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Trio of Tigers Secure NFL Spots Despite Going Undrafted, One earns Rookie Mini Camp Invite

Blake Watson, Jaylon Allen, and Joe Scates land contracts with NFL teams, while Geoff Cantin-Arku earns Rookie Mini Camp Invite

Running back, Blake Watson, defensive lineman Jaylon Allen and wide receiver Joe Scates all sign with NFL teams after going undrafted.

Watson and Allen inked deals with the Denver Broncos while Scates signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Sunday Memphis Football also announced that Linebacker Geoff Cantin-Arku accepted an invite to the Miami Dolphins Rookie Mini Camp.

Blake Watson

Watson was projected to be picked up on the final day of the NFL Draft but when the 257th pick came in, Watson became an Undrafted Free Agent.

In 2023, following his transfer from Old Dominion, he enjoyed a highly productive season at Memphis, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and contributing significantly to the Tigers' passing game.

Watson is a do-it-all back and will likely get a shot at making the Broncos' roster. 

He was clearly on Denver's radar as the Broncos signed him to a deal which includes a guaranteed contract of $250,000 according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

Jaylon Allen

Allen is also head to the Mile High City. In 2023, he served as captain for Memphis, tallying 41 tackles and two sacks. Over six seasons with the team, he emerged as a cornerstone of the program, contributing to the Tigers' successful 10-3 season, which included a AutoZone Liberty Bowl victory, in 2023. 

Joe Scates

Scates transferred to Memphis from Iowa State in 2022. He was integral to the Tigers' success in 2023 racking up 33 receptions, 414 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. Scates also hauled in three receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown in win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Geoff Cantin-Arku

Cantin-Arku joined Memphis in 2022 as a Redshirt Junior, after playing at Syracuse. In his two seasons with the Tigers he had 76 solo tackles and assisted on another 68. He also produced two sacks, one interception and field goal blocked which he returned for a touchdown. 

On May third through the sixth or May 10th through the 13th NFL teams will hold a three-day camp for rookies on the two weekends following the NFL Draft. Each team can only have one minicamp.

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