2013 NFL Draft: The NFC’s Top Undrafted Free Agents

For all 32 NFL teams, the end of the draft Saturday night wasn't the end of the process, but instead it was the start to another key part of the offseason: signing undrafted free agents before another team convinces them to sign elsewhere. 

Optimum Scouting's Alex Brown takes a look at the NFC and which players and their new teams should be the best fit. 

Cowboys –Brandon Magee, LB, Arizona State

If Brandon Magee was just 2 inches taller, he would’ve likely gone in the 4^th round of the 2013 NFL Draft. As he stands, Magee is a quick and explosive linebacker that can cover in space, while sacrificing little ground at the point of attack. Stout with his run fits, aggressive in all aspects and boasting 4.6 speed, expect Brandon Magee to make the Cowboys roster as a reserve outside linebacker and special teams ace.

Eagles –Russell Shepard, WR, LSU

While he remains a work in progress as a route runner and wide receiver due to his multi-faceted role at LSU, Russell Shepard should be able to stick on the Eagles roster thanks to four-team special teams’ ability as a kick coverage player and return specialist. With time, he could work his way into the offensive rotation as a slot receiver.

Falcons –Ryan Schraeder, OT, Valdosta State

Having one of the higher ceilings of any small school offensive linemen in this 2013 draft class, Ryan Schraeder is a converted basketball player that has just begun to scratch the surface as a swing tackle prospect. Athletic enough to play on either side but more suited at right tackle, Schraeder possesses natural pop to his hands and maintains ideal body control and balance through the whistle. This is an excellent developmental UDFA pickup that could fight for starter snaps in the next two to three seasons.

Saints –Ryan Griffin, QB, Tulane

A hot name in the NFL Draft community after his impressive week at the Texas versus the Nation all-star event, former Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin leads a strong list of free agent pickups by the Saints. Griffin possesses prototypical size and arm talent, and flashes the accuracy to file the football between the 2^nd and 3^rd levels of the defense. I was surprised to see Griffin go undrafted, as his natural passer skills warrant development as a backup.

Saints –Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford

Another surprising name to go undrafted was Stanford’s Chase Thomas. While he struggled to stay step for step with more athletic tight ends and receivers in coverage at the Senior Bowl, Thomas’ production and technique as a 3-4 outside linebacker should have led to at least a late day three selection. Regardless, Thomas is a smart defender that should quickly pickup Rob Ryan’s scheme, be of value as a reserve strong side linebacker and even contribute on special teams.

Eagles –Brad Wing, P, LSU

Although he went undrafted, Brad Wing could not have landed in a more ideal situation. In Philadelphia, he should easily win the starting job over Donnie Jones and assert himself as one of the more talented punters in the NFL. Mechanically he tends to be erratic, but natural leg power and flashes of tremendous placement make him a potentially elite punter prospect.

Cardinals –Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma

Probably the biggest shock in my opinion to go undrafted, I graded Tony Jefferson as a late 3^rd to early 4^th round strong safety prospect. Fighting through a high ankle sprain in his final season, Jefferson missed a high number of tackles and was exposed multiple times in deeper coverage. Still, I see Jefferson as a future starter in the league thanks to his versatile cover skills at either safety position, ability to guard slot receivers and plus closing burst to the football. Jefferson should at the very least be a valued third safety and special teamer, if not a spot starter in his rookie season.

Buccaneers –Branden Smith, CB, Georgia

Speedy and feisty, albeit undersized, Branden Smith boasts the explosive movement skills to stick as a fourth corner for this team. Continuing to improve their talent in the secondary and overall speed as a team, Smith can add depth as a dime cornerback and possibly double as a returner.

Seattle Seahawks –Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas

If not for inconsistent technique as a blocker and a combine hamstring injury, Alvin Bailey might have been a fringe top 100 selection. For the Seahawks, Bailey is a durable, powerful being that combines very good movement skills with heavy hands at the second level. He’ll need to clean up his angles and punch technique, but nevertheless looks like a capable starter at the NFL level.

Detroit Lions –Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA

Being the second coming of Tony Scheffler, don’t expect Fauria to bring much to the table as a blocker. As a receiving, off-the-line tight end, Fauria can contribute heavily in his first year with smooth athleticism and body control to adjust and snag wayward throws from Matthew Stafford. Fauria’s consistent hands and route running skills should allow him to transition quickly into the Lions’ passing attack.

Minnesota Vikings –Marquis Jackson, DE, Portland State

While his road to the NFL was a lengthy and trying one, the Vikings are taking a low risk, high reward gamble on Marquis Jackson’s first step burst and speed as a 7-technique defensive end in their 4-3 defense. Unpolished but very explosive, Jackson has the tools to develop into a legitimate pass rusher at the next level, should he improve upon keeping his pad level down.