Tag: undrafted free agent

Broncos’ UDFA success continues on 2024 roster

“The scouts play a huge role in advocating for these players after the draft and fighting for these players,” GM George Paton said.

The Denver Broncos have had unprecedented success with undrafted free agents making their 53-man roster. Two undrafted free agents made the roster this year, offensive lineman Frank Crum and running back Blake Watson. Linebacker Levelle Bailey also made the initial active roster and is now returning on the practice squad.

When it was announced that these two players made the 53-man squad, it marked the 20th time in 21 years that at least one undrafted free agent made the roster.

In a Zoom call last week, Broncos general manager George Paton credited the team’s scouting. “The scouts play a huge role in advocating for these players after the draft and fighting for these players,” said Paton.

Paton had this to say about Crum, who was a University of Wyoming product: “Crum, you don’t get many 6-7 guys or whatever he is that can bend like he does and has the power he does. He’s still raw. You see him in pass-pro. I know he got beat a couple of times, but for a kid who played at Wyoming and a first-year rookie in the NFL to do some of the things he did in practice and versus Green Bay. He played well in Indy obviously. I thought he played well most of the game. He had a few breakdowns, but really talented. I really love the upside of Crum.”

Watson had a memorable impression on coaches at his Top 30 visit. “Watson, we got to know him on the Top-30,” Paton said. “That’s why those Top-30s are really important. You get to know the player and he gets to see what you’re all about. He gets to see Denver and our facilities. It makes it easier when you’re trying to get him as a college free agent.”

Last year, four UDFAs made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, including running back Jaleel McLaughlin. Watson and Crum will aim to continue the success of the team’s past UDFAs this fall.

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Two undrafted rookies keep showing up for the Commanders

Two undrafted rookies continue to stand out and have an excellent shot of making the 53-man roster.

We are closing in one month since the Washington Commanders opened training camp. The Commanders have played two preseason games and have one remaining before general manager Adam Peters and Dan Quinn trim the roster to 53.

Peters and his staff will have some difficult decisions to make. Will he move on from any of Ron Rivera’s first-round picks? That seems unlikely. How many former Rivera picks will be left? How many offensive linemen will the Commanders keep? What about cornerback?

Also, how many of Washington’s 12 undrafted rookies will Peters keep? The Commanders spent big on UDFAs after the draft, with quarterback Sam Hartman, cornerback Chigozie Anusiem and safety Tyler Owens among the most prominent signings.

Hartman had a good summer before he was injured late in the first preseason game. He seemed always to be ticketed for the practice squad. Anusiem has been solid. However, Owens has been one of Washington’s camp standouts.

In reviewing each preseason game, Owens made our list of studs in both games. While the Commanders have depth at safety, Owens has firmly put himself in the conversation as a player Washington cannot afford to expose to waivers. He’s stood out defensively and on special teams.

He’s not the only undrafted rookie to stick out.

Running back Michael Wiley looks like he could steal the No. 3 running back job away from Chris Rodriguez Jr. Wiley has done a little bit of everything this summer. He’s shined as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. His most important attribute, though, may be his pass protection. Most rookie running backs struggle in pass protection. Wiley embraces it — and thrives.

Quinn has mentioned both young players unprompted multiple times in recent weeks. That doesn’t reveal the team’s plans but gives you a glimpse into what the head coach thinks of their ability.

Here’s Quinn’s comments on Owens and Wiley recently, courtesy of Ben Standig of The Athletic.

The Commanders may be able to sneak Wiley onto the practice squad. It won’t be easy with Owens. His size/speed combination and his upside make Owens a prime target to star on special teams while he continues to develop as a safety.

These two will be players to watch in Sunday’s preseason finale against New England.

Saints waive undrafted free agent guard Nouri Nouili

The New Orleans Saints have made their corresponding move to the Chandler Brewer signing, waiving rookie guard Nouri Nouili:

The New Orleans Saints signed offensive lineman Chandler Brewer on Friday to bolster their depth after injuries to Shane Lemieux and Justin Herron. A corresponding roster move came Saturday in their decision to waive undrafted free agent guard Nouri Nouili out of Nebraska, according to the Times-Picayune | Advocate’s Luke Johnson.

Nouili signed with the large wave of undrafted rookies back in April and received the standard three-year contract, worth on average $945,000 a year, though he received only $5,000 guaranteed. This deal will ultimately have little to no effect on the Saints salary cap moving forwards. Nouili received the second-lowest number of guaranteed money of the undrafted free agent class for the Saints, ahead of only Trajan Jeffcoat.

Ultimately the Saints decided to go with the offensive lineman with a couple of years of experience over Nouili, as they desperately could use help there between injuries and lack of quality depth in general. Neither player may end up making the roster regardless once injuries clear up, but it ‘s good to have camp bodies with NFL level experience if anything.

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Rookie DE Trajan Jeffcoat carted off during second Saints training practice

New Orleans Saints rookie defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat was carted off with an injury during Thursday’s training camp practice:

The New Orleans Saints have been dealing with injuries throughout the offseason, as has every team, and this issue was exacerbated Wednesday with a hamstring injury to second-year running back Kendre Miller. This continued into Thursday as rookie defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat was carted off the practice field with an elbow injury. He played college football at Arkansas and Missouri.

This is a tough break for Jeffcoat and the Saints, as there was a reasonable chance that he could have made the roster. The severity of the injury will determine the next course of action, but between the time he spent on the ground receiving assistance and needing a trainer’s cart to help him off the field, it sounds like a little more than a minor injury.

Jeffcoat was one of eight East-West Shrine Bowl players in this rookie class to be added by the Saints, along with:

  • WR Bub Means
  • DT Khristian Boyd
  • OL Josiah Ezirim
  • OL Kyle Hergel
  • TE Dallin Holker
  • RB Jacob Kibodi
  • P Matthew Hayball

Hopefully the injury to Jeffcoat is one that allows him to recover and return later this preseason, but we’ll keep an eye out for an update on his condition.

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Check out these highlights of new Broncos TE Thomas Yassmin

Australian tight end Thomas Yassmin will be an intriguing player to watch at Broncos training camp this summer.

The Denver Broncos made the move after the 2024 NFL draft to sign undrafted free agent tight end Thomas Yassmin.

Yassmin (6-5, 251 pounds) was a teammate of Denver’s seventh-round draft pick, wide receiver Devaughn Vele at the University of Utah.

Before playing with the Utes, Yassmin had no previous experience playing football; instead, Yassmin, an Australian native, played rugby in high school.

After switching to football, Yassmin saw his most productive action beginning in 2022, when he played in all 13 games, starting six times. Yassmin had 13 catches for 301 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 23.2 yards per catch.

In 2023, Yassmin played in five games before suffering a season-ending injury. Before his injury, he caught eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Check out his highlights below:

Although head coach Sean Payton’s system calls for big-bodied tight ends, Yassmin is in the middle of a very crowded tight end room that includes third-year man Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins. Yassmin will have to make a big impression in training camp if he is going to make the roster.

As part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, Yassmin could make the team’s practice squad without counting against the 16-player limit. He’ll be a player to watch this summer.

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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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WATCH: Commanders undrafted WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint with spectacular 1-handed catch

A good start for the undrafted rookie from the University of Georgia.

Jayden Daniels made his on-field debut for the Washington Commanders Friday on the first day of rookie minicamp. While all the hype surrounded Daniels — and rightfully so — several other rookies also made their NFL debuts.

One of those rookies was wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.

The undrafted Rosemy-Jacksaint made the highlight of the day, catching a one-handed pass in 7-on-7 drills at minicamp.

Check it out:

Rosemy-Jacksaint is a name Washington fans should get to know — not because of this catch.

After a productive career with the Bulldogs, including two national championships, Rosemy-Jacksaint went undrafted, mainly because of his pre-draft testing numbers. However, Rosemy-Jacksaint has solid size (6-foot-1, 195 pounds), with big, strong hands and excellent length.

Washington needs depth at wide receiver. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Luke McCaffrey are the only guarantees to make the roster. Rosemy-Jacksaint will compete with others, such as Jamison Crowder, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, Mitchell Tinsley, Kazmeir Allen, and others, for two or three spots.

Don’t count out Rosemy-Jacksaint. He needs a strong offseason and preseason to show coaches he should be on the Commanders’ roster, and Friday was a good start.

Texans rookie DL Pheldarius Payne listed as ‘top’ undrafted free agent

CBS Sports is high on Houston Texans’ undrafted free agent Pheldarius Payne making an impact in the trenches come 2024.

What do James Harrison, Dick Lane, Adam Vinatieri and Kurt Warner all have in common besides being champions?

None heard their names called during the NFL draft and were forced to walk on once more as undrafted free agents. Slowly, they developed into some of the greatest players to ever grace the gridiron.

That’s what Virginia Tech defensive lineman Pheldarius Payne aspires to be with the Houston Texans entering rookie minicamp next week at NRG Stadium. The good news? One outlet believes he’ll have a chance not only to make the final 53-man roster but also see prominent playing time.

CBS Sports listed Payne as one of seven top-level undrafted free agents entering the summer. Coming in at No. 3, Payne exudes confidence and a ferocious play style that could move him up the depth chart with a promising offseason.

You can’t miss Payne the second you flip on the film for two reasons — he’s one of the smaller defensive tackles and he’s athletically charged up like an oversized linebacker. That first-step bolt is serious, and led to six sacks and 23 total pressures on a mere 162 pass-rush snaps at Virginia Tech in 2023.

And at his pro day — a hair over 6-2 and 286 pounds — Payne had a 4.86 time in the 40 and a ridiculous 1.65 10-yard split. He is the epitome of a one-gap penetrator. The Texans added a lot of high-profile pieces this offseason. But the defensive tackle spot is probably one of the weaker positions on the team, and GM Nick Caserio did not pick one in the draft. Don’t be stunned when Payne makes a name for himself early in camp and in the preseason, which should lead to some reps with the first-team defense.  — CBS Sports

Defensive tackle was considered a top need for Houston entering the draft following the departures of Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins. Most of Caserio’s deals with interior linemen came on one-year prove-it contracts. Veteran Denico Autry was a dominant defensive tackle with the Colts, but transitioned over to defensive end once he arrived in Tennessee.

Payne was expected to be a find on Day 3, yet somehow flew under the radar to the undrafted market. Second-year Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has a track record of getting the best version of undrafted rookies while finding a home for them in his defense.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair went from being a special teams standout to one of the league’s better sub-package defenders. Last season as a full-time starter, he proved his transition could work outside the Bay Area, totaling the fifth-most stops at 163.

Currently, the Texans have Foley Fatukasi and Autry as starters. Tim Settle and former undrafted free agent Khalil Davis are second on the depth chart, meaning Payne could compete with either for a boost up the rankings.

Payne has a long way to go if he hopes to be compared to names like Harrison or Warner, but everyone has to start someplace. There’s few places hotter than Houston these days, both in weather and persona.

One Minnesota Vikings’ UDFA could be an instant-impact player

Could another UDFA make an impact for the Vikings in 2024?

The Minnesota Vikings signed 17 UDFAs following the 2024 NFL Draft. While it’s hard for most UDFAs to make the 53-man roster, there are some that get the job done. Look at Ivan Pace Jr. for an example. The undrafted linebacker out of Cincinnati became a starter on the Minnesota defense during the season — he finished the season with 102 tackles.

Who might be this year’s Pace Jr.? According to TouchdownWire, UCLA Edge rusher Gabriel Murphy could become an instant-impact player for the Vikings in 2024.

Anytime you heard “UCLA defender” this draft cycle, it was in reference to Laiatu Latu. However, Murphy had a terrific 2023 season in his own right. He finished the season with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss. In a Brian Flores defense that lost Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, Marcus Davenport, and Dean Lowry in free agency, Murphy has a golden opportunity to earn a roster spot on a now-thin Vikings’ defensive line.

Murphy played two seasons with the Bruins. He transferred to UCLA after spending three seasons with North Texas. During his two-year career with UCLA, Murphy had 76 tackles, 20 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks in 26 games. Murphy had a terrific combine and ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash.

The Vikings drafted Dallas Turner and signed both Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, but Murphy has a chance to carve out a role with the Vikings. If anyone can get big production out of a UDFA it’s Brian Flores, after all.