Undrafted Free Agents 2024: Sam Hartman Rumors, Predictions for Signed Players
The NFL Draft has officially come to a close and 257 players were selected to their new teams.
However, that does not account for every high-profile name or even every rookie that will be competing for a roster spot for a franchise.
The undrafted free agency period opened immediately following the final selection of the draft, and many notable players from college football quickly signed with franchises.
Here is a look at where some of those names ended up and what their chances of carving a role with their future franchise are.
Sam Hartman
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Eleven quarterbacks were selected in the draft but none were Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman.
The 24-year-old was rated as the 11th quarterback in the class and the 293rd overall player by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. Despite not being selected, Hartman quickly agreed to a deal with the Washington Commanders.
This is an interesting move, considering the fact that the Commanders selected Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the draft. He joins a position group that already has Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm in addition to Daniels, so it will be an uphill battle for him to earn a roster spot.
Still, Hartman has plenty to like in his game. He accumulated 15,656 passing yards and 134 touchdowns in his six-season collegiate career and secured a 34-20 overall record as a starter. He is the record holder for career passing attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns at Wake Forest.
This experience brings him to the Commanders and he will battle to remain with the franchise into the regular season.
Prediction: Practice squad quarterback
Frank Gore Jr.
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Frank Gore Jr. is the son of a five-time Pro Bowler, but that wasn't enough to get him selected in the draft.
The Southern Miss running back was rated as the No. 25 running back and the No. 296 overall player in the 2024 class. He amassed 4,022 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in his collegiate career and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in his final two seasons.
Nineteen running backs were taken instead of Gore, but he finds a home with the Buffalo Bills during the free agent frenzy,
He joins a team that utilized a draft pick on Ray Davis and has James Cook returning. Others on the depth chart include Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans.
Prediction: Third-string running back
Taulia Tagovailoa
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Unlike his brother Tua, Taulia Tagovailoa did not here his name called during his draft experience.
Instead, the younger Tagovailoa will have to contend for a contract in the Seattle Seahawks rookie minicamp.
The Seahawks already signed an undrafted quarterback in Chevon Cordeiro, so Tagovailoa will have an even tougher road ahead. Still, Tagovailoa's experience does make him an intriguing option.
He accumulated 11,356 passing yards in five collegiate seasons, tossing 77 touchdowns and earning a 67 percent completion percentage. He is undersized at 5'11", but could be a strong option for a practice squad or a backup role.
Seattle does have some room in the depth chart, as just Geno Smith and Sam Howell join Cordeiro in the position group.
Prediction: Practice squad quarterback
Chigozie Anusiem
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Hartman wasn't the only undrafted free agent that was pursued by the Commanders.
Washington also came to terms with Colorado State cornerback Chigozie Anusiem, inking him to a deal worth $300,000 and a $50,000 signing bonus. Washington reportedly had to outbid half the league for his services, so he was surely a hot commodity.
Anusiem recorded 57 tackles in 11 games for the Rams, snagging one interception as well. He played five seasons for the program and suited up in 39 total games.
He joins a Commanders team that has eight cornerbacks on the roster, but he should have a pretty clear path to playing given the push the team made to sign him.
Prediction: Backup
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