2016 AFC East Undrafted Free Agent Predictions

After every draft, NFL teams scramble to scoop up talents that slip through the cracks and go undrafted. Whether teams sign a few undrafted free agents (UDFA) or a dozen, each season reveals that some of these seemingly-forgotten young men make the Week One 53-man rosters of various NFL franchises. Here we look at which undrafted free agents have the best chance to stick with opening day rosters of teams in the AFC East.

2016 AFC East Undrafted Free Agent Predictions

Buffalo Bills

Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma

While Buffalo addressed the linebacker position with Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland, the Bills lack depth at the second level. Striker surprisingly went undrafted after being projected as high as the third round in some spots. While a bit undersized for the position, Striker’s versatility and experience rushing the passer gives him the inside track at a roster spot and potentially a role on defense and special teams.

Justin Zimmer, DT, Ferris State

Coming out of a Division II school gave Zimmer a long route to the NFL. Tabbed by the Bills after going undrafted is just another step in his journey. Finishing an impressive 44 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and sporting other impressive numbers in the vertical and broad jumps shows off the stand-out athleticism that Zimmer brings to the position. With Buffalo needing more bodies along the defensive line, Zimmer’s college production (13 sacks his final season) and his versatility at the position give the Division II product a chance at making the opening day roster in Buffalo.

New England Patriots

D.J. Foster, RB/WR, Arizona State

Despite their successful track record of drafting well, the Patriots ignored a glaring hole on the roster at running back. Foster played three years as a running back and one season at wide receiver while with the Sun Devils. Standing only 6-feet tall and weighing just under 200 pounds, he’ll have trouble withstanding the punishment a traditional running back endures regularly. He rarely fumbled, though, which is a quality that Bill Belichick values. His skillfulness helps him fit the Patriot mold as a third down back or slot receiver.

Woodrow Wilson, DT, Ole Miss

New England has always boasted defensive flexibility whether operating in the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme, but Vince Wilfork‘s release increased their struggles in the 3-4 alignment. Playing nose tackle next to Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche at Ole Miss, Wilson has the size and potential to add depth to the Patriots interior. The recent release of Dominique Easley only opens up the possibility of Wilson staying on the roster.

Miami Dolphins

James Burgess, LB, Louisville

Linebacker depth was an issue for the Dolphins going into the draft and remained one coming out of it. All three of Miami’s projected starting linebackers, Kiko Alonso, Koa Misi, and Jelani Jenkins, have histories littered with injuries, yet this position went unaddressed. Enter James Burgess, who has a chance to catch on as both a rotational and special teams contributor. Playing on the outside at Louisville, Burgess presumably projects as a weakside NFL linebacker. While showing some formidable coverage ability, he will need to improve against the run and shine on special teams to salvage his roster position.

Tyler Gray, LB, Boise State

Another linebacker vying for a backup position this offseason, Gray will find direct competition from the other undrafted free agent linebackers who signed with the Dolphins. Although he offers better upside than Burgess, Gray’s lack of experience likely contributed to his fall in the draft. Playing inside and outside at Boise State, he could back up multiple positions someday if he lives up to his potential.

New York Jets

Tom Hacket, P, Utah

After spending a seventh-round pick on punter Lachlan Edwards, the New York Jets made sure to bring in competition at the position in Hacket. A two-time Ray Guy Award winner, the Australia native can potentially steal a job from Edwards, who is not already guaranteed a roster spot. This hangtime battle will be fun to watch because punters are people, too.

Jalin Marshall, WR/PR, Ohio State

After forgoing his final two years of eligibility, Marshall finds himself undrafted and likely fighting to just make a team. A talented punt returner, he certainly has a chance to seal his place. While he would have benefited from staying in school longer, Marshall must rely on his special teams ability to separate himself from the logjam that exists at the wide receiver position on the Jets depth chart.