Which Undrafted Free Agents Are Turning Heads in OTAs?

Every week. Every day. Every practice. Every snap.

This is an undrafted rookie's credo, because each must prove himself every step of the way. Once a player doesn't hear his name called during NFL draft weekend, he's operating at a disadvantage. Thus, his on-field play must determine whether he'll have an NFL career.

Tomorrow isn't given; it must be earned. The league's undrafted free agents understand this better than most.

First impressions mean a lot, but teams have moved beyond rookie camp into organized team activities. This is an important step in the process, because all of a team's first-year players start to ingratiate themselves in the locker room and work alongside the veterans.

With something to prove, a few undrafted free agents came to the forefront during the voluntary practice sessions. The NFL is considered the ultimate meritocracy. A coaching staff and front office want to put the best players on the field—whether or not they were drafted.

These eight players elevated expectations going into mandatory minicamps and placed themselves in a position to earn a roster spot by taking advantage of the opportunities provided and performing better than others.

Size Matters for Arizona Cardinals' Carlton Agudosi

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Size matters, and it provides the Arizona Cardinals' Carlton Agudosi with an advantage over the rest of the team's wide receivers.

At 6'6" and 220 pounds, the Rutgers product is a ready-made red-zone target. But he never produced at a high level during college. In four seasons, he provided only 35 receptions for 513 yards and two touchdowns.

The Arizona coaching staff still saw potential in the massive target. At Rutgers' pro day, Agudosi ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and posted an impressive 40.5-inch vertical jump, per NFL Draft Scout.

"They understood what was going [on at Rutgers], with all the changes that was going on every year and how I got overlooked," Agudosi said in April, per Scarlet Nation's Bobby Deren. "They said I had a lot of talent. They really liked what they saw during my workout and at my pro day as well."

The Cardinals must be intrigued by the possibility of developing such a talented yet raw prospect. Agudosi responded with a strong performance during OTAs. Head coach Bruce Arians described his effort as a "really good week," per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss.

With Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Chad Williams, this year's third-round pick, already entrenched at wide receiver, a young player needs something to separate himself form the crowd. Agudosi's length differentiates him from the rest of the team's options.

Drew Morgan's Emergence as Reliable Target for Miami Dolphins

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Some undrafted rookies join their new team and perform so well at the onset of their career that many are left wondering why they weren't selected in the first place.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Drew Morgan quickly developed into a star during the team's OTAs. According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the Arkansas product was the most impressive performer on the field beyond the team's top three wide receivers.

Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills are the team's top options in the passing game, but every spot beyond that is available for the taking.

Morgan led the Razorbacks in receptions during the last two seasons. His baseline testing at the NFL combine, however, can be described as poor at best, as he ran a 4.74-second 40-yard dash. The 6'0", 193-pound target will never be the biggest or fastest target, but he understands how to run routes and create separation despite his athletic limitations.

"I was a little shocked [to be invited to the combine] because I feel like a lot of [what I offer] are a lot of just intangibles that you can't necessarily judge," Morgan said, per Alain Poupart of the Dolphins site. "... I'm sorry I'm slow, but when it's 3rd-and-2 and you need a first down in the fourth quarter, you're going to throw me the ball. I catch the ball."

Landry ran a 4.77-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he's done pretty well for himself at the professional level. Miami drafted Landry in the second round, though. Morgan must find a niche within the roster. He holds value as a possession receiver and can contribute on special teams, as he returned punts during OTAs.

"Drew is one of those that he's done it in college," head coach Adam Gase said, per Poupart. "We're working Drew at a bunch of different spots."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Staff Praises Canadian Product

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter, who doubles as the team's offensive play-caller, will rely heavily on 12 personnel this year because of the preponderance of tight end talent on the team's roster.

Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, this year's first-round pick, are already set as the team's top two tight ends. Veteran Luke Stocker is another in-line option as a blocker, or the coaching staff could lean toward keeping Alan Cross, who fits the H-back role.

The Buccaneers, however, are likely to keep four tight ends, with undrafted rookie Antony Auclair leading the way to claim the last spot. According to the Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman, the Buccaneers coaching staff provided "consistent praise" when referring to the Canadian import.

Furthermore, Tampa Bay held the Laval product in high esteem before it signed him as an undrafted free agent.

"I'm very surprised he wasn't drafted," Koetter said, per Auman. "We had him with a draftable grade, and we feel very fortunate to get him."

Auclair stands 6'5" and weighs 256 pounds. He and Howard form an intimidating duo with plenty of athletic potential.

"The fact that we were able to get him as a free agent—I think when you just look at our tight end group that we have out here, it's a good looking group," Koetter said, per Scott Smith of the Buccaneers site. "So, we're excited about Antony."

Jessamen Dunker Among New York Giants Blockers Ready to Contribute

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The New York Giants didn't invest much in their offensive line this offseason despite concerns about how the team will protect Eli Manning's blind side.

The organization placed its faith in the team's core four of Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg and Bobby Hart, with John Jerry competing with San Diego Chargers 2013 first-round pick and free-agent signee D.J. Fluker to start at right guard.

New York's depth along the offensive front is suspect, though.

The front office waited until the sixth round to select Pittsburgh's Adam Bisnowaty. The team also signed Jessamen Dunker and Chad Wheeler after the draft. Each rookie has a chance to claim a roster spot with a strong showing during camps and the preseason.

Dunker was a highly regarded recruit who originally signed with Florida. An off-field incident led him to transfer to Tennessee State. The 6'4", 318-pounder developed into a four-year starter and first-team All-American who played right left guard and tackle.

"He's a big 320-pound guy that looks like he's 290," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said, per NJ Advance Media's Dan Duggan. "Really good athlete; one of the best athletes we saw in this offensive line draft class. But he's developmental, too."

With athleticism, versatility and reliability, Dunker is the type of prospect teams find a way to keep on their rosters to maximize long-term value.

Storm Norton Gains Reps After Detroit Lions Blindsided by Injury

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Injuries are a normal part of NFL life. Those unfortunate circumstances create opportunities for other players.

The Detroit Lions suffered a devastating blow when second-year left tackle Taylor Decker injured his shoulder during last week's OTAs and underwent surgery Monday, per Tim Twentyman of the team site.

A timetable for his return has yet to be established.

"It got repaired, and we'll see how he progresses along," head coach Jim Caldwell said. "The doctors will certainly give us updates as he goes. ... He's on the road to recovery."

With Decker out of the lineup indefinitely, the Lions' left tackle options are limited. Rick Wagner signed a mega-deal during free agency, but he's a natural right tackle. Cornelius Lucas, Corey Robinson or Joe Dahl could take over the blind side.

According to MLive Media Group's Kyle Meinke, undrafted free agent Storm Norton received the majority of second-team reps with Decker no longer in the lineup. Caldwell said the 6'8", 306-pounder has "great potential," per WJR 760 AM's Michael Stets.

"He's got the size and dimension and strength. As a young guy, he'll improve," Caldwell said, per WTOL 11's Dan Cummins. "Plus he's got size, toughness. The combination bodes well. There's a lot of competition, but I can see from the first day he can hold his own. I'm looking forward to seeing his progression."

Depending on how long Decker will be out of the lineup, the Lions will need to find a suitable replacement. The undrafted free agent's development can lessen the burden of the loss of last year's first-round pick.

Carolina Panthers' Ben Boulware Is on a Mission to Prove Everyone Wrong

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Former Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware was the most recognizable prospect not to hear his named called during the NFL draft.

Boulware helped lead the Tigers to the national championship with 131 tackles, yet questions about his size and athleticism were enough for every team to pass on him.

The linebacker's greatest assets are his work ethic, instincts and feel for the game. Those things can't be defined by combine testing or a pro day workout, but they helped Boulware land with the Carolina Panthers.

"I've seen a young man who studies the game and takes it very seriously and does his responsibilities the way he should as a football player," head coach Ron Rivera said, per NBC Charlotte. "On the field he's showing you he reads very quickly, makes good decisions, gets himself downhill, plays with his hands very nicely."

There are great athletes, and there are good football players. A rare few are both, while Boulware can be counted among the latter group.

With Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson established as the team's starting linebackers, Boulware must compete with Ben Jacobs, Jeremy Cash, David Mayo, Jared Norris and Zeek Bigger to earn a roster spot. The 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Defensive MVP will use his draft disappointment to drive him to become the Panthers' fourth or fifth linebacker.

"A 6' guy like me [is] not an overwhelming presence like some of those other guys," Boulware said. "You gotta have a chip on your shoulder, and mine's probably a lot bigger than others."

San Francisco 49ers' Lorenzo Jerome Draws Impressive Comparisons

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Undrafted free agent Lorenzo Jerome has the potential to develop into a vital component in the San Francisco 49ers' new defensive scheme.

That may seem like hyperbole, but Jerome's ball skills are among the best of this year's draftees. Even when facing college football's best at the NFLPA Game and Senior Bowl, he created multiple turnovers in each contest.

Those instincts as a single-high safety in Robert Saleh's Seattle Seahawks-inspired defensive scheme can be the difference between a big offensive play or a defensive stop.

"[The coaching staff] wanted to get a competitive safety. They compare me to Earl Thomas all the time, and I relate my game to Earl Thomas and Ed Reed, so I feel like I have a good shot of learning this defense and playing in coach's system right now," Jerome said on 49ers Webzone No Huddle. "They love me a lot. They say just keep pushing and just keep doing what [you] do, get the ball back and be a great safety."

The Saint Francis product continued to do that during rookie minicamp and OTAs. According to the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows, Jerome picked off two passes.

The San Francisco staff moved Jimmie Ward to free safety so he could serve as its version of Thomas. None of the safeties on the roster have showed the same level of ball skills as Jerome, though. With his ability to play over the top, track the ball and make plays, no one should be surprised if he finds his way into the lineup.

Punter Justin Vogel Finds Himself All Alone on Green Bay Packers Roster

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Usually, a team features a pair of punters and kickers in the offseason and preseason to create competition and/or prevent incumbents from being forced to make every kick.

Undrafted rookie punter Justin Vogel was the only punter on the Green Bay Packers roster after the organization released Jacob Schum on Thursday.

Last season, Schum finished 27th in the league with an average of 43.2 yards per punt and 24th with a 39.1-yard net punting average. He didn't participate in Green Bay's recent OTAs because he was dealing with an injury, according to Packers News' Michael Cohen and Ryan Wood.

As a senior at Miami, Vogel averaged 43.8 yards per punt and booted 16 of his kicks longer than 50 yards. The second-team All-ACC performer also pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 25 times.

Without any competition on the roster, the 6'4", 219-pounder appears destined to land Green Bay's punting job.

"I know it makes me the only guy here, but I know the situation: They could bring in another guy tomorrow," Vogel said, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky. "... Right now, it means I get more reps at practice, which is always a good thing, so the coaches get more familiar with me. Hopefully, they'll see one day that this is the guy they want and they won't bring anyone else."