After going through the National Football League Draft without getting drafted, Chandler Brayboy received a call from his agent. His agent told him that it was time to make a decision about his future. With a few potential teams on the table, Brayboy ended up choosing the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing with them as an undrafted free agent on April 26.
After making the decision, he went into his house and cried with his family.
“It’s a blessing,” Brayboy said.
Brayboy was a standout as a wide receiver and kick returner during time at Elon. In his final season at Elon, he finished off his collegiate career by becoming one of only two players in program history to record both 1,500 career receiving yards and 1,500 career kick return yards.
He also earned Second Team All – American honors from the Associated Press and was named the Phil Steele FCS Special Teams Player of the Year.
Kevin Burkett, who was an offensive lineman at Elon, also got a call about making it to the big leagues. After going undrafted and not receiving a call in the two days after the draft, Burkett thought his time playing football was over. However, three days after the draft, Burkett received a call from his agent telling him that he received an invite to the New York Jets’ rookie minicamp. Rookie minicamps are held by each NFL team to help rookies, undrafted free agents and tryout players help get used to NFL playbooks and show off their potential.
“It completely shocked me. I didn’t think I had a shot, I thought my shot had already passed,” Burkett said.
Burkett said getting the invite was like a “jolt of electricity.”
“Every football player’s dream when they’re young is to go to the NFL,” Burkett said. “So realizing, ‘Hey, this is it, this is the opportunity you’ve been wanting since you were five … I was super excited just to be on the field and on an NFL field, NFL facility.”
Brayboy and Burkett were two of six Elon players to declare for the NFL Draft, and Brayboy was only one of two players to get signed as a UDFA after the draft with running back Rushawn Baker signing with the New York Giants. Baker did not respond to Elon News Network’s request for comment.
Senior Rushawn Baker rushes the ball on Senior Day against the University of Maine on Nov. 16. Elon won 31-25.
In order to prepare for the draft, Brayboy spent a few months training in Fort Myers, Florida getting ready for Pro Day testing events. He focused on improving speed, strength and football IQ. When the draft rolled around, he sat around waiting for the chance to hear his name called. Several teams called him during the draft to check in on him.
“Teams would call me and just check on me, which was kind of nerve wracking every time your phone would call. But my agent was in the backgrounds doing all his magic,” Brayboy said.
The Jaguars weren’t one of the teams to call him during the draft but they kept in contact with his agent and made him an offer. Brayboy said the Jaguars were a good fit for him because of their depth chart at wide receiver and special teams. The Jaguars went 4-13 last season and recently cut wide receiver Gabe Davis after giving him a three year, $39 million deal last offseason. Brayboy was impressed with the team’s culture and “brand of ball.”
Another factor that played a role in his decision was Jaguars special teams coordinator Heath Farwell. Farwell is friends with Elon head coach Tony Trisciani and Brayboy said they had a good conversation and built a good rapport.
Burkett attended the Jets’ minicamp from May 9 to 11. Burkett described it as a football camp where he got a physical and attended three days of practices and meetings. His day started at 5:30 a.m. and ended at 7 p.m. Burkett said the significance of being in an NFL facility hit him when he was walking towards the cafeteria one day during the minicamp. He happened to walk past three-time Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams, who plays defensive tackle for the Jets. As he walked past him, Williams greeted him.
“I was like, ‘Holy cow. That’s Quinnen Williams,”’ Burkett said. “I watched that dude on TV, I watched him in college. I watched him play in the NFL. And, he just said, ‘What’s up?’” Burkett said.
Burkett didn’t get signed but the Jets told his agent that they really liked Burkett and thought he had a good minicamp. The Jets put him on their callback list, meaning there is a chance that later this summer they could call him back and sign him to a contract. Burkett said that because of this he needs to stay in shape and be ready for an opportunity for the hope one presents itself. Additionally, other NFL teams could bring him for a tryout.
After getting signed, Brayboy chatted with some of the coaches and received the team’s playbook. He has been learning the playbook while continuing to train and stay fit. On the morning of May 7, Brayboy flew down to Jacksonville to report for the Jaguars’ rookie minicamp, which took place from May 9 to 11.
Brayboy’s goal before the season starts in September is to not only make the 53-man active roster, but also the 46-man roster that suits up and is eligible to participate in games.
“I just want to contribute to that team and win a lot more games than they did last year,” Brayboy said. “My goal is to make the 46, start at kick returner and then get in some reps at receiver, which would be nice.”
Brayboy said the reality that he is on an NFL roster hasn’t sunk in yet, and it will likely remain that way until he knows that he has made the 53-man or the 46-man roster — which are typically announced in late August.
“I don’t think it’s hit me,” Brayboy said. “I’m more nervous than anything and excited for this opportunity, but also I won’t be too, too excited until the 46-man roster drops and I see my name on there.”
Brayboy said he is excited to have fun playing in the NFL and fulfill his dreams of making the pros.
“My dream of playing football, living out that dream, I think, is what I’m most excited for, and actually having fun within the game,” Brayboy said.
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