Michigan Panthers UFL Super Dispersal Draft Breakdown
After making the playoffs in the USFL last season, the Michigan Panthers are looking to build on their success in the newly formed UFL. Michigan had a strong Dispersal Draft earlier in the month, adding some key talent including Wes Hills and Corey Coleman.
The Panthers’ approach in the UFL Super Dispersal Draft was more geared toward defense and special teams. They were able to bring back two key members to the special teams as well as add some help to the secondary.
Here is a full breakdown of the Michigan Panthers’ six selections in the Super Dispersal Draft.
2024 Michigan Panthers UFL Super Dispersal Draft Picks
Round Drafted - Player Analysis
Round 1 – CB Nate Brooks
Nate Brooks was one of the key starters for the Birmingham Stallions’ defense starting every game last year, finishing with 42 tackles and two interceptions on the season. From 2019 until 2022, he played in the NFL with six different teams, totaling 11 tackles in his NFL career.
Roster Impact: While Michigan’s defense was stellar throughout the season, their corners did not record an interception during the 2023 season. Brooks brings in a playmaking mentality to the secondary needed to create more turnovers.
Round 2 – S Will Adams
Will Adams was with the Vegas Vipers in the XFL last season, making five tackles in five games with the team. The D.C. Defenders claimed Adams in the summer after he was waived by Vegas. At Virginia State, he made 61 tackles, two pass deflections and one interception in his senior season in 2021. He also had a brief stint in the NFL with the Washington Commanders in 2022.
Roster Impact: Warren Saba and Corrion Ballard were the top safeties for the Panthers last season. Adams will be competing for a job on the roster as Michigan also has Bryce Torneden challenging for a starting job.
Round 3 – OT Eric Abojei
Eric Abojei is back with the Panthers after joining the team late in the season last year. He was a starting tackle at Wyoming for 34 games.
Roster Impact: Josh Dunlop returns after starting at left tackle last year for Michigan. Abojei will be able to compete for the other starting spot or at least be on the roster as a backup.
Round 4 – K Cole Murphy
The Panthers got their starting kicker back in Cole Murphy. Murphy converted 25 of 30 field goals (83.3%) over the past two seasons. He also has made 22 of 28 extra points in his USFL career.
Roster Impact: It was a no brainer decision to bring back Murphy, who has been one of the more consistent kickers in the USFL. There’s no doubt he will be their main kicker for the season.
Round 5 – P Kyle Kramer
Another special teamer is back with Michigan as punter Kyle Kramer returns following two seasons with the Panthers. Kramer punted the ball 55 times for an average of 43.8 yards per punt since joining the USFL.
Roster Impact: The Michigan Panthers look to keep their special teams intact with Kramer being the other addition along with Murphy.
Round 6 – DE Vantrel McMillan
Vantrel McMillan returns to Michigan after he spending the first two seasons in the USFL with the Panthers. He recorded 16 tackles and 2.5 sacks in that two-year stint and started two games in 2023.
Roster Impact: Led by defensive end Breeland Speaks, the Panthers have a strong pass rush. McMillian has been a key role player on the team who knows the scheme to be successful.
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.