2015 Undrafted Free Agents: Predictions for Notable Names Left on Market
The hunt for hidden gems is underway in earnest.
While the 2015 NFL draft is a mere days removed from announcing the Arizona Cardinals' selection of Mr. Irrelevant—Louisville tight end Gerald Christian—NFL front offices are hard at work rounding up talent in undrafted free agency.
This is a critical time for NFL franchises each year. Not only does the open market help teams round out summer and preseason rosters, it may help them uncover players worth a spot on a final 53.
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Best of all, this year may be especially fruitful for teams on the hunt because most considered it one of the deepest classes in recent memory. In fact, there are several notable names worth a closer look.
Market's Notable Names
Blake Sims, QB, Alabama
Remember Blake Sims?
Remember the guy nobody thought would win Alabama's starting quarterback job, did, then went on to find great success at the collegiate level?
Now Sims is a priority free agent on the market after a productive surprise campaign in which he completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 picks. He added another seven scores on the ground.
Sims is a tad short at 5'11" and 218 pounds, but in a weak quarterback class, he's worth a look for teams in need of depth at the position. While he's a bit of a project who needs to display better arm strength and consistent accuracy, his continued development is something sure to draw the eye of NFL teams.
There's a spot in the NFL for a developing quarterback as a backup. While some teams don't prefer to keep three quarterbacks rostered anymore, Sims can sneak in as an intelligent, leader-type presence who can produce in a multifaceted role in a pinch.
Prediction: Sims sticks on a practice squad while he develops.
Rob Crisp, OL, NC State
Now here's an odd one—a prospect with starting left tackle upside went undrafted.
Rob Crisp has an extensive medical history, which has to be the main reason he fell out of the draft. Some consider his 6'7", 301-pound frame a tad light, which is a fair assessment, too.
But here's the thing—NFL.com's Lance Zierlein is one of many who graded Crisp as a third-round prospect at best, with his conclusion saying it all:
"Hard-nosed, high-effort tackle whose feet are always in motion and who has the footwork necessary to match up with speed rushers on the left side. Crisp has limited strength and might not be a fit for teams looking to run the ball with power, but his feet and length give him a shot to become an NFL starter at left tackle.
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If Crisp can stay healthy and find a way to improve his functional strength so he can be of better use as a run-blocker, the talent is already in place for a pro-level pass-blocker.
Look for Crisp to land on a final 53 so long as he stays healthy.
Prediction: Crisp makes a final 53 as a backup while developing.
Taiwan Jones, LB, Michigan State
There's not a ton of love for inside linebackers these days as the league transitions more and more toward the passing game.
It doesn't help teams know two-down 'backers like Michigan State's Taiwan Jones will be available after the draft, either.
Jones was the leader of an elite Michigan State defense and never missed a game in his prestigious four-year career. He offers great size at 6'3" and 245 pounds, and while he sometimes takes bad angles, his head is never out of the game, as Jayson Braddock of ESPN 97.5 illustrates:
Jones won't have any issues turning in a lengthy pro career. He's a weakness in coverage, but in a 3-4 alignment where all he's asked to do is stuff the run and blitz, not to mention act as a special teams leader, he will find a home at the next level for a quite a long time.
Look for a team in need to scoop up Jones and get one of the biggest steals of undrafted free agency.
Prediction: Jones makes a 53 as a backup and special teams ace.
Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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