Every season there a few undrafted free agents that go on to have succesful careers. The key to that surprising success? Finding the right fit to sign with in April.
In the free agent frenzy that occured once the 7th round was in the books, several teams in the AFC may have found some gems that could end up sticking on the roster during the regular season. Optimum Scouting's Mark Dulgerian examines which UDFA's ended up with the best fits on AFC teams.
Texans-Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas
The Texans are familiar with how friendly zone schemes can be to UDFA running backs and Johnson's downhill style fits. Foster and Tate are the only two backs on the roster so Johnson has a great shot at winning the 3rd spot, but he'll have fellow UDFA, Ray Graham, nipping at his heels.
Bills-Da’Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
One of the biggest boom or bust prospects in the draft becomes a low risk, high reward UDFA pick up for the Bills. If he's really turned it around, Rogers becomes the next undrafted star.
Patriots-TJ Moe, WR, Missouri
It's safe to label Moe as insurance for the newly acquired but oft-injured Amendola. This is a perfect landing spot for a player who is not only similar to, but grades out better than Amendola did coming out.
Jaguars-Matt Scott, QB, Arizona
The buzz surrounding Scott during the pre draft process was that he could be selected as early as Day 2. While that was a bit steep, the Jaguars land a dynamic dual threat on a quarterback starved roster.
Bills-Keith Pough, OLB, Howard
This small school stud finished his career as the FCS all time leader in tackles for loss. He'll learn behind Lawson and Anderson but he should provide depth and is especially suited for making plays on passing downs.
Broncos-Lerentee McCray, OLB, Florida
Medicals kept him from being drafted but he's the guy Luke Joekel considered the toughest matchup he's ever faced. He's a superb pass rusher who will reap the benefit of learning from Von Miller.
Colts-Sheldon Price, CB, UCLA
Outside of Vontae Davis, the Colts lack talent at the cornerback position. Price is a size/speed guy they could match up against Houston's big receivers as they compete for the division title.
Chiefs-Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
Here are the quarterbacks currently on the Kansas City roster: Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Rickey Stanzi, Alex Tanney. Bray's physical gifts are far superior to any of them but does he want to play football?
Raiders-Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
The Raiders field a young promising receiving corp but seem plagued with the injury bug in that unit. Vernon runs precise routes and catches everything his way.
Steelers-Reggie Dunn, WR/KR, Utah
A first team All America kick-off return stud, Dunn has been clocked in the 4.2's and reaches top speed quickly. Brown and Sanders will be busy with full time receiving duties and college tape suggests Dunn has even better return skills than 3rd round speedster Markus Wheaton.
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