Tag: undrafted free agent

7 priority undrafted free agent options Chiefs should pursue

Some undrafted free-agent options for the Kansas City Chiefs to consider.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have 14 roster spots to fill in order to complete their 90-man offseason roster. Each year they typically sign between 10-12 undrafted free agents following the draft and add more following rookie minicamp. With the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of things have changed. Many players that would have raised eyebrows and draft stock during the pro day circuit are still available. Rookie minicamps likely won’t happen, so we should see teams fill up their rosters without having any tryout players. It’s also possible that teams refrain from signing undrafted free agents as quickly.

Here’s a quick look at 7 undrafted free agents the Chiefs should pursue following the draft:

Southeast Missouri WR Kristian Wilkerson 

Wilkerson actually is one of the players who had his pro day ahead of the pandemic shutdown. The 6-foot and 200-pound receiver ran a 4.46 40-yard dash in mid-March which turned some heads. That number would have tied for the 13th fastest score at the NFL Scouting Combine among receivers. He was also one of the top performers at the 2020 College Gridiron Showcase.

University of Northern Iowa WR Jaylin James

James is a 6-3 and 206-pound receiver prospect who caught over 30 passes in each of his last three seasons at UNI.

Southern Illinois TE Nigel Kilby 

Another player, who had the luxury of a pro day before the pandemic shutdowns. Kilby is a big and athletic tight end that played with Jeremy Chinn at SIU. He had a little help from a big-name NFL reporter to get his name out there ahead of the draft.

South Dakota State LB Christian Rozeboom

Rozeboom is an intriguing linebacker prospect. He’s listed at 6-2 and 228 pounds. He led the Jackrabbits in tackles for four consecutive seasons. Apart from his production, he was a team leader and captain at South Dakota State. He ha really good instincts in zone coverage.

Indiana State LB Jonas Griffith

At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Griffith would be an intriguing option to play SAM linebacker in Kansas City.

Wyoming CB Tyler Hall

Hall had a really strong pro day ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. Our friends over at Mountain West Wire detailed it here.

Montreal DB Marc-Antoine Dequoy

International prospects, like Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, have intrigued Kansas City before. Dequoy is a freak athlete at the defensive back position. He ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and would have had a top 3-cone score at the combine.

Broncos expected to sign 7-9 UDFAs after the draft

The Broncos are expected to have a small undrafted free agent class this year.

Last year, the Denver Broncos signed 17 undrafted free agents following the draft. Denver also signed 17 UDFAs following the 2017 NFL Draft.

This year, the team’s college free agent class will be much smaller.

Teams aren’t allowed to use their facilities for the draft this year because of COVID-19. Without scouts, coaches and executives all in the same room, that will make it harder to sign undrafted free agents.

The Broncos are also scheduled to have 10 picks in the draft. Even if Denver makes a few trades, they won’t have as many roster spots for UDFAs as they have in previous years.

“It’s always a difficult time but even more so this year with it being virtual,” Broncos general manager said during a pre-draft Zoom conference call with reporters on Monday. “We’re fortunate in the fact that with our numbers, we shouldn’t be — we don’t need too many CFAs. It’s a good year to be in a position that we’re in.

“Again, it’s going to be more difficult because of it being virtual. Hopefully, when the draft’s over we can at least add seven, eight, nine CFAs that can have a chance to maybe make our team.”

The list of recent successful UDFA signings for the Broncos includes Malik Reed (2019), Phillip Lindsay (2018) and Elijah Wilkinson (2017).

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Former Badgers to keep an eye on during post-draft free agency

Wisconsin has a long history of having former players not hear their name called during the draft, receive an opportunity in post-draft…

Wisconsin has a long history of having former players not hear their name called during the draft, receive an opportunity in post-draft free agency and then overcome the odds associated with being an undrafted free agent and step into a significant role with their new team.

The most recent examples of this unorthodox path include now-Philadelphia Eagle starting linebacker T.J. Edwards, Oakland Raider starting fullback Alec Ingold, Tampa Bay Buccaneer D’Cota Dixon and Detroit Lion Beau Benzschawel.

These names, if you noticed, are from the 2019 class alone. Specifically, there were five total Badgers to receive a post-draft opportunity last year. Four of them are currently on an NFL roster with two having stepped into starting roles.

Back in 2017 it was a similar story as four former Badgers signed contracts after the draft and three of them were still on an NFL roster last season–most notably Super Bowl champion Corey Clement, Tampa Bay Buccaneer special team captain Dare Ogunbowale and Arizona Cardinal Sojourn Shelton.

Some other notable former Badgers to go undrafted and have long, successful careers in the NFL include Super Bowl champion Jonathan Casillas, current Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard and Hall of Fame quarterback Arnie Herber.

In total, the list at hand is a long one and points towards NFL teams liking enough about the program and coaching at Wisconsin to take a shot on its players that don’t get selected during the draft.

Now looking forward to this week’s draft, who are the former Badgers set to possibly have to wait until after the draft to find a home in the NFL and what role may they find themselves in?

 

Linebacker Chris Orr

Orr will be the name to watch were he to go undrafted this week. The Texas native found himself in a busy linebacker room during his college career with current NFL starters Ryan Connelly and Edwards ahead of him on the depth chart for his sophomore and junior season.

This past season, though, Orr was an absolute game-wrecker as Paul Chryst’s defensive captain and finished the year with 78 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks, five passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Though he did not receive an invite to the NFL combine, Orr impressed at the Badgers’ pro day with a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, 4.08-second 20-yard shuttle, 6.99-second three-cone drill and 36.5-inch vertical jump. Those numbers would’ve been good at the combine for 13th-best, best, fifth-best and eighth-best respectively out of all linebacker participants.

Orr lucked out that Wisconsin was scheduled to have their pro day before the country shut down amid the ongoing pandemic as without the event his NFL future would be a lot more in doubt. 

His talent and senior year production should be enough to hear his name called during the draft this week but if he were to go undrafted, expect him to almost-definitely stick on an NFL roster and find his way onto the field in some capacity during his rookie year.

 

Offensive lineman Jason Erdmann

Erdmann, like Orr, did not receive a combine invite and was banking on the pro day as an opportunity to get his name onto NFL draft boards.

Unfortunately the Wisconsin native injured himself on his second 40-yard dash attempt after running his first one in 5.5 seconds and was unable to take part in most of the remaining drills.

Erdmann is an extreme long shot to get drafted and will most likely find an opportunity as an undrafted free agent due to his ability to play multiple positions up front and to his experience at the offensive line factory that is the University of Wisconsin.

 

Kicker Zach Hintze

Hintze was the kickoff specialist for Chryst and the Badgers during the 2019 season and has his name in an NFL discussion due in large part to his 62-yard field goal at the first half buzzer against Purdue in week 11.

The former walk-on has the leg to find his way onto an NFL roster though his lack of college experience may hurt his chances.

 

Other names to keep an eye on

-Defensive end David Pfaff

-Linebacker Tyler Johnson

-Linebacker Travis Wiltjer

 

The NFL Draft is set to conclude on Saturday and give way to the post-draft free agency blitz. Though today’s situation will have an effect on the free agency process, expect multiple Badgers to receive a shot at the NFL during this post-draft period.

Joe Flacco posts little brother’s college film on Twitter

Former Ravens and Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco is doing his part to help his younger brother, Tom, reach the NFL.

Pundits will debate about whether or not Joe Flacco was an elite quarterback in the NFL. There’s no question that he’s an elite brother.

In an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19, college pro days across the country have been canceled, taking away opportunities for many small-school athletes to impress NFL scouts and coaches.

Flacco’s younger brother, Tom, was not invited to the combine and his school, the Towson Tigers, won’t have a pro day. To help his younger brother get some exposure leading up to the draft, Joe shared Tom’s film on his Twitter page this week.

“From my brother Tom: ‘With no pro day, I wanted to share a cut up of film that could serve as an alternative. Highlighting my arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism, all of which would have been on display at my pro day.’ Check it out!” Flacco wrote.

Here are the highlights:

Tom (6-1, 205 pounds) threw for 6,082 yards and 50 touchdowns during his final two years with the Tigers. He also rushed for 1,406 yards and eight touchdowns during his time at Towson.

The younger Flacco will likely be considered a late-round or undrafted free agent prospect. The draft will be held from April 23-25.

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Seahawks bring back DE Benson Mayowa on 1-year deal

The Seattle Seahawks brought back another former player to help with the pass rush, coming to terms with Benson Mayowa on a 1-year deal.

The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back another former player to help out their ailing pass rush, agreeing to terms with Benson Mayowa on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Mayowa’s deal will net him over $3 million in guaranteed money, and could reach over $4 million with incentives.

The return of Mayowa does not indicate the Seahawks are out on Jadeveon Clowney, although it does make the financials a little harder to work through. However, with many other second-tier pass rushers coming off the market, the Seahawks likely felt they had to strike quickly to avoid coming out of free agency empty handed, outside of Bruce Irvin.

Mayowa played in two games with Seattle back in 2013, signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Idaho.

He’s bounced around the league since then, playing for the Raiders in two separate stints, along with the Cardinals and the Cowboys in between.

All told, the 28-year-old has 20 career sacks to his name, including a career-high seven last year with Oakland.

He’ll give the Seahawks excellent depth on the outside at a relatively affordable price while they look to continue shoring up areas of need ahead of the 2020 NFL draft.

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Austin Ekeler and 43 of the best undrafted players in the Super Bowl era

Austin Ekeler and 43 of the best undrafted players in the Super Bowl era

 

Austin Ekeler and 43 of the best undrafted players in the Super Bowl era

Austin Ekeler’s rich Charger contract brought to mind other great undrafted players.

Austin Ekeler has gone from undrafted to invaluable. The Los Angeles Chargers signed the unheralded running back from Western State in Colorado to a four-year, $25M contract Friday after he put up dazzling numbers running and receiving.

Who are some of the other undrafted players to leave a large impression on the NFL in the modern era? Playing in a Super Bowl qualifies you for consideration in this exercise.

Coy Bacon

David Boss-USA TODAY Sports

Coy Bacon played 14 seasons as a defensive lineman for four teams. He was a three-time Pro Bowler.

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Malik Turner’s energy and intensity make him extremely valuable

The Seattle Seahawks love the versatility and energy that WR Malik Turner brings to the offense, making him a valuable piece to this team.

The Seattle Seahawks replaced Doug Baldwin with a trio of unproven rookies last offseason, leading many to believe that the team’s receiving corps would take a hit in 2019.

However, the continued emergence of Tyler Lockett, the star power flashed by rookie DK Metcalf and the midseason addition of Josh Gordon have made the Seahawks a formidable passing team, lead of course by MVP candidate Russell Wilson.

One name that gets lost in the shuffle of Seattle’s rebuilt and reloaded receiving group is Malik Turner, an undrafted free agent who is now in his second year with the Seahawks.

Turner is having a quietly excellent season however, hauling in nine receptions (on 11 targets) for 153 yards and six first downs.

While his number has not been called often, Turner has proven to be a reliable pass catcher out of a variety of roles, and made a crucial play in Seattle’s most recent game against San Francisco.

“We have really learned to appreciate Malik in that he’s such a good worker,” coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday. “He’s such an intense guy. Everything he does, he does full speed whether you’re talking to the teams guys, or on offense where they’re blocking and running routes. He’s a terrific route runner. He’s got a great energy about him. It’s not often you can talk about a guy having a motor as a receiver, but he’s got a really good motor and it shows up.”

Turner spent most of the 2018 season on the practice squad, although he did appear in six games and hauled in two receptions. He was considered a longshot to make the roster out of camp this season, but impressed Carroll with his motor and his ability to learn every different position among the receivers, allowing his versatility to make him a weapon off the bench.

“He’s doing really well,” Carroll continued. “He knows everybody’s position, so he’s very versatile. Very valuable guy on our team.”

Don’t expect Turner to lead the team in receptions or yards any game soon, but his role has been an important one this season, and that will continue when the team heads to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Sunday morning.

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Rookie returner Deonte Harris is on pace to make Saints history

The New Orleans Saints picked up a game-changing talent in Deonte Harris, and if he keeps it up, he might make franchise history.

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The New Orleans Saints didn’t have much to hang their hats on during last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but one player remained a bright spot: rookie return specialist Deonte Harris. Harris picked up 19 yards on a timely punt return and had his best game as a kickoff returner (bringing back four of them for 109 yards) in the loss, doing his part to give his team good field position.

What’s impressive is that this is who Harris has been all season. He’s the only player in the NFL to record 200 or more yards returning both punts (he has 232) and kickoffs (309). It’s rare to see a player impact both areas so well, especially as a rookie. And it’s not like he carries an elite NFL pedigree as a former five-star recruit; he’s a product of Assumption College, a small school in Worcester, Mass. While he stunted on that lower level of competition (earning the NCAA all-division record with 14 combined touchdown returns along the way), the ease of which his skills have translated to the NFL might be unprecedented.

His performance so far stands out well in the context of Saints team history. The 232 punt return yards he’s logged through nine games are the fourth-most in a single season for New Orleans since Sean Payton was hired as head coach, surpassing Reggie Bush’s own rookie production in 2006. He’s on pace to collect 412 yards on punt returns, which would be the best total in Payton’s era and the fifth-most in franchise history. It’s a long shot for him to unseat Michael Lewis’s 2002 season (his 625 punt return yards and 1,807 kick return yards earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition), but it’s obvious that Harris can’t be completely ruled out.

Talk about hitting on an undrafted free agent signing. And these numbers don’t account for a long punt return touchdown Harris scored against the Chicago Bears but lost on a dubious holding call that still vexes his coaches. He’s a player who’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball; hopefully the Saints can start to involve him on offense.

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