Each year, hundreds of players are signed as undrafted free agents. While most of them are nothing more than bodies to fill the 90-man roster, dozens of undrafted rookies will make the cut, and many more will sign with a practice squad and extend their career. Let’s take a position-by-position look at the best undrafted players from the 2018 NFL Draft. For each position I’ll list my top undrafted prospects and choose which player has the best chance at maintaining an NFL career.
QB:
Best players: JT Barrett, Ohio State; Kurt Benkert, Virginia; Chase Litton, Marshall; Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech; Riley Ferguson, Memphis.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: JT Barrett. None of these quarterbacks particularly stand out as being future NFL players, which tends to be the case for undrafted QBs. If I had to make a choice though, I’d reluctantly choose my top option. Barrett signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he’ll have an opportunity to fight his way on the roster as a 3rd stringer. He lacks elite size for the position, and doesn’t have an incredible arm. Even still, I love his leadership abilities and work ethic. He was an absolute winner at Ohio State, and generally made smart decisions with the ball. Those mental traits give him more of a shot than most, albeit a slim one.
WR:
Best players: Allen Lazard, Iowa State; Deontay Burnett, USC; Simmie Cobbs Jr., Indiana; Jester Weah; Byron Pringle, Kansas State; Jake Wieneke, South Dakota State; Quadree Henderson, Pittsburgh; Steven Mitchell Jr., USC; Jeff Badet, Oklahoma; Robert Foster, Alabama; Trent Sherfield, Vanderbilt.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Deontay Burnett. Unlike the quarterback position, there are always undrafted wide receivers who are able to make a name for themselves. A lot of guys get looked over because they didn’t have a good QB to throw them the ball in college, leading to a lot of sleepers at this position. That’s not the case for Burnett, however. Burnett had Sam Darnold throwing him the ball, and as a result, the junior amounted over 1100 receiving yards. The biggest thing holding Burnett back was injuries during the postseason, which held him back from showcasing his athleticism. Burnett is quick, a good route runner, and experienced. On top of that, wide receivers often benefit from simply having opportunities, and Burnett will join the Titans for the preseason. He has a legitimate shot to make the team, and if that doesn’t work, the Jets would likely take him to help Darnold transition into the NFL. Also in the mix was Allen Lazard, the big receiver out of Iowa State, and Jeff Badet if he improves his vision as a return specialist.
RB:
Best players: Josh Adams, Notre Dame; Darrel Williams, LSU; Ryan Nall, Oregon State; Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan; Phillip Lindsay, Colorado; Chris Warren III, Texas; Roc Thomas, Jacksonville State; Akrum Wadley, Iowa; Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt; Gus Edwards, Rutgers.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Chris Warren III. I have a good feeling about Chris Warren now that he has signed with the Raiders. Although I expect this year to be a struggle for Oakland, I expect even more of a struggle from Marshawn Lynch. Beast mode regressed quite a bit last year, and I expect more of the same this year. Chris Warren III is a huge running back (6’2” 247 pounds), and certainly plays an NFL style. He’s a grinder, a good blocker, and a decent receiver. The reason Warren wasn’t ranked higher by NFL scouts or analysts was his lack of speed, but I think that won’t be an issue with Oakland, as I see him as a replacement for Marshawn. Running back is a position where lots of undrafted players get opportunities, so there are lots of other players I considered here. Phillip Lindsay is a speedy change of pace back that could surprise a lot of people, Roc Thomas is a balanced playmaker, and Darrel Williams is a pounder from LSU.
TE/FB:
Best players: Dimitri Flowers, Oklahoma; Donnie Ernsberger, Western Michigan; David Wells, San Diego State; Andrew Vollet, Weber State; Marcus Baugh, Ohio State; DeAndre Goolsby, Florida; Deon Yelder, Western Kentucky; Shane Wimann, Northern Illinois; Cam Serigne, Wake Forest; Khalid Hill, Michigan.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Dimitri Flowers. The fullback position is definitely dead, but Flowers is a great blocker with enough size and skill to use in a variety of sets. He isn’t big enough to be a traditional tight end, but he’s my favorite pure fullback in the draft class (counting Jaylen Samuels as a halfback), and he’ll find a team if anyone tries to use a fullback. The tight end group also had a drastic dropoff in talent, so I’m not too big of a fan of any undrafted tight ends, although David Wells would be another player to watch here for his blocking ability.
OT:
Best players: Desmond Harrison, West Georgia; Zachary Crabtree, Oklahoma State; Toby Weathersby, LSU; Timon Parris, Stony Brook; KJ Malone, LSU; KC McDermott, Miami (FL); Nick Gates, Nebraska; Jaryd Jones-Smith, Pittsburgh; Brett Toth, Army; Jeromy Irwin, Colorado.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Desmond Harrison. I thought that I had this guy underrated by ranking him 185th overall, and number 15 among offensive tackles. It’s likely that some off-field concerns caused him to go undrafted (which is always hard to predict when you don’t have an inside track on NFL circles), but it wasn’t bad enough to prevent him from signing with the Browns. Harrison was at D2 West Georgia, but this guy has premiere athleticism allowing him to play left tackle, running a 4.90 at the combine. He has very long arms to help him block the blindside of the QB, and was successful enough in college to be on some All-America teams. He’s somewhat raw, but his size and athleticism make him almost a sure bet to make a 53 man roster this season.
G/C:
Best players: Taylor Heard, Clemson; Dejon Allen, Hawaii; Sean Welsh, Iowa; Skyler Phillips, Idaho State; Austin Golson, Auburn; Cody O’Connell, Washington State; Tony Adams, NC State; Coleman Shelton, Washington; Maea Teuhema, SE Louisiana; Tyrone Crowder, Clemson.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Dejon Allen. The 6’2” 295 pound guard out of Hawaii may be slightly undersized, but I think he can put on the weight once he knows what position to play. Dejon Allen is incredibly versatile, and that should help him find a spot in the NFL. The four year starter was first team All-Mountain West his senior year, improving upon his 2nd-team and honorable mention statuses of the previous two years. This past year, he started at left tackle for the Rainbow Warriors, but has also played both guard positions. He might be better off as a center in the NFL due to his height, where he would be one of the most athletic players in the league. Despite not getting a combine invite, Dejon Allen wowed scouts with a 4.97 unofficial 40-yard dash at his pro day, alongside putting up 29 reps. If he’s able to put on just a little more weight, he’ll be in great shape for a pro career.
DT:
Best players: Trenton Thompson, Georgia; JoJo Wicker, Arizona State; Poona Ford, Texas; Lowell Lotulelei, Utah; John Atkins, Georgia; Matt Dickerson, UCLA; Christian LaCouture, LSU; Taylor Stallworth, South Carolina; Greg Gilmore, LSU. Eddy Wilson, Purdue.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Poona Ford. There were a decent amount of interior d-linemen that I liked, and honestly Poona wasn’t one of them for most of the scouting process. Simply put, I just didn’t watch enough of him. His measurables are subpar, standing shorter than six-foot, and recording an average 8 TFLs his senior year at Texas. When you put on the tape, however, he is a real disruptor. I think there’s a system for him in the NFL, and even if it isn’t with the Seahawks (where he’s signed), he will likely grow from the experience playing with some great defensive minds. Also considered here were Trenton Thompson and Zaycoven Henderson.
DE:
Best players: Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State; Marcell Frazier, Missouri; Ola Adeniyi, Toledo; Joe Ostman, Central Michigan; Javon Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Joe Ostman. In what was a weak year for undrafted defensive ends, Ostman is my reluctant choice. Ostman is a phenomenal football player, but will need the right situation to flourish since he is slightly undersized (6’2” 253lbs) and not particularly athletic. Those limitations hold back many great college players, and Ostman will likely be another one. Still, this guy has a nose for big plays. In just 11 games his senior year, the Central Michigan d-lineman totaled 69 tackles, with a whopping 20.5 TFLs and 14 sacks. I don’t care if you’re in the MAC, those numbers are incredible, especially when you’re the guy getting double teamed all year. The same story can be said for Hercules Mata’afa, who was also given consideration here, but he faces a tougher road getting any opportunities now that he’s part of the Vikings.
LB:
Best players: Jeff Holland, Auburn; Matthew Thomas, Florida State; Mike McCray, Michigan; Tegray Scales, Indiana; Skai Moore, South Carolina; Davin Bellamy, Georgia; Jason Cabinda, Penn State; Tre Williams, Auburn; Garret Dooley, Wisconsin; Frank Ginda, San Jose State.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Skai Moore. Plenty of good linebackers are available as undrafted free agents, and this year was no different. Skai Moore is a great coverage linebacker and a solid athlete. I think he fits well into the modern NFL, and has a great shot at making an NFL roster with the Colts. The South Carolina linebacker didn’t get the notoriety that most SEC stars get, even though he was named All-SEC first team as a senior. While he may be lean for the position (almost 6’3” but only 226 pounds), he flies around the field and makes huge plays. The past two seasons he combined for seven interceptions, which is incredible for a linebacker. He also recorded 110 tackles in just 12 games as a junior. Opportunity and SEC experience are a good formula for jumpstarting an NFL career. Also in consideration was Matthew Thomas, a freak athlete who saw his stock dip after an injury in the East-West Shrine Game.
S:
Best players: Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern; Quin Blanding, Virginia; Kameron Kelly, San Diego State; Trayvon Henderson, Hawaii; Damon Webb, Ohio State; Joshua Kalu, Nebraska; Tray Matthews, Auburn; Sean Chandler, Temple; Stephen Roberts, Auburn; Trey Marshall, Florida State.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Godwin Igwebuike. In the modern NFL, safeties need to be versatile. The Northwestern product is primarily a free safety, but plays more like a strong safety. At the same time, he’s as athletic as a corner. Igwebuike doesn’t have incredible coverage instincts which could hurt him, but he is over 5’11”, weighs 213 pounds, ran the 40 yard dash in 4.44, and ran the cone drill in an exceptional 6.56 seconds, which was tied for the 4th fastest of all players at the combine, regardless of position. He exceeded 100 tackles in his junior year, and had two interceptions in each of the past two seasons. Expect him to get a long look from the Buccaneers. Also in consideration was former five star recruit Quin Blanding, along with Damon Webb.
CB:
Best players: Quenton Meeks, Stanford; Holton Hill, Texas; Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State; Kevin Toliver II, LSU; Tony Brown, Alabama; JC Jackson, Maryland; Levi Wallace, Alabama; Brandon Facyson, Virginia Tech; Grant Haley, Penn State; Jordan Thomas, Oklahoma.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: JC Jackson. This was the most difficult selection of any position. I truly believe that there will be a few undrafted corners who maintain NFL careers, and I’m choosing Jackson based on opportunity. JC measured a lot shorter than expected, measuring just 5’10” instead of the 6’0” he was called in college. Rounding up is expected, but two inches is not, especially when he was an eighth of an inch under 5’10”. Still, he’s plenty physical to make up for anything he loses in height, and he also has plenty of speed. The Patriots are great at finding undrafted cornerbacks, and JC Jackson has some great coverage instincts and toughness. If he were on any other team, he wouldn’t be my choice. But I think he fits great in New England and will make the team. And once you’re on the Patriots, anything can happen. Strong consideration was also given to Quenton Meeks and Holton Hill, a couple of tall, physical corners with a lot of potential. A sleeper to watch is Deatrick Nichols. The Cardinals like undersized yet speedy defenders, and the South Florida would be an elite prospect if he were just a little bit bigger.
K/P:
Best players: Eddy Pineiro, Florida; Trevor Daniel, Tennessee; Joseph Davidson, Bowling Green; Michael Badgley, Miami (FL); Shane Tripucka, Texas A&M.
Player most likely to maintain an NFL career: Eddy Pineiro. Rarely do you see a kicker leave school early, but Pineiro decided to pursue his pro career early. He was nearly perfect his final season, converting on 17-of-18 attempts, including 6-of-7 from beyond 40 yards. Although his longest was only 50 yards, he routinely showed off his powerful leg on kickoffs. He was very accurate his sophomore year as well, hitting an incredible 11-for-13 from beyond 40 yards, including a 54 yard conversion. He will earn a spot in the NFL this season. Trevor Daniel also has a good chance of making an NFL roster.