Two Jayhawks were selected in the 2024 NFL draft, and four more were picked up following the draft as free agents.
The 2024 NFL draft was held from April 25-27 this year, and KU saw multiple players taken for the first time since 2015. Gold Star for you if you can name all three Jayhawks taken in the 2015 NFL draft (answers at the bottom).
For now, let’s take a look at where this year’s pro Jayhawks went and I’ll do my best on a blurb for what kind of situation they’re coming into as they attempt to break into the NFL.
NFL Draft
OL Dominick Puni, San Francisco, Round 3, Pick 86
The 49ers traded up to draft Puni after a run on offensive linemen, and they reportedly love his run-blocking ability. Puni grades out as an “average starter” in the NFL. Since all I really know about the 49ers is their inability to beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, I’m not familiar enough with San Francisco’s roster situation to comment, however, most prognosticators seem to expect him to start at guard or center sooner rather than later for the defending NFC champs.
DE Austin Booker, Chicago Bears, Round 5, Pick 144
The Bears also traded up to select Booker, who was named the Big 12’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year after posting 56 tackles with 8 sacks in the 2023 campaign. Booker is a bit of a development piece, and probably could have gone higher in the draft had he returned to Kansas for 2024. Regardless, he has the size, he has the tools, and he grades out as an eventual “plus starter” in the NFL. I’d look for him to make an impact in 2025 or 2026.
Undrafted Free Agents
QB Jason Bean, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts just drafted Anthony Richardson at #4 overall in the 2023 NFL draft, so I would imagine he’ll get every chance over the next year or two to justify that selection. However, the backups are the 39-year old Joe Flacco and the 2021 6th-round pick Sam Ehlinger, neither of which is inspiring. Considering Indianapolis did not take a QB in the 2024 draft, Bean may actually have a decent opportunity to earn a roster spot here.
OL Mike Novitsky, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have just two centers on their roster at the moment; combined, they have started just five NFL games. That said, it is notable that Seattle spent three draft picks on interior offensive lineman in this draft. The Seahawks are clearly looking to address offensive line, so perhaps Novitsky will have a shot to stick around. According to sources (ok fine, Twitter), Novitsky played 2,302 college snaps without allowing a single sack.
LB Craig Young, Indianapolis Colts
A quick review of the roster shows that the Colts still have Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed alongside a crop of otherwise mostly inexperienced linebackers. According to ESPN, the Colts run a base 4-3 defense, and return all six LBs from last year’s two-deep. Young transferred to KU from Ohio State and immediately started on defense, picking up 101 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 INTs in 2022 and 2023 combined. Considering his pro day 4.56 40-yard dash, at the very least he may have an opportunity to make an impact on special teams.
DB Kenny Logan, Los Angeles Rams
KU fan favorite Kenny Logan had an outside chance at getting drafted, but ended up in LA on a free agent deal. The Rams did draft safety Kamren Kinchens out of Miami in the third round and return all four safeties on their two-deep from last year. Logan’s best shot at a roster spot may be on special teams, both as a defender and a returner, as Logan returned both kickoffs and punts during his time at Kansas.
Camp Invitations
Several other Jayhawks received minicamp invites:
RB Dylan McDuffie, GB/NYG
TE Mason Fairchild, BUF
DL Devin Phillips, KC/BUF
LB Rich Miller, CHI/BAL
CB Kwinton Lassiter, IND
CB Kalon Gervin, GB/NYG
I don’t know how the multiple minicamp invite thing works, but whatever.
Gold Star Answers: Ben Heeney (Raiders), JaCorey Shepherd (Eagles), Dexter McDonald (Raiders)