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USFL defensive player of the year could have an NFL shot

By Sayre Bedinger

Apr 17, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers defensive lineman Chris Odom (93) celebrates after the final opportunity for the Michigan Panthers in the fourth quarter at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers defensive lineman Chris Odom (93) celebrates after the final opportunity for the Michigan Panthers in the fourth quarter at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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USFL defensive player of the year Chris Odom may have just played his way to another NFL contract and a decent shot at a 53-man roster.

When the Alliance of American Football disbanded a couple of years ago, we saw a wide variety of players get back into the NFL after putting some good things on tape.

We could see the same in 2022 with players from the USFL showing out and getting chances to make it back onto an NFL roster.

For some, maybe for the first time.

For USFL Defensive Player of the Year Chris Odom, it would not be the first time.

Odom was one of those players that parlayed a strong stint in the AAF into another NFL shot back in 2019.

He initially signed on with the Atlanta Falcons out of Arkansas State back in 2017, then landed with the Green Bay Packers for a bit after being cut by the Falcons.

In 2019, Odom played for the Salt Lake Stallions of the AAF and turned that into another chance with the Atlanta Falcons.

He played for Washington in 2019 and actually notched a couple of sacks for them before getting released in February 2020.

In 2021, Odom played for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL but didn’t make any sort of impact.

Now in the USFL, Odom has been making a massive impact.

He finished the season with 12 sacks and four blocked kicks, proving he has a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays.

Amazingly, the blocked kicks are nothing new for Odom as he had five blocked kicks at Arkansas State.

The question now becomes, where will Odom sign in the NFL?

That seems to be a foregone conclusion at this point after his outstanding run this season in the USFL. Teams aren’t likely to overpay for his services, but there should be a bit of a bidding war for a player like this on a hot streak.

Teams are always looking for ways they can upgrade the pass rush and the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Odom will be an attractive option for teams looking to add depth and competition to their 90-man rosters.

He’ll be 28 in September, so now is the perfect time for Odom to be getting himself on the NFL radar. He’s still got a chance to make some money in the NFL if he can keep the momentum going from his outstanding season in the USFL.

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