Some players’ chances at potential NFL stardom will have to wait due to their commitment to the United States Military. With that being said, multiple Air Force players have been invited to various NFL rookie mini-camps according to The Denver Post’s Nicki Jhabvala.
The players will have a chance to impress NFL executives and coaches at the mini-camps, with the hopes that they are signed and placed on the NFL’s military/reserve list. Once they have completed their mandatory two years of service, the players would be able to come back to their respective team. Air Force graduate Ben Garland did just that after he went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft and signed with the Denver Broncos. He still plays in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
Air Force defensive lineman Samuel Byers was invited to Falcons rookie camp May 12-14. Air Force linebacker Jacob Onyechi is currently at Green Bay Packers’ rookie camp. Air Force safety Weston Steelhammer was invited to Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie camp May 12-14, and Air Force outside linebacker Ryan Watson will attend Arizona Cardinals rookie camp May 12-14 as well.
No word as of yet if highly touted wide receiver Jalen Robinette, who some people had going as early as the third round, will also attend an NFL minicamp somewhere. Though, after the decision was announced that the Air Force wouldn’t let student athletes forego their two years of service, he did tweet out the following.
You're out of your mind if you think I'm gonna let someone else hang up my cleats. Momma raised me better than that
— Jalen Rowell (Robinette) (@a_young_raisin) April 30, 2017