy football picks. You can only see them by heading to SportsLine.
Top XFL DFS picks for Week 1 White is high on Seattle quarterback Ben DiNucci ($9,800 on DraftKings). After a mostly nondescript college career through his first three seasons at Pitt and James Madison, he lit things up in his senior season. In 2019, DiNucci completed over 70% of his passes for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns.
DiNucci also finished with 569 rushing yards on 122 attempts as a senior before spending a season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. In three appearances for Dallas, he threw for just 219 yards, but he didn’t throw any interceptions and also ran for 22 yards on five carries in his lone start against the Philadelphia Eagles. DiNucci has starter experience at every major level of football, and should be a steady arm to start the season.
White is also high on San Antonio running back Jacques Patrick ($7,800 on DraftKings). The big, bruising Florida State product played in two games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, and finished with just two total carries for 12 yards. Patrick finished his high school career as a high four-star prospect, but didn’t have the sort of tenure with the Seminoles that many expected, with just 1,790 total rushing yards in four seasons.
During the XFL’s last season in 2020, Patrick checked-in at 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds, and ran for 254 yards on 60 carries for the Tampa Bay Vipers. He also finished with two rushing touchdowns and 49 receiving yards in his five appearances before the league was suspended. The jury is out on the strength of San Antonio’s pass catchers, and until it’s known how effective they might be, Patrick should be expected to carry the load on offense.
How to set XFL DFS lineups White is also targeting an undervalued player who is set to explode for huge numbers this weekend. This pick could be the difference between winning your tournaments and cash games or going home with nothing. You can only see who it is here.
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for more football.
After a three-year hiatus, the XFL is back and ready to entertain football fans who aren’t ready to head into the offseason. The XFL will kick things off with four games this weekend — just six days after Super Bowl LVII — and will conclude the 2023 season with a championship game on May 13.
Of course, no football league can exist without Power Rankings, so we’ve compiled one just in time for the start of the XFL season. We’ll update our Power Rankings each week while keeping fans up to date on the teams and players who are on the rise.
Here’s our first of many XFL Power Rankings for the 2023 season, as we try to sort things out before these teams have played a single game. Let’s see how accurate these rankings are when an XFL champion is crowned three months from now.
D.C. Defenders The Defenders already have a philosophy despite not having yet played a game. Offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss will employ a spread out, college style offense. It appears that D.C. has the players to execute the attack. The Defenders have several capable quarterbacks, led by former USFL standout Jordan Ta’amu. They have a wealth of talent in the backfield that includes former New Orleans Saint Abram Smith — a physical, straight ahead back who averaged over 6 yards-per-carry during his college career at Baylor.
Defensively, the Defenders will likely mimic the attitude of Gregg Williams, a tough-minded coach whose resume includes being the defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-winning Saints squad.
Arlington Renegades Continuity among the coaching staff is among the Renegades’ strengths. Flanked alongside head coach Bob Stoops is former OU and Iowa colleague Jonathan Hayes, who will share offensive coordinator duties with Chuck Long. Arlington’s staff also includes Tim Lewis, a former NFL defensive back who has had a wealth of coaching experience across several leagues.
The Renegades are pretty good on the field, too. Leading the way are former USFL teammates Kyle Sloter and Sal Canella. A classic pocket passer, Sloter played well last year in leading the USFL’s Breakers to the playoffs. Canella was unstoppable in the Breakers’ playoff loss to the eventual USFL champion Stallions, catching 12 passes for 154 yards.
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San Antonio Brahmas The Brahmas are good enough to challenge for the league title. San Antonio’s roster features a slew of talented players that includes former NFL veterans Kalen Ballage and Patrick Turner.
This is the first head coaching assignment for Hines Ward, a former Pro Bowl receiver and Super Bowl MVP for the Steelers. Ward, who wisely surrounded himself with veteran assistants, is surely motivated to prove his value as a head coach.
St. Louis Battlehawks St. Louis’ quarterback and skill players should make this a fun team to follow. St. Louis has arguably the league’s most proven quarterback in A.J. McCarron, a two-time national champion at Alabama who nearly led the Bengals to a playoff win over the Steelers as a rookie.
At McCarron’s disposal is former Raiders and Cardinals wideout Marcell Ateman, and Darrius Shepherd, a veteran player who spent parts of 2022 with the USFL’s New Jersey Generals and Denver Broncos.
St. Louis also has a promising young offensive coordinator in Bruce Gradkowski, who had his own successful playing career at the college and pro ranks.
Houston Roughnecks Former NFL head coach and Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is Houston’s head coach, so expect the Roughnecks to field a tough defense. The main question in Houston is who will win the quarterback battle between Cole McDonald and Kaleb Eleby.
A former NFL seventh-round pick, McDonald briefly spent time with the Titans and Cardinals before going to the CFL. Eleby went undrafted in 2022 despite having a strong final season at Western Michigan.
For what it’s worth, the Roughnecks were the XFL’s best team in 2020, going a perfect 5-0 before the league shut down after five games due to COVID-19. P.J. Walker, now with the Carolina Panthers, was arguably the XFL’s best player that season.
Seattle Sea Dragons Let’s start with the fact that the Dragons field former All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon, whose resume includes being an NFL receiving champion and the owner of a Super Bowl ring. Seattle also has an experienced quarterback in Ben DiNucci, who spent the last several years with the Cowboys.
Seattle’s coaching staff is a beacon of experience. Led by former NFL Coach of the Year Jim Haslett, the Sea Dragons’ coaching staff also includes offensive pioneer June Jones and longtime NFL executive Randy Mueller.
Las Vegas Vipers First-time head coach Rod Woodson is hoping that the Vipers’ veteran players will turn back the clock. Those players include former NFL vets Vic Beasley (30), Matt Jones (29) and Martavis Bryant (31).
Las Vegas also has a solid quarterback in Luis Perez, a well-traveled player who briefly spent time with the Rams this past season. Perez does have competition, however, with Bryan Scott behind him on the depth chart. Scott has played in several leagues that includes a stint on the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars last year.
Orlando Guardians Inexperience, particularly at quarterback, is the main reason why the Guardians are currently taking up the rear. Orlando could turn heads if either DeAndre Francois, Mitch Kidd or Quentin Dormady pan out.
Francois, Florida State’s former quarterback, has played in several leagues that includes Fan Controlled Football. Kidd is also an FCF alum who actually won the league’s Offensive Player of the Year. Dormady had a well-traveled college career that included time at Tennessee, Houston and Central Michigan.
