2024 UDFA Initial Signings And Discussion

[Coachmarkos]

I was really hoping the Bolts would get one, if not two Jackrabbits in this draft.

Zach Heins is a very good TE. He can block, runs the seam well, and is a big man 6'7" with very soft hands. Is he a TE #1? No, he's not that kind of athlete. But he's so good in Play action. He can go in motion and lead block, and he was an absolute beast in FCS. The only reason his numbers weren't better is that the Jackrabbits were loaded at WR, RB, and TE (Tucker Kraft was ahead of him the year before).

I'm not saying he's a lock to make the roster... but he's got a good shot. He's pretty damn good.

Also, played the 2023 National Championship game with a broken bone in his foot. Would not sit out, and was in a walking boot after the game, when he came off the field.

You guys will love him.

[Coachmarkos]

Overview

Heins has an NFL frame and a willingness to do the dirty work as a run blocker. He lacks short-area footwork and bend to be much of a route-runner but is a big, reliable target as a zone-beater between the hashes. He’s physical after the catch but will struggle to get open against concentrated coverage. His tenacity and play strength are NFL-ready as a blocker. He has a great feel for landmarks and technique as a zone blocker. Also, he shows drive and finish when scrapping at the point of attack. Heins has soft hands and will make catches here and there as a pro, but he will earn a roster spot based on his ability as a well-rounded run blocker.


Strengths

• Beats up on smaller players in tight quarters as a pass catcher.
• Brings throws in with his eyes and is quick to secure the ball.
• Physical during run after catch and can drag tacklers for first downs.
• Good feel for positioning and sustain as wide-zone blocker.
• Above-average play strength with a taste for finishing blocks.
• Shows talent to turn and kick out defenders or wash them down.

Weaknesses

• Runs stop routes but struggles getting in and out of breaks.
• Will have a tough time uncovering against man coverage.
• Likely tethered to possession catches underneath.
• Footwork into block fits can get a little bit sloppy.

As someone who watched him play for four years... this assessment is pretty spot on.

[Bolt-O]

Lost one of the UDFAs, decided to sign with the Chiefs:

[jox g]

Based on a recent article on the 21 UDFA's The Bolts signed, 16 out of 21 are 5th year (some 6 yrs, a wide receiver 7 yrs) experienced players!!! Thank God for Joe Hortiz.

[Whydachargers?]

I was really hoping the Bolts would get one, if not two Jackrabbits in this draft.

Zach Heins is a very good TE. He can block, runs the seam well, and is a big man 6'7" with very soft hands. Is he a TE #1? No, he's not that kind of athlete. But he's so good in Play action. He can go in motion and lead block, and he was an absolute beast in FCS. The only reason his numbers weren't better is that the Jackrabbits were loaded at WR, RB, and TE (Tucker Kraft was ahead of him the year before).

I'm not saying he's a lock to make the roster... but he's got a good shot. He's pretty damn good.

Also, played the 2023 National Championship game with a broken bone in his foot. Would not sit out, and was in a walking boot after the game, when he came off the field.

You guys will love him.

I can see us keeping Heins over Parham due to the blocking element that '57' gives us.I hope Heins number will be 57.

[Xenos]

Hopefully a hidden gem 🤞

[Whydachargers?]

Lost one of the UDFAs, decided to sign with the Chiefs:

Did we sign any other UDFA LB's?

[Boltgang74]

Lost one of the UDFAs, decided to sign with the Chiefs:

Traitor

[Xenos]

Did we sign any other UDFA LB's?

Yeah. There’s 3 others.

[Whydachargers?]

Yeah. There’s 3 others.

Thanks Xenos. Good to see. I wish Luquay the best in KC.

[21&500]

UDFA ranking on Brugler's The Beast
I also indicated if they have a write-up you can read there as well as their height and weight.
I added a few youtube video highlights and whatever I can Google
Hoping this makes it easier for everyone to check out our UDFA, at least the one's that stuck around....

OT:
Tyler Smith, Western Carolina – 41st ranked OT. 6063 310#
https://youtu.be/dNF8PZ3xc7w?si=OcthlSXDUkaHHsN6

Tyler Mclellan Campbell – 49th ranked OT. 6072 321#
https://youtu.be/NKTu8NxlUzU?si=8hXZFqF3b4Zuu1Zf
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2...uting-reports/

OG:
Karsen Barnhart, Michigan – 23rd ranked OG. 6044 306#. Write-up in Beast.
https://youtu.be/MRp95k5DN-s?si=BA8i6G9jbHM6hwkF
https://youtu.be/cQYwoV_-wOQ?si=5uj3CbQGSm8InTvm
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/karsen...1-816b3cfef8a5

Willis Patrick TCU Ranked 40^th. OG. 6030 319#
https://youtu.be/29VqqA-EZo8?si=hpQNF5V6hkNNstT7
https://youtu.be/zle8a0JD6Ls?si=_Pl1xits-k0AMZJl
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/willis...5-450a2696cfe0

Bucky Williams Appalachian State. 42nd ranked OG. 6021 304# possible OC.
https://www.youtube.com/live/gHAOhTu...LLJn0e7e64fWfx
https://youtu.be/Q2RPCf7GPk0?si=povm0Q2pjNuzSXqo
https://www.nfl.com/news/top-undraft...2024-nfl-draft

S:
Thomas Harper, Notre Dame 31st overall. 5101 189# write up in Beast.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/thomas-harper/32004841-5229-3894-cf13-c98a1bcf2627#:~:text=He's%20tenacious%20in%20cover age%20and,make%20plays%20on%20the%20football.
https://youtu.be/6scWwbjT-8E?si=V9G1NJzmtyifwlWK

Akeem Dentm Florida State. Ranked 33^rd. 5116 203#. Write-up in Beast
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...B-FloridaState
https://youtu.be/j3RS1oXwrVY?si=Nnbl_iB2IP1LlpV4
https://youtu.be/95pjTazVwDc?si=XVDDU0EJqHONzhDW

Jaylyn Phillips Clemson: 40th ranked. 6007 204#
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jalyn-...9-9c21498f9a4d
https://youtu.be/Az5PDyju1Ig?si=L1nSZ7Q-QsP9TinE

TEs:
Zach Heins S. Dakota St: ranked 21st 6061 259#. Write-up in Beast.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2...uting-reports/
https://youtu.be/EX-2jL7obAE?si=OIAJjEcpBTTbUvpK
https://youtu.be/_8Mfowvk0B0?si=riJJ96037SEKHtSN
https://youtu.be/uqEFHW9SHj0?si=CBuJUBNu9ol2BD0q

Luke Benson Georgia Tech: ranked 29^th. 6035 241#.
https://www.si.com/college/georgiatech/football/2024-nfl-draft-profile-georgia-tech-tight-end-luke-benson#:~:text=According%20to%20PFF%2C%20Benson%20 played,12%20games%2C%20making%20five%20starts%20%E 2%80%A6
https://youtu.be/VcbuzWlGtQA?si=hXB6xsbWn2yHVDGM

EDGE:
Tremon Morris-Brash Central Florida. Ranked 67^th. 6025 246#.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Tre'Mon-Morris-Brash-DL-UCF#:~:text=Draft%20Profile%3A%20Bio&text=In%20201 9%20as%20a%20freshman,3%20sacks%20on%20the%20seaso n.
https://youtu.be/1SOj3aFjAtg?si=aLGPrWlbnqFBfTwT

Savion Jackson N. Carolina State. Ranked 93^rd. 6020 263#.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/savion...e-299979bef113
https://youtu.be/O19pFkjmVF4?si=jYPSuxkErvpFM37T

CBs:
Zamari Walton, Mississippi. Ranked 55^th. 6013 188#
https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2023/08/zamari-walton/
https://youtu.be/kzxA5isFuiI?si=jztNnOsNJCAczIFN
https://youtu.be/Uei1G4lewyc?si=HWDaCaCrMkYTsALb

Robert Kenndey, N. Carolina State. Ranked 107th 5091 192#
https://youtu.be/cGzueDZ-2Hw?si=5wLCUPdgGBIx8Fk2

WRs:
Jaelen Gill, Fresno State. Ranked 132nd 5114 189#.
https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2024/03/jaelen-gill/
https://youtu.be/DbPTl9UVpXU?si=-6KZaKpUmEgaWS1G
https://youtu.be/LvaE328AgoY?si=o7kZRfRPT1AcQGzE

Leon Johnson, Oklahoma State. Ranked 69th 6046 210#.
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/spor...y/73128847007/
https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2024/04/leon-johnson/
https://youtu.be/m6s8sb6siU8?si=2hnXqVGrhSTS1KiF

Jaylen Johnson, East Carolina. Ranked 239th 6007 200#
https://ecupirates.com/sports/footba...-johnson/12554
https://youtu.be/tYs6ONY1zMc?si=v2yUW2gfR7Vx59HO
https://youtu.be/xxmGvIWIs2Q?si=e101nBy_uvl4WQwv


iDL:
Michael Mason, Coastal Carolina. Ranked 77th 6021 276#
https://goccusports.com/sports/footb...al-mason/18565

LB:
Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Ole Miss. Ranked 80th 6014 231#
https://www.on3.com/college/ole-miss...024-nfl-draft/
https://youtu.be/OprGCeJ6J4w?si=WeMjYZ1aaQ0sz_W0
https://youtu.be/H1LdutRk85A?si=1zGByDnIC4HzM90H

QB:
Casey Bauman, Augustana. Ranked 60^th. 6060 227#.
https://406mtsports.com/college/big-...1c8584613.html
https://3downnation.com/2024/04/27/c...ed-free-agent/
https://youtu.be/03ihnw45YKE?si=sJbd4qNRuPOjA0vE
https://youtu.be/qWcdvr_EXns?si=urPRyImcW86OahUw
https://youtu.be/AKlb-7LGvAQ?si=Cvhdw6JMNQysDJhv

[Maniaque 6]

Yeah. There’s 3 others.

Only one Michigan ?
I would have lost a lot of money on that.