Mandatory Credit: Mike Yoder – KUsports.com

Following the conclusion of the 2016 NFL Draft, five former Kansas Jayhawks were signed to free agent contracts and given the opportunity to make a professional roster.

Star defensive player Ben Goodman elected to sign a deal with the New York Jets.

Spending the entirety of his career on the defensive line for the Jayhawks, Goodman will move to outside linebacker for the Jets and take advantage of his speed and athleticism. At 6-foot-3, 256-pounds, Goodman has the skill set to take on running backs and drift back in coverage at the next level rather than take on offensive lineman from the defensive end position each snap.

Kansas had both De’Andre Mann (Atlanta), and Taylor Cox (Dallas) sign deals after the draft. Although different in style, both players were productive for the Jayhawks during their time in Lawrence, and both dealt with multiple changes in coaching staff and schemes.

Although Dallas selected Ezekiel Elliot with their top pick in the first round, Cox could be a nice backup option on the roster for the future.

Mann, who is a playmaker as opposed to an every down back, should show Atlanta his ability to make plays in the open field, as well as catch passes out of the backfield for positive yardage.

Offensive lineman Larry Mazyck signed with the Houston Texans, while safety Isaiah Johnson (finished his career with South Carolina) signed with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers.

Kansas hasn’t seen many players drafted in any of the seven rounds over the past few seasons, but free agency is a chance for players to accept offers for short-term deals and lower money to work for their dream of becoming a success at the NFL level.

Goodman and the two backs, Cox and Mann, have a legitimate shot to stick on an NFL roster moving forward.

In order for Head Coach David Beaty to develop a new and improved reputation in the Kansas Football program, he will need to build a list of players that have made it at the professional level.

Despite a winless season a year ago, the Kansas Jayhawks are ready to shock the Big 12 and the nation with a new and improved product for the 2016 season. Tickets are on sale now at Tickets For Less for all home games at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Jayhawks as they take the field and look to make a statement against the rest of the Big 12 conference this season. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

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