What undrafted longshot in training camp are you hoping will make the roster?

mikemac1

This was done two seasons ago

My pick never made an impact and then got cut

Time to try again!

Well we covered the draft pretty extensively in the forum and have lots of knowledgable posters. But we can't know everything so is there is an undrafted player in your camp who you think deserves a roster spot?

Probably most fans in the league never heard of them but you like them better then some of your better known drafted players

Marlon Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens


Had a solid time in University of Georgia and was touted as a mid round pick but tore his ACL last November.

After the draft he had offers from John Harbaugh and Gary Kubiek and choose to go to Houston. Didn't last long there and there was still a spot open in Baltimore.

Over 3 pre-season games he has 10 catches for 149 yds and 2 TD's

6'5" and 205lbs he has size and while he's no Anquan Boldin the team is looking for a No.2 reciever.
If Brown can get a spot on the 53 it's likely to be at the expense of a 4th round pick from 3 years ago so that's good going for an undrafted player


Any gems on your team? Anyone you think may be snapped up if your GM cuts them?

Paully D

I like Matt Furstenberg (TE). He's a local UDFA out of Maryland and has been impressive thus far in pre-season, so much so the Ravens were comfortable cutting Shiancoe in the first round of cuts. He's had a couple of 20 yard + receptions in games and is getting a reputation in practice for coming up with big plays.

He should grab that third TE spot.

HigginsJ

Bending the rules a little here (he made the 53 man roster last year but didnt play and was not active most weeks) so

Adewale Ojomo - 6ft 4 - 270lbs - DE

He made a huge impact as an UDFA last offseason with 4 sacks, 10 tackles and a forced fumble. He has 3 sacks through the 1st 3 preseason games this year. Tuck, JPP, Damontre Moore & Matias Kiwanuka are presumed starters and back-ups & he is in a fight with Justin Trattou, Adrian Tracey (another potential UDFA to make the roster) & Matt Broha for the 5th spot.

He played college football at the University of Miami. He finished college with 79 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 2 Forced fumbles.

Adrien Tracy - 6ft 4 - 243lbs - DE

A 6th round pick back in, before being placed on IR & then practise squad in 2011. Has had to make the transition from LB to DE but ha potential. Saw some game time last season & finished with 12 tackles & a sack.

Osi's departure had briefly created space but drafting Damontre Moore in the 3rd this year & with Kiwi reverting back to DE full time there is only 1 spot left. Tracy has an edge over Ojomo slightly as he is more likely to contribute in special teams.

Both of these guys not only have the potential to make the roster but if they get a chance they could make an impact.

Mikeyt086

There is a ****load of UDFA's on the Jags and a few have a very good chance of making the roster and one or two may become starters.

QB Matt Scott - Arizona QB Scott is a good prospect, he is an athletic QB who can run the ball, has a strong arm, but needs to develop more. Certain to get the 3rd QB spot behind Gabbert and Henne.

FB Lonnie Pryor - Will be the Jags starting full back, Pryor is very similar in style to Greg Jones who left in free agency and has a lot of people excited.

TE Ryan Otten - A receiving TE out of San Jose State, Otten is a good threat and will make the roster.

BaronVon

I'd have to go with Kenbrell Thompkins, WR for New England.

He's a classic up against adversity story. He's had a great camp, Brady seems to like him, and he had a great game against Detroit

The Bogman

For the Seahawks, I think Alvin Bailey out of Arkansas can make the roster as a backup G/T. His ability to play guard or tackle is a big plus. Also, the willingness to trade away John Moffitt seems to augur well for Bailey.

davyjose

I think these guys are shortshots now, but Griff Whalen and Caeser Rayford.

Whalen was always on the radar, Whalen has come from nowhere and been our best pass rusher this preseason.

These guys will make the roster. Outside of that, it's pretty set.

theRB

Not sure how much of a 'longshot' he is but I like the Chargers UDFA NT Kwame Geathers. He's really massive and he's looked fairly good for a UDFA and I believe he blocked a FG last night. (That said, it was a pretty awful kick)

Son Of A Vidic

I got two UDFA from the Pats, Infacteh has already touched on one of them. Both these guy were signed last May and entered mini camp as long shots. Now both are guaranteed roster spots.

1) Zach Sudfeld (TE). Zach is 6'7" and 255lb, he comes from an injury ravaged college career with 6 surgeries. He has repeatedly stood out and caught the eye with great catches, many of them one handed and in traffic. He has had a very good preseason, his two point conversion catch against the Buccs was sweet. He beat three defenders to make the catch. He made a silly drop against the Lions. But he's a rookie and it will happen. If he stays health and keeps up his progress then he could be special. Over the last 3 preseason games he has 6 catches for 90 yards and 1TD. So thought of a fully fit Gronk lining up with him, is a very exciting prospect indeed.

2) Kenbrell Thompkins (WR) 6’1” and 196lbs. Like Sudfeld this kid has really stood out, going from strength to strength in camp and preseason. In a year when the Pats have to completely rebuild their offense and nearly every target for Brady is new. Against the Lions, when the new offense stuttered and spluttered. Thompkins stood out with his 8 catches for 116 yards and he has totaled 13 catches for 142 yards in the preseason so far. Thompkins has already earning himself a spot on the roster. He could be a fairy tale in the making, with all the adversity and difficulties he has overcome. If he stays healthy and keeps up his great work ethic, I think he will be a star. It's the first time since Moss left, that Brady has a proper deep option and it's long overdue imo.

taidghbaby

davyjose wrote: »

I think these guys are shortshots now, but Griff Whalen and Caeser Rayford.

Whalen was always on the radar, Whalen has come from nowhere and been our best pass rusher this preseason.

These guys will make the roster. Outside of that, it's pretty set.

Whalen is rushing the passer now too??? :-p.
Rayford is an absolute beast (6'7" & 245 lbs) and has shown some good speed so far, albeit predominately against 2nd and 3rd team o-lines!

The other guy who is an UFA but played a game with the Bills last year is SS Delano Howell! He will be a backup if he does make the roster (which is likely) but he could get a lot of game time if Landry picks up injuries like he has previously! Howell is a good tackler in space and is a hard hitter too!

davyjose

taidghbaby wrote: »

Whalen is rushing the passer now too??? :-p.
Rayford is an absolute beast (6'7" & 245 lbs) and has shown some good speed so far, albeit predominately against 2nd and 3rd team o-lines!

The other guy who is an UFA but played a game with the Bills last year is SS Delano Howell! He will be a backup if he does make the roster (which is likely) but he could get a lot of game time if Landry picks up injuries like he has previously! Howell is a good tackler in space and is a hard hitter too!

Lol it was late. That should have said Rayford.

TaosHum

Although he was un-drafted in 2012, would love to see Brian Tyms make the 53 man squad. Kid grew up in Fort Lauderdale with his foster parents, after being homeless for a time and attended Florida A&M. Tyms only took up football his last year of high school, having played basketball for most of his years.

Tyms at 6'3 and weighing 210lbs has great size and good speed. He runs some nice routes and has good hands. He has had a good pre-season so far and with 2 receiver spots up for grabs in Miami, I hope he can get at least one. The three locked in are Wallace, Gibson and Hartline. So four players are vying for the other two spots (Bumphis, Tyms, Matthews and McNutt).

Brian Banks for obvious reasons.
From the Ravens though, probably Furstenburg.

irishbucsfan

There's only really one Buccaneers UDFA rookie who has a good chance of making the roster, Rashaan Melvin.

Unfortunately for him there is actually a fair bit of competition at CB for the Bucs.

Leonard Johnson and Johnathan Banks have been starting at CB with Revis to come in. Then Mike Adams is looking feisty as a nickel back. Danny Gorrer has potential and had a nice interception in week 1.

So if the Bucs bring 6 CBs into the regular season then I think Melvin will sneak in as the 6th CB. And I can't see anyone else of the UDFAs making it. Maybe Tim Wright, TE, because our other TEs are terrible.

Lionbacker

There should be two UDFA's that will make the Lions roster.

TE Jospeh Fauria who came from UCLA & caught a TD against the Patriots last Thursday. Was a longshot until our 7th round pick Michael Williams broke his hand in the same game & will now probably placed on IR after he has surgery later on this week.

OT LaAdrian Waddle from Texas Tech is going to be a new back-up tackle. Has played well in preseason & the coaches have had nothing but praise for him during the whole off-season.

Hazys

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/26/bills-planning-to-start-jeff-tuel-in-week-one/

Jeff Tuel looks possible to start for the Bills week 1 against the Patriots.

He will be the first UDFA to start week 1 as QB ever in the NFL.

heyjude

I'd like to see WR Conner Vernon make the Raiders roster, he is the ACC all-time career receiving leader and in college, showed that he is a very talented slot receiver, he also impressed during the OTAs, but he seems to have been virtually ignored in pre-season, which could mean that they didn't want to highlight him in the hope that he passes waivers and can be signed to the practice squad.

The other undrafted player I'd like them to keep is QB Matt McGloin, who I think has shown some promise, but they are sure to keep Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor, which leaves McGloin challenging 4th Round pick Tyler Wilson for the final spot, with Wilson having the edge due to his draft position. Hopefully they can keep McGloin on the practice squad too.

Arawn

Hazys wrote: »

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/26/bills-planning-to-start-jeff-tuel-in-week-one/

Jeff Tuel looks possible to start for the Bills week 1 against the Patriots.

He will be the first UDFA to start week 1 as QB ever in the NFL.

some comments are great, "The team will all pile out of a paisley colored Volkswagen with face paint and big red noses." followed up straight away by Clownin’ Around for Clowney?

davyjose

Josh McNary received an exemption due to being on military service, so I believe the Colts roster is still at 76. There are no exemptions for the 53 man roster though, so we'll see. The guy is talented but Caeser Rayford has played out of his skin this Preseason. That would make it 5 OLBs on the roster.

davyjose

Arawn wrote: »

some comments are great, "The team will all pile out of a paisley colored Volkswagen with face paint and big red noses." followed up straight away by Clownin’ Around for Clowney?

How much of a slam dunk first pick is Clowney? I understand he's a phenomenal talent, but how much value does that bring a team relative to a QB, for example. Also he's averaging a sack a game, but he won't be pushing NFL tackles around the way he is with college kids.
For me, someone like JPP is a top 5 pick, but if there is a talented skill position player, then they'll always get picked ahead of JPP. So why is Clowney regarded in the same manner as, say, Andrew Luck was?

Paully D

davyjose wrote: »

How much of a slam dunk first pick is Clowney? I understand he's a phenomenal talent, but how much value does that bring a team relative to a QB, for example. Also he's averaging a sack a game, but he won't be pushing NFL tackles around the way he is with college kids.
For me, someone like JPP is a top 5 pick, but if there is a talented skill position player, then they'll always get picked ahead of JPP. So why is Clowney regarded in the same manner as, say, Andrew Luck was?

I was actually coming on here to ask the below question when I seen this post:

If you have the number one pick in the 2014 draft, would people take Clowney or a QB such as Bridgewater or Boyd?

I've seen many different people pick different options.

HigginsJ

Paully D wrote: »

I was actually coming on here to ask the below question when I seen this post:

If you have the number one pick in the 2014 draft, would people take Clowney or a QB such as Bridgewater or Boyd?

I've seen many different people pick different options.

Its a bit too early to tell but if the draft was tomorrow it would be Clowney no brainer for me. If Bridgewater has a really strong year again it could be close. Also one or two rumours that Clowney is slack in his gym work n big of big man on campus syndrome

Arawn

Atm Clowney would fall no later than 2 in the draft imo. I haven't heard about him being slack in the gym and that maybe true...but when a guy regularly beats double coverage he can't exactly be slack in the gym

HigginsJ

Arawn wrote: »

Atm Clowney would fall no later than 2 in the draft imo. I haven't heard about him being slack in the gym and that maybe true...but when a guy regularly beats double coverage he can't exactly be slack in the gym

In work so cant post links but he and his coaches admitted he didnt put in effort on his plays and he wasnt in top shape last year as he got tired during games. A frightening thought really

Hazys

HigginsJ wrote: »

In work so cant post links but he and his coaches admitted he didnt put in effort on his plays and he wasnt in top shape last year as he got tired during games. A frightening thought really

Sounds a bit like (dare i say it) JaMarcus Russell to me.

He is a man amongst boys in the NCAA but he'll be a man amongst men in the NFL. If he doesn't put the work in in the weight room in the NFL, his natural physical advantage will disappear at the next level.

davyjose

I've heard it said so many times, particularly by linemen, the step up from the NCAA to the NFL is mindblowing. I'm not sure what a defensive end's upside is. How much is he going to bring to the table in terms of winning a ring, compared to an skill position player?

Isn't Marquise Lee eligible for next years draft?

Justin10

davyjose wrote: »

Isn't Marquise Lee eligible for next years draft?

Yup he will be entering the draft next year.

HigginsJ

davyjose wrote: »

I've heard it said so many times, particularly by linemen, the step up from the NCAA to the NFL is mindblowing. I'm not sure what a defensive end's upside is. How much is he going to bring to the table in terms of winning a ring, compared to an skill position player?

Isn't Marquise Lee eligible for next years draft?

If you constantly reach for a need and pass on better talent then you are just weakening your team in relation to your opposition.

If Clowney lives up to expectations this year then I'd rather have him than a QB who is not as strong a talent (up to Bridgewater to challenge him)

Also to go from undrafted free agents to the most highly rated prospect in a long time is a great about turn!!

clowney is as safe a bet as there is to be a stud in the nfl and will on paper be one of the top ends in the league as soon as he steps on the field but any time i hear anyone say that all i think of is aaron curry he was the safest bet in that draft there where lions fans who wanted him no 1 overall off the top of my head the big risk at linebacker that year in the first was one clay matthews

anyhu eagles dont have many ufas left ifeni momah looked good but hes very very raw so practice squad for him.

i would have liked brad wing to make it but hes just been cut he will be some teams punter for years to come i would imagine.

matthew tucker will make another team at rb we are just very very deep there at the mo



our 3 ufas that could make the team are tackle michael bamiro technically hes not an ufa hes just a fa due to a technicality he was not eligible for the supplemental draft or the next year of college he should make the team hes a bit raw but hes a monster at 6-8 340lbs

lb jake knott also looks like he will be a very good role/st player

and russell sheppard should make the team due to maclins injury looks like a nice player

HigginsJ

HigginsJ wrote: »

If you constantly reach for a need and pass on better talent then you are just weakening your team in relation to your opposition.

If Clowney lives up to expectations this year then I'd rather have him than a QB who is not as strong a talent (up to Bridgewater to challenge him)

Also to go from undrafted free agents to the most highly rated prospect in a long time is a great about turn!!

i agree with this most of the time but you need a qb i would take an above average qb like a rivers/romo over a star end like a julius peppers

irishbucsfan

There is no safe bet to make it in the NFL. We've seen it time and time again. Especially when it comes to linemen.

irishbucsfan

Anyway the reason I came in here: how did everyone's rookies do?

Rashaan Melvin made the roster for the Bucs


Edit: Also Eric Page will be our returner. Not a true rookie but got injured in his rookie season. Looks very talented.

HigginsJ

Adewale Ojomo & Adrien Tracey were both cut. Not sure of there practise squad eligibility but hope they get picked up to make someone's 53 as they are too good not to be in the NFL

mikemac1

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Anyway the reason I came in here: how did everyone's rookies do?

My man Marlon Brown, WR from University of Georgia made the roster

A 4th round pick from 2011 was cut to make room

He will be seeing plenty of snaps this year, remember the name

Paully D

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Anyway the reason I came in here: how did everyone's rookies do?.

Mine, Matt Furstenburg, made the Ravens practice squad.

irishbucsfan

I'd like to see the Bucs pick up Ojomo, we need someone in the position.

The Bogman

3 undrafted rookies made the Seahawks 53 man roster. my man Alvin Bailey, linebacker John Lotulelei and DE Benson Mayowa. Really hope they can sign Chris Harper and Ty Powell, who were both cut, to the practice squad.

HigginsJ

The Bogman wrote: »

linebacker John Lotulelei

Any relation to Star??

heyjude

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Anyway the reason I came in here: how did everyone's rookies do?

Matt McGloin made the roster for the Raiders, but Conner Vernon was cut(though hopefully he will be signed to the practice squad)

The Bogman

HigginsJ wrote: »

Any relation to Star??

For some reason I always had it in my head that they were related, but I looked it up to be sure. According to wikipedia and seahawks official website, they're cousins. NFL.com specifically states that they're not related. I'm none the wiser

Lionbacker

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Anyway the reason I came in here: how did everyone's rookies do?

Yeah, both Joseph Fauria and LaAdrian Waddle made the roster.
Hoping Fauria with his 6"8 height advantage can become a good redzone dangerman.

Lionbacker

Lionbacker wrote: »

Hoping Fauria with his 6"8 height advantage can become a good redzone dangerman.

Three games, 2 touchdowns, fantastic!

Some bizarre TD celebrations too.