UCF Knights' Draft Hopefuls Shine at Pro Day

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, several former UCF Knights are positioning themselves for a chance at professional football. Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly were the only Knights invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. However, other former players are also making strong cases to be drafted or signed as priority undrafted free agents.

Phillip Dunnam, a defensive back, received a scouting report from NFL.com projecting him as a priority free agent. While praised for his vision and athleticism, concerns about his speed and explosiveness were noted. Dunnam transferred to UCF for his final season, contributing to a strong secondary and earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.

Linebacker Keli Lawson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, showcased exceptional athleticism at UCF's Pro Day. His 11-foot-3-inch broad jump and 41-inch vertical leap were particularly notable, potentially drawing attention from NFL scouts. Lawson also demonstrated his playmaking ability with a scoop-and-score and a field goal block.

Running back Jaren Montgomery also turned heads at his Pro Day, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which would have been one of the fastest among running backs at the combine. Coming off a solid senior season, Montgomery expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to an NFL team, emphasizing his potential for growth.