The history of the NFL tells us that if a player goes undrafted, the odds of him making an NFL team are stacked against him. But, sometimes landing with the right team is just as important as getting drafted. One benefit for UDFA’s (undrafted free agents) is that they can pick the team they want (well, as long as that team wants them).
There are many players that have fought the odds and went on to great careers in the National Football League. Players like Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and Arian Foster are just some of the undrafted free agents that have gone on to be stars in the league.
Looking at the list of UDFA’s from this years draft, here’s ten players that have a shot of growing into a star…
1. La’el Collins, OL, Free Agent (LSU)
Collins went from being a first rounder to undrafted in just over a week in one of the most bizarre circumstances seen in NFL Draft history. Provided he gets his legal situation squared away, he can pick his landing spot and that gives him a leg up in finding early success in his NFL career.
2. Shane Carden, QB, Chicago Bears (East Carolina)
As a senior at ECU, Shane Carden threw for over 4,700 yards and added 30 TD passes. Carden is the type of player that gets knocked for his arm strength, accuracy and athleticism. He doesn’t fit the mold of the average NFL QB. But he’s a gamer who knows football in and out and he’s not afraid to let it fly. Landing in Chicago, a team with a QB problem, could be a big benefit for him.
3. Trey Williams, RB, Houston Texans (Texas A&M)
Williams is not a three down back but in space, Williams can be a difference maker. As a third down passing-option back, Williams has great hands and will be a difficult cover for any defender. He also has the ability to return kicks and potentially could work out of the slot as a receiver.
4. John Crockett, RB, Green Bay Packers (North Dakota State)
The Packers have had success with both UDFA’s and running backs who aren’t household names. Crockett put up big numbers for NDSU as a patient runner who possesses explosiveness. He should fit in well with the Packers offense.
5. Gavin Lutman, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Pittsburg State)
Lutman is a tall receiver with great hands. He had 70 receptions with 13 TD at Pitt State so we know he can produce. If he can make the Vikes, he can make some noise.
6. Gabe Holmes, TE, Oakland Raiders (Purdue)
One of the reasons he dropped down draft boards was because of previous injuries. If healthy, he presents mismatch problems for the defense. He has the size that the NFL covets at his position and he’s one of those guys that played basketball and we know that has helped some previous players at his position.
7. Bobby Richardson, DT, New Orleans Saints (Indiana)
The Saints need bodies on defense so Richardson could have a shot at seeing the field very soon. He’s a tweener between the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses but he’s athletic and his style is disruptive.
8. Taiwan Jones, LB, New York Jets (Michigan State)
He has the type of size and durability that you look for in a linebacker. He’s great in blitz packages and has great closing speed but will need to work on coverage skills.
9. Ray Drew, DE, Miami Dolphins (Georgia)
Drew was a very high recruit coming out of high school and showed some flashes in college but never quite found his niche. He’s very good at rushing the passer and often gets to the quarterback or alters the play in a way that doesn’t show up in the box score. If he can be coached to finish, he can make an immediate impact.
10. Cody Prewitt, S, Tennessee Titans (Ole Miss)
He had 12 interceptions over his career at Ole Miss including six in 2013. Is a physical safety but also has good instincts. Doesn’t have elite speed but could be a steal for the Titans.
