2012 NFL Undrafted Free Agents: 6 College Studs Who Must Fight for a Spot

The 2012 NFL draft turned a number of college stars into undrafted free agents, as they're now left to fight for their NFL lives.

Undrafted rookies are fueled with motivation given the fact that NFL teams passed them up 253 times.

Some of these players' stocks dipped because of their own misguided decisions. Others have been told their whole lives that they were too small, slow and clumsy to ever make anything of themselves when it comes to playing on Sunday.

Regardless of their background or reputation, these guys have come too far to be turned down now, as they will have to leave it all on the field in order to don an NFL uniform.

The Extra Point: Vontaze Burfict Has a Very Short Leash but a Chance Nonetheless

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict got a second lease on his football life when the Cincinnati Bengals were quick to sign him after the 2012 NFL draft concluded.

Burfict has plenty of talent, but he needs to harness his volatile temper in order to make it in the NFL. If any team is used to dealing with problematic players, it's Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.

From a football lover's perspective, let's hope that Burfict can begin a positive chapter in his life and light up the NFL.

Showing some maturity will ensure Burfict a spot on the roster—whether or not that will actually occur, is the real question.

Cliff Harris Will Make a Good Name for Himself with the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles made a brilliant move by signing undrafted free agent Cliff Harris after the draft.

Harris was a budding star at Oregon before being dismissed from the team for numerous infractions, whether they be breaking team rules or the law.

If Harris doesn't clean up his act in Philadelphia, it won't be a huge loss if the Eagles are forced to cut him. If he excels, the Eagles will look like evil geniuses for bringing him in.

As an All-American in 2010, Harris defended 23 passes and tallied four interceptions. As an added bonus, he also returned four punts for touchdowns in 2010.

It will be tough for any NFL team to devise a plan to stop DeSean Jackson and Harris in the kicking game.

As long as Harris lets his game do the talking, he's got a great chance to make the Eagles roster.

Chase Minnifield Has a Future in Washington When Fully Healthy

Although currently recovering from knee surgery, the Washington Redskins were keen to sign undrafted free agent Chase Minnifield.

In his time at Virginia, Minnifield collected 13 interceptions, proving he has the instincts that are needed to be an NFL cornerback.

Given time to fully recover, the Redskins may have a future starter on their hands. Minnifield will have to do what he can to prove himself over the summer, but has a real chance at making the team.

Being a smart player will help Minnifield in the long run, as the Redskins would be absent-minded to let him go before they see him play at 100 percent.

Peyton Manning Will Fall in Love with Eric Page in Denver

In three seasons as a member of the Toledo Rockets, wide receiver Eric Page amassed 306 receptions.

Now a member of the Denver Broncos, Page will quickly become a favorite of quarterback Peyton Manning as a slot receiver.

Page's six games in 2011 with 10-plus catches proved that he can be a quality possession receiver in the NFL.

Although all undrafted free agents have their work cut out for them, the Broncos' receiving pool is shallow, and Page has what it takes to impress.

Looking further, he'll be a nice sleeper pick on your fantasy team by the time midseason rolls around.

Kellen Moore Has to Emerge from the Shadows in the NFL

Kellen Moore won a ridiculous 50 games as quarterback of the Boise State Broncos.

Due to the fact that he's an undersized lefty, he found himself going undrafted.

Now a member of the Detroit Lions, Moore has plenty of motivation heading into his rookie season. The Lions were in need of a third-string quarterback, and Moore has his chance.

Not to say that Moore has the job locked-up, but he should easily make the Lions as the No. 3 quarterback.

Don't be surprised when Moore works hard and gets a gig elsewhere as the No. 2 quarterback, with some possible playing time in a couple of years. He'll do more than hold a clipboard in his NFL career.

The Philadelphia Eagles Got a Steal in Chris Polk

It's hard to believe that a three-year running back who accumulated 4,000-plus yards at a school that resides in a power conference can go undrafted, but it happened to Chris Polk.

There are reports that NFL teams became cautious of the running back because of shoulder surgery, while others state that he has a bad hip.

It's simply disgusting how such rumors can alter a kid's life in such a drastic way. Out of nowhere, Polk fell from the first two days of the draft and was suddenly left for dead.

If Polk was injured, he would not have run for 1,488 yards in 2011. Now the Philadelphia Eagles have an excellent running back in Polk, who makes their backfield undeniably deep.

Polk may not be a bad "Mr. Irrelevant" pick in your 2012 fantasy draft.

Case Keenum Is More Than Good Enough to Play in the NFL

All quarterback Case Keenum did for the Houston Cougars was break records.

Never mind the naysayers; 19,257 passing yards and 155 career touchdowns aren't all the product of the system he played in—it's because Keenum has talent.

Keenum threw for 5,000-plus yards three times in his college days at Houston.

Going undrafted in the 2012 NFL draft, Keenum is now a member of the Houston Texans.

Keenum's draft stock may have been hurt the most because he's guilty by association. The Houston Cougars have a history with past quarterbacks (Andre Ware, David Klingler and Kevin Kolb) being less than spectacular in the NFL.

What the Texans now have is a player who'll do anything to start in the NFL. Someday Keenum will get his chance, and true believers will be left saying, "I told you so."

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