Former Liberty quarterback Malik Willis was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He became the ninth former Flame to be taken in the NFL Draft and the second highest in program history.
Willis wasn’t the only Liberty player to agree to terms with NFL teams as part of the 2022 class. The program set a school record as 10 players have been picked up by NFL teams. In addition to Willis being drafted, Skyler Thomas, Kevin Shaa, Duron Lowe, and Storey Jackson went as undrafted free agents while Cedric Stone, Ralfs Rusins, Tristan Schultz, Elijah James, and Johnny Huntley all accepted rookie minicamp invitations. Most rookie minicamps are scheduled to be held May 14-16.
Those 10 will now fight to earn a roster spot or join a practice squad as we inch towards the 2022 NFL season. They will enter the summer with several other former Flames that are looking to do the same including Antonio Gandy-Golden, Jessie Lemonier, and Elijah Benton.
As always, be sure to stay updated with the #FlamesInTheNFL right here.
Here’s a full list of all the Flames in the NFL currently, as well as a brief look at their positional depth chart with their respective franchise.
Malik Willis
Tennessee Titans
Drafted 2022: 3rd round (86th overall)
QB Depth Chart: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, Logan Woodside
Prognosis: Willis should be a safe bet to make the 53-man roster with the Titans as he fights for his spot on the team. Provided he beats out Woodside, Willis will be safe moving into the season. Then, he will look to continue to grow and push Tannehill for the starting job.
Jessie Lemonier
Detroit Lions
2020 Undrafted Free Agent
WLB Depth Chart: Derrick Barnes, Chris Board, Jessie Lemonier
Prognosis: After spending his rookie season with the Chargers in 2020 where he played in six games, Lemonier spent the 2021 season with the Lions. He played in the final 7 games of the year in Detroit while making two starts and finishing with 15 tackles, 3 QB hits, and 1.5 sacks. He has a very good shot to at least make the Lions’ practice squad to begin the year once again, or we could see him make the active roster. The preseason will be very important for Lemonier.
Antonio Gandy-Golden
Washington Commanders
Drafted 2020: 4th round (142nd overall)
WR Depth Chart: Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown, Cam Sims, Dax Milne, Alex Erickson, Antonio Gandy-Golden, Kelvin Harmon, Marken Michel, Kyric McGowan, Jequez Ezzard
Prognosis: AGG has fought through injuries throughout much of his first two years in the NFL and has been unable to carve out any role with the Commanders. He was waived just ahead of the start of the 2021 season before being signed to the practice squad the following day. AGG spent a limited amount of time on the active roster last season and was signed to a reserve/futures contract after the 2021 regular season ended. He will have a difficult time making the active roster to begin the year but should be in line to join the practice squad once again if he clears waivers.
Elijah Benton
Free Agent
2020 Undrafted Free Agent
Benton is currently a free agent, but he will have the ability to once again join a practice squad this coming season. He spent his rookie year in 2020 with the Browns and went back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad much of the season. He was signed to a reserve/futures contract by the Browns in January 2021 before being waived by the franchise at the end of the preseason. He spent time on the practice squad for the Patriots, Seahawks, and Jets in 2021.
Skyler Thomas
Los Angeles Chargers
2022 Undrafted Free Agent
FS Depth Chart: Nasir Adderley, JT Woods, Trey Marshall, Mark Webb, Ben DeLuca, Skyler Thomas
Prognosis: As a rookie undrafted free agent, Thomas will have to prove his worth during the summer and fight to make the active roster or being able to latch on to a practice squad.
Storey Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
2022 Undrafted Free Agent
SLB Depth Chart: Micah Parsons, Jabril Cox, Storey Jackson
Prognosis: As a UDFA, Jackson actually has landed in a very good spot for himself and has a decent shot to make the roster in Dallas. Parsons is one of the leaders of the defense. Cox, a fourth round draft pick in 2021 by Dallas, was placed on the IR this past November after suffering a torn ACL. This will allow Jackson a great opportunity this summer to showcase his abilities.
Duron Lowe
Los Angeles Rams
2022 Undrafted Free Agent
RCB Depth Chart: Troy Hill, David Long, Derio Kendrick, TJ Carter, Duron Lowe
Prognosis: As a rookie undrafted free agent, Lowe will have to prove his worth during the summer and fight to make the active roster or being able to latch on to a practice squad.
Kevin Shaa
Chicago Bears
2022 Undrafted Free Agent
WR Depth Chart: Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dazz Newson, David Moore, Nsimba Webster, Isaiah Coulter, Chris Finke, Kevin Shaa, Henry Litwin, Landon Lenoir, Cyrus Holder
Prognosis: As a rookie undrafted free agent, Shaa will have to prove his worth during the summer and fight to make the active roster or being able to latch on to a practice squad.
Johnny Huntley
Chicago Bears
2022 Rookie Minicamp Invite
Elijah James
Chicago Bears
2022 Rookie Minicamp Invite
Cedric Stone
Washington Commanders
2022 Rookie Minicamp Invite
Ralfs Rusins
Baltimore Ravens
2022 Rookie Minicamp Invite
Tristan Schultz
Miami Dolphins
2022 Rookie Minicamp Invite
The rookie minicamp for each of these invitees will be held this coming week. They have done the work to this point to earn this opportunity and hopefully they will be able to take full advantage by showing their abilities in camp.
