Latest news with #ElijhahBadger
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida's Elijhah Badger Ends Draft Fall
Elijhah Badger waited until day three of the NFL Draft to receive the phone call. He's now off to the AFC West, but as an undrafted free agent. The Kansas City Chiefs are taking in the Florida wide receiver, grabbing him after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement Badger wasn't considered a day one or two prospect. NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein projected he'd land in the sixth round. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Badger got called "very athletic" and tremendous speed change by Zierlein. Badger was even called "slippery" with the ball in his hands -- as he shows a knack for evading tackles. Florida wideout Elijhah Badger (WO03) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Lee-Imagn Images Badger, however, arrived to the league with flaws. He showed up with a thinner frame compared to most of his wideout peers. Badger ran "lackadaisical" routes at times as Zierlein described. He's also not much of a blocker. Badger never started his college career in Gainesville either. The South Sacramento native committed to Arizona State for the 2020 class. Badger rose to four-star status by 247Sports and was the nation's third-ranked overall athlete. He even received Richard Sherman comparisons by national recruiting director Brandon Huffman. Advertisement "Originally a receiver in one of the most dynamic offenses in the West, Badger could be a high-level offensive prospect. His plus size, speed and ball skills make him a potentially elite defensive back," Huffman wrote in his evaluation. "Has good length and instincts, tremendous hands from his receiver background, breaks well on the ball and can bump, press and play off. Could play a boundary corner or field corner role while also having the centerfield ability to play safety." He signed with the Sun Devils before the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Sun Devils assistants Prentice Gill and Jamar Cain recruited him to Tempe. Both coached under former head coach Herman Edwards -- who eventually got fired in Sept. 2022 amid controversial recruiting violations. Badger, however, remained at ASU as Kenny Dillingham took over the program. He committed to Florida in May 2024. He leaves "The Swamp" catching 39 passes for 806 yards and scored four touchdowns -- all while averaging 20.7 yards per catch.
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Florida Gators receiver Elijhah Badger signed by Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA
Former Florida Gators receiver Elijhah Badger signed by Kansas City Chiefs as UDFA Elijhah Badger is heading to the NFL. The former Florida Gators wide receiver was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report by John Hendrix of Athlon Sports. Badger quickly became Florida's top deep threat for quarterback DJ Lagway in 2024, posting 806 receiving yards on just 39 catches — averaging a blistering 20.7 yards per reception, fifth-best in the FBS. His big-play ability was on full display all season, as he led the Gators in receiving yards, 100-yard games and touchdowns among wideouts. Originally from South Sacramento, California, Badger transferred from Arizona State and immediately made an impact for the Orange and Blue. In just one season with the Gators, Badger delivered three 100-yard receiving performances, highlighted by 148 yards against the Kentucky Wildcats, 131 yards against the LSU Tigers and 123 yards against Samford. His SEC production ranked among the conference's best, placing him tied for eighth in yards per game (67.2). Badger's senior season capped a strong collegiate career where he totaled more than 2,400 receiving yards. He also stood out as a return man, adding explosive plays on special teams, and participated in the 2025 NFL Combine and Hula Bowl to solidify his draft stock. Known for his separation speed, tracking ability and elusiveness after the catch, Badger is expected to bring immediate big-play potential to an explosive Kansas City offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically and create mismatches downfield gives him a strong chance to make an early impact at the next level. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
