[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Unfortunately, this spring, not a single Mountaineer was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, three players from WVU have opportunities to compete for a spot at the next level. Leddie Brown, Sean Mahone, and Alonzo Addae were either signed to a free agent contract after the draft or received an invitation to a rookie minicamp. Although undrafted free agents have an uphill battle competing with the other rookies selected in the draft, one of these three Mountaineers making an opening day roster is entirely possible.
Leddie Brown
Possibly the most significant impact player for West Virginia last season, Leddie Brown rushed for 2,075 yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Brown’s production in college was enough to earn a spot with the Los Angeles Chargers this summer.
The West Virginia running back will enter training camp fifth on the depth chart. While this may sound bleak, if Brown has a strong training camp, there is a real possibility he makes the team. Although Austin Ekeler and Isiah Spiller, drafted in the fourth round, are locks for opening day, nothing is certain after that.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Joshua Kelly saw his play time decrease as Ekeler emerged as a prominent starter in the league. Larry Rountree III, a sixth-round selected in the 2021 draft, is also ahead of Brown.
The WVU product could overtake Rountree III and Kelly with a strong spring and summer. However, if the Chargers choose to take four running backs into the season, it would just be a competition between Rountree III and Brown.
At the very least, Brown is looking to solidify a spot on the Los Angeles practice squad.
Sean Mahone
Another major contributor for WVU in the 2021 campaign, Sean Mahone, had 81 total tackles, half a sack, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. Mahone’s production and talent earned him a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ depth chart.
Similar to Brown, Mahone comes in with a long shot to make the roster and must have a strong camp. The West Virginia safety is fourth on the depth chart behind Rayshawn Jenkins, who signed a four-year $35 million contract with the Jaguars last spring, Andre Cisco, a third-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Daniel Thomas, a fifth-round pick for Jacksonville in 2020. While Mahone could compete with Thomas for the third safety spot, the odds are slim that the West Virginia product makes the team.
Realistically, Mahone looks to compete for a position on the Jaguar’s practice squad.
Alonzo Addae
Although Addae did not have the production Mahone saw in 2021, he was still a valuable piece to the Mountaineer’s defense. The safety had 73 tackles, three defended passes, and a sack.
On May 1st, the Cardinals announced they had contacted Addae and extended him an invitation to rookie minicamp. Unfortunately, the Cardinal’s rookie minicamp took place from the 13th to the 15th, and while they did sign a defensive back, it was not Addae.
Although Arizona did not sign Addae, there are still many other minicamps and team activities the safety could attend this summer.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
