Introduction
USFL Executives went to Houston to conduct the 1988 Collegiate draft. After making their territorial picks, they set their sights on the improving their teams with recently graduated seniors. The first round brought big stars, many who chose the USFL over the NFL. The league made good on its promise to bring in pro caliber talent. Some teams took big swing at the end of the round, however, and those players have gone on to the NFL.
Round 1
ROUND 1 — THE HEADLINERS
1. Minnesota — Sterling Sharpe, WR, South Carolina
The best player in the draft. A physical, dynamic receiver who immediately becomes Minnesota’s WR1. He’s the centerpiece of the Norsemen rebuild.
2. Toronto — Erik Williams, OT, Central St (OH)
A 6’6″, 320-pound mauler. The Titans need to protect whoever’s playing quarterback. Williams is a cornerstone.
3. Carolina — Timm Rosenbach, QB, Washington St
The T-Birds finally have a franchise quarterback. Rosenbach is accurate, mobile, and NFL-bound in a few years. For now, he’s Carolina’s savior.
4. Arizona — Steve Walsh, QB, Miami
A proven winner from “The U.” Walsh is a leader, a competitor, and a perfect fit for the Wranglers’ rebuild.
5. New Orleans — Ickey Woods, RB, UNLV
The Breakers need a running game. Woods is a physical, between-the-tackles back who can carry the load.
6. Cascadia — Mike Utley, OG, Washington St
A local product from the Pacific Northwest. Utley is a tough, nasty interior lineman. Cascadia’s offense starts here.
7. Memphis — Rodney Peete, QB, USC
The Showboats need a quarterback. Peete is a dual-threat playmaker who can extend plays and make something out of nothing.
8. Oakland — Andre Rison, WR, Michigan St
A dynamic playmaker with elite route-running and hands. Rison gives Oakland a true WR1.
9. Chicago — Chris Zorich, LB, Notre Dame
A local legend. Zorich is a tackling machine and the heart of the Blitz defense for years to come.
10. Washington — Donnie Elder, DB, Memphis
The Federals need secondary help. Elder is a ball-hawking corner who can step in immediately.
11. Pittsburgh — Mark Stepnoski, C, Pittsburgh
A local product. Stepnoski is a smart, technically sound center. The anchor of the Maulers’ offensive line.
12. San Antonio — Jason Phillips, WR, TCU
Glanville gets his weapon. Phillips is a reliable possession receiver who can move the chains.
13. Oklahoma — John Stephens, RB, Texas A&M
The Outlaws need a running back. Stephens is a powerful, physical runner who fits Switzer’s system.
14. Jacksonville — Erik Affholter, WR, USC
A big, reliable target. Affholter gives the Bulls a possession receiver to complement their deep threats.
15. Los Angeles — Erik McMillan, DB, Missouri
The Express need secondary help. McMillan is a ball-hawking safety with elite instincts.
16. Philadelphia — Tony Stephens, RB, Syracuse
The Stars need a running back. Stephens is a workhorse who can carry the load.
17. Michigan — Percy Snow, LB, Michigan St
A local product. Snow is a tackling machine and the future of the Panthers’ defense.
18. Denver — Brad Muster, RB, Stanford
A versatile weapon for the Run & Shoot. Muster can run, catch, and block.
19. Tampa Bay — Tracy Rocker, DT, Auburn
The Bandits need defensive line help. Rocker is a disruptive force who can collapse the pocket.
20. Boston — Chuck Hartlieb, QB, Iowa
With Dunigan gone, the Breakers need a quarterback. Hartlieb is a developmental prospect with upside.
21. Las Vegas — Troy Aikman, QB, UCLA — SIGNED WITH NFL
The Ace swung for the fences. Aikman went to Dallas. They get nothing.
22. New Jersey — Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma St — SIGNED WITH NFL
The Generals tried to replace Herschel Walker with Barry Sanders. Sanders went to Detroit. They get nothing.
23. Houston — Derrick Thomas, LB, Alabama — SIGNED WITH NFL
The Gamblers tried to add a pass-rush terror. Thomas went to Kansas City. They get nothing.
24. Birmingham — Michael Irvin, WR, Miami — SIGNED WITH NFL
The Stallions tried to add an elite receiver. Irvin went to Dallas. They get nothing.