Kansas Football’s NFL Draft Success: Puni and Booker Drafted, Miller Eyes Undrafted Opportunities
Kansas football celebrated a notable presence in the 2024 NFL Draft, with offensive lineman Dominick Puni snagging a third-round spot with the San Francisco 49ers, and EDGE Austin Booker securing a fifth-round selection by the Chicago Bears. This marked one of the program’s most triumphant draft outings in recent memory.
Beyond the drafted duo, several former Jayhawks secured undrafted free-agent deals. Notably absent from the draft call was linebacker Rich Miller, who followed head coach Lance Leipold from Buffalo to Lawrence. Despite the initial setback, Miller’s prospects received a boost thanks to a supportive endorsement from an old acquaintance.
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Enter Sauce Gardner, an NFL standout who vouched for Miller’s talents on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Gardner’s influential backing significantly elevated Miller’s chances of landing a deal with an NFL team.
The connection between Gardner and Miller traces back to their days as high school teammates at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit, Michigan. Despite graduating in 2019, the pair has maintained a close bond over the years, frequently engaging on social media.
Miller, a Detroit native, left a significant mark during his time at Kansas, showcasing his defensive prowess with impressive stats and leadership qualities. Though he didn’t secure a post-draft contract, Miller’s determination remains unwavering as he embarks on minicamp opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears.
Responding to Gardner’s endorsement, Miller expressed his resilience, affirming his commitment to continue fighting for his football dreams: “I done took the harder way my whole life. Football ain’t done yet!!!”
