Undrafted NFL Free Agents 2015: Players Who Can Still Make a Big Impact
Now that the 2015 NFL draft is in the books, teams are scrambling to sign undrafted free agents. Even though there were 256 players drafted, there are numerous difference-makers that are available as free agents. Some undrafted free agents turn out to be the difference between a Super Bowl win and a loss.
What makes undrafted free agents special is that they are the ultimate underdog to cheer for. That chip on their shoulder to overcome the odds is the best sports story to watch unfold.
But their stories alone won’t be enough. These individuals have enormous talent. If they go to the right situation and have the work ethic, there are major impact players available.
We’ve accumulated 10 of the best undrafted free agents from the 2015 class. This list is not an exhaustive list, but does highlight some of the best available players.
1. La’el Collins, OT, LSU
1 of 10
Former LSU tackle La’el Collins has one of the most bizarre draft week-stories maybe ever. The off-field situation that he and the victim’s family are dealing with is a tragedy far beyond the gridiron. Hopefully justice is served as that process plays itself out.
For Collins, who has not been named a suspect in his ex-girlfriend’s and her child’s death, his future is murky. Teams did not want to risk selecting Collins in case more information comes that could possibly incriminate him in the incident.
Collins is expected to begin the legal process Monday. That could help clear up his future. If he was not involved, Collins would be a tremendous free-agent signing.
"La'el Collins expected to meet with Baton Rouge PD on Monday http://t.co/1Gm1KVunDe
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 1, 2015"
Collins was a projected first-round pick by many analysts. His ability to play tackle or guard is a major selling point. He could be a valuable piece for any team in the NFL.
Status: unsigned
2. Tony Washington, Edge, Oregon
2 of 10
Oregon pass-rusher Tony Washington was a valuable piece for the Ducks’ college football program for the last two seasons. His 158 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss help illustrate his pass rushing acumen.
Washington is limited to an edge rusher role in a 3-4 front. He did not drop into coverage too often, instead coming on delayed blitzes and winning with his speed. On obvious passing downs, Washington can help bring pressure despite being a role player.
Status: signed with Houston Texans
3. Zach Hodges, Edge, Harvard
3 of 10
One of the top small-school players in the 2015 draft pool was Harvard’s edge-rusher Zach Hodges. Hodges was highly productive in college, logging 118 tackles, 26 sacks and 41 tackles for loss. He has NFL-ready size, standing at 6’2”, 250 pounds.
It was surprising to see Hodges go undrafted. He battled through injuries at the 2015 Senior Bowl to participate in individual drills. Many other injured athletes sat out, while Hodges showed toughness and heart.
Don’t be surprised if Hodges makes a final 53-man roster this fall.
Status: signed with Indianapolis Colts
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas
4 of 10
At 5’11”, 224 pounds, former Texas Longhorns’ running back Malcolm Brown is a very talented back. He was once a big-time recruit, but was unable to parlay his talent into production at Texas.
Brown is an ideal zone-blocking back. He is patient, quick, tough and consistent. He doesn’t break off big runs often, but he can get four yards a carry or better with a good line. His reliability and sure-hands should earn him a roster spot.
In 45 career games, Brown only lost two fumbles. That was easily the best rate of any running back in the 2015 class. He is well suited to be a backup in the NFL.
Status: signed with St. Louis Rams
5. Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee
5 of 10
The 2015 draft wasn’t kind to the Tennessee Volunteers. For the first time since 1963, the Volunteers did not have a player selected in the event. Their best shot was cornerback Justin Coleman.
Coleman probably deserved to be drafted. At 5’11”, 185 pounds and a 31” arm length, he offers good size. He’s also experienced in a specialists’ role, as he was a gunner on special teams and a slot cornerback.
His size and ability to play the slot (which is very difficult) can help him make a roster this fall. He has great energy and a short-term memory, which are musts for the position.
Status: signed with Minnesota Vikings
6. Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa
6 of 10
A breakdown defensive performer for Iowa, Louis Trinca-Pasat has the skillset to work his way into a rotation in the near future. The three-technique has great agility and energy as he relentlessly pursues the quarterback.
Trinca-Pasat was a breakout senior in 2014. He notched 6.5 of his 7.5 sacks last year next to tackle Carl Davis. In a similar system that has a block eater, Trinca-Pasat can wreak similar havoc in backfields.
Status: signed with St. Louis Rams
7. Zach Zenner, RB, South Dakota State
7 of 10
If you like production, experience, measureables and character, then South Dakota State running back Zach Zenner is for you. At 5’11” and 223 pounds, Zenner is a punishing ball-carrier that will bulldoze defenders for extra yards.
Zenner had three consecutive 2,000-yard seasons, totaling 61 touchdowns and a 6.0-yard per carry average. That type of production is incredible regardless of competition levels.
If given the opportunity, Zenner will produce in the NFL. He just needs his chance.
Status: signed with Detroit Lions
8. Henry Coley, LB, Virginia
8 of 10
Numerous notable linebackers went undrafted this year, which is somewhat baffling considering the lack of standout talent there in the NFL. Virginia’s Henry Coley was one player that should have been selected. At 6’2” and 245 pounds, Coley has ideal size for the position, and his film is filled with impact plays.
On paper, Coley is highly productive as well. He had eight sacks in 2014, and a career total of 29.5 tackles for loss. His 222 total tackles also help show how well he finishes plays.
Why Coley went undrafted is a mystery, but he easily has the talent to make a final roster.
Status: unsigned
9. Ryan Delaire, Edge, Towson
9 of 10
There were many small-school players selected on Day 3 of the NFL draft, but it is surprising that Towson’s Ryan Delaire was not picked. Delaire is a talented edge-rusher from a prominent FCS school, meaning he produced against the top competition he played.
Just in 2014, Delaire produced 14.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. His ability to come off the edge and create pressure was easily worth a draft pick. As a pure pass-rusher, Delaire is worth developing, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he logs snaps in the 2015 regular season.
Status: signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. Troy Hill, CB, Oregon
10 of 10
When Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu tore his ACL in 2014, fellow Ducks’ cornerback Troy Hill had to step up to face No. 1 receivers every play. He not only faced the challenge, but was at times better than the All-American he replaced.
Hill is small in stature (5’10”, 182 lbs), but he is feisty on the perimeter. His quick-twitch nature helped him produce 18 passes defensed in 2014 alone. He is a great slot cornerback candidate in the NFL.
Status: signed with Cincinnati Bengals
All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
