Tag: UDFA

Check out these highlights of new Broncos LB Levelle Bailey

Levelle Bailey will aim to impress this summer after signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent.

Earlier this offseason, the Denver Broncos signed Fresno State linebacker Levelle Bailey as a college free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. Bailey was a fifth-year senior, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, playing in 58 collegiate contests.

Bailey totaled 277 total tackles (160 solo, 117 assisted), 25.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over his five years. He was a two-time team captain, four-time Academic All-Mountain West team and a two-time All-Mountain West honorable mention at linebacker.

During his senior year in 2023, Bailey made a bevy of preseason watch lists: Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list, Bednarik Award watch list, Wuerffel Trophy watch list, Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, Shrine Bowl 1000, AllState Good Works Team, Phil Steele first-team All-Mountain West and Athlon Sports second-team All-Mountain West.

Check out his highlights below:

Bailey is a long shot to make the 53-man roster at linebacker this summer in a crowded room that already includes Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith and Justin Strnad. Bailey will get a chance to impress this summer, but his best chance to stick around might be on the practice squad.

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Broncos coach Sean Payton likes OT Frank Crum’s toughness and intelligence

“He had traits we liked: toughness, intelligence,” Broncos coach said of OT Frank Crum. “We thought he had good feet and some versatility.”

After the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos landed three of the top undrafted free agent prospects, including Wyoming offensive tackle Frank Crum.

Crum (6-7, 315 pounds) played college football at Wyoming, earning first-team All-Mountain West recognition in 2023. Denver has limited depth at tackle, so Crum should have a decent chance to make the team this summer.

“He had traits,” Payton said when asked about Crum during rookie minicamp last month. “He was I think the last recruited free agent we signed. It took us probably two hours. We were all ready to go home, and we kept turning to the scouts and we were like, ‘Where are we at with Crum?’ But he had traits we liked: toughness, intelligence. We thought he had good feet and some versatility. Those are the things that stood out.”

Crum was recruited in part by offensive line coach Zach Strief, who played under Payton for 12 years in New Orleans before transitioning to coaching. Being close to his home state is just a bonus.

“Proximity is awesome for the state of Wyoming and my family, but that wasn’t the driving factor,” Crum said when asked why he signed with the Broncos. “[Denver] was the fit and Coach Strief believing and wanting me, that was the main driving force. That proximity wasn’t the biggest [factor], but it’s nice.” 

Strief, 40, won a Super Bowl with the Saints and while he only has three years of coaching under his belt, players respect Strief’s on-field accomplishments.

“He’s one of the best in the league and he lived it as well, which is a testament,” Crum said of his offensive line coach. “That’s awesome to have a guy like that in the room. I’ve really enjoyed these first couple of days and getting to know him and learn from him.”

Crum feels right at home in Colorado and appreciates the mentality the team’s coaching staff has established with the Broncos.

“Coming from Wyoming, it’s gritty and blue collar,” the rookie said. “I can really feel that the vibe is the same here right now. I’ve really enjoyed these first two days and [I’m] just learning and doing what I can do right now.”

Crum certainly isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster, but he’s probably one of the favorites among the team’s UDFA class.

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Check out these highlights of new Broncos DL Brandon Matterson

Brandon Matterson will compete for a spot on the Broncos’ defensive line this summer.

Following the 2024 NFL draft in late April, the Denver Broncos signed UTSA defensive lineman Brandon Matterson to their roster.

Matterson (6-2, 295 pounds) was a fifth-year senior with the Roadrunners prior to signing with the Broncos. During his time in college, Matterson played in 59 games, starting 20 of the contests. He recorded 100 total tackles (45 solo, 56 assisted), 15.5 tackles for loss and seven-and-a-half sacks across his career.

Also during his career, Matterson was named a four-time Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll member. In 2020, Matterson was an honorable mention All-Conference USA for his defensive line play.

In 2023, Matterson was named a third-team All-American Athletic Conference performer on the defensive line, and found himself on the Lombardi Award (outstanding college football lineman) Midseason Watch List. Check out his highlights below:

Matterson finds himself in an uphill battle for playing time prior to training camp. He might have gotten more reps if it weren’t for the Broncos’ acquisition of former New York Jet John Franklin-Myers in a draft-day trade last month. We will see how Matterson fits into defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system this summer.

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Ivan Pace Jr. set to earn larger role heading into the new season

Ivan Pace Jr. had a special season after making the roster as a UDFA, but he wants more in 2024.

Every once in a while, an undrafted free agent joins a team and becomes a difference-maker. In 2023, the Vikings found one of them. Ivan Pace Jr. had a special season after making the roster as a UDFA, but he wants more in 2024.

Best part? He is ready to earn that more, starting with team workouts this Summer.

The former Miami Redhawk displayed the intelligence needed to make plays on special teams while also demonstrating the unique ability to be in the right place at the right time to make big plays down the stretch of games. According to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune, he wants to expand his role by expanding his coverage ability.

Having sideline-to-sideline ability as a linebacker is vital to finding a sustained role on any defense. That skill to cover more ground and make more plays is what Ivan Pace Jr. hopes to accomplish in 2024. If he can do that, he will give the Vikings a formidable linebacker group with Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman.

 

Check out these highlights of new Broncos DB Omar Brown

The Broncos have a crowded safety depth chart, but undrafted rookie Omar Brown will get a chance to compete for a spot this summer.

The Denver Broncos signed college free agent Omar Brown out of Nebraska following the 2024 NFL draft. Brown, who comes in with measurements of 6 feet and weighing 201 pounds, has the chance to perhaps make the roster or the practice squad with a productive summer.

His stats from Nebraska appear solid: he finished his final season with 12 appearances and eight starts. During that time, he totaled 51 tackles while adding three tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. His production allowed him to become an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection.

Check out his highlights:

Competing at a crowded position, Brown will face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster this summer. Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke top the safety depth chart with JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell and Brown behind them. If there’s not room on the active roster, Brown should be a strong candidate for the practice squad in 2024.

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Undrafted Georgia WR named UDFA with best chance to make Commanders’ roster

Can this UDFA wideout make Washington’s 53-man roster?

The Washington Commanders received high marks from almost everyone for their 2024 NFL draft class. Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders drafted six players in the first three rounds — nine overall — who could make an impact next season.

After the draft, Washington signed one of the league’s top groups of undrafted free agents. The Commanders spent heavily on several players, including cornerback Chigozie Anusiem, quarterback Sam Hartman and safety Tyler Owens.

All have a legitimate shot at making Washington’s 53-man roster. Another UDFA with a good chance of making the Commanders’ roster is wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.

Justin Melo of The Draft Network named Rosemy-Jacksaint as the UDFA with the best chance of making Washington’s roster.

Here’s part of what Melo said about Rosemy-Jacksaint’s chances:

Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are the go-to receivers in Washington’s offense. I could see Rosemy-Jacksaint eventually developing into the No. 3 or 4 wideout. He should push Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Jamison Crowder for a role. The Commanders drafted just one receiver in 2024, using a third-round compensatory pick on Luke McCaffrey.

Special teams may provide Rosemy-Jacksaint with the quickest pathway to prove he deserves to crack Washington’s 53-man roster. The former Bulldogs standout is an experienced special teams player. Rosemy-Jacksaint possesses the profile of a gunner who will try his hardest to be the first player to provide coverage down the field.

The reason Rosemy-Jacksaint wasn’t drafted is likely due to his athletic profile. While he has good size (6-foot-1, 195), he didn’t run the 40 at the NFL combine but reportedly ran it in 4.84 seconds at Georgia’s pro day.

That cost him, but he can play. Rosemy-Jacksaint has big, strong hands, can make contested catches, and, on film, runs well after the catch. His game speed looks much different from his timed speed. He opened some eyes at the rookie minicamp with this one-handed grab.

There are only three guarantees at wide receiver for Washington: McLaurin, Dotson and McCaffrey. Then, you have a mix of veterans and young players battling for at least three spots.

As Melo noted, if Rosemy-Jacksaint delivers on special teams, he has an excellent chance of making Washington’s roster. He will also probably need to stand out in the preseason games. Due to Washington’s depth behind the top three, there is a clear path for Rosemy-Jacksaint to eventually land on the Commanders’ final 53.

Steelers could keep 3 UDFAs this season

The Steelers have some solid undrafted players who could make the final roster.

The level of detail the Pittsburgh Steelers put into the entire process from the 2024 NFL draft to the undrafted free-agency period has been a clinic in finding athletes to fill the team’s most significant needs.

Pittsburgh signed a particularly small group of UDFAs this year but it is all part of their plan. If the players signed, we like three of them to make the team either as part of the 53-man roster or on the practice squad.

First up we have cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. Physical, scrappy, quick and strong against the run sounds like a Steelers slot cornerback to me. The team is excited about what Bishop brings as a sort of hybrid cornerback/safety up and around the line of scrimmage and he has a real shot to make the final roster.

The Steelers went out and signed quarterback John Rhys Plumlee based on his remarkable athleticism and intangibles. All Plumlee needs to do in order to make the roster is beat out veteran Kyle Allen.

Finally, we have running back Daijun Edwards. More football player than athlete, Edwards was particularly productive at Georgia around the end zone and with the team in need of a No. 3 running back, he could slide right into that role without much competition.

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One prominent 2024 NFL Scouting Combine participant remains unsigned

One prominent 2024 NFL Scouting Combine participant remains unsigned, as Ohio State RB Miyan Williams is still a rookie free agent

It’s always a complicated decision for a college player who isn’t projected to get selected early on to leave early and declare for the NFL draft. For Ohio State running back Miyan Williams, the choice to jump to the NFL has not gone well thus far.

Williams has yet to find an NFL home. The 5-foot-8, 229-pound running back went undrafted last month, and he’s thus far been unable to land a contract as an undrafted free agent with any teams. As Mike Clay notes, Williams is the only offensive skill position player who was at the NFL Scouting Combine who remains a free agent.

A knee injury suffered late in Ohio State’s season is undoubtedly a major factor in Williams’ inability to get signed. He had surgery in January and was unable to participate in the Buckeyes’ pro day or any pre-draft workouts, including at the combine — where Williams only did interviews. It’s likely teams want to see Williams healthy enough to participate before using a roster spot on him.

Packers lose UDFA offensive lineman to retirement after rookie minicamp

Packers lose UDFA offensive lineman Trente Jones to retirement after rookie minicamp

After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers following the 2024 NFL Draft, former Michigan offensive lineman Trente Jones had some promise of an NFL career.

Jones decided to put an end to any potential with the Packers, or any other NFL team, after the first weekend of rookie minicamp. The Wolverines tackle was expected to transition inside to guard in Green Bay, but Jones instead opted to file for retirement.

The Packers placed Jones on the reserve/retired list. To fill his spot, Green Bay claimed defensive lineman Spencer Waege off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. Waege was an undrafted rookie for the 49ers in 2023 who spent most of his first season on San Francisco’s practice squad.

Dan Quinn already a big fan of Commanders undrafted rookie wide receiver?

Undrafted rookie WR already catching the eye of Quinn.

The Washington Commanders could use some help at wide receiver. Yes, Washington has Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but behind those two are either veterans, former draft picks, or undrafted players from the past two draft classes looking to make the roster.

McLaurin, Dotson and third-round pick Luke McCaffrey are the only players guaranteed to make Washington’s 53-man roster. From there, multiple players will battle this summer for at least three positions.

One of those players is UDFA Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. The 6-foot-1 rookie was a part of two national championship teams at Georgia, catching 63 passes and six touchdowns over his final two college seasons.

During Day 1 of rookie minicamp, Jacksaint was the talk of camp after making this spectacular one-handed catch.

What a catch.

And it appears that Rosemy-Jacksaint already has the attention of head coach Dan Quinn.

This is the time of year when you want to stand out in front of coaches. Rosemy-Jacksaint put the spotlight on himself on the very first day of practice for the rookies. Now, coaches will be paying even closer attention to him throughout OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp.

There will be plenty of competition for those final roster spots, but Rosemy-Jacksaint looks to be firmly in the mix.