UFL to NFL talent pipeline tracker: Listing every athlete set to try out for the big leagues

The UFL championship game is set for June 16, signaling the end of the UFL season. But the players' goal of furthering their careers hasn't ended.

Players who take part in the spring football league are eligible to sign with NFL teams starting the day after the league concludes, according to NFL policy. Meanwhile, athletes whose seasons are already over can try out for NFL teams the day after their last game.

The Birmingham Stallions and the San Antonio Brahmas have secured their tickets to the UFL Championship game on June 16. It implies that players from other league teams are able to pursue NFL possibilities.

Prominent members of those teams, like wide receiver Hakeem Butler of the St. Louis Battlehawks or defensive lineman Malik Fisher of the DC Defenders, will have an advantage in their quest to join an NFL club.

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Every UFL player trying out in the NFL

Daewood Davis will be signing with the Carolina Panthers following his All-UFL recognition, according to a report released last week by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

The wide receiver played in 10 games with the Memphis Showboats during the inaugural UFL season, recording 41 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns on 70 targets.

Davis is the first player from the UFL to sign with an NFL franchise following an impressive spring football campaign. Other players who have been mentioned to try out for NFL teams ahead of the 2024 season are listed below:

1) Chim Okorafor (offensive tackle) - Michigan Panthers

Offensive tackle Chim Okorafor is reported to have visited the Cleveland Browns on Monday for a tryout as the team got ready for minicamp.

The offensive lineman from the Michigan Panthers is the latest in a slew of players the Browns are said to have evaluated in the last few weeks. He is, however, the first UFL player the team has been linked with during the open window.

Although Okorafor assisted the Panthers in qualifying for the UFL playoffs this season, the team eventually lost to the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Championship game.

2) Willie Harvey Jr. (linebacker) - St. Louis Battlehawks

Taking the top players from the spring football leagues is something the Dallas Cowboys have done consistently; KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey are two examples.

Willie Harvey Jr. is set to work out for Dallas on Tuesday as the team continues its search for another spring football prospect. The linebacker had a stellar season for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2024, leading the league in total tackles, with 76. He also led all linebackers in forced fumbles and tackles for loss.

Harvey has appeared in four games and had two career tackles while playing for the Browns in the NFL. His presence in the Cowboys’ defensive unit may be advantageous if the team decides to sign him following his planned workout.

3) Hakeem Butler (wide receiver) - St. Louis Battlehawks

The Panthers are open to giving wide receiver Hakeem Butler another opportunity to play in the league, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

The 28-year-old wide receiver with the St. Louis Battlehawks caught 45 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns this season, earning him the distinction of UFL offensive player of the year.

Butker was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but he didn't play for the team during the regular season.

4) Jacob Saylors (running back) - St. Louis Battlehawks

Running back Jacob Saylors is expected to workout with the New York Giants on Tuesday, the first day of mandatory minicamp.

The 23-year-old running back gained 460 yards on 94 carries with five touchdowns while playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League in 2024. Moreover, he had 151 receiving yards.

Saylors has prior NFL experience; he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons practice squad for a part of the 2023 campaign. He was placed on injured reserve in November before being waived off in January owing to an injury.