The USFL held its first-ever college draft today. Each team was given ten selections to add players from the collegiate world to their roster. The rules are simple. All players selected must be at least three years out of high school and have waived or exhausted their eligibility to play in college, with the only exception being Junior College players that are two years out of their high school career and haven’t enrolled in a four-year university.

Your Pittsburgh Maulers had the second overall pick, and with the first of their 10 selections, they select…

Round 1, Pick 2: QB Lindsey Scott Jr, Incarnate Ward

Scott is a signal caller who excelled in the FCS past year. He went 12-2 on the year as a starter throwing for 4,657 yards and 60 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions. He led the Cardinals to the FCS semi-finals in 2023 and is now added to a Maulers roster in desperate need of some juice. He’ll compete with Chase Fourcade, James Morgan, Connor Sampson, and Troy Williams if he chooses the path of the USFL.

Round 2, Pick 9: DE Malik Hamm, Lafayette

Malik Hamm is a pass rusher who knows how to get in the backfield. He broke out in 2022 for the Lafayette Leopards sacking the quarterback 8 times and forcing two fumbles. He racked up 47 tackles and it’s no surprise he went this early. He should be an immediate help to this Maulers pass rush.

Round 3, Pick 17: OL Tre’Quan Dorsey, St. Francis University

Dorsey is a blind-side tackle from Virginia who had a short but solid collegiate career for the Red Flash. Playing all 11 games in 2021-22, participating on an offensive line that only gave up the third-fewest 23 quarterback sacks in their conference. Before transferring to St. Francis, he came from Lackawanna College after leading the Falcons to the NJCAA National Championship game and a #2 ranking in their conference, earning NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Round 4, Pick 25: DB Ferlando Jordan, Southeastern Louisiana

Jordan has had a quiet but terrific collegiate career for the Lions over the past four seasons. A senior, he’s racked up 45 tackles and 11 interceptions, five of which returned for touchdown scores. He was quiet in 2022, not getting a single pick. But has shown flashes of ability to be a ballhawk and take possessions away from his opponent. A solid developmental piece for the Maulers to get their hands on.

Round 5, Pick 33: DE Isaiah Land, Florida A&M

A defensive-focused draft continues for the Maulers as they Land (all puns intended) this pass rusher out of Florida A&M. This Buffalo, New York native racked up 7 sacks in 2022 for the Rattlers and added 22 tackles to his resume. Another depth piece for a defense that allowed the third most yards in the league last year.

Round 6, Pick 41: OL Nash Jensen, North Dakota State

Jensen is an interior offensive lineman that played five seasons for the Bison and was absolutely pivotal in the success of their offense. He started 41 straight games for NDSU and blocked for a rushing attack that ranked second in the FCS averaging 280.6 yards per game. He’s a solid player to add to this offensive line.

Round 7, Pick 49: WR Taylor Grimes, Incarnate Ward

It’s only right to keep the duo together, right? After taking his quarterback in the first round, Grimes gets to continue playing with his signal caller in 2023 with the Maulers. He’s had an electric two seasons playing for the Cardinals. Catching 171 passes for 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns. It’s obvious that Scott has a favorite weapon, and his name is Taylor Grimes. If they can match that success in the USFL, the Maulers might just have a dynamic duo on their hands.

Round 8, Pick 57: WR CJ Turner, Southeastern Lousiana

After taking Ferlando Jordan four rounds earlier, they double dip in the Southeastern Lousiana well and select pass catcher CJ Turner, who plays opposite of Jordan on the field. Turner’s not quite as explosive as Grimes, but respectable nonetheless. Over the past two seasons, he caught 50 balls for 860 yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s been a consistent roleplayer since his freshman year for the Lions and should have the opportunity to turn it up for the Maulers.

Round 9, Pick 65: DL Jacob Slade, Michigan State

Slade is a 6’4, 315lb run stuffer at the defensive tackle spot. He’s got a total of 60 tackles and 3 sacks over the past two seasons for the Spartans. He averaged about five tackles a game for Michigan State and could continue to do the same if he plays for the Maulers in 2023. Another great depth player for the Maulers in this second to last round.

Round 10, Pick 73: P Ethan Evans, Wingate

The Maulers go special teams in the final round of this draft by selecting a punter in Ethan Evans. He’s had 84 punt attempts in his collegiate career for the Wingate Bulldogs, 35 of them inside the 20-yard line. He was also their kickoff specialist. A solid addition to their special teams unit with a nice, young punter.