For National Football League fans and future stars, the draft season is all about hope and excitement. It’s a time when dreams come true, and teams get stronger.
For college fans, especially those of the University of Louisville program, it’s a proud moment, seeing their favorite players make it big. This past week nine Louisville players made the leap to the NFL.
Here’s a quick look at these new faces in the big league.
Isaac Guerendo
Ironically, Isaac Guerendo, who began as the backup running back at Louisville, was the first to make it to the NFL this draft season. He was picked 129th overall in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Under the leadership of head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have a powerful zone-running scheme that makes stars out of their running backs. Because Guerendo is really good at doing different things on the field, he’s expected to do great with the 49ers, and if he has an impressive training camp, he could find himself as the backup to Christian McCaffrey.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. made an exciting leap by being selected 146th overall in the fifth round by the Tennessee Titans. This is a big step for Brownlee and an opportunity he’s likely ready to take full advantage of. Early in his career, he’s expected to contribute mainly as a depth piece. Yet, considering his knack for consistently improving his skills, it won’t be long until he sees more action.
The Titans have had their challenges on defense recently, and Brownlee’s versatility as a cornerback places him in an ideal position to not only tackle these issues but also strive for a starting role on the team. His ability to adapt could very well see him becoming a go-to specialist when the Titans need him most.
This transition is especially interesting to those following the Tennessee Titans season bets as they gauge new talents and team dynamics for the upcoming season.
Jamari Thrash
Jamari Thrash really stood out at Louisville this past season, outshining everyone in catching the football. This amazing performance caught the attention of the Cleveland Browns, who chose him as the 156th overall pick in the fifth round.
The Browns, led by coach Kevin Stefanski, are known for having one of the best strategies for scoring points in the NFL. Although the Browns already have a lot of good players for catching passes and tend to focus on running the ball, Thrash might not get many chances to play right away.
But, with his excellent skills in running routes and catching passes that are far away, Thrash could quickly become an important player for the Browns, especially in a league that loves to see the ball thrown a lot.
Jawhar Jordan
Finishing up the draft picks for the Cardinals, running back Jawhar Jordan was selected as the 205th overall pick in the sixth round by the Houston Texans. Joining the Texans is a big deal for Jordan because they’re recognized for having one of the most promising young teams in the NFL. This sets him up in an excellent position to fight for a spot to play regularly and contribute to creating a team that wins a lot.
Even though Jordan didn’t get a lot of game time early on in his college career, when he got the opportunity, he really stood out. Everyone noticed his bright performances on the field. Jordan is the kind of player who will do whatever the team needs him to do.
Given his versatility and dedication, he’ll likely make a significant difference on the team. Keep an eye on him as he begins his NFL career with the Texans, bringing his unique talents and hardworking attitude to help build a stronger team.
Undrafted Signees
After the draft, several skilled players from Louisville found their way into the NFL as undrafted free agents. Jack Plummer (Panthers), Bryan Hudson (Lions), Storm Duck (Dolphins), Willie Tyler (Jets), and Eric Miller (Bengals) will all have their work cut out in training camp and the preseason to try and make the final roster.