The United States Football League (USFL) is becoming a fertile ground for NFL scouts as several standout players have been drawing substantial attention. Among these are quarterbacks Alex McGough and De’Andre Johnson, and running back Mark Thompson, who all have upcoming NFL workouts lined up.
Former USFL MVP Alex McGough, who led the Birmingham Stallions to a league championship in 2023, has generated interest from nearly a third of the NFL teams, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. McGough’s stint in the USFL, marked by his impressive completion rate and ground game, has clearly put him back on the NFL’s radar.
De’Andre Johnson, known for his dual-threat capabilities, is another USFL quarterback who’s catching the eye of NFL franchises. The Browns and Texans are among the teams reportedly interested in Johnson. Johnson’s journey from Florida State to “Last Chance U” at East Mississippi, and later Texas Southern, demonstrates his tenacity and potential.
The NFL interest in these two quarterbacks could extend beyond their traditional roles, given their dual-threat nature. Teams like the Browns and Falcons, who have set quarterback depth charts, may find value in the versatility that both McGough and Johnson bring to the field.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants have been keeping a keen eye on USFL Offensive Player of the Year, running back Mark Thompson. Thompson’s outstanding 2023 USFL season with the Houston Gamblers saw him rush for 653 yards and score 14 touchdowns, making him second in the league in rush yards and first in rushing touchdowns.
Thompson’s workout with the Giants highlights the interest NFL teams are showing in USFL players. While the workout is reportedly not related to Saquon Barkley’s contract situation, it does signify that the NFL is recognizing the talent emerging from the USFL.
With training camps imminent, the interest in USFL standouts is set to rise. Their transition to the NFL would serve as a testament to the quality of the USFL, emphasizing its role as a viable pathway for players aiming for the highest level of American football.
