Undrafted Free Agents 2023: Latest Rumors on Top Prospects Available
Between Alabama quarterback Bryce Young getting selected by the Carolina Panthers on Thursday to the Los Angeles Rams picking Toledo defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson on Saturday, there were 259 players taken in the 2023 NFL draft. It was an eventful three days in Kansas City.
Yet, there were some talented college players still available by the time the draft was over. They became undrafted free agents, making them free to sign with any NFL franchise.
Shortly after the draft ended, the buzz started about where these UFAs are heading. While they may not have been drafted, some could still go on to have strong careers. Quarterbacks Kurt Warner and Tony Romo are among the players who went undrafted and became top NFL players anyway.
Here's a look at several of the top undrafted free agents from this year and where they're rumored to be heading to begin their pro careers.
Oklahoma DT Jalen Redmond: Panthers
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The Panthers came away from the 2023 NFL draft with Young and some other talented players. They're also landing the top undrafted free agent, based on ESPN's rankings.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Carolina is signing Oklahoma defensive tackle Jalen Redmond. The former Sooner was the No. 135-ranked player in the class and the No. 12 DT, per ESPN, but he wasn't selected in any of the seven rounds of the draft.
Redmond played in 36 games and made 19 starts over his four seasons at Oklahoma. He had 14 career sacks, including 6.5 in 2019 and four in 2022. And he has the potential to make an impact as a pass-rusher at the NFL level.
"Redmond uses his quick hands and initial burst to get into gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield," ESPN's Steve Muench wrote.
Although the odds are now a bit against Redmond to have a huge NFL career, it wouldn't be surprising if he earns a roster spot with Carolina at some point in the near future.
Army LB Andre Carter II: Vikings
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As a junior with Army in 2021, Andre Carter II put up big numbers. In 12 games that season, he recorded 41 tackles (including 17 for a loss) and 14.5 sacks. He was less disruptive in 2022, his senior campaign, finishing with only 3.5 sacks in 10 games for the Black Knights.
Perhaps that dip in production impacted Carter's draft stock a bit, as he wasn't selected. But he'll still have an opportunity to have an NFL career, as he's signing with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL.com.
Carter's sack total may have dropped, but that's not the only strong aspect of his game.
"He's a disruptive run defender who flashes the ability to slip blocks and shoot gaps. He can stack and shed tight ends," Muench wrote.
Minnesota didn't draft any edge-rushers with any of its six draft picks. That could bode well for Carter, who will try to carve out a spot with the Vikings for 2023.
Alabama CB Eli Ricks: Eagles
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Alabama had 10 players selected during the 2023 NFL draft, tied with Georgia for the most of any school. However, there will still some noteworthy Crimson Tide players who became UFAs, which isn't surprising, considering the amount of talent produced by the program.
Among those undrafted Alabama players was cornerback Eli Ricks. He spent only the 2022 season with the Crimson Tide (playing 10 games and making five starts) after spending the first two years of his college career at SEC rival LSU.
Now, Ricks is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports. Ricks, who had four interceptions at LSU in 2020, has flashed his defensive playmaking ability in the past, although he forced no turnovers with Alabama.
"Ricks is a physical and aggressive corner who is at his best in press-man coverage, where he can use his length to reroute receivers off the line of scrimmage," Muench wrote.
The Eagles already have a strong secondary, so Ricks may face a challenge in trying to earn a roster spot. But he has the talent to end up with some NFL team in 2023.
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