Generally, undrafted free agency comes just minutes after the draft in April, as team’s fight to sign rookies that fell through the cracks of the 250 some odd picks in the draft. However, with the now legendary Lockout off-season, those undrafted (and unemployed) free agents were stuck wondering if their pre-draft attention would still mean a signing months after the draft has taken place.
So, after a two and a half month delay in these undrafted free agent signings, roughly 400 or so free agents signed with an NFL team to get a chance to stick and live the NFL dream despite not being drafted. Some team’s nailed the signings, others didn’t add a lot of talent to their training camp, and some players landed in great positions to not only make a team, but get playing time early in their NFL career.
Best Signing Team: Philadelphia Eagles
I went through every undrafted signing team and counted the number of players I had draftable grades on and who I thought could stick with an NFL team long term. Most had 3-4 players, some in the 5 range. The Eagles? NINE guys who I thought could have legitimately been drafted. Graig Cooper (Miami FL) and Derrick Locke (Kentucky) both could have been drafted, and Locke was my #2 rated UDFA after the draft. Terrence Turner (Indiana), Derrick JK (Iowa) and DeAndre Brown (Southern Miss) all were draftable receivers, at least one could stick. Cedric Thornton (S. Arkansas) at DT was a guy I didn’t love but was a Senior Bowl invite. Brandon Peguesse (Hampton) was a pass rushing OLB that I thought could at least make a practice squad, fits well in Philly. And Chas Henry was the best punter in this draft in my opinion.
Also, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Baltimore did very well
Worst Signing Team: Oakland Raiders
Maybe some other scouts liked what they did, but I saw one, maybe two future NFL players from their 13 player undrafted signing class. The best one was Zac Etheridge (Auburn) who had that terrible neck injury back in 2009 but came back well and showed signs of NFL talent at the Senior Bowl to me. After him though, the next guy is Alan Pelc (North Carolina) at tackle, and maybe James McCluskey (Boston College) at fullback. Other than that, I don’t see any of these guys as NFL guys, maybe barely fringe practice squad unfortunately for the Raiders.
Also, New Orleans (outside of DeAndre McDaniel), Miami (outside of Devlin) and Washington close too.
Questionable Fit: Kendric Burney, cornerback, to Carolina
Burney was our number one rated UDFA after the draft, and I thought a team like the Bucs, Bears, Colts, or Steelers would make a push for him once the phone lines were open after the new CBA agreement. However, a team who has so far wowed me this off-season locked up Burney fairly quickly in Carolina. With Richard Marshall gone, there is a bit of a depth void at cornerback. Though Burney doesn’t fit as a long term starter with this team, they are known for developing very good cornerbacks, and he could add some physicality to their defensive backs as far as being a nickel corner.
Possible Starter: David Mims, offensive tackle, to Kansas City
Talked with Mims’s agent in the article yesterday about the signing, but even before that I felt like it made too much sense for Mims. I remember in my (somewhat useless) four round mock drafts, I generally had Kasnas City considering Mims, because of the system fit and the need for depth on the offensive line. Now, he’ll be competing for the right tackle spot with Barry Richardson, a job I think he had the talent and tools to win by the middle or end of the year, if not earlier.
Possible Starter: Matt Murphy, offensive guard, to Atlanta
Harvey Dahl, last year’s starting guard opposite Justin Blalock, has gone to St. Louis in free agency, leaving Matt Johnson as the current starter opposite Blalock. While Johnson is solid, he has no games under his belt. Murphy and Johnson are similar guard types, and if Murphy can come up with his size and his experience from college and pick-up this scheme quickly, he could battle early on for a starting guard job.
Signing Note: Pat Devlin to Miami
Having ties to the Delaware program and being a Dolphins fan, this signing obviously made me very happy. But I think in the end it made a lot of sense for both sides. The Dolphins needed to bring in another young quarterback to develop. And Devlin needed a spot where he would have the inside track to make the team and even battle for backup role. He’ll have to beat out Tom Brandstater (which I think he will) to be the number three, and Matt Moore hasn’t proven to be a lock as a backup anywhere really.
Signing Note: Terrence Toliver/Lester Jean to Houston
It was interesting to see Houston sign two of the best UDFA wide receivers left, especially since they seem to be somewhat set at receiver. Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones, Kevin Walter and Dorin Dickerson all seem like they are locks to make the team, and Trindon Holiday is a special teams ace. If I had to pick, I’d probably go with Jean by a thin margin because he’s a bit smoother as an athlete, but I’d guess that both end up being either coveted practice squad guys or on an NFL team next year, with or without the Texans.
Signing Note: DeAndre McDaniel to New Orleans
I didn’t love who the Saints brought in via undrafted free agency, but DeAndre McDaniel was a steal for them. Really unsure why he fell out of the draft based on his size, speed, quickness, explosion, and production, but regardless, he has NFL talent. He should step in day one and be battling for the prime backup spot behind Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins.
Signing Note: Jake Kirkpatrick, Mike Hartline to Indianapolis
With Peyton Manning’s replacement needing to be groomed and Jeff Saturday being 36 years old, both of the Colts franchise stable offensive pieces need some youth behind them. Plug in Jake Kirkpatrick at center, our 3rd rated center prospect in last year’s draft, who was a leader and consistent blocker at TCU last year. And since Curtis Painter hasn’t wowed at all yet, plug in Mike Hartline, who got in trouble to end his career at Kentucky, but has NFL talent as a quarterback.
Signing Note: Others I Expect to Stick
A few other guys I expect to make NFL team’s and have the potential to contribute this year are Ryan Jones (CB, Bears), Brian Lainhart (S, Bengals), Chris Matthew (WR, Browns), Kris O’Dowd (Cardinals), Ian Williams (DT, 49ers), Henry Hynoski (FB, Giants), Martin Parker (DT, Giants), Cobrani Mixon (ILB, Lions), Elisha Joseph (DT, Packers), Kevin Hughes (OT/OG, Rams), Mario Harvey (LB, Steelers) and Weslye Saunders (TE, Steelers)
Special Thanks to NE Patriots Draft (UDFA List Here) for the UDFA work.
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