Sunday morning after the NFL draft and we here at Sons of Montezuma take inventory of all the action concerning SDSU Football. From the draft picks to the Free Agent signings, to official mini camp invites, this years Aztecs class was well represented.
SDSU football has found it’s way back towards multiple players getting their opportunities to perform at the next level, and that is exactly a reflection on the coaching staff, recruiters, analysts, and most importantly these following players—these Aztecs for Life.
NFL DRAFT SELECTIONS
Cornerback, Chris Johnson – Miami Dolphins
Chris Johnson was the only player officially drafted and boy did he get drafted. The first 1st round pick for SDSU since 2019’s Rashaad Penny, Johnson has a big time opportunity to make an immediate impact for a Miami Dolphin organization looking to make changes.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
Kicker, Gabriel Plascencia – Chicago Bears
Placencia finished his time at SDSU as the most accurate kicker in Aztecs history. Mountain West’s 2025 preseason special teams player of the year, Gabe Plascencia made 26 consecutive field goals during a streak that spanned from the 2024 season into the 2025 season.
With a booming range and stout build, Gabriel was on par with being compared to Oakland Raiders Sebastian Janikowski. Plascencia earned himself a free agant singing with the Chicago Bears. But the kicker spot in the NFL is highly exclusive and so it’s highly competitive. Plascencia will definitely get his chances to last in the league, only time will tell.
Offensive Lineman, Christian Jones – Cincinnati Bengals
Big Christian Jones was a fifth year senior spending all his college career at SDSU and by his time’s end was a crucial figure on the team’s much improved offensive line unit. Having developed well into his massive 6’9″ frame, Jones enters the Cincinnati Bengas camp as an intriguing figure who could make his mark in the league. His development may have turned a corner and at that size with his attributes, Jones will get his chances in the league.
Defensive Back, Bryce Phillips – Kansas City Chiefs
Bryce Phillips earns a free agent signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Phillips in two years at SDSU showed a physical toughness and was on the opposite end of Chris Johnson in the corner spot. From Santa Ana College, to Tennessee State, to SDSU—Phillips has started everywhere he’s been. No doubt the competition will be right in his wheel house when he gets his shot with the Chiefs.
Edge Rusher, Niles King – Los Angeles Chargers
Niles King is a fascinating story of a player with all the physical tools standing at 6’6″ 260lbs. He arrived on the Mesa from Div II Grand Valley State and completely earned his status by year’s end as one of the strengths of the defense for SDSU. Jim Harbaugh of the Chargers definitely will be curious to see if they can get King up to another level in the league. If Niles can study hard and make plays, it will be a fantastic journey to track.
MINI-CAMP INVITES
Defensive Back, Deshawn McCuin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Deshawn came to SDSU by way of TCU where he spent his first four years of college. Through injuries and COVID, McCuin kept focused on his pathway towards playing some tough, physical ball for a stacked SDSU defensive backfield. McCuin will give it a go down in Tampa Bay for the Bucs and hopefully his maturity and knowledge of various schemes will pay off in his favor.
Defensive Back, Eric Butler Jr. – Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints
Maybe the biggest surprise of the NFL Draft process for SDSU was that of Eric Butler Jr. going undrafted or being signed as a free agent. Though the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story of Butler’s time at SDSU, his physicality and discipline at multiple spots in the defensive backfield was a steady, consistent performer for the Aztecs. Butler will take make the most of this mini camp opportunity by going after it in two camps—the Oakland Raiders and the New Orleans Saints. This is definitely a name to keep an eye on through the rest of the process.
Linebacker, DJ Herman – Miami Dolphins
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