Despite going undrafted, the reliable Miami Hurricanes center lands an NFL opportunity, aiming to protect a star quarterback.
The Miami Hurricanes' starting offensive line was among the best in the nation this past season. They provided strong protection for quarterback Carson Beck and played a significant role in the run game. Four starters declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, but center James Brockermeyer was the only one not to be called upon.
The 23-year-old was immediately presented with an opportunity from the Atlanta Falcons, signing as an undrafted free agent.
Brockermeyer showed reliability and durability as the Hurricanes’ starting center. He recorded 1,033 offensive snaps, allowing only 12 total pressures, two hits, and didn’t give up a single sack in 16 appearances. Brockermeyer joined the program through the transfer portal, along with other key impactful veterans.
The Fort Worth, Texas, native was a four-star recruit coming from All Saints’ Episcopal School, a private institution located in Tarrant County. He ranked 194th nationally, 13th among interior offensive linemen, and 32nd in the state for the 2021 class, according to 247Sports Composite. Brockermeyer received interest and offers from numerous programs, including the Texas Longhorns, SMU Mustangs, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Ole Miss Rebels, and Oklahoma Sooners, plus others. He would commit to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Brockermeyer spent three seasons with the historically great program, but saw limited action on the field. He appeared in 14 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, primarily playing on special teams, earning a few snaps as a backup center.
Afterwards, the Texas native entered the transfer portal and landed with the TCU Horned Frogs. The team went 9-4 and didn’t reach the College Football Playoffs. Brockermeyer had one final year of NCAA eligibility remaining and made the most of the opportunity. He entered the transfer portal for a second time and found a new home in South Florida with the Hurricanes.
Brockermeyer earned the starting job and played a pivotal role among one of the best offensive lines in the nation. He will have an opportunity to make the Falcons’ roster, which consists of only two other centers.
The undrafted prospect is listed at 6-3, 297 pounds. He shares football lineage: son of nine-year NFL veteran Blake Brockermeyer and brother of former five-star Tommy Brockermeyer. The former Hurricanes center is known to be undersized for the position, but can provide some stability.
The Falcons underwent significant changes, including at quarterback, after signing Pro Bowler Tua Tagovailoa. He’s known to have suffered numerous concussion injuries throughout six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. The protection of Tagovailoa will be crucial to the team's success for the upcoming NFL season, and Brockermeyer could be viewed as a contributor.
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