SENATOBIA - Although it was a quiet year for former JUCO athletes in this year's National Football League draft, a group of four Northwest football alumni were signed to free agent deals by a trio of NFL teams Saturday evening.

Receivers Keshunn Abram, JaVonta Payton, defensive lineman Tariqious Tisdale and defensive back Devin Rockette were all signed to undrafted free agent deals following the conclusion of this weekend's draft, joining a long list of former Rangers in the professional ranks.

Abram and Rockette both signed with the New York Jets franchise following solid careers at Kent State and South Alabama. Abram, a native of Southaven, enjoyed a successful senior season at Kent State, catching 47 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with at least one pass caught in all 14 games. He had 138 yards and a score to lead the Golden Flashes at Iowa this season, then matched those exact totals in a win against Miami (Ohio), helping Kent State clinch the MAC East Division.

A native of Oxford, Rockette also signed with the Jets after raising some eyebrows with his pro day effort earlier in the spring. Rockette received several preseason honors ahead of the 2022 campaign by Athlon Sports and Pro Football Network, finishing his senior season with 24 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions. Additionally, he also returned nine kicks for 170 yards.

Both Abram and Rockette will join a Jets' organization that includes former Northwest and Kentucky defensive back Brandin Echols. Echols was selected by the Jets in the draft last year and posted a solid rookie season, earning NFL Rookie of the Week honors in December.

After transferring from Mississippi State to Tennessee for his final year of eligibility, Payton caught 18 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns to help the Vols to a 7-6 record. One of his most notable touchdowns came in a road win against Kentucky, where he took a 75-yard pass into the end zone on the first play from scrimmage. 

Though his final season with Ole Miss was marred by injury, Tisdale left his mark on the Rebels' defense over his three-year stint in Oxford. The Lexington, Tenn. native appeared in all 12 games during his 2018 sophomore season, but became a regular starter in 2019, playing in all 12 games and earning 28 total tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks.

Abram, Payton, Rockette and Tisdale join three other Rangers currently in the NFL. Former quarterback Gardner Minshew (Washington State) was drafted by Jacksonville in 2019 and is currently with Philadelphia, while offensive lineman Damien Lewis (LSU) and Echols (Kentucky) remain with Seattle and the New York Jets, respectively.

For an all-time list of Rangers in the professional ranks, click here.