After every draft there is a scramble as NFL teams look to scoop up talent that slipped through the cracks and weren’t picked in the draft. While teams may sign a few Undrafted Free Agents (UDFA) or a dozen, each season sees some of these seemingly forgotten young men make the Week 1 53-man rosters of various NFL teams. Here we look at which UDFAs have the best chance to stick with opening day rosters of teams in the NFC South
2016 NFC South Undrafted Free Agent Predictions
Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Cash, Linebacker, Duke
Cash tops the list of most surprising undrafted players as the three time All-American from Duke was projected as high as the second round in the draft. Likely passed over because he classifies as a ‘tweener’, too big for safety, not big enough for linebacker, he comes to an advantageous situation in Carolina. He may have to add some weight to succeed at linebacker in the NFL but certainly could earn a spot on special teams and as a box safety to help with the run or in ‘nickel’ looks.
Keyarris Garrett, Wide Receiver, Tulsa
Standing 6’3″, Garrett certainly fits the profile of what Carolina looks for in a wide receiver. Even with the return of Kelvin Benjamin from injury, the Panthers could use addition depth and contributors. Garrett showed size, strength and speed at the NFL Combine yet the concern scouts had was those attributes did not show on the field consistently. Garrett will have to learn an NFL route tree after working with a simplified tree at Tulsa but he should have the physical skills to earn a spot on the NFC Champion’s roster.
New Orleans Saints
Jack Allen, Center, Michigan State
Allen enters the NFL as an undersized, athletic lineman with something to prove. A finalist for the Piesman Trophy, awarded to college football’s best center, Allen was another prospect overlooked for his size as he left Michigan State weighing under 300 pounds. New Orleans could use all the depth it can muster giving Allen a shot at earning a reserve role, especially if he can pack on the pounds.
Ken Crawley, Defensive Back, Colorado
Crawley has already begun to make an impact in the Bayou, grabbing first team reps in the early stages of camp. A four-year starter in Colorado, Crawley certainly does not lack the experience or measureables (6’0”, 4.43-second 40-yard dash) to have success in the league. With the Saints defense in need of as much talent as possible it is not out of the realm of possibility to see Crawley not only make the Saints roster but to contribute in his rookie season as well.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cassanova McKinzy, Linebacker, LSU
A versatile player for the Tigers during his college career McKinzy is finding that he must play a role to latch onto the Tampa Bay roster. Despite playing inside and outside at LSU McKinzy fits into a strong side, run stopping role that masks the deficiencies of his game in the pros. Seeing first team reps is a great sign for an undrafted rookie, which could lead to a role within the Buccaneer defense this fall if he continues to carve out a niche for himself.
Russell Hansbrough, Running Back, Missouri
The Bucs re-signed star back and starter Doug Martin and still have Charles Sims as first off the bench. However, the bottom of the depth chart is a battle between bigger backs in Storm Johnson, fellow UDFA Peyton Barber and then the smaller Hansbrough. The benefit for Hansbrough is that he offers a different skill set as a shifty back and could look to contribute as a kick returner and/or a third down back. His chances will depend on making a memorable impact in both camp and the preseason as he hopes to stick as the third or fourth option in Tampa.
Atlanta Falcons
Brian Poole, Cornerback, Florida
Poole was forgotten in the Florida secondary after spending his four years as a nickel corner due to his size limitation. Well built at over 200 pounds Poole only stands 5’9″ and could carve himself a role in sub packages like Nickell Robey did in Buffalo as an undrafted free agent several seasons ago. Poole could also compete at safety where William Moore’s spot was vacated this offseason. Regardless of his defensive position Poole will need to contribute on special teams to aid his quest for a roster spot.
Brandon Wilds, Running Back, South Carolina
The former Gamecock brings size to the Falcons backfield. A backfield that Wilds stands tallest in, with Tevin Coleman the only other back over 6 foot. The roster certainly showcases youth at the position and should feature solid competition behind Devonta Freeman and Coleman. Wilds started 20 games during his college career but will likely have to show special teams ability to steal a spot on Atlanta’s roster.
