Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #4 of the Florida State Seminoles
The path to the NFL is rarely straightforward, and for former Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach, that road has been anything but conventional. After an impressive career with the Seminoles, DeLoach found himself as one of the surprising omissions from the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite turning heads with his on-field performance at Florida State and a standout showing at the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker was not selected.
It wasn’t the ending many expected for a player who had been a central figure in Florida State’s resurgence over the past few seasons. However, the road less traveled is often the most rewarding, and DeLoach’s journey is far from over.
A Bumpy Start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeLoach’s post-draft journey began with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who saw enough potential in him to sign him as an undrafted free agent. His talent was undeniable — after all, he had been a leader on a Florida State defense that helped the Seminoles win the ACC Championship and earn national recognition in 2023. His combine numbers had impressed scouts, and the Bucs hoped to tap into that promise.
However, things didn’t unfold as DeLoach had hoped in Tampa. A groin injury marred his time during training camp, and despite his skills and work ethic, he was cut by the team twice. First, he was released after training camp, and then again after a brief stay on the practice squad.
It was a setback, but it didn’t deter the Georgia native. “I’ve always known this journey wasn’t going to be easy,” DeLoach said in an earlier interview. “You just have to keep pushing, keep believing, and keep grinding.”
Jacksonville Jaguars Offer a New Opportunity
On Tuesday, DeLoach’s perseverance was rewarded when the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to their practice squad. The Jaguars, who are currently sitting at 3-11 and well out of playoff contention, were in need of fresh talent after the Detroit Lions signed linebacker Anthony Pittman from Jacksonville’s practice squad.
With three games remaining in the season, there’s a glimmer of hope for DeLoach. While the Jaguars may be focused on their future, they still have a few games to evaluate young talent, and DeLoach could get the chance to prove himself on the field in a real NFL game before the season ends. Given the state of the Jaguars’ roster, the opportunity for a call-up to the 53-man roster could very well be on the horizon.
Injury-Stricken but Still Promising
Despite his injury setbacks, DeLoach showed enough promise during the preseason to earn this new chance. He recorded seven tackles in just two preseason games, with five of those tackles coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars themselves. His ability to stay focused and contribute, even while dealing with the groin injury, was a sign that he could make an impact if given the right opportunity.
At Florida State, DeLoach was a standout from the start. He played in 52 games across five seasons, totaling 212 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. His leadership both on and off the field helped guide the Seminoles to back-to-back double-digit win seasons, culminating in the team’s first ACC Championship in nearly a decade.
DeLoach’s hard-nosed play earned him a second-team All-ACC selection in 2023. His relentless pursuit and versatility as a linebacker made him one of the most reliable and respected defenders in the conference. Scouts admired his ability to read the game, move sideline to sideline, and close in on ball carriers with exceptional speed and strength.
Can He Make the Jump to the 53-Man Roster?
While the Jaguars’ 2024 season has been a disappointment, the final three games could be crucial for DeLoach’s NFL future. With little to lose, Jacksonville has the opportunity to experiment with young talent, and DeLoach is a prime candidate for a late-season promotion to the active roster.
The linebacker has already shown that he can compete at the NFL level, even if it was in limited preseason action. His ability to play both in coverage and against the run makes him a versatile asset, and with the Jaguars likely looking to reshape their roster in the coming offseason, DeLoach could impress the coaching staff enough to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
While making the transition from undrafted free agent to NFL regular is challenging, it’s not impossible. DeLoach’s story is one of persistence, resilience, and belief — qualities that will continue to serve him well as he takes the next step in his professional career.
DeLoach’s Legacy at Florida State
DeLoach’s departure from Florida State was a bittersweet one, as he left behind a legacy of leadership, hard work, and defensive dominance. He was the heart of a Seminoles defense that anchored a team on the rise, and his presence in Tallahassee will not soon be forgotten. Whether it was forcing turnovers, making big tackles, or simply setting an example for younger players, DeLoach was the glue that held it all together for Florida State.
Though his NFL journey has not gone according to plan so far, the story is far from over. Kalen DeLoach has already proven that he has the talent and tenacity to succeed at the highest level. Now, as he embarks on this new chapter with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s clear that the road to the NFL might not always be paved with certainty, but DeLoach is ready to take whatever path it takes to make his mark.
One thing is for sure: the Kalen DeLoach story is just getting started.
