With the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, undrafted free agents (UDFAs) have been the priority of every team. UDFAs are very useful for filling rosters up for camp, allowing for more competition. Some will establish NFL roles while some will never see NFL action again. Like every year, this year’s UDFA pool was full of draft-worthy talent. With rookie minicamps starting, who are the most intriguing undrafted free agent signings of every team?
One Intriguing Undrafted Free Agent Every Team Has Signed
Arizona Cardinals – Kyle Soelle (Linebacker, Arizona State)
Jacob Slade was arguably Arizona’s ‘biggest’ UDFA signing. However, Monti Ossenfort publicly praised the addition of Kyle Soelle. Soelle is a smart, productive and experienced off-ball linebacker. He was also a team captain for three straight years. Keeping him in Arizona is a nice touch.
Arizona Cardinals 2023 NFL Draft Review
Atlanta Falcons – Xavier Malone (Wide Receiver, Henderson State)
Xavier Malone is a top sleeper undrafted free agent signing among every team’s haul. The 5’8” receiver has a strikingly similar athletic profile to Tank Dell, especially given his 4.35 40 at his pro day. Against D2 competition, Malone was highly productive. Given Atlanta’s thin receiving corps, Malone has a shot to make the 53-man roster.
Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Draft Review
THE X-MAN GOES THE DISTANCE!
Xavier Malone turns on the jets and leaves the defense in the dust for a 66- yard touchdown! ✈️#CodeRed pic.twitter.com/at0PN6ctmd
— Henderson State Football (@ReddiesFB) November 5, 2022
Baltimore Ravens – Keaton Mitchell (Running Back, East Carolina)
As LWOS’ Dakota Joslin says, Keaton Mitchell has “explosive speed”, “natural hands” and “good vision”. Despite being undersized, Mitchell was listed as a fifth-round talent. Given Baltimore’s recent woes at running back, Mitchell has a chance to make the roster. He is also a great fit in Todd Monken’s offense that leans on receiving backs.
Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL Draft Review
Buffalo Bills – DJ Dale (Interior Defensive Line, Alabama)
DJ Dale is an undersized lineman who plays with good strength and technique. His lack of size caps his ceiling, but he brings plenty of experience from a big college program. Despite the Bills signing Poona Ford, Ed Oliver’s expected free agent status in 2024 means Dale has a shot to make the roster in the next two years.
Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Draft Review
Carolina Panthers – Jalen Redmond (Interior Defensive Line, Oklahoma)
While Rejzohn Wright has generated most buzz, Jalen Redmond is equally likely to impress. LWOS’ Patrick Sheehan graded Redmond as a second-round talent, emphasising his edge/interior versatility, play strength and good reaction time. Redmond’s versatility gives him a good shot to make the roster, especially given Carolina’s lack of depth on the interior of the defensive line.
Carolina Panthers 2023 NFL Draft Review
Chicago Bears – Jalen Harris (Edge, Arizona)
Jalen Harris is an athletic project edge rusher. His lack of refined technique and weaknesses in run stopping limit him. If Chicago can help Harris translate athleticism into production, he could be a success. Poetically, Harris’ father, Sean Harris, was also a Bear. While standout D2 quarterback Tyson Bagent is the likeliest UDFA to make the roster, Harris is Chicago’s most intriguing sleeper signing.
Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft Review
Cincinnati Bengals – Jaxson Kirkland (Offensive Guard, Washington)
The Bengals have needed offensive line help for years. Jaxson Kirkland will not contribute immediately but brings good depth value and camp competition. Kirkland is a mammoth guard prospect, allowing him to potentially play tackle too. He is particularly proficient in the run game.
Cincinnati Bengals 2023 NFL Draft Review
Cleveland Browns – Lonnie Phelps (Edge, Kansas)
Lonnie Phelps is an undersized edge rusher. However, the former Kansas pass rusher exhibits excellent explosiveness and demonstrates good bend. He has strong athletic tools and untapped potential. Being a good special teams player gives Phelps a chance to make the team.
Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft Review
Dallas Cowboys – Hunter Luepke (Fullback, North Dakota State)
The Cowboys brought in headliners like T.J. Bass, Isaiah Land and Jalen Moreno-Cropper. But watch for Hunter Luepke. Luepke was the top fullback prospect this year. He brings power to complement Deuce Vaughn and Tony Pollard.
Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Draft Review
Denver Broncos – Jaleel McLaughlin (Running Back, Youngstown State)
Jaleel McLaughlin holds the NCAA career rush yards record with 8,155. McLaughlin is a speedy back who has plenty of big-play potential as a rusher and receiver. Despite McLaughlin’s pass-blocking deficiencies, he is an early favourite to make the roster as RB3 behind newly signed Samaje Perine.
Denver Broncos 2023 NFL Draft Review
Detroit Lions – Brandon Joseph (Safety, Notre Dame)
Of the undrafted free agent signings of every team, Brandon Joseph is among the top. Joseph could find a hard time making roster as he sits behind rookie Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker and new signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Either way, the experienced and adroit safety has a chance to make some noise at camp this year.
Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft Review
#Lions UDFA @BrandonJoseph_1 picking off Justin Fields in a One-on-One vs Garrett Wilson: pic.twitter.com/mnNWsd6a4z
— 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕚𝕥 (@Devoted2DET) April 30, 2023
Green Bay Packers – Brenton Cox Jr. (Edge, Florida)
Brenton Cox Jr. epitomises what it means to be an intriguing UDFA. He has been dismissed from two teams. That is a huge red flag. If the Packers can get Cox in line, he could be a good contributor. Thankfully, Brian Gutekunst heavily targeted edge rushers this draft, meaning Cox is a low risk yet high reward signing.
Green Bay Packers 2023 NFL Draft Review
Houston Texans – Xazavian Valladay (Running Back, Arizona State)
Xazavian Valladay was extremely productive at Arizona State. He joins a run-heavy offense under Bobby Slowik. While the Texans have solid depth at running back, if Valladay’s speed and explosiveness impress then he could make the team as a third or fourth-string running back.
Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft Review
Indianapolis Colts – Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Offensive Guard, Alabama)
With needs on the offensive line, the Colts did a good job of grabbing Emil Ekiyor as an UDFA. The former Alabama guard had a productive college career but has a lot to work on to be NFL ready. Ekiyor is from Indianapolis, making this a great story if he can make the roster.
Indianapolis Colts 2023 NFL Draft Review
Jacksonville Jaguars – Divaad Wilson (Cornerback/Safety, Central Florida)
Kaleb Hayes headlines Jacksonville’s UDFAs. However, Divaad Wilson is a name to watch. Wilson had a productive 2021 but failed to improve in 2022. He is well rounded and shows good football IQ. Given the Jaguars’ depth needs in the secondary, Wilson making the roster is not a longshot. Keeping Wilson in Florida is another bonus (he was a Florida native and attended Central Florida).
Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 NFL Draft Review
Kansas City Chiefs – Deneric Prince (Running Back, Tulsa)
Brett Veach gave Deneric Prince a $231,000 guaranteed contract. That tells you he will make the roster. Prince has a good blend of size and speed, meaning he could be a power back to complement Isaiah Pacheco. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s Chiefs career all but over, Prince could be RB2/3.
Kansas City Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft Review
Las Vegas Raiders – Jaydon Grant (Safety, Oregon State)
McClendon Curtis is the Raiders’ most notable UDFA signing but Jaydon Grant could be a surprise package. Grant has excellent footwork, good ball skills and plays with aggression and hustle. The defensive back also has a plethora of college experience against tough competition.
Las Vegas Raiders 2023 NFL Draft Review
Los Angeles Chargers – Jerrod Clark (Defensive Tackle, Coastal Carolina)
It was a surprise that Jerrod Clark did not get drafted. For a Chargers team that needed depth, Clark is almost a lock to make the roster. He is a long, heavy nose tackle that exhibits good footwork and excellent leadership.
Los Angeles Chargers 2023 NFL Draft Review
Los Angeles Rams – Christopher Dunn (Kicker, NC State)
Among the Rams’ 26 UDFAs are some exciting names, such as Quindell Johnson, Jaiden Woodbey and Tyon Davis. However, the most important signings were kickers Christopher Dunn and Tanner Brown, who will compete for starting duties. Dunn is the better prospect with a career long of 53. He was perfect at the combine, even beating third-round pick Jake Moody.
Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Draft Review
Results from the kicking workout today at the @NFL Combine, according to sources. pic.twitter.com/ONRw9v4yR9
— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) March 3, 2023
Miami Dolphins – Michael Turk (Punter, Oklahoma)
Michael Turk returned to college after he was undrafted and unsigned in 2020. His 25 bench-press reps at the Combine in 2020 remains a record for punters. Turk achieves good hangtime and distance but needs more accuracy in his kicking. He will compete with Jake Bailey for punting duties. Notably, Turk is the nephew of former Dolphins punter Matt Turk.
Miami Dolphins 2023 NFL Draft Review
Minnesota Vikings – Malik Knowles (Wide Receiver, Kansas State)
The Vikings have the most talented undrafted free agent class among every team in the NFL. Andre Carter II and Ivan Pace Jr. are two names that will impress at camp. However, perhaps their most intriguing addition is Malik Knowles. He is best suited as a deep threat and is an excellent kick returner. Knowles offers a slightly different skillset to the current Vikings receiving corps.
Minnesota Vikings 2023 NFL Draft Review
New England Patriots – Malik Cunningham (Quarterback, Louisville)
Malik Cunningham could play in 2023. There are murmurs that the Patriots are dissatisfied with Mac Jones. Cunningham brings plenty of college experience and offers a high floor due to his jaw-dropping scrambling ability. In a rigid New England system, Cunningham could stick to his strengths. Another name to watch is receiver Kayshon Boutte.
New England Patriots 2023 NFL Draft Review
New Orleans Saints – Lou Hedley (Punter, Miami)
Lou Hedley brings a different meaning to the word ‘intriguing’. The Australian punter has had a storied path to the NFL. At 29, the ‘tattooed punter’ brings good college experience. He was a semi-finalist for the Ray Guy Award three years running and could give current starting punter Blake Gillikin a run for his money.
New Orleans Saints 2023 NFL Draft Review
New York Giants – Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Wide Receiver, West Virginia)
As LWOS’ Mike Kashuba notes, the similarities between Ford-Wheaton and D.K. Metcalf’s athletic profiles is uncanny. What condemned Ford-Wheaton to undrafted status, however, was his dire college production. Kashuba’s mid-round grade on Ford-Wheaton suggests that, even as a rookie, he could have a role in the Giants’ weak receiving room.
New York Giants 2023 NFL Draft Review
New York Jets – Trey Dean III (Safety, Florida)
Trey Dean III possesses excellent length and versatility for a safety. He received some buzz this draft and was touted as a fifth-round talent. Given the Jets’ needs at safety, Dean could find himself in a rotational role sooner rather than later.
New York Jets 2023 NFL Draft Review
Philadelphia Eagles – Joseph Ngata (Wide Receiver, Clemson)
Howie Roseman knocked the draft out the park. He did the same for UDFA signings, acquiring Eli Ricks and Mekhi Garner. Joseph Ngata is one to watch. The former five-star recruit has prototypical size (6’3”) but struggles with separation. This was also a common criticism of A.J. Brown in the 2019 NFL Draft (to a lesser extent). Make of that what you will.
Philadelphia Eagles 2023 NFL Draft Review
Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordan Byrd (Running Back/Wide Receiver, San Diego State)
While Tanner Morgan will be QB3 and Monte Pottebaum’s mullet has taken social media by storm, Jordan Byrd might be the Steelers’ most intriguing UDFA. The shifty gadget player is primed to be a return specialist in the NFL. In 2022, the Steelers struck gold by signing Jaylen Warren as an UDFA.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Review
San Francisco 49ers – Jack Colletto (Fullback, Oregon State)
Your eyes do not deceive you, there are two former Beavers in this list. Jack Colletto is a highly versatile prospect, having played quarterback, running back, fullback and linebacker at college. He is truly a do-it-all player. While Kyle Juszczyk will be the starting fullback, Colletto could be valuable on the scout team and contribute on special teams.
San Francisco 49ers 2023 NFL Draft Review
Seattle Seahawks – Jonah Tavai (Interior Defensive Line, San Diego State)
The Seahawks have the largest undrafted free agent haul among every NFL team. Jake Bobo and C.J. Johnson are the flashy signings, but Jonah Tavai is most intriguing. The undersized lineman has a unique skillset, including some coverage ability. While Tavai has some developing to do, given Seattle’s defensive line deficiencies, he could get valuable reps as a rotational lineman.
Seattle Seahawks 2023 NFL Draft Review
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sean Tucker (Running Back, Syracuse)
Sean Tucker has the talent of a mid-round prospect but was forced to undrafted status thanks to a stacked running back class. Tucker has good speed and ball security but struggles with blocking and downfield vision. Tampa Bay’s running back depth chart is far from set, allowing Tucker to potentially sneak in as a third or fourth-string back.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL Draft Review
Tennessee Titans – Jacob Copeland (Wide Receiver, Maryland)
Jacob Copeland brings exceptional speed to a depleted receiving room. Given that Tennessee did not draft a receiver until the seventh round, Copeland could make the final 53. It was reported that the team met with him extensively in the pre-draft process. Kicker Trey Wolff is another name to watch as he will compete against Caleb Shudak for the starting job.
Tennessee Titans 2023 NFL Draft Review
Washington Commanders – Kazmeir Allen (Wide Receiver, UCLA)
With Eric Bienemy at the helm, the Commanders could put Kazmeir Allen to good use. Allen is a gadget receiver who has experience in the backfield. He also has the makings of an elite kick returner. Bienemy could find a role for him like Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney’s in Kansas City.
Washington Commanders 2023 NFL Draft Review
Kazmeir Allen the UDFA from UCLA who returns kicks/punts will instantly become the Commanders return man… But Eric Bieniemy will also have fun using him because he can line up as a RB or WR and has ELITE speed! EB is gonna have fun. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/DYgQXPSBzR
— Zac (@DCzWall) April 30, 2023
Main Photo: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
