Over the past three years, the DC Defenders have been a factory sending quality wide receivers to the NFL. They’ve seen so much success that the team has unofficially earned the title of “Wide Receiver University”.
If anyone can make this claim, it’s the DC Defenders. Over the past three seasons, they’ve sent nine wideouts to the NFL, with several sticking on their respective teams.
What makes this even more impressive: DC has had a different WR’s coach every single year. They’ve seen constant turnover with new faces joining the room each season. Despite this, the Defenders have produced at a high level consistently – and NFL teams have always taken notice.
“What makes the DC Defenders wide receiver room so special is the standard we set every day. Our guys bought into the details — route discipline, physicality, and competing on every rep. That mentality prepared them to not just dominate in the UFL, but to transition seamlessly to the NFL. It’s not just talent, it’s work ethic and accountability that makes the DC pipeline so strong.” – Defenders WR’s Coach Sean Anderson
In this piece, we’ll be highlighting the Defenders wideouts who have transitioned from the UFL to the NFL.
2023 Signings
Brandon Smith, Cardinals
Chris Blair, Falcons
Josh Hammond, Broncos
Lucky Jackson, Vikings
Coach: Alvance Robinson
In 2023, DC burst onto the scene as one of the most potent offenses in the XFL. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu had no shortage of targets to throw the ball to. Chris Blair, Josh Hammond, and Lucky Jackson were outstanding, responsible for nearly 70% of the receiving yards across the team.
Chris Blair is one of the greatest success stories out of this bunch. He’s been with the Atlanta Falcons for three years, racking up over 350 yards and two touchdowns during preseason action. Blair currently remains on the Falcons’ practice squad. In 2024, he was elevated to the 53 man roster for a few games.
Lucky Jackson has carved out a practice squad spot for himself with the Minnesota Vikings. Jackson, who had 5 TD’s and 570 yards for DC in 2023, has been a preseason standout the last couple of years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him elevated for gameday at some point this season. Jackson is dynamic, versatile, and features some of the best hands the spring scene has witnessed.
Josh Hammond was another standout who signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023 – and has since retired from football. Even though Brandon Smith was relatively quiet in 2023 (118 receiving yards), he earned an opportunity with the Cardinals.
2024 Signings
Brandon Smith, Jets
Kelvin Harmon, Cowboys
Ty Scott, Seahawks
Coach: Sean Anderson
In 2024, we saw more of the same out of this group. To start with, Brandon Smith had a stronger year – which translated into an NFL opportunity with the New York Jets. Smith has since stuck in New York on their practice squad, as a playmaker who continues to shine in preseason action.
Kelvin Harmon was another success story. He got hurt towards the end of the year, but was incredibly productive with 375 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Harmon made his way to the Dallas Cowboys and spent a year on their practice squad – but was released this past July.
“In 2024, I had the privilege of coaching one of the most competitive and talented receiver groups I’ve ever been around. The energy in that room was contagious — guys pushed each other daily and held one another accountable. Seeing three of those players get signed to the NFL off that team was a proud moment, and it reinforced the fact that the Defenders are developing true professionals who can thrive at the next level.” – Sean Anderson
Ty Scott was an incredibly efficient receiver for DC in 2024. He ended up leading the team with 418 receiving yards, alongside three scores. Scott signed with the Seattle Seahawks, spending a bit of time on their practice squad in September.
This 2024 room was full of quality talent. Even the guys who didn’t get signed still received workouts (i.e. Vyncint Smith, Keke Coutee).
2025 Signings
Braylon Sanders, Commanders
Cornell Powell, Texans
Seth Williams, Raiders
Coach: Andre Simmons
The 2025 season saw a fresh wave of signings to the NFL. Braylon Sanders highlighted the dynamic play of this group, coached by Andre Simmons. Sanders saw his role take a notable leap midway through the year, when Ty Scott went on IR. Braylon had 332 yards & 3 TD’s, earning himself a preseason look with the Washington Commanders.
Once Cornell Powell settled into this Defenders offense, he was stellar. Powell led the UFL with seven receiving touchdowns, alongside 418 receiving yards. Cornell signed with the Houston Texans late in the preseason, and ended up leading the team with 63 yards during the final game before cutdowns.
Seth Williams was a late addition to this unit, but one that made an immediate impact. Including two playoff games, Seth recorded 11 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Over 100 yards came during the team’s Championship run in the playoffs. Williams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders following his UFL campaign.
“I have a great WR room. Everyone on this team is together, we’re all on the same page, and we all have the same mentality. We all want to win and be great, be successful…We love each other, from our coaching staff, to the players, we’re going to give it our all no matter what. I think this is a great group that our GM Von has put together. On game days, it shows. The love, the passion, and the team camaraderie that we have together is amazing.” – Andre Simmons
Across the board, these wideouts produced. Chris Rowland earned All-UFL honors, with 522 receiving yards and three scores. He also led the UFL in All-Purpose yards in 2025. He’s undersized, otherwise he would have been an NFL lock as well. NFL veteran Jaydon Mickens, and former Colorado product Javon Antonio were also notable pieces on this DC Defenders Championship team.
Final Thoughts
WRU is alive and well in the UFL. The DC Defenders continue to triumph with their units year in and year out – even with all of the movement across the board.
A lot of credit needs to be given to the team’s General Manager, Von Hutchins. Hutchins has done an outstanding job signing NFL-caliber talent every season. He does a ton of behind-the-scenes work for this organization, and the fruits of his labor were evident as DC won a Championship in 2025.
As we turn the page towards the 2026 campaign, the sky is the limit for “Wide Receiver University” in DC. Hopefully, they’ll be able to retain the same WR’s coach for a consecutive season for the first time in franchise history.
You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on the DC Defenders wideout rooms over the years? Who’s been your favorite to watch play? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
