The Kansas football program had more NFL Draft success than it had in over a decade in the past few days. Dominick Puni went to the Super Bowl runners-up and became the highest-picked KU alum since Aqib Talib in 2008, while Austin Booker joined the Chicago Bears and highly touted QB Caleb Williams in the fifth found.
While only two former Jayhawks had their names called on draft day, several other players found success with undrafted free-agent deals. Four players inked a small contract to make the practice squad or potentially a final roster spot. Additionally, two players will attend minicamps for teams in hopes of landing a deal.
The dream is real! Let’s get it 🙏🏽 https://t.co/6fefet2fRS
— Jason (@jasonbean24) April 27, 2024
Jason Bean, other Kansas football players sign UDFA deals post-draft
One of the players to sign a UDFA deal was Jason Bean, who led the program back to prominence in 2023. He was Kansas' starting QB for most of the 2023 season, and he threw for 2,130 yards and 18 touchdowns as a super senior. The Indianapolis Colts signed him. Bean has tremendous speed and a good arm and could carve out a role in the NFL over time, though he will sit behind Indy's prodigy QB Anthony Richardson for the foreseeable future.
Six-year defensive back Kenny Logan Jr. landed a deal with the Los Angeles Rams after spending his whole career in Lawrence. He amassed 383 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and six interceptions during his Jayhawk career, serving as an enforcing safety for DC Brian Borland.
Another player who found post-draft success was center Mike Novitsky, who signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He was one of the many players to follow Leipold from Buffalo, and he started every game under center during his three years at KU.
Finally, linebacker Craig Young ended up in Indianapolis with his former teammate to join the Colts. The Ohio State transfer played the "HAWK" position at KU, which is a combination of a safety who can play as a linebacker in the box. He totaled 101 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions during his tenure with the Jayhawks.
In addition to the four players who signed deals, former KU linebacker and defensive captain Rich Miller announced he would attend the Baltimore Ravens' minicamps this week and the Bears' the following week. Meanwhile, former tight end Mason Fairchild is headed to Buffalo to partake in the Bills' minicamp.