The NFL Draft may be the big spotlight for many players, but going undrafted doesn’t mean the end of the road. Every year, undrafted free agents (UDFAs) show that not being selected doesn’t define their future. Some players use the opportunity to prove their skills and earn roster spots, while others go on to become stars.
The UDFA journey is all about hard work, determination, and finding the right chance. NFL teams are always looking for players who have the heart and ability to make a difference, whether it’s on the practice squad, special teams, or even as starters. Being undrafted just means a different path, not the end of the road.
Here’s a list of the top UDFAs this year, showcasing players who are ready to make an impact and prove that being undrafted is just the beginning of their journey.
Top Undrafted Free Agents To Secure NFL Roster Spots
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (CSN Big Board Rank: 50)
Isaiah Bond stands out with his speed and playmaking ability. He’s great at running routes and could play as a slot receiver or deep threat. He is unsigned, but as a top undrafted player, he likely caught the attention of NFL teams and could be a candidate for a practice squad or developmental role.
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (CSN Big Board Rank: 106)
Xavier Restrepo is known for his reliable hands and quickness, making him a go-to target at Miami. He excels in the slot and could be valuable on special teams. Signed with: Tennessee Titans. Restrepo’s skill set fits a depth receiver role, where he might start contributing on special teams.
Sebastian Castro, SAF, Iowa (CSN Big Board Rank: 122)
Sebastian Castro brings physicality and good instincts, especially in run support and short-area coverage. He’s a hybrid safety, best suited for box-heavy schemes, but lacks elite speed. Signed with: Pittsburgh Steelers. Castro’s toughness fits Pittsburgh’s defensive style, likely contributing on special teams or as a depth safety.
Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas (CSN Big Board Rank: 124)
Mello Dotson stands out with his size and ball skills. He contests passes well, but his man-coverage technique needs work. Signed with: Las Vegas Raiders. Dotson’s traits make him a developmental corner, likely competing for a roster spot or practice squad role.
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas (CSN Big Board Rank: 125)
Cobee Bryant is known for his playmaking and speed, though he needs more consistency in coverage. Signed with: Atlanta Falcons. His athleticism suggests a potential special teams or depth role.
Luke Kandra, IOL, Cincinnati (CSN Big Board Rank: 129)
Luke Kandra is known for his strong run-blocking and aggressive playing style. His athleticism is limited, but he is a solid interior lineman. Signed with: Carolina Panthers. Kandra’s signing likely brings depth to Carolina’s interior line, possibly as a backup or on the practice squad.
Logan Brown, OT, Kansas (CSN Big Board Rank: 135)
Logan Brown has the size and length needed for the NFL, but injuries and inconsistent technique lowered his stock. Signed with: Minnesota Vikings. Brown’s signing reflects Minnesota’s focus on developing linemen, likely for the practice squad.
Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss (CSN Big Board Rank: 138)
Jared Ivey’s quick first step and motor stood out in the SEC, though he needs to improve his pass-rush moves. He is unsigned, but likely has interest from NFL teams as a rotational edge rusher.
Joshua Gray, IOL, Oregon State (CSN Big Board Rank: 144)
Joshua Gray is known for his leverage and strong run-blocking. However, his mobility is limited. Signed with: Atlanta Falcons. Gray’s signing likely adds depth to Atlanta’s interior line, likely as a camp body or on the practice squad.
Zy Alexander, CB, LSU (CSN Big Board Rank: 153)
Zy Alexander is known for his size and press coverage skills, though his footwork needs improvement. Signed with: Seattle Seahawks. Alexander’s physicality fits Seattle’s defensive style, and he’s likely to contribute on special teams or as a depth corner.
Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers (CSN Big Board Rank: 161)
Hollin Pierce’s massive frame and power as a run blocker are assets, but his pass protection needs improvement. Signed with: Philadelphia Eagles. Pierce’s signing likely fits Philadelphia’s focus on developing depth on the offensive line.
Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida (CSN Big Board Rank: 162)
Elijhah Badger is known for his speed and versatility, being able to play various receiver roles. His route-running could improve. Signed with: Kansas City Chiefs. Badger’s athleticism suits Kansas City’s offense, likely as a gadget player or special teams contributor.
Clay Webb, IOL, Jacksonville State (CSN Big Board Rank: 164)
Clay Webb is known for his technique and versatility at center and guard. However, his size limits him against bigger defenders. Signed with: Denver Broncos. Webb’s signing likely adds depth to Denver’s interior line, possibly for the practice squad.
Jake Majors, IOL, Texas (CSN Big Board Rank: 167)
Jake Majors is a reliable center with good mental processing and run-blocking ability. His size is not elite, though. Signed with: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Majors’ signing provides Tampa with depth at center, likely as a backup or camp body.
Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU (CSN Big Board Rank: 172)
Tyler Batty is known for his high motor and run-stopping ability, though his pass-rush skills are less explosive. Signed with: Minnesota Vikings. Batty’s signing likely provides edge depth for Minnesota, possibly for special teams or the practice squad.
Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina (CSN Big Board Rank: 173)
Joshua Simon is a balanced tight end with strong blocking and red-zone receiving skills, though he lacks speed. Signed with: Atlanta Falcons. Simon’s signing adds depth to Atlanta’s tight end group, likely as a backup or special teams player.
Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina (CSN Big Board Rank: 183)
Kaimon Rucker brings a relentless motor and play disruption, though his smaller frame may limit him. He is unsigned, but likely received interest as a special teams player or situational pass rusher.
Maxen Hook, SAF, Toledo (CSN Big Board Rank: 184)
Maxen Hook is a hard-hitting safety with strong run-support instincts, though his coverage skills need improvement. Signed with: Philadelphia Eagles. Hook’s signing likely adds toughness to Philadelphia’s secondary, possibly for special teams.
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa (CSN Big Board Rank: 186)
Jay Higgins is a solid tackler with good instincts, but his athleticism is limited. Signed with: Baltimore Ravens. Higgins’ signing likely adds depth to Baltimore’s defense, possibly as a special teams player or backup linebacker.
Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF (CSN Big Board Rank: 192)
Kobe Hudson is a smooth route runner with good contested-catch ability, though he lacks elite speed. Signed with: Carolina Panthers. Hudson’s signing adds depth to Carolina’s receiving group, likely contributing on special teams.
Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame (CSN Big Board Rank: 194)
Howard Cross III has a low center of gravity and excels at run-stopping, but his pass-rush skills are limited. Signed with: Cincinnati Bengals. Cross’ signing adds depth to Cincinnati’s defensive line, likely as a rotational player.
Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia (CSN Big Board Rank: 197)
Nazir Stackhouse is known for his size and strength, making him ideal for 3-4 defenses, though he’s not much of a pass rusher. Signed with: Green Bay Packers. Stackhouse’s signing adds strength to Green Bay’s front, likely for a depth role.
KEEP READING: NFL Undrafted Free Agent Contracts: How Much Do UDFA Players Really Get Paid?
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky (CSN Big Board Rank: 199)
Jamon Dumas-Johnson is a strong tackler with good instincts, but injuries and size concerns dropped his stock. Signed with: Green Bay Packers. Dumas-Johnson’s signing provides depth at linebacker for Green Bay, likely as a special teams player.
Seth McLaughlin, IOL, Ohio State (CSN Big Board Rank: 203)
Seth McLaughlin is a versatile interior lineman with good mobility, but his frame limits him against powerful rushers. Signed with: Cincinnati Bengals. McLaughlin’s signing adds depth to Cincinnati’s interior line, likely as a backup.
Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska (CSN Big Board Rank: 204)
Tommi Hill has great length and press coverage skills, though his tackling and consistency need improvement. He is unsigned, but likely received interest as a developmental cornerback.
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