While the Houston Roughnecks have been playing quite well defensively, they just got a bit better. The Roughnecks have acquired DE Davin Bellamy and DB Ja’Quan Sheppard, who were both released from their respective UFL teams this week.
DE Davin Bellamy
Davin Bellamy needs no introduction, having been a former All-USFL and All-XFL product over the past few years in spring ball. Davin returned to the DC Defenders during Training Camp, and while he made the roster once again, was inactive for all but one game this season. Bellamy played 10 snaps against Memphis in week two.
With the two agreeing on a mutual release, Bellamy has been picked up by the Houston Roughnecks. He’s a good depth add for their defense, with his veteran experience and previous success in the scene.
Bellamy is no stranger to DC, or spring football. He played with the New Orleans Breakers in 2022, earning All-USFL honors after posting 40 tackles and 5.5 sacks that season.
In 2023, Davin made the move to the XFL. With the Defenders, Davin was a stud – starting eight of 10 games played. He once again earned All-XFL honors, with 18 tackles and 5.5 sacks to his name.
Last year, Bellamy wasn’t as productive as his snap count was cut nearly in half. He had 15 tackles and a sack in 2024.
Now, Bellamy will take his talents to Houston. Truthfully, it’s going to be difficult for him to crack this rotation that already features high quality play from Tashawn Bower, Jamir Jones, Christopher Allen, and plenty of others at EDGE. That said, if injuries continue to be an issue for the Roughnecks, Davin could prove to be helpful.
DB Ja’Quan Sheppard
With the Memphis Showboats releasing Ja’Quan Sheppard, the Roughnecks have once again taken to the waiver wire to bring in a new face. They’ve had injuries at DB (most notably, Colby Richardson and Markel Roby), so Sheppard provides the team with depth at the position.
Nice rep here from former Cincinnati, Maryland CB Ja’Quan Sheppard during Monday’s Shrine Bowl practice
Maryland will look to have two CBs drafted in consecutive years, marking the first time in program history since the NFL Draft moved to seven rounds
pic.twitter.com/bdqFm6nush— Inside the Black & Gold (@Insideblackgold) January 30, 2024
Ja’Quan was actually a UFL College Draft pick by the Showboats, who made the roster and played in two games. Sheppard allowed one catch for zero yards across that span, playing 40 snaps. Sheppard has a bit of NFL experience with Las Vegas, playing his college ball at Cincinnati and Maryland.
Houston Makes Cuts
With new additions comes the parting of ways with others. The Roughnecks have released the following players:
DT Shakel Brown: Brown, the former Troy product, saw action in two games with Houston this season. He played 50 snaps, totaling one assisted tackle. His PFF Grade was 64.1 between those two outings defensively.
DE Byron Vaughns: Vaughns was active for just one game this year, playing in the home opener where they got trounced by St. Louis. Byron is a younger prospect who certainly had some upside, but didn’t get to see the field following a three tackle performance vs. the Battlehawks. With Davin Bellamy joining the squad, there wasn’t any room left for Vaughns on the inactive roster.
General Manager Will Lewis is certainly doing whatever he can to make this team better. This Houston organization has already shown quite a bit of improvement over the last few weeks, winning two of their last three games – and going toe to toe with the Birmingham Stallions.
What are your thoughts on Davin Bellamy and Ja’Quan Sheppard joining the Roughnecks? Will Shakel Brown or Byron Vaughns find new homes? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
