The regular season of the USFL 2.0 season has finally completed and this next weekend we will be treated to professional playoff football in Ohio. The USFL is having all of its playoff games and championship in Canton at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with the postseason wrapping Sunday night in the matchup between Philadelphia and Birmingham.
The season appeared to be a success and the talent level is really high, now I wish I didn’t have to use three streaming services, but that’s a topic for another day. The USFL is no doubt going to earn some players real NFL paychecks. Browns fans will be familiar with the effectiveness of these spring leagues as D’Ernest Johnson came to Cleveland after being a star in the AAF. The following are five players that the Browns should kick the tires on.
It should also be noted that I am aware that Kavonte Turpin will receive an NFL shot, but it will not be with the Browns. It would be extremely unwise for Cleveland to sign another player with a domestic violence record.
May 1, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Philadelphia Stars wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) runs back a kickoff against the New Jersey Generals during the second half at Protective Park. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Maurice Alexander is only the third leading receiver for Philadelphia, but he is a very solid target who is a phenomenal athlete. Alexander shined brightest as a returner and was capable as a receiver or rusher. Alexander made the All-USFL team as a kick returner as he led the league in return yards. Alexander was the most explosive athlete in the USFL this past season.
Alexander received little fanfare coming out of Florida International in 2020, but he has some intriguing potential considering he only started playing wide receiver since his junior season after transitioning from quarterback. Alexander stands at 5’11” and 180 pounds and is just 25 years old.
Maulers safety Arnold Tarlpley was playing 1 high, and the underneath coverage jumped all over the hitches underneath.
Maurice Alexander leaks out, no coverage, and Bryan Scott hits him to take the lead. pic.twitter.com/BKtwpC2LMy
— USFL Sapient 🇺🇦 (@USFLSapient) April 23, 2022
May 8, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; New Orleans Breakers tight end Sal Cannella (80) makes a fingertip catch against the Houston Gamblers during the second half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Sal Cannella is one of my favorite alternative football league players of all time. I wrote about this dude when he was torching defenses in The Spring League in 2020 and he just dominated another league in the USFL on his way to earning All-USFL.
Cannella has had a few cups of coffee in the NFL, but has failed to stick, but after his most recent stint in the USFL snagging 34 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns, the NFL will be knocking. Standing at 6’5″ and 230 pounds and only 25 years old, Cannella could be an intriguing and consistent depth piece.
TE Sal Cannella (@salnells) has seen a great opening three weeks in @TheSpringLeague.
I identified Sal as one of the top talents in TSL entering this season. He hasn’t disappointed yet. https://t.co/VoEPsopOyr
Here are his biggest plays: pic.twitter.com/pm4u2LUqT3
— John “Winter Soldier” Vogel (@DraftVogel) May 23, 2021
Oct 6, 2018; East Lansing, MI, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) take the snap from offensive lineman Jared Thomas (not pictured) against the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Thomas earned All-USFL honors as he masterfully played the pivot for the Breakers. Thomas was a two-year starter while at Northwestern and stands at 6’4″ and 310 pounds and just recently turned 25 years old. He will no doubt be one of the more sought-after USFL stars.
A whole lot of Breakers made the inaugural All-USFL team 🌊🌊
A big congrats to @KyleSloter, @salnells, @JaredThomas_33, @DavinBellamy17, @ReggiehowardJr, and @J4nando đź‘Źđź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/kom9w5vDtj
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) June 16, 2022
Apr 18, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Pittsburgh Maulers defensive back Bryce Torneden (22) tackles Tampa Bay Bandits running back Juwan Washington (29) during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The lone bright spot on the Pittsburgh squad earning All-USFL honors after recording 70 tackles, one interception, and one sack this season. Torneden previously spent time in The Spring League with the Sea Lions and had a solid career at Kansas, where he saw action in 46 games and started three seasons over his four-year collegiate career.
Torneden is a tad undersized at 5’9″ and 190 pounds, but plays larger with an aggressive run-stopping attitude and is only 24 years old and has some intriguing upside as someone who can provide depth and play on special teams.
Check out former Free State Firebird Bryce Torneden lay the boom! All Jayhawks tonight in the season opener tonight against SEMO. #kufball pic.twitter.com/VtOBeVtSoX
— Andrew Baker (@abakesports) September 3, 2017
Sep 24, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon Wright (1) misses an extra point after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Wright earned All-USFL as a punter, but he can play kicker as well. Wright had cups of coffee with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams after going undrafted after starting at Georgia State. Wright was the starring punter at Georgia State for four seasons and the starting kicker for two. Wright is only 25 years old and has some intriguing potential as an NFL punter.
Brandon Wright pins one DEEP with a 75-yard punt to the sideline in his @USFL debut with the Tampa Bay Bandits. #KohlsElite
(🎥 via @USFLBandits)pic.twitter.com/fmk83IuCRt
— Kohl's Kicking Camps (@KohlsKicking) April 19, 2022
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