Christian D'Andrea
April 27, 2024 8:13 pm ET
There are more undrafted free agents on NFL rosters each year than first round picks.
Granted, that’s because there’s a nearly endless well of players who don’t hear their names called at the NFL Draft vs. just 32 first round selections. Still, the NFL is an ecosystem and the draft’s unwanted orphans play a major part in that.
Finding the right undrafted rookie can jump start a rebuild or provide the extra leverage needed for a franchise to pry the door off the entrance to the playoffs. Landing a hidden gem overlooked free agent doesn’t just mean a potential starter the rest of the league whiffed on; it’s also the gateway to years of below-market contract rates and salary cap space that can be thrown at veterans at other key positions.
With the 2024 NFL Draft in the books, this year’s undrafted free agent frenzy is set to begin. These are FTW’s top 10 players on the market.
1
S Beau Brade, Maryland
Dec 30, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Beau Brade (2) celebrates after a win against the Auburn Tigers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
A rangy defensive back who could play slot corner or safety, Brade will have to clean up his mistakes to make a pro roster but has the athletic potential to grow into a starter on Sundays.
2
TE Dallin Holker, Colorado State
Nov 18, 2023; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Dallin Holker (5) tries in vain to make a catch with Nevada Wolf Pack defensive back Chad Brown (24) holding him at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Holker was a breakout star after transferring to Colorado State from BYU, but that leaves questions as to whether he needed a step down in competition to have a college impact.
3
EDGE Nelson Ceaser, Houston
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive end Nelson Ceaser (9) tackles Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Ceaser is a defensive end with less than ideal size, but a tenacious motor who can make an impact in the right rotation while filling out his game.
4
WR Jalen co*ker, Holy Cross
After play resumed Holy Cross’s Jalen co*ker runs out of bounds while Boston College’s Amari Jackson pursues on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Alumni Stadium in Newton.
co*ker was an FCS lightning bolt with the size to play in the NFL but his athleticism has led scouts to a “we’ll see” stance.
5
LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
Oct 28, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23) pressures Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Brendan Sorsby (15) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Jacobs is a rangy linebacker whose speed could be useful in coverage, though his tackling is a work in progress.
6
DL Gabe Hall, Baylor
Sep 3, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears defensive lineman Gabe Hall (95) in action during the game between the Baylor Bears and the Albany Great Danes at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Hall is a long-armed defensive end who struggles with consistency but shows flashes of greatness.
7
RB Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
Monmouth’s Jaden Shirden gains yards on the ground. Lehigh at Monmouth University football.
West Long Branch, NJ
Saturday, September, 30, 2023
Shirden is small but lightning quick and could excel in a platoon role.
8
OT Ethan Driskell, Marshall
Dec 19, 2023; Frisco, TX, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd offensive lineman Ethan Driskell (52) lines up against the UTSA Roadrunners during the fourth quarter at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Driskell is a big framed blocker with size to be an impact tackle but concerns about his athleticism at the next level.
9
QB Kedon Slovis, BYU
BYU Cougars quarterback Kedon Slovis throws under press ure from Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II in the first quarter at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Saturday October 28, 2023.
Slovis is an athletic quarterback with five-star bonfides who never quite put it all together at the college level.
10
G Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland
Sep 15, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze (72) during the third quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Ayedze is an interior blocker with solid fundamentals who may not have the size and speed to last in the NFL.
See live draft results and grades at the 2024 USA TODAY NFL Draft Hub.
