Which XFL players could find an NFL home this offseason?
By Ian Higgins
2016 Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 857. 11. player. WR. Los Angeles Wildcats. Nelson Spruce
Statistics: 17 Rec, 192 yds, 2 TDs
Nelson Spruce is a sure-handed receiver out of Colorado who is not going to blow anyone away with his athleticism (4.59 40 at his pro day in 2016) but uses his football IQ and gritty receiving style to work his way open and beat corners to the ball.
Spruce is far and away from the XFL receptions leader so far and is still posting over 11 yards per catch. The slot receiver has become increasingly popular in the NFL ever since the success seen in New England’s dynasty, and at 6-foot-1 Spruce could work from that position in the NFL. A gritty mentality will always out-play pure talent, and Spruce could carve out a spot in an NFL roster if given the chance.
Pick Analysis. WR. DC Defenders. 15. 854. 2013 Scouting Report. Rashad Ross. player
Statistics: 6 Rec, 147 yds, 1 TD
After a short stint in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and in the collapsed AAF, Rashad Ross continues to demonstrate his burner speed that was shown as a return man in the NFL. Creating separation with pure speed is always going to be welcome in the world of football, especially as the NFL leans towards the field-stretching offense.
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Paired with Cardale Jones on the Defenders, the two players mutually benefit from each other’s talents. Even in the AAF with the Arizona Hotshots, Ross uses his speed to seek out open areas of the field and beat defenders to the spot.