Every year you go through the draft expecting a guy to go early only to be shocked when you see them fall. Then there’s guys with projected 3rd or 4th round grades that don’t get drafted at all. Sometimes their unexpected drop is for a personal issue, sometimes it’s a limiting factor (be it lack of size, speed or production) and sometimes it makes no sense at all. Not getting drafting isn’t necessarily a death sentence, though. There’s plenty of undrafted players in the history of the NFL that have gone on to make 53 man rosters and sometimes even have decorated careers. Here are the ten undrafted players with the biggest chance of success at the next level.
1. Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke (signed by Carolina Panthers)
No one is quite sure how Cash fell out of the draft. He was universally viewed as a top 10 safety and viewed by some as a top 5 prospect at his position. 19 safeties were drafted and yet Cash wasn’t one of them. Clearly the concerns were surrounded around his perceived struggles in coverage but Cash is a thumper that will make an immediate impact on special teams. You can’t rule out the possibility of him developing into a starter, either, with his ability around the line of scrimmage against the run.
2. Landon Turner, G, North Carolina (signed by New Orleans Saints)
At 6’4″ and 330lbs he’s a physical mauler that most expected to go in the 4th round. 18 guards were drafted and Turner was universally viewed as a top 10 prospect at his position and as high as a top 5 one by some. His size is a limiting factor in mobility laterally, though, and in a pass happy league he’ll have to work on his pass protection skills if he wants a chance to play with the Saints. The Saints are light at guard, though, so don’t be surprised if Turner ends up starting as a rookie.
3. Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor (unsigned)
At 6’8″ and 287lbs he’s a physical freak. I think it’s fair to say he was definitely getting drafted based on his potential and production if it wasn’t for off the field concerns. Unfortunately, he was charged with sexual assault a month ago. This is in addition to a reported assault incident with his ex girlfriend in 2013. If he ever straightens out his problems he’s an intriguing prospect but depending on how things go with his legal issues the NFL may never happen for him.
4. Devon Cajuste, WR, Stanford (signed by San Francisco 49ers)
Finding a place for Cajuste in the NFL is the biggest challenge. He has some great skills that make him an H-back, possession receiver, small tight end type of player. He went undrafted largely because his lack of a defined position combined with pedestrian production in college. Still, in the right system he can produce in the red zone and bring a lot of IQ, character and toughness to a team. If anyone can find a role to utilize his strengths, it’s Chip Kelly.
5. Jack Allen, C, Michigan State (signed by New Orleans Saints)
Despite a 4th to 5th round grade, he ultimately didn’t get drafted due to lack of size and athleticism. But there is way too much to like with Allen not to give him a realistic shot in the NFL. Like Cajuste he has that “it” factor. He may not grade out as dominant in a combine setting but he’s a pure football player. His solid technique and the aforementioned lack of interior depth for the Saints give him a really good chance at making the roster.
6. Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa (signed by Carolina Panthers)
He has NFL size and his production in college was off the charts. He led the NCAA in receiving yards last season with 1,588 off 96 catches. He doesn’t have top end speed and some scouts worried about his drops, but he made infinitely more plans than he missed. Playing for Tulsa was likely a knock against him but expect him to develop good chemistry with reigning MVP Cam Newton.
7. Roy Robertson-Harris, DE, Texas El-Paso (signed by Chicago Bears)
Playing at UTEP likely prevented Robertson-Harris from getting as much publicity. At 6’7″ and 255lbs he is a little light but his length is very appealing. He is a project that will need to get coached up but if he gets in the right system with his athleticism and length his ceiling is extremely high.
8. James Cowser, DE, Southern Utah (signed by Oakland Raiders)
He’s a little small in size and he’s not the most athletic guy, but his productive speaks for itself. His career 42.5 sacks are most in FCS history.
9. Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma (signed by Buffalo Bills)
He’s viewed as a dreaded “tweener” due to his size which means it’s uncertain whether he is a better fit as a 4-3 Will linebacker or a strong safety. Either way, he’s got good speed and pursuit. He’ll probably have to make his mark on special teams to make the Bills at first, but that seems like a phase he would excel in based on his skillset. Eventually NFL teams could find a place for him with all the sub packages in a modern NFL defense that promote coverage and speed.
10. Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado (signed by Los Angeles Rams)
He has excellent route running ability and hands. His ability in the slot to expose a zone defense makes him very appealing.
