After looking at UConn players in the NBA, it is time to deep dive into the NFL in this week’s edition of Huskies in the Pros.
Christian Haynes
Concluding the 2023 season, Christian Haynes declared for the 2024 NFL draft. As a Husky, the redshirt senior only allowed a combined total of 29 sacks in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Additionally, Haynes secured a spot on the third-team All-Americans in both years and made the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Coming into the draft, Fox Sports ranked the 24-year-old as the fourth-best interior offensive lineman on the board. Falling to the third round, the wait ended as the Seattle Seahawks selected the 6-foot-2, 318-pound beast with their 81st pick. The rookie is currently backing up Sataoa Laumea at the right guard position. Between the pre and regular-season, Haynes has played in 14 matches so far but only started once in the preseason. The future looks bright as he participated in 164 snaps, let up one sack and acquired two penalties, according to PFF.
Eric Watts
Unlike Haynes, Eric Watts had a different draft night experience. Leading up to the event, the 24-year-old showed off his talent in the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl and the 2024 Hula Bowl. As the three-day process came to a close, Watts became an undrafted free agent. Six days later, the news broke that the New York Jets signed the defensive end to a 3-year deal worth up to $2.85 million. The former Husky is currently behind Jets’ sophomore Will McDonald IV on the depth chart. Seeing the field nine times, the rookie made five solo and five assisted tackles so far, per ESPN. Despite averaging nine and a half sacks with Connecticut in 2023, Watts has yet to get to the quarterback in the NFL. Just like Haynes, the possibility of breaking out is on the horizon.
Jackson Mitchell
Before beginning UConn’s 2023 season, all eyes turned toward Jackson Mitchell. The veteran sat on the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch lists. The rookie participated in the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 and Hula Bowl alongside Watts. Fast forward to the draft, the linebacker faced free agency. Days later, the Carolina Panthers signed him but cut ties on May 10. A little over a month later, the Las Vegas Raiders picked the 23-year-old up off waivers. In October, the linebacker went back to Carolina. Despite bouncing around the league, Jackson has yet to see the field at the next level.
Travis Jones
In the 2022 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens added Travis Jones to their defense with their 76th pick in the third round. The third-year player sealed a four-year, $5,301,962 deal that will end after the 2025 season. Getting the starting job at the nose tackle position, Jones has competed in 13 contests with 30 total tackles and one sack so far in 2024. Throughout two and a half years, the 25-year-old knocked down 90 players and dropped the quarterback three-and-a-half times, according to ESPN. With Lamar Jackson leading the team, Jones has visited the playoffs twice.
Ryan Van Denmark
Entering the league with Jones, Ryan Van Denmark went undrafted. Soon after, the undrafted free agent joined the Indianapolis Colts but was released during final roster cuts. Spending the rest of the 2022 season waiting for an opportunity, Jan. 23, 2023, came around and the Buffalo Bills agreed on a reserve/future deal. The contract is worth $1.674 million over two years. Making the 53-man roster in 2023 and 2024, the left tackle backs up Dion Dawkins. Between the two years, Van Denmark has played 20 games and made two playoff appearances.
Robert Burns
After the 2023 draft, Robert Burns hit the market before spending the summer with the Chicago Bears. The running back eventually settled onto the Bears’ practice squad for the entire 2023 campaign. Back in January 2024, the Atlanta Falcons came to a reserve/future agreement with Burns. The 26-year-old landed on the reserve PUP list four months ago for undisclosed reasons and has yet to play.