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With the 2019 NFL Draft now in the books, now comes probably the busiest part of the year for following former UCF Knights: the rush to sign undrafted free agents. While Trysten Hill was the only Knight to hear his name called this weekend in Nashville, several Knights locked up either free agent contracts or try-outs with NFL teams in the hours after the conclusion of the draft.
We track them all here:
RB Taj McGowan: New York Giants or Jacksonville Jaguars
According to Jason Beede of 247Knights, RB Taj McGowan has been invited to minicamps by both the Giants and the Jaguars:
#UCF RB Taj McGowan (@ImaXJetsetter) has been invited to rookie minicamps with the #Jaguars and the #Giants, his agent tells Knights247.
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) April 28, 2019
Just thankful to have an opportunity.
— Taj (@ImaXJetsetter) April 28, 2019
Analysis
Both places are interesting fits, as Taj would be behind either Leonard Fournette in Jacksonville or Saquon Barkley in New York.
Highlights
Pro Day
OL Wyatt Miller: New York Jets
Wyatt Miller is definitely heading north, as he has signed with the New York Jets:
J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! So thankful for this opportunity @nyjets Let’s get to work. #TakeFlight
— Wyatt Miller (@wyatt_miller44) April 27, 2019
Analysis
Miller should definitely be in the mix to shore up the Jets’ offensive line, which was graded as the worst offensive line in football according to Football Outsiders.
Pro Day
WR Dredrick Snelson: Jacksonville Jaguars
While it appears Dredrick Snelson’s decision to leave UCF may have been a miscalculation, he will at least get a chance with the Jaguars as a rookie free agent signing:
DUUUVAL! Ima Jacksonville Jaguar. Let’s get to work @Jaguars
— Dredrick Snelson Jr. (@D_Snelson5) April 27, 2019
Analysis
Snelson’s talent has always been apparent but his biggest challenge is making himself stand out among other pro wideouts with similar build and speed. That won’t get any easier going up against the likes of Dede Westbrook, Marquise Lee, DJ Chark and Chris Conley, among whomever else the Jags decide to invite to camp.
Highlights
K Matthew Wright: Pittsburgh Steelers
Matty Ice is heading to equally-cold Pittsburgh:
Let’s get to work! Excited for the opportunity @steelers https://t.co/AdU7B2MpvI
— Matt Wright (@Mattyice717) April 27, 2019
Analysis
The long-running joke is that Pittsburgh is where kickers go to die, as the Steelers’ kicking woes through the years have been well-documented. Chris Boswell was a dreadful 13/20 last year, and while Matthew McCrane did not miss in the season finale, he kicked for three teams last season alone. So if Wright can prove himself on the dreadful turf of Heinz Field, we may very well see him quite often on Sundays.
Highlights
Pro Day
P Mac Loudermilk: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Viking will compete to become a Buccaneer at rookie minicamp:
Blessed with the opportunity to compete at the Bucs rookie mini camp! pic.twitter.com/GS2fbiLqls
— Mac Loudermilk (@macmilk15) April 27, 2019
Analysis
It’s just a minicamp invitation, but if Mac can impress the Bucs’ staff, he might get a look. Incumbent Bryan Anger has been solidly average by NFL standards at about 45 yards per kick last year, so if Mac pulls a reverse Samson, he has an outside shot at either unseating Anger or at least showing off his wares for someone else to give him a job.
Highlights
Pro Day
DB Rashard Causey: Atlanta Falcons
Rashard was the first Knight to tout his new destination, breaking the news almost immediately after the draft ended that he has signed with Atlanta:
Atlanta what’s good!!
— Rashard Causey Jr (@BiggPlay21) April 27, 2019
Analysis
Rashard is originally from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, an NFL factory in itself. NFL teams are always in need of DBs. Interestingly, DB Robert Alford is gone from the Falcons and fellow UCF alum Kemal Ishmael has moved to LB. So as long as Causey brings his A-game to camp, he’s in a prime position to at least get consideration for a roster spot.
Highlights
Pro Day
DB Kyle Gibson: Baltimore Ravens
Arguably UCF’s most talented DB is getting a camp invite with a franchise for whom defense their calling card:
Thank you @Ravens for the camp invite
— Kyle Gibson (@2livefive_) April 28, 2019
Analysis
It’s a total overhaul in Baltimore’s secondary with three free agent signings (Tony Jefferson, Brandon Carr and Earl Thomas). But like with Causey in Atlanta, talent is talent, and NFL teams always seem to need DBs as much or more than any other position. Should he latch on, he’ll be a great fit.
Highlights
Pro Day
TE Michael Colubiale: Jacksonville Jaguars
COUBS! He’s joining Dredrick Snelson in Duval, although it’s a rookie camp invite:
Thanks to the @Jaguars for the opportunity! Excited to get to work #DUUUVAL
— Michael Colubiale (@michael_colub) April 28, 2019
Analysis
It’s really hard to say whether Jacksonville sees Coubs as a WR or TE, and they already have five TEs listed on the depth chart. But they’ve been interested for a while, and there’s probably a good reason for that.
Highlights
Pro Day
We’re still waiting for news on Titus Davis, Pat Jasinski, Joey Connors and A.J. Wooten. We’ll will keep you posted on new UDFA signings as the news merits.