The Kansas football program had one of its most successful NFL drafts in quite some time this past week. OL Dominick Puni was taken by the Super Bowl runners-up San Francisco 49ers and became the highest-picked former Jayhawk in the draft since Aqib Talib in 2008, while EDGE Austin Booker went early in the fifth round to the Chicago Bears. Both players can carve out significant roles in the NFL in future years.
While KU had its fair share of recognition during the draft, several Jayhawks found post-draft success and landed undrafted free-agent deals. Some other players were not as fortunate but still received invites to participate in NFL Rookie Minicamps. It was announced that Rich Miller and Mason Fairchild would attend them, and four more Jayhawks will do the same.
Six former Kansas football players set to participate in rookie minicamps
The first player who reportedly agreed to attend a minicamp was CB Kwinton Lassiter, who will head to Indianapolis to try out for the Colts. He is the son of Kwamie Lassiter and the brother of Kwamie II, both of who competed at KU in their collegiate careers. Kwinton recorded 20 total tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in a reserve role in 2023.
Fellow CB Kalon Gervin is going to the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants minicamps. The Michigan State transfer served alongside Lassiter as defensive back depth at Kansas. Gervin posted an exceptional 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the inaugural Big 12 Pro Days and could have a future as a special teams player.
RB Dylan McDuffie will accompany Gervin at both the Packers' and Giants' minicamps this week. He played six years of college football before transferring to Kansas for his final campaign. The former 1,000-yard rusher at Buffalo ran for 253 yards and four touchdowns as the third-string RB for the Jayhawks. His bruising running style should earn him some looks from teams.
Finally, DT Devin Phillips will attend minicamps for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. He spent one year at KU after spending five seasons at Colorado State. Phillips was the top nose tackle on the defensive line and anchored the run defense.