Ahead of Vince McMahon’s XFL re-launch in 2020, the football league’s first annual draft took place this week, and Minnesotans might recognize a few players.
Not only were former Vikings taken by the eight teams in the league, but there’s a few former Gopher football standouts too. Starting with the Vikings, here’s who was taken in the draft this week – funnily enough most of them were offensive lineman.
- OL Storm Noron, Los Angeles Wildcats
- OL Willie Beavers, Dallas Renegades
- OL John Keenoy, Dallas Renegades
- OL Zac Kerin, New York Guardians
- OL Cornelius Edison, Houston Roughnecks
- WR Jeff Badet, Dallas Renegades
- WR Stacy Coley, Dallas Renegades
- LB Edmund Robinson, Houston Roughnecks
- TE Nick Truesdell, Tampa Bay Vipers
It’s worth noting Badet and Truesdell were taken 5th and 6th overall respectively in the first round.
Meanwhile, a few former Gopher football players were also taken, including prep star and former Minnesota Mr. Football winner Phillip Nelson.
- QB Phillip Nelson, Dallas Renegades
- LB Jonathan, DC Defenders
- CB Jale Myrick, DC Defenders
If you’re looking for a team to root for, going with the Dallas Renegades seems like the logical choice since they drafted five players that have Minnesota ties.
The XFL Draft was not a traditional one – because of course it wasn’t – instead, the league broke the draft into five phases.
- Skilled positions
- Offensive linemen
- Front seven defenders
- Defensive backs
- Special teams/remaining players
The XFL season kicks off Saturday, February 8, 2020 – one week after the NFL Super Bowl. Games will be broadcasted on ESPN and Fox Sports.
Hopefully Vince McMahon has a better go of it this time around as the first time around, the league folded after one season.
