Undrafted Free Agents Worth Stashing
The NFL Draft is officially over. Over 250 college football athletes received a phone call that went something like,
“Hey (Athlete’s Name) we are going to make you a (NFL team’s name)!”
An amazing experience that was rightfully earned by all those that were drafted. Some think the final pick of the NFL draft is the last addition for teams to add incoming rookies. However, there is more than 250 college athletes that finished their college careers. These potential rookies that did not hear their name get called now become Undrafted Free Agents (UDFA). One may think, “Well if an NFL team did not use a draft pick on them why should I in my rookie drafts”. That is a valid thought. But if we take a trip down memory lane, we can find stars that once upon a time were also UDFA.
Quarterbacks like Superbowl Champion Kurt Warner, or Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo. Arguably one the best Tight Ends to ever play the game, Antonio Gates, was an UDFA. Running Backs like Priest Holmes or Arian Foster were UDFA. There have even been star UDFA defensive players like Super Bowl Champions James Harrison and Chris Harris Jr. Last year linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. went undrafted before becoming an impact player for the Minnesota Vikings. The point is just because their name is not called on any Draft Day does not mean they are irrelevant. Here is my list of promising Undrafted Free Agents that should be available in later rounds of your rookie draft.
Denver Broncos – Running Back – Blake Watson
The Broncos signed Blake Watson from Memphis as a UDFA. Watson lost value by not receiving an NFL combine invite. But the former Memphis Tiger could not have landed in a better opportunity. Yes, Javonte Williams is the lead back there. Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin are currently the change of pace backs. However, where Watson shines is when it comes to change of pace. Personally, I believe Watson is much better than the current change of pace backs.
Over the last 3 seasons of his collegiate career Watson had over 3,100 rushing yards. But the remarkable feat came from his pass catching ability. In 2022 at Old Dominion Watson had 37 receptions for 314 yards. But in 2023, his lone year at Memphis, Watson had 53 receptions for 9.1 yards per catch. Why do I like this? Well, because of what the Denver Broncos did with the 12th pick overall. They drafted quarterback Bo Nix who is a check down king. Nix had an average depth of target of 6.8 yards last season. He gets the ball out in short and intermediate throws. This is great news for a pass catching back like Blake Watson. His pass catching skills could flourish if given the opportunity to line up behind Bo Nix.
Washington Commanders – Running Back – Michael Wiley
The Commanders signed Michael Wiley from Arizona as a UDFA. Over the last 3 seasons Wiley averaged 32 receptions per season. This is why I love Wiley in Washington. The Commanders recently signed running back Austin Ekeler to their backfield. A pass catching running back with great vision. In other words, a great mentor to Michael Wiley. I do believe Brian Robinson will be the lead back with Ekeler being involved in pass catching situations. However, if given the opportunity Wiley could become that third down specialist as a quicker and younger Austin Ekeler. Potentially.
Carolina Panthers – Wide Receiver – Jalen Coker
The Carolina Panthers signed Jalen Coker from Holy Cross as a UDFA. Most will be excited about the Panthers drafting 6’1 220 pound wide receiver that ran a 4.39 forty-yard dash, Xavier Legette. Rightfully so, Legette averaged 17.7 yards per reception in 2023 for 1,255 yards. That was also his breakout season in his 5-year career. Coker on the other hand will not get as much recognition because he was not at a Power 5 (now Power 4) school. Jalen Coker played in the Patriot conference at Holy Cross. But for the past 3 seasons he has been the Crusaders top receiver. Plus, he has averaged 16.4 yards per reception in that 3-year span. Coker led all receivers in the vertical testing at the NFL combine with 42.5 inches. A reliable target with solid hands plus playmaking ability after the catch creates a favorite target for any quarterback. Insert Jalen Coker as that favorite target.
New Orleans Saints – Tight End – Dallin Holker
The New Orleans Saints signed Dallin Holker from Colorado State as a UDFA. At 6’3 241 pounds, Holker has the ability to be a vertical playmaker up the middle for the Saints. He has strong hands and runs with aggression. Plus, he showcased his ability to make defenders miss gaining extra yardage after the catch. In 2023, he had 379 yards after the catch. Holker will have to impress during training camp, but if he makes the final roster, he become a sneaky target for quarterback Derek Carr.
Seattle Seahawks – Edge – Nelson Ceaser
The Seattle Seahawks signed Nelson Ceaser from Houston as a UDFA. I have been talking about Nelson Ceaser since October as he was one of my favorite pass rushers entering the NFL Draft. The Houston rusher led the BIG12 in sacks with 9.5. Speed and power collided to create this 6’3 254-pound monster that loves to attack the quarterback. He uses his speed to swim around the taller and stronger blockers. His power allows him to bully the smaller guards at the line penetrating the line quickly to attack. The Seahawks needed help on the defensive line and during the actual draft they only drafted one defensive lineman, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. There will be opportunity in Seattle. If that opportunity is given to Ceaser, watch him take it and not give it back.
Cincinnati Bengals – Linebacker – Aaron Casey
The Cincinnati Bengals signed Aaron Casey from Indiana as a UDFA. Cincinnati has good linebackers but they struggled at defending the run. The Bengals allowed the 7th most rushing yards in 2023. Casey was a menace for Indiana last season. In 2023 he led the BIG10 in tackles for loss with 16.5. Plus, he had 6.5 sacks on 20 pressures. He is a run stopping linebacker that closes on the ball well. This division has teams that like to run the ball. Which means if Casey gets the opportunity, he could become the clogger in the gaps attacking the runners quickly and effectively.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Linebacker – Kalen DeLoach
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Kalen DeLoach from Florida State as a UDFA. DeLoach is a two-way player that can be considered a safety or linebacker depending on which tape you watch. He is a bit undersized for either role which is possibly why he went undrafted. However, he ran a 4.47 forty-yard dash. On tape you see that sideline-to-sideline speed. He attacked with velocity having 7 sacks last season. DeLoach knows how to track the ball with excellent closing speed. He will need to develop, but most rookies do. Give him time and he may be a defender that shines in the second half of the season.
Baltimore Ravens – Safety – Beau Brade
The Baltimore Ravens signed Beau Brade from Maryland as a UDFA. This is a very sneaky pick considering the Ravens have multiple impactful defensive backs. But Brade fits the Ravens mold in what they want from their safeties. He is a hard-hitting versatile safety that can line up in the box or stand back in coverage. He led Maryland in tackles the past 2 seasons. Plus, he can line up man-to-man against any tight end, or play the nickel back too. The versatility becomes key because he could be used in multiple different packages for the Ravens. To be honest, out every player I have talked about Brade is the one, without a doubt, who should not have been undrafted. Every team missed on him, luckily the Ravens realized they did and are giving him a chance.
All these players were not drafted during this year’s NFL Draft. Do not let that fool you. They all have talent. If given the opportunity I believe any of them can be great. Keep an eye on them and then grab them before somebody else does in your fantasy leagues.
Offense
- Blake Watson, RB, DEN
- Michael Wiley, RB, WAS
- Jalen Coker, WR, CAR
- Dallin Holker, TE, NO
Defense
- Nelson Ceaser, Edge, SEA
- Aaron Casey, LB, CIN
- Kalen DeLoach, LB, TB
- Beau Brade, S, BAL
Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter at @ThePPRShow.
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