Every NFL Team's 2023 Undrafted Free Agent Most Likely to Make the Roster
The dust settled on the 2023 NFL draft last Saturday, but that didn't end the period of rookie player acquisition.
Immediately after every draft—and sometimes while it's still unfolding—teams begin making their bids for undrafted free agents. Several quality players make it through seven rounds without hearing their names called but still have strong chances to make NFL rosters.
Part of the reason for this is that those players and their representation can pick situations that are right for them—typically teams that are short on corresponding positional depth.
Notable undrafted free agents from last year's class include Washington Commanders tight end Armani Rogers, Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren and Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker.
Which 2023 undrafted free agents have the best chances of sticking on a roster? We'll dive into factors like positional value, team needs, team fit, physical upside and proven production to identify one player from each team here.
Arizona Cardinals: Jacob Slade, LB, Michigan State
1 of 32
The Arizona Cardinals have added undrafted free agent (UDFA) Michigan State defensive tackle Jacob Slade, who was the 276th-ranked player on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final draft board.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Slade is coming in with $200,000 in guarantees on his contract:
That's a lot of guaranteed money for an undrafted rookie, and it suggests that Slade will have every opportunity to win a roster spot. However, Slade's chances don't just rest on Arizona's financial commitment.
Slade is a 6'3", 293-pound interior defender who amassed 60 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks over the past two seasons. He's also joining an Arizona team that desperately needs an influx of defensive talent.
The Cardinals ranked 21st in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed last season.
New head coach Jonathan Gannon has a defensive background and knows the importance of fielding a strong defensive unit. Arizona did pick up a couple of defenders over draft weekend but didn't add an interior defensive lineman until taking Dante Stills in Round 6.
Slade has a good chance to latch on as a backup.
Atlanta Falcons: Justin Marshall, WR, Buffalo
2 of 32
The Atlanta Falcons focused on smaller-school signings with their initial class of UDFAs. Of the group, Buffalo receiver Justin Marshall may have the best chance of sticking because of his position and his bonus money.
The Falcons signed Marshall to a deal that includes $47,500 in guarantees, according to Doug Kyed of AtoZ Sports:
The Falcons are looking to give second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder a fair opportunity to establish himself. Adding to his supporting cast has been part of the process. Atlanta signed Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller in free agency and drafted do-it-all running back Bijan Robinson last Thursday.
However, the Falcons did not draft a receiver, which opens the door for Marshall and fellow UDFA Keilahn Harris (Oklahoma Baptist) to earn spots on the depth chart. Marshall has the better chance of making the roster though because of his size and proven production. Listed at 6'3" and 210 pounds in college, he finished the 2022 season with 837 yards and nine touchdowns.
Marshall was also named MVP of the Camellia Bowl after catching 11 passes for 127 yards, eight first downs and a touchdown.
"What a special receiver," Georgia Southern coach Clay Helton said, per Tim Gayle of the Camellia Bowl's official website.
Marshall, a former Louisville transfer, has four years of college experience, an attractive physical toolbox and a penchant for making plays on the big stage. He's also a local prospect (Conyers, Georgia), who now has a chance to suit up for his hometown team.
Baltimore Ravens: Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
3 of 32
The Baltimore Ravens have a serviceable trio of running backs in J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, but backfield injuries have been a problem in recent years. Hill and Kenyan Drake, who remains unsigned, were the only Ravens running backs to play more than nine games last season.
While the offense is likely to change some under new coordinator Todd Monken, it would be a shock to see Baltimore completely abandon its run-first identity. There's room for backfield depth, even after the Ravens used a sixth-round pick on Missouri's Tyler Baddie.
Enter North Carolina running back Keaton Mitchell, who signed with Baltimore as a free agent. The 5'8", 179-pound prospect is small and unrefined as a runner but possesses home-run-hitting speed.
"He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and that acceleration and speed is very evident on film," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Mitchell flies to the perimeter and kicks into a different gear once he gets to stride out in space, giving him the potential to house it any time he touches the ball."
Baltimore added speed at the receiver position, signing Odell Beckham Jr. and drafting Zay Flowers on opening night. Though he probably can't carve out a prominent role early, Mitchell has the potential to add more speed to the backfield as a change-of-pace runner or receiving back (49 receptions over the last two seasons).
.jpg?w=256 "Titans Camp Football")
Buffalo Bills: Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida
4 of 32
A team with Super Bowl aspirations can never have too much offensive line depth, and the Buffalo Bills are no different. Buffalo signed Connor McGovern in free agency and used a second-round pick on O'Cyrus Torrence to boost the interior.
The Bills then signed Torrence's former Florida teammate and offensive tackle Richard Gouraige as an undrafted free agent.
Gouraige, the 225th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, has some intriguing traits that could allow him to make the roster as a developmental player. For starters, he has an archetypal frame (6'5", 306 lbs, 34-inch arms) to play tackle but also has experience playing at guard.
"Gouraige is an experienced and durable prospect with proven inside-out versatility who gets the most out of his mediocre athletic ability, balance and recovery skills with proficient technique," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
Gouraige's experience playing alongside Torrence could help him stand out early since first-year players tend to spend time together during rookie minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs).
The ability to fill depth at two positions with one roster spot will almost always give a young player an edge during final roster cuts. If Gouraige doesn't make the final 53, he'll be a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Carolina Panthers: Jalen Redmond, DL, Oklahoma
5 of 32
Defensive tackle isn't a massive need for the Carolina Panthers, who have Derrick Brown and free-agent addition Shy Tuttle at the top of the depth chart. However, it's not hard to see Oklahoma product and UDFA signee Jalen Redmond sticking in Carolina this season.
Redmond, the 199th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, was a strong penetrator in college, notching 7.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. At the scouting combine, the 6'2", 291-pound prospect ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash and logged the third-ranked estimated athletic score at his position.
"After tearing it up at the combine during the athletic testing, Jalen Redmond proved to have an intriguing athletic profile that NFL teams will be interested in working with," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "That shows up on tape, as his movement skills help him as a run defender and are noticeable when working line games as a pass-rusher."
Interior defenders who can wreak havoc in the backfield will almost always find a home in the NFL. Redmond has both the athletic upside and the college production to suggest he can be that sort of player.
Chicago Bears: Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd
6 of 32
The Chicago Bears are looking to put long-term pieces around third-year quarterback Justin Fields. Bears general manager Ryan Poles made that perfectly clear when he traded the No. 1 overall pick instead of Fields and added players like wideout D.J. Moore, tight end Robert Tonyan Jr. and rookie right tackle Darnell Wright.
The Bears didn't sign former Shepherd (DII) quarterback Tyson Bagent to compete with Fields. However. Bagent could develop into a long-term backup to Fields in Luke Getsy's offense.
Getsy, it should be noted, coached Bagent at this year's Senior Bowl.
Bagent is a slightly unpolished prospect with good size (6'3", 213 lbs) and athleticism for the position. He ran a 4.79-second 40-yard dash at the combine while producing the eighth-highest estimated athleticism score among quarterbacks.
At Shepherd last season, Bagent completed 69.9 percent of his passes for 4,580 yards, 41 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
If Getsy believes he can clean up Bagent's mechanics—a logical assumption, given the Senior Bowl connection—the 22-year-old could supplant Nathan Peterman or P.J. Walker as the No. 3 quarterback as a rookie. In time, he could move up to become Field's permanent understudy.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jaxson Kirkland, OL, Washington
7 of 32
The Cincinnati Bengals made a splash in free agency when they signed Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a four-year, $64.1 million contract. However, that was the only notable move the Bengals made to address an offensive line that surrendered 44 sacks between the regular season and playoffs.
The Bengals still don't know when they'll have 2022 starting right tackle La'el Collins, who suffered a torn ACL in December, either.
Cincinnati didn't draft a single offensive lineman, but it did sign former Washington lineman Jaxson Kirkland after the draft.
Kirkland was the 218th-ranked prospect on the B/R board and should immediately provide depth at guard and tackle. The 6'7", 321-pound blocker played both guard spots and at left tackle in college.
"Kirkland is physically limited in terms of leverage and athletic ability but is an experienced leader with toughness, versatility and the aptitude to maximize his ability and function as a swing back up at multiple positions in a zone-based run scheme," Thorn wrote.
Max Scharping, Cody Ford and Jonah Williams are scheduled to be free agents next offseason. This could allow Kirkland to quickly rise up the depth chart and become a valuable backup for a line that lacks stability outside of Brown.
Cleveland Browns: Lonnie Phelps Jr., Edge, Kansas
8 of 32
The Cleveland Browns had a strong draft, considering they didn't have picks in the first two rounds. Despite this, they landed three players ranked in the top 52 by the B/R Scouting Department.
Cleveland continued to add value after the draft, adding two players ranked in the Scouting Department's top 300—Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. and Kansas State pass-rusher Lonnie Phelps Jr.
Hickman was the higher-ranked prospect (No. 174th), but Phelps probably has the better chance of sticking in Cleveland.
The Browns lack pass-rushing depth behind Myles Garrett and free-agent addition Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. They did add Isaiah McGuire in the fourth-round, but there's room for Phelps in the rotation. The 6'2", 244-pound prospect logged 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons and was given a fifth-round grade by NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein.
"Phelps plays with an attacking demeanor and reckless abandon to make it hard for tackles to keep up with his energy for four quarters," Zierlein wrote. "He’s explosive and bendy, with the ability to flatten and close to the quarterback."
While Phelps isn't a finished product, he has the physical tools to become a contributor at a position of need in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State
9 of 32
The Dallas Cowboys may have finally found their reliable third receiver when they traded for veteran Brandin Cooks earlier in the offseason. After losing Noah Brown in free agency, though, they should look to establish more depth and only added South Carolina's Jalen Brooks in Round 7.
Fresno State receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper, who signed with Dallas as an UDFA, brings an intriguing skill set to the receiver competition.
"His versatility to throw, run jet sweeps and operate outside of the norm for his position could be intriguing for creative play-callers and teams looking to add competition at receiver," Zierlein wrote.
Moreno-Cropper, the 200th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, is on the smaller side at 5'11" and 172 pounds. However, he ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the combine and could add another home-run threat to the Dallas offense.
NFL Network analyst David Carr favorably compared Moreno-Cropper to Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs.
Last season with the Bulldogs, Moreno-Cropper caught 83 passes for 1,086 yards and five touchdowns. He's a high-floor prospect who can offer depth at receiver and on special teams. Moreno-Cropper would have been a logical pick for the Cowboys on Day 3, and he could be competing for playing time by September.
Denver Broncos: Thomas Incoom, Edge, Central Michigan
10 of 32
The Denver Broncos didn't do the best job of maximizing their draft capital, landing only one prospect in the Scouting Department's top 95—linebacker Drew Sanders—and trading away a 2024 third-round pick in the process.
However, the Broncos got great value by signing Central Michigan edge-rusher Thomas Incoom as an UDFA.
Incoom, the 241st-ranked prospect on the B/R board, is an incomplete prospect but has great athleticism (13th-ranked estimated athletic score at his position) and finished his college career on a high note (11.5 sacks in 2022).
"Incoom is physical at the point of attack and has some pop in his hands which helps as a run defender, but he needs to flush out a good go-to pass-rush move he can win with at the next level," Holder wrote.
Denver could use more sacks production after recording just 36 quarterback takedowns in 2022 and dealing Bradley Chubb at the trade deadline. Incoom might get a chance to contribute early, and barring that, the 6'2", 262-pound defender could find a home as a developmental project and special-teamer.
Detroit Lions: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
11 of 32
Despite missing the postseason, the Detroit Lions were one of the NFL's hottest teams over the second half of last season. Detroit finished with a 9-8 record and the league's fourth-ranked offense. Naturally, addressing the team's 32nd-ranked defense was an offseason priority.
The Lions added players like Cameron Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, rookie first-round pick Jack Campbell and second-rounder Brian Branch The defensive rebuild continued after the draft when Detroit signed former Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph.
Joseph was the 150th-ranked player on the B/R board and the Scouting Department's pick for the best zone-coverage safety. While he's a bit limited athletically, Joseph has a good feel for the game and a nose for the football.
In 10 games with Notre Dame last season, Joseph logged 30 tackles, an interception and a defensive touchdown. He spent the previous three seasons at Northwestern and was named a first-team All-American in 2020.
Joseph finished his 2020 campaign with 46 tackles and six interceptions. He recorded 10 picks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during his college career.
The 6'0", 202-pound Joseph should get an opportunity to provide depth at safety behind Branch, Tracy Walker III, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Gardner-Johnson and 2022 third-round pick Kerby Joseph. He should also provide early special-teams value.
Green Bay Packers: Brenton Cox Jr., Edge, Florida
12 of 32
A lack of talent didn't see former Florida pass-rusher Brenton Cox Jr. go undrafted. Off-the-field concerns likely did. Cox was dismissed from Georgia back in 2020 and was dismissed from Florida's program in October.
According to Kevin Brockway of Gatorsports, Florida coach Billy Napier cited an accumulation of issues as the reason for Cox's latest dismissal.
"We will keep that in house," Napier said, per Brockway.
Cox's talent and upside will give him an opportunity to latch on with the Green Bay Packers, who signed the 23-year-old shortly after the draft.
Cox is a powerfully-built 6'4", 250-pound edge defender who was the 120th-ranked prospect on the B/R board. He's a solid fit to be a dedicated pass-rusher in Green Bay's 3-4 base defense. The Packers have tended to prefer bigger edge-rushers, like the 6'5", 265-pound Preston Smith.
In 33 games with the Gators, Cox logged 32.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He'll have to prove that he can be a model team player in Green Bay, but the physical skills are there for Cox to be a nice developmental project.
The Packers could look to stash Cox for a future role, as outside linebackers Rashan Gary, Justin Hollins and Jonathan Garvis are all scheduled to be unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Houston Texans: Ali Gaye, Edge, LSU
13 of 32
The Houston Texans took some big swings to rebuild their team's foundation early in the draft. They added a new quarterback of the future in C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, then traded up to No. 3 to secure pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Former LSU pass-rusher Ali Gaye, who signed with Houston as an UDFA, might not be a foundational player. However, he can be a solid early contributor who helps turn around a Texans defense that ranked 30th overall last season.
Gaye was the 186th-ranked prospect on the B/R board and has all the tools needed to carve out a role under new head coach DeMeco Ryans. The 6'6", 263-pound edge defender logged 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks over the past two seasons.
Coming from the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans knows the value of having multiple rotational pass-rushers. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa was the star in San Francisco last season, but the 49ers got contributions from players like Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu and rookie Drake Jackson, too.
Anderson will be the star in Houston and will get support from players like Jonathan Greenard, Jerry Hughes and rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Horton. Gaye should have a solid chance to stick as a rotational pass-rusher and run-stuffing defensive end.
Indianapolis Colts: Emil Ekiyor Jr., OL, Alabama
14 of 32
Adding depth to the interior offensive line post-draft is rarely going to excite fans. However, the Indianapolis Colts' signing of Alabama's Emil Ekiyor Jr., should at least generate some interest.
Though he lacks ideal length for guard (6'2", 314 lbs), Ekiyor was a reliable starter for the Crimson Tide, and he put plenty of impressive play on film. He was graded as a potential fourth-round prospect by the B/R Scouting Department.
"Ekiyor has been a functional longtime starting guard in the SEC, bringing a consistent physical presence to the field with quick processing and the natural leverage to get inside defenders, steer in the run game and make snap decisions when uncovered," Thorn wrote.
Thorn also noted that Ekiyor might be helped by a move inside to center, where he saw some time during Senior Bowl Week.
Indianapolis surrendered a ludicrous 60 sacks in 2022, which is an obvious concern with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson entering the fold.
The Colts added some tackle depth during the draft, taking Blake Freeland in the fourth round and Jake Witt in the seventh. Bringing in Ekiyor adds some additional depth on the interior, and given the lackluster performance of the 2022 line, he'll stand a fair chance of making the roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Kaleb Hayes, CB, BYU
15 of 32
The Jacksonville Jaguars did surprisingly little to address a pass defense that ranked 28th in yards allowed last season. Jacksonville's big secondary moves consisted of adding Antonio Johnson, Christian Braswell and Erick Hallett II on Day 3 of the draft.
This is part of the reason why Kaleb Hayes, who signed as an UDFA, should have a fair chance to make the roster in 2023. The Jags need to improve their secondary, and they need to throw as many proverbial darts at the issue as possible.
The other part of the equation is Hayes' athletic upside. The Brigham Young product is a 5'11", 194-pound corner who produced a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical and 17 reps of the 225-pound bench press at his pro day.
That's an athletic profile with which defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell can work. However, Hayes isn't only bringing upside to Jacksonville. He was a sticky cover man in college who logged an impressive 26 pass breakups in four seasons at BYU and Oregon State.
Hayes didn't intercept a pass in college, but he's still a fast, strong cornerback who has shown he can make plays on the football. He could see early playing time as a rotational defender and special-teamer.
Kansas City Chiefs: Truman Jones, Edge, Harvard
16 of 32
The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, who logged 55 sacks during the 2022 regular season, have invested heavily in their pass rush. Last year, they used a first-round pick on George Karlaftis, and last month, they used a first-round selection on Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Kansas City also took B.J. Thompson in the fifth round and replaced Frank Clark with Charles Omenihu in free agency.
However, a championship contender can never have too much pass-rushing depth. This is why Harvard's Truman Jones, who received a big guarantee from Kansas City, has a legitimate chance of making the roster.
The 6'3", 250-pound Jones isn't as polished as some of his big-program counterparts, but he has the size and agility to develop at the next level.
"He isn’t as skilled with his hands as he needs to be, but he plays with the bend and agility to become much better in that area with more work," Zierlein wrote.
In 10 games this past season, Jones logged 40 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks and three blocked kicks.
Given the players Kansas City has on the edge, Jones probably won't see a prominent defensive role early. However, he could quickly become a staple on special teams as a punt- and kick-blocking specialist.
Las Vegas Raiders: Dalton Wagner, OT, Arkansas
17 of 32
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to build a roster fit for head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. The new regime is a year behind the typical rebuild schedule because trying to run it back with a (slightly upgraded) roster that made the playoffs in 2021 made sense.
McDaniels and Co. will likely take the time to develop "their guys," which is part of the reason why Arkansas' Dalton Wagner has a chance to stick around. He's a relatively raw prospect but has shown good pass-protection skills and has tremendous length at 6'8" and 320 pounds.
"Wagner has rare size and length at the tackle position, with much better play strength than we typically see from tackles of his height," Zierlein wrote. "[He] uses his long arms to punch with independent hands, using well-timed strikes to keep rushers out of rhythm."
Wagner needs to improve his footwork and run-blocking ability, but he's a powerful ball of clay that McDaniels and offensive-line coach Carmen Bricillo can sculpt to their liking—something they appear very interested in doing, based on Wagner's UDFA contract:
Las Vegas won't stick with Wagner strictly for financial reasons, of course, but his guaranteed salary and high upside have him on the inside track to a roster spot.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jerrod Clark, DL, Coastal Carolina
18 of 32
A lack of defensive-line depth was a major issue for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. During the season, the Chargers lost Austin Johnson (knee), Otito Ogbonnia (quad) and Christian Covington (pectoral) to injury. They also released 2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery after failing to trade him at the deadline.
On the season, Los Angeles surrendered an average of 5.4 yards per carry, the worst mark in the league.
The Chargers did address their D-line in the draft, taking USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu—likely an edge-rusher in L.A.'s 3-4 base defense—and Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock.
Still, there's a spot for Coastal Carolina defensive lineman Jerrod Clark, who signed with Los Angeles after the draft.
According to Pelissero, Clark's deal includes a $100,000 guaranteed salary:
It's not all about the money here, though. Clark, the 154th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, has a legitimate chance to strengthen the Chargers' run defense as a rotational interior defender.
The 6'4", 334-pound former tight end has a rare combination of raw size and athleticism. Clark logged 41 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season and has a strong chance to stick as a run-down nose tackle in the Chargers' base set.
Los Angeles Rams: Tanner Brown, K, Oklahoma State
19 of 32
The Los Angeles Rams signed a whopping 26 undrafted free agents, which means they could bring as many as 40 rookies to camp. There's a good chance that multiple UDFAs make the regular-season roster.
However, pinpointing the player with the best chance of making it wasn't excruciatingly difficult.
Los Angeles exited the draft without a kicker, and someone will have to fill the role. The Rams brought in N.C. State's Christopher Dunn and Oklahoma State's Tenner Brown as UDFAs for the kicking competition.
While both kickers will have a shot to win the job, Dunn feels like a longer shot because of his lack of elite leg strength.
"Dunn will need to show NFL teams he can handle kickoffs, as he might not possess enough accuracy and leg to impress clubs enough without kickoff value," Zierlein wrote.
While Dunn was nearly perfect on field goals in 2022 (96.6 percent), he made only 84.3 percent of his attempts in college. Brown, meanwhile, made 88.6 percent of his collegiate attempts and made all 78 of his extra-point tries.
Simply put, the Rams cannot go into 2023 without a kicker, and Brown is well-suited to win the job. L.A. could add a veteran to the competition at some point—and likely will—but if it can go young and cheap at the position, it will.
Miami Dolphins: Aubrey Miller Jr., LB, Jackson State
20 of 32
The Miami Dolphins only drafted four players last month, coming away with South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith, Texas A&M running back Devon Achane, Stanford wideout Elijah Higgins and Michigan lineman Ryan Hayes.
Miami essentially added a fifth draft choice after the draft when it signed linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. The undersized (6'0" 229 lbs) but gritty Jackson State defender has a drive that will give him a shot in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system.
"There’s not much of things that I try to do, just more natural things that I do. I just love to play ball. I love to hit. I love to bring energy. I love to be the upbringing of the team," Miller said, per Mike Ceide of WREG Memphis.
This past season, the former Missouri transfer recorded 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks and five forced fumbles en route to being named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.
According to J.T. Keith of the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger, Miller has been working out in Florida with free-agent running back Leonard Fournette and retired tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Miller should already have a good idea of what it takes to succeed in the NFL, and if he doesn't make the Dolphins' defensive roster, he could potentially land a role as a core special-teamer.
Minnesota Vikings: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
21 of 32
The Minnesota Vikings have defensive work to do this offseason after ranking 31st in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed in 2022. Minnesota already hired Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, and it added three defenders—Mekhi Blackmon, Jay Ward and Jaquelin Roy—over draft weekend.
The Vikings continued adding talent after the draft and landed a potential steal by signing Cincinnati linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
Pace was the 149th-ranked prospect on the B/R board and received a fifth-round grade from the Scouting Department. He's an undersized (5'10½", 231 lbs) linebacker prospect but has a very intriguing skill set.
"He'd be a great addition for a team that's looking for someone to get after the quarterback and play special teams. It will help that he has experience in the latter at both schools he attended," Holder wrote.
The former Miami University transfer tallied 261 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the past two seasons with the Redhawks and Bearcats.
The Vikings need defensive help, and Pace is a player who has been productive at every stop. He'll have the opportunity to stick as a special-teamer and develop into a defensive role player.
New England Patriots: Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
22 of 32
Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham may seem like an odd pick for the New England Patriots since the team already has Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley at the position.
However, Cunningham was signed for a reason. He brings a different dual-threat skill set to the Patriots' quarterback room and is a developmental prospect several teams coveted. According to Pelissero, there was "competition" to sign Cunningham, who is getting a $30,000 signing bonus and a $170,000 base salary from New England.
While Cunningham only passed for 1,568 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions this past season, he also rushed for 560 yards and 12 scores. He threw for more than 2,900 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 in 2021.
Cunningham is a 6'0", 192-pound prospect who ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. He's a legitimate candidate to find a role as a skill player rather than a quarterback, a la Julian Edelman.
"Teams will need to decide how Cunningham would fit into an offense, but his ability to make explosive plays with his legs should not be discounted," Zierlein wrote.
The Patriots tend to prioritize value and roster versatility, which gives Cunningham a strong chance to make the roster. He can usurp McSorley as the No. 3 quarterback while potentially filling an early role as a gadget player.
New Orleans Saints: Joel Wilson, TE, Central Michigan
23 of 32
The New Orleans Saints have a solid tight-end tandem in Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill. However, the Saints also traded tight end Adam Trautman to the Broncos during the draft.
Trautman's departure could open the door for Central Michigan product and UDFA Joel Wilson. According to Pelissero, Wilson's deal includes $90,000 guaranteed.
Though his 2022 campaign was cut short by a season-ending ankle injury, Wilson still managed to catch 44 passes for 445 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. The previous season, he caught 31 passes for 367 yards and six scores.
A converted quarterback, the 6'3", 242-pound Wilson is a good athlete and a capable route-runner.
"Wilson doesn’t have the play strength or technique of a Y tight end and might not have the speed to threaten the seam as a pass-catching option, but it is still easy to like his game," Zierlein wrote. "He’s clever as a route-runner and shows an ability to create separation with decent success underneath."
Like Hill, Wilson could provide value as a gadget player in the backfield while contributing on special teams early. With Hill's cap hit set to jump to $15.8 million next season, he could be a cap casualty in 2024. It's not hard to envision New Orleans keeping Wilson around as part of a succession plan.
New York Giants: Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
24 of 32
In an effort to aid recently-extended quarterback Daniel Jones, the New York Giants have put a lot of effort into rebuilding their receiving corps this offseason. They traded for tight end Darren Waller, signed Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder and used a third-round pick on Tennessee speedster Jalin Hyatt.
New York also signed West Virginia receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton after the draft. It doesn't appear that Ford-Wheaton is a player New York is simply taking a flier on, either:
It's not hard to see why the Giants were eager to get Ford-Wheaton into the facility and into the coaching program. He's a 6'4", 221-pound pass-catcher who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.
Really, it's surprising that no team took a swing at Ford-Wheaton, the 113th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, during draft weekend.
While Ford-Wheaton isn't a finished product, he had some solid numbers at West Virginia. In four seasons with the program, he caught 143 passes for 1,867 yards and 15 touchdowns. It will take time to develop his route-running, but Ford-Wheaton could become a productive pro too.
The camp competition at receiver in New York will be fierce. However, the Giants might have to keep Ford-Wheaton on the active roster to avoid having him poached off the practice squad.
New York Jets: Trey Dean III, S, Florida
25 of 32
The New York Jets' offseason has been centered around the pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the addition of offensive players like Rodgers, Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman. The Jets did add pass-rusher Will McDonald IV in the first round, but their defense, which ranked fourth overall in 2022, shouldn't see drastic changes.
New York's defense is talented and deep, but UDFA and former Florida defensive back Trey Dean III will still have an opportunity to make the cut as a rookie. The Jets, after all, paid a premium to bring him into the building.
Dean was the 143rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board and has enough upside to be a valuable box safety and special-teamer.
"He will also gain early playing time by excelling on special teams, much like he did in college," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Dean is a potential role player that might be able to find a job as a starter if drafted to the right team."
The 6'2", 200-pound Dean tallied 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 2022. New York has a solid safety tandem in Jordan Whitehead and offseason trade acquisition Chuck Clark, but both are scheduled to become free agents in 2024.
Dean can provide insurance at safety and contribute on the third unit right away.
Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
26 of 32
In 2022, Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks had a down season in Alabama after transferring from LSU. After tallying five interceptions in 14 games between 2020 and 2021, he had zero in nine games with the Crimson Tide to go with 13 tackles.
While the 2022 tape isn't great, Ricks is still a 6'2", 188-pound corner and a former five-star recruit with tremendous upside.
"Ultimately, Ricks is a highly talented athlete who is just as raw with his technique," Giddings wrote. "He has a fairly high ceiling, but he will need to continue to develop a good amount before reaching that potential."
The Philadelphia Eagles might be the perfect landing spot for Ricks because they don't necessarily need him to contribute right away. General manager Howie Roseman managed to retain both James Bradberry and Darius Slay (on a reworked deal) this offseason. He also added Greedy Williams in free agency and nabbed Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo in the fourth round.
Ricks should get time to develop in Philadelphia while potentially contributing on special teams. At the least, he'll be a top candidate for the practice squad.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Tanner Morgan, QB, Minnesota
27 of 32
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their quarterback of the future in Kenny Pickett, who went 7-5 as the starter as a rookie last season. They also have an experienced backup in Mitch Trubisky, though Trubisky will be a free agent next offseason.
Pittsburgh added former Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan to its roster after the draft. History suggests that he'll have a good chance to make the final 53.
The Steelers have traditionally carried three QBs on the active roster, as they did last year with Pickett, Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.
Morgan is a 6'2", 216-pound prospect who could develop into a long-term backup behind Pickett. Morgan only appeared in nine games this past season because of a concussion, but he completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 1,382 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for four scores.
Back in 2019, Morgan had his best season, throwing for 3,253 yards and 30 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
While Morgan won't jump off the game tape, he's a capable pocket passer with five seasons of starting experience. Trubisky probably isn't destined to be a long-term backup in Pittsburgh, but Morgan might be.
San Francisco 49ers: Avery Young, S, Rutgers
28 of 32
A playoff-caliber team can never have too much quality depth in the secondary, and that's part of the reason why former Rutgers defensive back Avery Young could stick with the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers didn't have a draft selection until the third round, and they used their first pick on Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown. After the draft, they signed Young to a UDFA deal.
Young's best attributes are his size (6'1", 207 lbs) and his versatility. He started at both safety and cornerback in college. He lacks elite top-end speed and won't push Brown as a primary backup behind Tashaun Gipson and Talanoa Hufanga. However, he can provide early depth at safety and as a nickel defender.
"Young shows the ability to be fluid, aggressive and impactful at the cornerback position, using his size in press and disrupting short-area passes or runs from the position," Giddings wrote.
The 273rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Young is a willing tackler—he had 84 tackles in 2022 and 161 over the last two seasons—who can thrive on special teams. He'll have a chance to make the roster there while also providing depth at multiple positions in the secondary.
Seattle Seahawks: Lance Boykin, CB, Coastal Carolina
29 of 32
Like the Lions, the Seattle Seahawks mostly found success in 2022 with their offense, which ranked ninth in scoring. Also, like Detroit, Seattle has put some work into the defense this offseason.
Seattle signed Dre'Mont Jones, Julian Love and former Seahawk Bobby Wagner in free agency. It also used five draft picks on defensive players—including cornerback and fifth overall pick Devon Witherspoon.
The Seahawks also signed Coastal Carolina cornerback Lance Boykin after the draft. The 186th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Boykin is a 6'2", 200-pound developmental prospect who wouldn't look out of place in Seattle's starting lineup—Mike Jackson, Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant all stand 6'1" or taller.
"Boykin has outstanding traits that NFL staffers are looking for," Giddings wrote. "He will need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL game, but he has tremendous upside."
Boykin probably isn't polished enough to see the field early, but he's a player Seattle could develop for the future while utilizing on special teams. A willing tackler, the former Old Dominion transfer logged 58 stops in 2022 to go with two tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
30 of 32
Syracuse running back Sean Tucker was the 130th-ranked player on the B/R board and graded as a fourth-round pick. However, an "ongoing" heart issue was uncovered at the scouting combine, according to Bob McGinn of Go Long, and Tucker wasn't cleared to participate.
The medical issue likely led to Tucker's fall, but it didn't end his NFL hopes. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tucker was medically cleared in time for a pro day in April.
Though he wasn't drafted, Tucker signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an UDFA. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the deal includes $155,000 guaranteed. It also comes with a strong opportunity to make the roster.
Tampa has one of the league's more underwhelming backfields, headlined by Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Patrick Laird and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. The Buccaneers averaged just 3.4 yards per carry as a team in 2022 and parted with starter Leonard Fournette in the offseason.
It's a tremendous opportunity for the 5'9", 207-pound Tucker, who tallied 3,065 scrimmage yards and 27 combined touchdowns over the last two seasons. He's a prospect with both upside and proven production, and given Tampa's limited cache of proven running backs, it would be a mild surprise if a healthy Tucker doesn't make the final 53.
Tennessee Titans: Steven Jones Jr., CB, Appalachian State
31 of 32
The Tennessee Titans' pass defense was abysmal in 2022. The Titans ranked dead-last in yards allowed and 27th in yards per attempt surrendered (6.6). Yet Tennessee did very little to address its secondary through the end of the draft.
The Titans signed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting in free agency but didn't use a single draft selection on defense.
Tennessee did sign Appalachian State cornerback Steven Jones Jr. after the draft, and he'll have a very good chance to make the regular-season roster.
Jones is an undersized corner at 5'9" and 188 pounds. However, he's a physical defender with tremendous ball skills. He had five interceptions during the 2021 season and 15 passes defended last year.
A versatile player, Jones also has shown the ability to play inside or outside, though he may be viewed as a nickel only because of his size.
"Steven Jones Jr. built up an impressive resume at Appalachian State, and he should be able to translate his skills to the next level," Giddings wrote. "He will most likely have to move inside to playing nickel full-time, but with his skill set, he can add depth to the room as an outside corner."
The Titans should welcome any player who can help improve their dreadful pass defense, and Jones can be one such player.
Washington Commanders: Mitchell Tinsley, WR, Penn State
32 of 32
The Washington Commanders have a strong receiving trio in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson. However, the Commanders can afford receiver depth, especially with this year's focus being on the development of quarterback Sam Howell.
Washington's early picks were focused on defense and the interior offensive line, and it didn't select a receiver or tight end over draft weekend. The Commanders, though, did scoop up former Penn State receiver Mitchell Tinsley after the draft.
Tinsley was the 31st-ranked receiver on the B/R board and has the physical tools to develop into a solid possession player at the next level.
The 6'0", 199-pound Tinsley caught 51 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns last season. The year before, at Western Kentucky, he hauled in 87 passes for 1,402 yards and 14 scores.
Tinsley and Dotson, a 2022 first-round pick, didn't play together for the Nittany Lions. However, both played with quarterback Sean Clifford, who compared the two favorably.
"Both [are] crafty in their routes, both can catch the ball, both can catch in traffic and both are special," Clifford said, per Mark Wogenrich of FanNation. "They make special plays."
If Tinsley can make a few "special" plays during camp, he could earn a spot in a receiver room that lacks proven depth.
*Contract information via Spotrac
.jpg?w=480 "Titans Camp Football")
.jpg?w=480 "49ers Eagles Football")
.png?w=480)
