Several former UCF Knights are chasing NFL dreams as undrafted free agents. Discover where they landed and their chances of making the roster.
While Malachi Lawrence became the highest defensive draft pick in UCF history on Day 1 of the NFL draft, his other teammates were not selected. Instead, they signed with teams as undrafted free agents.
Myles Montgomery, Jaden Nixon, Keli Lawson, Paul Rubelt, and Nyjalik Kelly signed with teams shortly after the draft ended. Noe Ruelas earned an invitation to one rookie minicamp.
The UCFRoundtable will note where these former Knights signed and offer a quick analysis of how they fit with their team.
Jaden Nixon, Green Bay Packers
Nixon is taking his talent to the Green Bay Packers and competing for a depth spot behind Josh Jacobs.
The Las Colinas, Texas native offers versatility in the receiving game — and possesses the ability to break off big runs with his speed. He had two games with a long run of 80 yards or more — 87 yards against North Carolina A&T and 83 against West Virginia.
Nixon returned kickoffs on special teams as well, which is an area he could immediately contribute to if he earns a roster spot for the Packers.
Myles Montgomery, New England Patriots
Montgomery joins the New England Patriots, who are fresh off a Super Bowl appearance. He competes for a depth spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
The Jacksonville, Florida native served as UCF's workhorse running back, as the team's primary rusher alongside Nixon. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry — 0.3 more than Stevenson and 0.2 less than Henderson.
Montgomery could provide similar production if he makes the team in limited snaps, especially throughout the preseason.
Keli Lawson, Minnesota Vikings
Lawson joins a deep Minnesota Vikings linebacker core, led by Andrew Van Ginkel, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman and Dallas Turner.
The Stephons City, Virginia native had a 41" vertical (second among linebackers) and an 11' 3" broad jump (first among linebackers) at UCF's pro day. His impressive pro day numbers highlight some athleticism that can translate at the NFL level.
However, with a deep position, Lawson will have a lot of competition to earn meaningful snaps in a Vikings Uniform.
Nyjalik Kelly, Green Bay Packers
Kelly joins Nixon in the Packers' green. As an edge rusher, he is playing alongside superstar Micah Parsons, Javon Hargrave and Karl Brooks.
The Packers have a deep pass-rushing attack, meaning Kelly will have to compete for a depth spot on the roster and prove himself.
Paul Rubelt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rubelt stays in Florida and joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started at left tackle in 10 of his 11 games played for the Knights, but All-Pro Tristan Wirfs occupies that position.
Luke Goedeke is the lone right tackle on the team, meaning Rubelt could be shifted to right tackle if he makes the roster.
He is a durable lineman, having played 641 snaps (most for a UCF lineman), and if injuries plague the Buccaneers as they did last season, Rubelt could be in a position to step up as the next man.
Noe Ruelas, Indianapolis Colts
Ruelas received an invite to Indianapolis Colts' rookie minicamp. The West Hartford, Connecticut native was one of the most accurate kickers in the FBS and was named a Lou Groza semifinalist.
He will have to compete against some of the more accurate kickers in the NFL, the Colts' Spencer Shrader.
It is a full-circle moment for Ruelas being invited to the Colts' rookie minicamp, as Adam Vinatieri is one kicker he's looked up to.
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