The New Orleans Breakers didn’t end the season the way they wanted, but it shouldn’t be considered a failure by any means. While they had their ups and downs throughout the year, the Breakers accomplished quite a bit both as a team and individually.

They might’ve stumbled to the finish line with how banged up they were at the end of the season. However, New Orleans still locked up a playoff spot after securing the second seed in the South Division, and had 7 players win either offensive or defensive player of the week throughout the year. Additionally, six Breakers were named to the 2022 All-USFL Team at the end of the regular season.

New Orleans should be in good hands moving forward if Larry Fedora and the coaching staff stick around. However, with how the team performed in 2022, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some of their top performers end up in NFL camps, meaning Larry Fedora and his staff will have a bit of roster work to do this offseason. For now, here are 10 Breakers that should be on the radar of NFL teams.

Offense:

Kyle Sloter – Quarterback

While turnovers were an issue throughout the season, Kyle Sloter showed us why he’d been on the roster of nearly every NFL team at one point. As the USFL’s passing leader with a 57.7% completion percentage, 1,799 yards passing, and 9 passing touchdowns, also getting named quarterback of the 2022 All-USFL Team, you’d have to expect Sloter will be getting a call to head back to an NFL roster. Unfortunately, if he can’t eliminate the turnover issues the Breakers suffered all season, his time back in the NFL may be limited.

Jordan Ellis – Running Back

Jordan Ellis was a vital piece of the Breakers’ offense throughout the season, ending the year as the USFL’s rushing yards leader. He finished the season with a total of 150 rush attempts for 596 yards and 4 touchdowns, also grabbing 17 receptions for 84 yards on the year.

Sal Canella – Tight End

Sal Canella was not only one of the Breakers’ better receivers in a talent-filled receiver room, but also one of the better all-around tight ends in the USFL, getting named to the All-USFL Team for his efforts. Canella ended the year with 34 receptions for 368 yards and 2 touchdowns, also playing a significant role with blocking in the run game.

Jonathan Adams – Wide Receiver

Another critical piece of the Breakers’ offense was wide receiver Jonathan Adams, who made his presence known as one of Kyle Sloters’ favorite targets throughout the year, making several amazing circus catches. Adams ended the season with 31 receptions for 406 yards and 3 touchdowns, putting him at 5th in the league in receiving.

Johnnie Dixon – Wide Receiver

Another name from the Breakers’ talented receiving core that deserves an NFL look is wide receiver Johnnie Dixon, who was also one of Kyle Sloters’ favorite targets throughout the year. Dixon led New Orleans in both receptions and receiving touchdowns, totaling 37 receptions for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Defense:

Jerod Fernandez – Linebacker

As one of the better linebackers in the USFL, Jerod Fernandez made his presence felt throughout the season and was named to the All-USFL Team’s defense for his efforts. Fernandez finished 3rd in the USFL in tackles, totaling 84 tackles (47 solo/ 37 assisted), 9 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and a pass deflection on the year.

Fernandez also made plays on special teams, including a fake punt which he took 43 yards on 4th & 3.

Vontae Diggs – Linebacker

As another one of the USFL’s top linebackers, Vontae Diggs significantly impacted New Orleans’ defense. Diggs totaled 82 tackles (52 solo/ 30 assisted), 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, an interception which was returned for a touchdown, a forced fumble, and 2 pass deflections on the season.

Davin Bellamy – Defensive End

Another one of the All-USFL Team members to make the list is defensive end Davin Bellamy. Bellamy ended the USFL’s season 4th in the league in sacks and was a menace to opposing offenses since week one both on the field and via his trash talking. He ended the season with 39 total tackles (27 solo/ 12 assisted), 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection on the year.

Adonis Alexander – Cornerback

As a critical piece of the New Orleans secondary, Adonis Alexander helped lock things down as the Breaker’s number one cornerback. He’d total 36 tackles (22 solo/ 14 assisted), 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 pass deflections on the season.

Jarey Elder – Safety

Last but surely not least, we have Breakers safety Jarey Elder, who’s been praised throughout the year as one of the team’s best leaders, and regarded as the quarterback of the Breakers defense per defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta. Elder totaled 44 tackles (23 solo/ 21 assisted), 7 pass deflections, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery on the year.

Honorable Mentions:

Jared Thomas – Center

Steven Rowzee – Left Guard

Reggie Howard – Linebacker

Ike Brown – Cornerback

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