A few more ‘Cats enter the pro ranks.
After a year where four Wildcats were selected in the NFL Draft, it was much quieter this year. No 2023 Wildcats heard their name called across the three-day event in Detroit, but a handful joined rosters in the undrafted free-agent process.
Technically, the first Wildcat to come off the board was Malik Washington. The 5-foot-8 receiver spent four years in Evanston, where he accumulated over 1,300 yards and three touchdowns. Washington transferred to Virginia for the 2023 season and posted an impressive 110-catch, 1,426-yard, nine-touchdown season with the Cavaliers.
Washington fell further than many draft experts expected, sliding to the sixth round where the Dolphins scooped him up with the 184th pick. Last year’s NCAA receptions leader won’t unseat Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but he has a great chance to make the roster and play his way into a role given that the Dolphins have murky receiver depth behind their star duo. Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, River Cracraft, Anthony Washington and fellow rookie Tahj Washington round out Miami’s receiver corps.
Northwestern ILB Bryce Gallagher received an invite to #Chiefs rookie minicamp, per source.
Gallagher posted 316 total tackles and 15 TFLs during his college career. Two-time team captain. pic.twitter.com/622hEBHP6m
— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) April 27, 2024
After the draft concluded on Saturday, Northwestern linebacker Bryce Gallagher earned a minicamp invite from the Kansas City Chiefs. He’ll have a chance to impress the reigning Super Bowl champs but faces an uphill battle to make the roster — first, he will have to earn an invite back to summer training camp. Behind starters Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal, the Chiefs linebacker room contains Cam Jones, Cole Christiansen and Jack Cochrane, plus a handful of others who were also added in the post-draft process.
Gallagher was a stalwart of the Northwestern defense, tallying over 90 tackles for three consecutive seasons and anchoring the middle of the ‘Cats defense. Gallagher followed in the footsteps of his brother, Blake, who played the same position for the Wildcats and had a brief stint on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.
Evanston ➡️ Dallas
WR Cam Johnson has signed with the @dallascowboys. pic.twitter.com/LxytbR2aIy
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) April 28, 2024
Northwestern wide receiver Cam Johnson signed as an UDFA with the Cowboys shortly after the draft concluded. The transfer from Vanderbilt and Arizona State enjoyed just one season in Evanston but posted career-highs in yards (715) and touchdowns (6) including a score in each of Northwestern’s final five games.
To make the Dallas roster, Johnson will have to emerge amongst the many names behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, Martavis Bryant, Racey McMath, Jalen Cropper and David Durden make up a list of names that should allow Johnson to play his way into a roster spot and catch passes from Dak Prescott.
Finally, at the time of publishing, Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant has yet to sign as a free agent or accept a camp invite. This article will be updated if the Cincinnati transfer and Las Vegas Bowl MVP signs with a squad.