2012 NFL Undrafted Free Agents: Which Players Are Most NFL-Ready?

Nobody comes into the NFL with a bigger chip on their shoulder than undrafted free agents; especially the ones that should have been drafted.

Many of today's and yesterday's best NFL players have taken this path towards their dream of playing at the highest level. Players like Arian Foster, James Harrison, Antonio Gates and probably the most well known out of the bunch, Kurt Warner.

Undrafted free agents are usually not ready to contribute right away, but some come in and earn starting roles, outplaying those that did get drafted. 

Here are some players that are ready to contribute right away and challenge for a starting spot.

Mike Brewster

Signed: Jacksonville Jaguars

Coming into the college season, Mike Brewster was considered by many to be a top prospect for this year's NFL draft. He was considered a top 30 prospect at the beginning of the season by Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline.

This is how CBSSports evaluated Brewster's pass blocking:

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Pass blocking: Possesses quickness and strength to protect the passer at the next level. Takes two or three steps back immediately after snap if uncovered. Good anchor despite relatively svelte build. Twisting ends run into a wall when greeting him, also has a strong punch to shock oncoming defenders. Will take defenders to the ground if off-balance. Usually extends his arms quickly after the snap to maintain distance but allows defenders to get into his chest at times. Feet stay planted after initial contact, giving up penetration against better tackles on occasion.

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As for his run blocking, CBS analyzed the following:

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Run blocking: Positional blocker with good feet to wall off outside shoulder of defensive tackle. Can move to either side of the defender while engaged. Gets low in short-yardagesituations despite his height, gets good push. Still learning to get off initial down-block to reach linebackers on combo blocks.

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The Jaguars had the leagues leading rusher last year in Maurice Jones-Drew with a good but not great offensive line. The Jaguars have a developmental quarterback that appears to have a short string after last year and they have brought in a wide receiver who many people think will be the best in this class in Justin Blackmon. 

Brewster has the ability to contribute right away for Jacksonville and help one of the leagues leading rusher continue his high level of play while helping the passing game develop.

Chase Minnifield

Signed: Washington Redskins

Minnifield was projected to be a second or third round draft pick when the college season came to an end. He was projected as the No. 22 prospect by Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline.

Minnifield's drop came, not because of lack of skill or potential, but because injuries plagued him at the wrong time. He underwent knee surgery at the end of the season which caused him to miss the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. He also hurt his hamstring during the combine which prevented him from impressing scouts.

He has the ability to play zone and man coverage effectively and can line up in the slot or on the outside. This versatility is vital for the Redskins as they play in a division that possesses some of the top quarterbacks in the league.

Minnifield lacks top end speed, but manages to stay within range of the receiver. He is great at run support and will help the Redskins keep improving their defense. As of now, the Redskins top corner is DeAngelo Hall, so the addition of Minnifield does a lot to improve that secondary.

The Redskins got a second round prospect who will probably challenge for a starting spot this year or next year without having to waste a draft pick. Expect Minnifield to impress coaches and push for a starting spot.  

Chris Polk

Signed: Philadelphia Eagles

I know I wasn't the only one that was surprised Chris Polk didn't get drafted.

Polk is probably the most NFL ready of all the undrafted free agents. He literally carried the Washington Huskies during his time there, which may have probably hurt his draft stock.

He was considered one of the top backs in the draft, but concerns about durability lingered. There were concerns about a degenerative hip issue, which Polk denied. Also, Polk had a lot of carries during his time with the Huskies, which caused some teams to be hesitant about his long term contributions.

In Washington, Polk lined up for a total of 874 plays from scrimmage. 799 were running plays and the other 31 were passing plays. That's a big load for a college running back.

In Philadelphia, Polk will have the luxury to learn from LeSean McCoy and not be thrown into the fire expecting to carry his team with 20 to 25 carries per game. He has the ability to secure a roster spot behind McCoy and also take some of the burden away from McCoy. If Polk pans out the way many expect him to, the Eagles could have an even more dominant backfield than they do now.

Jeff Fuller

Signed: Miami Dolphins

At the end of his junior year and entering his senior season at Texas A&M, Jeff Fuller was considered a top 5 wide receiver prospect. He was being mentioned with the likes of Justin Blackmon, Alshon Jeffery, Michael Floyd and Reuben Randle. 

His senior season fell way short of expectations as Fuller had trouble separating and had trouble catching the ball. However, he has been thrown into the perfect position in order to be a factor for an NFL team right away.

Fuller will be playing alongside college teammate and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He will also have the luxury, like Tannehill, to work under his former coach at A&M in Mike Sherman. Fuller will be playing in a similar offense like he did in college with potentially a familiar face throwing him the ball.

Miami lacks a true No. 1 receiver which will also help Fuller in earning a roster spot. He needs some polishing but he can find himself in the starting wide receiver rotation come week 1. He has the prototypical size needed to be successful in the league and will have an opportunity to prove himself and be at the top of the long list of potential wide receivers for the Dolphins.

Vontaze Burfict

Signed: Cincinnati Bengals

Talent-wise, Vontaze Burfict is atop the list of undrafted free agents. Once considered a lock to be a top 20 pick, Burfict experienced one of the biggest drops in NFL Draft history. 

He has all the physical tools needed to be a successful inside linebacker in the NFL, but his maturity is obviously not where it needs to be (running a 5.09 40 yard-dash in the combine doesn't help a lot either). He also blamed coaches for his poor play at times, which didn't sit well with scouts and NFL coaches.

If Burfict can be coached and stays out of trouble, he has the potential to be a dominant NFL linebacker. He also needs to learn how to control his emotions on the field and not pick up any dumb penalties, which is hardly tolerated at the NFL level.

The Bengals have had some players with maturity issues over the years and Marvin Lewis will make sure he gets Burfict in line. If he gets in shape and stays in shape during mini camps, Burfict might see some time on the field as a linebacker, not just special teams. If the Bengals handle him right, they may have found a gem to be the anchor of the defense for many years.