Former Miami football players sign as undrafted free agents right away.
The 2023 NFL Draft saw only three Miami football players, namely Tyrique Stevenson and D.J. Ivey, cornerbacks, along with tight end Will Mallory, being selected. Despite this, several other Miami alumni swiftly secured positions as undrafted free agents with various NFL teams. Notable signings include linebacker Caleb Johnson with the Jets and punter Lou Headley with New Orleans.
Barry Jackson, a columnist for the Miami Herald, is actively updating on the destinations of Hurricanes’ alumni signings. Among these updates, defensive lineman Mitchell Agude and offensive lineman D.J. Scaife inked deals with the Dolphins late on Saturday night. Additional undrafted free agents from Miami include DL Antonio Moultrie, OL Justice Oluwaseun, and LB Waynmon Steed.
According to NFL.Com, Headley ranks as the ninth-best undrafted free agent punter. Headley boasts impressive accolades, such as being named first-team All-ACC in 2022 and second-team All-ACC in 2020 and 2021, as well as a 2020 second-team All-America by the Associated Press. During his tenure at Miami, Headley maintained an average of 45.2 yards per punt, with 77 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Given his age of 29 and the rarity of punters being drafted, it was anticipated that Headley would pursue opportunities as an undrafted free agent to vie for a spot in the NFL. Notably, Saints punter Blake Gillikin ranked 21st in the NFL in 2022, averaging 46.4 yards per punt. As for Johnson, he tallied 48 tackles in 2022 for Miami, alongside four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles after his transfer from UCLA in the 2022 offseason. The Jets are reportedly guaranteeing $57,500 to Johnson, as reported by Aaron Wilson of NBC Houston.
Agude, who also transferred from UCLA, secured a deal with the Dolphins, as confirmed by Field Yates of ESPN. Agude concluded his time at Miami with notable stats, including 39 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. He now joins former Miami All-American Jaelan Phillips with the Dolphins.
Moultrie primarily served as a backup for Miami in 2022 and transitioned from UAB. His contributions as a defensive tackle yielded 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one QB hit, and one forced fumble, showcasing his versatility on the defensive line, which could prove advantageous as an undrafted free agent.
Scaife, who started 53 out of 61 games during his five seasons with Miami, secured a late deal with the Dolphins. Standing at 6’3 and 314 pounds, Scaife offers versatility on the offensive line, primarily playing right guard and tackle. NFL.Com ranks Scaife as the 17th-best undrafted free agent interior offensive lineman.
Looking ahead, DJ Ivey, who was drafted in the 7th round by the Bengals in the 2023 draft, is the focus of upcoming updates.
However, Oluwaseun and Steed may face challenges in securing signings as undrafted free agents due to injury struggles throughout their Miami careers. Oluwaseun started eight games for Miami over two years after transferring from UNLV, while Steed concluded his Miami career with 83 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
