Undrafted Free Agents to Watch in the NFL

Undrafted free agents (UDFAs) play an essential role in NFL rosters, often stepping up to showcase their skills despite not being selected in the draft. In the wake of the 2025 NFL Draft, a plethora of undrafted players signed with teams, providing fresh opportunities for both the teams and the players. Here are some notable UDFAs to keep an eye on across various teams. 🚀

Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiah Byers (T)

The Arizona Cardinals have made a focused effort to bolster their offensive line, adding Byers from Florida State. He's known for his remarkable consistency, allowing only seven sacks throughout his six college seasons, with an impressive performance in his final years. With the Cardinals needing backup talent, Byers could become a pivotal figure behind Jonah Williams at right tackle.

Atlanta Falcons: Nick Nash (WR)

Adding depth to their wide receiver corps, the Atlanta Falcons secured Nick Nash from San Jose State. Nash had a stellar 2024 season, leading college football in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. With a size advantage and the ability to produce when it counts, he’s a valuable addition. As the Falcons eye improvement in their passing game, Nash could carve out a significant role.

Baltimore Ravens: Jay Higgins (LB)

The linebacker situation in Baltimore is unsettled, with competition heating up for starting roles. Higgins hails from Iowa, where he earned accolades for his strong coverage skills, ranking as one of the top linebackers in the nation. His remarkable grade in coverage (91.5) makes him a prime candidate to make an impact on a Baltimore defense that needs help stopping the pass.

Buffalo Bills: Kelly Akharaiyi (WR)

The Buffalo Bills have been analyzing their receiving options, looking for someone to step up alongside seasoned players. Akharaiyi from Mississippi State didn’t post eye-popping stats, but his history indicates potential. With a solid foundation in his past seasons, he could surprise fans by making significant plays in 2025.

Carolina Panthers: Jack Henderson (DB)

Henderson, after showing versatility at Minnesota, brings exciting potential to the Panthers’ defensive back rotation. His ability to contribute at various positions provides valuable depth. Given the Panthers' need for defensive playmakers, Henderson could secure a roster spot with a good camp performance.

Chicago Bears: Xavier Carlton (EDGE)

With the Chicago Bears looking to enhance their pass-rush capability, Carlton from California enters the fray. His impressive 115 pressures across three seasons marks him as a player of interest. The Bears require more explosive edge rushers, and Carlton has the talent to fit into their rotation seamlessly.

Cincinnati Bengals: Howard Cross III (DI)

Cross from Notre Dame could find himself a comfortable niche in Cincinnati, thanks to familiar ties with the new defensive coordinator. The Bengals are actively seeking interior defensive line talent, making Cross not only an intriguing prospect but one who could quite literally reshape their defensive front.

Cleveland Browns: Gage Larvadain (WR)

Despite the uncertainties in Cleveland's receiving unit, Larvadain has the potential to rise. A history of making explosive plays at multiple colleges showcases his capacity for big-game moments. Team dynamics favor new talents; hence, he has a clear path to visibility within the team.

Dallas Cowboys: Justin Barron (LB)

After earning substantial guaranteed money with Dallas, Barron, from Syracuse, appears ready to contribute immediately. Known for solid coverage and run defense, his history shows he can be a reliable asset for the Cowboys’ linebacker rotation, especially following some recent roster adjustments.

Denver Broncos: Clay Webb (G)

Webb from Jacksonville State has shown he can excel in both gap and zone runs. With room for improvement needed in the Broncos’ offensive line performance, his skills may prove to be the fresh energy the unit is seeking. His ability to block effectively could lead to impactful plays in the run game.

Detroit Lions: Jackson Meeks (WR)

Meeks, a standout from Syracuse, finds himself in a crowded yet promising wide receiver room in Detroit. His high receiving grade and performance stats make him appealing. With the Lions looking for further offensive threats to support their star players, Meeks might just steal the spotlight.

Green Bay Packers: Johnathan Baldwin (CB)

Baldwin’s performance as a slot corner from UNLV is noteworthy. He excelled at limiting yards allowed per snap, marking him as a significant defensive prospect. With the state of the Packers' cornerback room uncertain, Baldwin holds the chance to capture a valuable role.

Houston Texans: Eli Cox (C)

Cox from Kentucky brings a wealth of experience and reliability along the offensive line. Not allowing a sack throughout his last season positions him favorably to compete for a starting spot. As the Texans look for improvement in their line, he could be the solution they need.

Indianapolis Colts: Trey Washington (S)

As the Colts bolster their secondary, Washington's remarkable tackling and run-defense grades make him an attractive signing. In a position lacking depth, he could emerge as an essential part of Indy's defensive strategy against the run game.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Eli Pancol (WR)

Pancol's ability to find the end zone coupled with his production in receiving yards from Duke lands him on the Jaguars' watchlist. As the team looks to expand their receiving depth behind established names, Pancol has a strong chance of making waves.

Kansas City Chiefs: Esa Pole (T)

With ongoing issues in their offensive line, Pole from Washington State presents a chance for growth. His record of maintaining a clean slate in terms of sacks showcases a promising future. Though he may not immediately solve all issues, he could add the depth required.

Las Vegas Raiders: Mello Dotson (CB)

Dotson's undrafted status comes as a surprise given his interception tally and coverage rating. With the Raiders seeking further stability in their secondary, he could be instrumental in rounding out their defensive tactics.

Los Angeles Chargers: Raheim Sanders (RB)

Sanders, known for his dynamic playstyle, provides versatility to the Chargers’ running game. His ability to create plays as a pass catcher makes him a potential sleeper for roster consideration amidst a myriad of options.

Los Angeles Rams: Willie Lampkin (IOL)

Lampkin, after proving capable against stiff competition in college, brings his skills to L.A. He could earn a role along the line as the Rams look for depth and promising young talent to support their established stars.

Miami Dolphins: Andrew Armstrong (WR)

Armstrong’s meteoric rise during his college career makes him an intriguing signing for the Dolphins. As they look to expand their receiving depth, his performance record showcases potential for immediate contribution.

Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Batty (EDGE)

Despite the Vikings’ solid defensive line, Batty's athleticism could help him secure a spot. With his impressive pass-rush metrics, he’s a promising player who could evolve into a reliable edge defender.

New England Patriots: CJ Dippre (TE)

The tight end room in New England is aging, creating space for Dippre to introduce his skills. His strong blocking ability along with collegiate experience positions him as a valuable prospect for the team.

New Orleans Saints: Marcus Yarns (RB)

Yarns boasts impressive numbers and after-contact ability that could see him snag opportunities in the backfield as the Saints refine their roster. His capacity to produce alongside established stars gives him an edge.

New York Giants: O'Donnell Fortune (CB)

Fortune’s coverage prowess throughout college signals potential for the Giants as they fortify their defensive assets. His ability to create turnovers adds an exciting dimension to an already dynamic secondary.

New York Jets: Jamaal Pritchett (WR)

Pritchett’s strong presence in the slot could see him breaking into the Jets’ rotation. With a stellar receiving grade and after-catch ability, he has what it takes to make a strong case for more playing time.

Philadelphia Eagles: Hollin Pierce (T)

Despite being low on the roster depth scale, Pierce’s impressive track record in college places him in a position to impress at training camp. His performance metrics position him favorably to contribute if called upon.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sebastian Castro (DB)

With the Steelers needing to infuse youth in their secondary, Castro presents an intriguing option. His former high grades in coverage place him in good stead to develop into a quality contributor.

San Francisco 49ers: Jakob Robinson (CB)

Robinson may find a clear path in a 49ers team looking for strong cornerbacks. His consistent performance in college makes him a valuable candidate to add depth on defense.

Seattle Seahawks: Jared Ivey (EDGE)

Undrafted despite high production, Ivey from Ole Miss is a player to watch closely as he adjusts to the NFL. His impressive college stats indicate that he has the potential to add significant value to Seattle’s defensive line.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jake Majors (C)

Majors shows great promise as a backup center, following a strong college career. His ability to fill in when necessary provides the Buccaneers with depth that could be critical in their offensive line performance.

Tennessee Titans: David Gbenda (LB)

With new faces set to take the field, Gbenda’s performance in college could pave his path to making the Titans’ roster. His standout run-defense traits suggest he could be a valuable asset.

Washington Commanders: Timothy McKay (G)

McKay, following his performance at NC State, has a strong chance to step into a role on Washington's offensive line, particularly with current injuries. His collegiate experience showcases the grit necessary for the NFL.

These undrafted free agents come from various backgrounds and represent a mix of skill sets and potential. As they find their way into every NFL team’s strategy, they are worth keeping an eye on for their surprising impact in the 2025 season! 🌟