The Seattle Sea Dragons had a successful inaugural season in the XFL, clinching the postseason. In the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft, they selected several players who could make an impact in season two.
In 2023, the team finished with a 7-3 record, sneaking into the playoffs past St. Louis. However, it all fell apart in the postseason, with DC taking it to their squad at Audi Field.
Heading into next year, the Seattle Sea Dragons are searching for a few additional pieces to help secure an XFL Championship run. Let’s take a look at who they picked up in the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft.
RB Titus Swen | Wyoming
First up is Titus Swen, hailing from Wyoming. The shifty running back was selected to the Second Team All-Mountain West in 2021. With the potential instability surrounding Seattle’s backfield (i.e. Morgan Ellison, Phillip Lindsay), Swen is a solid signing. His senior year at Wyoming was particularly impressive, rushing for 1,039 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.02 YPC.
Great effort by Titus Swen on this TD run. Wyoming ties the game on the Smurf Turf.
WYOMING 7
BOISE STATE 7— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) November 13, 2021
WR Chad Townsend | Texas Tech
While Chad Townsend is a wide receiver, most of his work primarily came as a kick returner, alongside the occasional carry as a running back. Townsend didn’t compile jaw dropping stats across Alabama and Texas Tech in his college career – but showcased strong skill sets especially on special teams.
OL Jazston Turnetine | Florida State
The 2022 winner of the Don Powell Award now joins Seattle in an effort to bolster their offensive line for season two. Jazton Turnetine spent time at Hutchingson Community College to begin his college career. He then transferred to South Carolina, and wrapped up at Florida State.
OL Des Holmes | Arizona State
Des Holmes is a versatile lineman who has played at both Guard and Tackle throughout his collegiate career. Holmes played for Penn State for a few years, before finishing at Arizona State for his senior season.
DL Sam Burt | Kansas
Having lost a couple of defensive weapons, the Seattle Sea Dragons drafted several defenders who can make their mark next season.
Sam Burt went beast mode on a double team. pic.twitter.com/AEhwiW6A7I
— We good? (@gifhawk2) October 1, 2022
Sam Burt is one of those prospects, out of Kansas. The former Jayhawk played quite well during his tenure there, with his senior season seeing excellent production: 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks. Additionally, he started all 13 games that year. Burt was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers minicamp, and now lands in the XFL.
DL Malcolm Lee | Kansas
Another Kansas Jayhawk is heading to Seattle, as Malcolm Lee was also picked up in the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft. Similar to Burt, his senior season was fantastic – 31 total tackles, 3.5 TFL, and one sack. Lee recently had invites to training camps for both the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.
DL Wes Moeai | Rocky Mountain
Wes Moeai is an intriguing prospect out of Rocky Mountain. He consistently got better with each season of action. In 2021, he was nominated to the Second Team All-Conference defense. Then, a year later, he made the First Team All-Conference defense.
His senior year was outstanding, as Moeai posted 52 total tackles, 7 TFL, and two sacks. In addition, he forced a fumble and notched nine tackles on two different occasions. Wes is certainly capable of doing damage in the trenches.
LB Colby Reeder | Iowa State
Colby Reeder is another exceptional pickup. With the loss of Tuzar Skipper, Seattle will need a pressure generator, and Reeder is exactly that. In four years at Delaware, Colby compiled 172 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and four interceptions – doing a bit of everything for the team.
He's BAAAACCCKKKK!
Colby Reeder with the INTERCEPTION#BlueHens pic.twitter.com/HYCg3cChxR— Delaware Football (@Delaware_FB) September 3, 2021
He transferred to Iowa State for his final year of eligibility, where he posted 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions in his senior season. Reeder was also selected by the Houston Gamblers in the USFL 2023 Collegiate Draft.
LB Payton Wilgar | BYU
Seattle also added another fiery linebacker, as Payton Wilgar has quite the resume at BYU. During his career there, he racked up: 198 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 1 sack, 5 interceptions, 10 PD, and two forced fumbles. He was a starter for the majority of his time at BYU, earning multiple honors and awards along the way.
Payton Wilgar!! 😤😤 pic.twitter.com/i1uFnAKZAl
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 9, 2022
DB Destin Talbert | North Dakota State
The sole pick for the secondary of the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft is Destin Talbert, out of North Dakota State. Talbert posted impressive numbers throughout the course of his career – but, similar to most of the other prospects here, had his best outings during his senior year. In 2022, Destin posted 31 tackles and three interceptions for NDS.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Seattle Sea Dragons addressed a few important needs in the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft. They drafted two quality offensive lineman, and also grabbed several defenders who bring multiple facets of the game to the table.
HC Jim Haslett & Co. have a lot of work to do in the offseason, having lost QB Ben DiNucci to the Denver Broncos. If he doesn’t return, the offense will likely see a much different scheme in 2024.
What are your thoughts on the Seattle Sea Dragons selections in the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft? Which players do you want to see sign with the team? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
