The XFL will be back like it never left (because it barely did) in 2023. Its initial return was scuttle-butted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s hoping that its 2023 return will fare a bit better overall.
One of the big changes is the XFL’s absence from any of the biggest markets in the United States. Los Angeles and New York have been replaced by San Antonio and Las Vegas, a fitting change given the size of the league and its general appear to smaller to mid markets. It’s a blueprint authored by the USFL in 2022, which featured teams in New Jersey and Birmingham rather than cities with multiple NFL teams.
The draft is set for Tuesday through Thursday in Las Vegas, and several pools of players have already been announced. In addition, the draft order has now been made public as well.
The ultimate goal for the players playing in this league, of course, is to get an NFL call. While easier said than done, it worked out for some USFL players, so the path is there.
Here is everything to know about this year’s XFL Draft.
MORE: A guide to how the 2022 XFL Draft will work
Quarterback Selection Show
The draft will begin with the quarterback selection show on Nov. 15. Since QB is the most important position on the field, it’s getting the royal treatment. Quarterbacks have been pre-selected and will be announced at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday on XFL.com.
Day One
Day One of the draft will be Wednesday, Nov. 16 starting at 11:30 a.m. ET. It will feature four position groupings (similar to the USFL) and will have 11 rounds of picks per grouping. The draft will be snake style.
The Day One positional groupings are:
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Offensive Skill positions (WR, RB, TE, FB)
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Defensive Backs (CB, Safety, Nickel)
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Defensive Front Seven (ILB, Edge, DE, DT)
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Offensive Line (LT, LG, C, RG, RT)
Day Two
Day Two will operate similarly to Day One, but it will feature different positions. This will be focused on special teams. After that, there will be an open draft for remaining players.
XFL Draft order
The XFL Draft order was announced Monday, and has the D.C. Defender drafting first overall.
The draft order is:
- D.C. Defenders
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- San Antonio Brahmas
- Orlando Guardians
- Vegas Vipers
- Seattle Sea Dragons
- Arlington Renegades
- Houston Roughnecks
XFL Draft Tracker: Live results, complete picks list
Here is a team-by-team breakdown of the XFL’s draft. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Arlington Renegades
- QB Drew Plitt
- QB Kyle Sloter
D.C. Defenders
Houston Roughnecks
- QB Kaleb Eleby
- QB Brandon Silvers
Orlando Guardians
- QB Quinten Dormady
- QB Deondre Francois
San Antonio Brahmas
- QB Jawon Pass
- QB Anthony Russo
St. Louis Battlehawks
- QB Ryan Willis
- QB AJ McCarron
Seattle Sea Dragons
- QB Ben DiNucci
- QB Steven Montez
Vegas Vipers
- QB Jalan McClendon
- QB Luis Perez
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