4 former Huskies sign UDFA deals with NFL teams, 2 earn minicamp invites

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter

April 29, 2025

NIU redshirt senior offensive lineman J.J. Lippe (79) signals a first down as redshirt senior offensive lineman Logan Zschernitz (65) faces the huddle during NIU’s season finale against Central Michigan University on Nov. 30 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Lippe and Zschernitz were among four NIU football players signed by NFL teams as undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded Saturday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

DeKALB – For the sixth straight year, no NIU football players were selected in the annual NFL draft, but six seniors have earned opportunities to play at the next level.

Four former Huskies – fullback Brock Lampe (New England Patriots), offensive lineman J.J. Lippe (Green Bay Packers), defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley (Tennessee Titans) and safety Nate Valcarcel (Los Angeles Rams) – signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Meanwhile, cornerback JaVaughn Byrd (New Orleans Saints) and offensive lineman Logan Zschernitz (New York Giants) received and accepted rookie minicamp invites.

“First of all, I’m excited about all those guys having an opportunity to compete and prove themselves at the next level. Whether you get drafted or not, it’s about the opportunity,” head coach Thomas Hammock said in an NIU Athletics news release. “This group was one of my first classes so to see them be evaluated, get developed, get coached and move on shows the progression of our program. These guys are just the start; we have a bunch coming after them who will have similar chances to play at the next level.”

Lampe joins the Patriots after playing 47 consecutive games for the Huskies from 2021 to 2024. The 6-foot-1 run-blocker had 20 career rushing attempts for 66 yards and two touchdowns while also recording 18 receptions for 216 yards and a touchdown.

Lippe, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will head to Titletown to play for his hometown Packers. The first-team All-MAC guard started at every position on the offensive line during his six seasons in DeKalb. Lippe will reunite with his former NIU teammate, defensive tackle James Ester.

Coming off an illustrious college career, O’Malley is one of the newest members of the rebuilding Tennessee Titans. The former walk-on finished his time at NIU with 22.5 sacks – sixth-most in school history – in 58 games played.

Valcarcel is bound for Los Angeles following a two-season stint as a starter in NIU’s secondary – earning a first-team All-MAC nod this past season. The former University of North Dakota transfer racked up 113 tackles – 59 solo – nine pass breakups and six interceptions as a Huskie.

Byrd, a two-time All-MAC selection, will try out for the Saints after also receiving minicamp invites from the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders. He made 39 starts in 48 games since 2021 and ended his Huskie career with 151 tackles – 105 solo – 14 pass breakups and three interceptions.

Zschernitz rounds out the group as he prepares for his upcoming tryout with the Giants. He was a three-time All-MAC honor recipient while starting four seasons on NIU’s offensive line at guard and center.

As those six Huskies begin their journeys as professionals, nine are still awaiting an NFL opportunity.