Current:Home > MarketsNFL draft's best undrafted free agents: Who are top 10 players available? -VitalEdge Finance Pro
NFL draft's best undrafted free agents: Who are top 10 players available?
Algosensey View
Date:2025-04-07 06:14:16
With the 2024 NFL draft now complete, another scramble for talent begins.
Teams' efforts to sign the top available undrafted free agents are already underway. And while this year's draft class seems to be short on depth given that it had just 58 early entrants - the fewest since 2011 - franchises will still look to round out their rosters with role players, special teams contributors and potential developmental prospects. And the payoff can be considerable, as the Minnesota Vikings found this past fall when linebacker Ivan Pace - USA TODAY Sports' top undrafted free agent last year - rose to become a starter and trusted piece of the defense.
Here are the top 10 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL draft:
2024 NFL draft's best undrafted free agents
1. Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (Fla.)
A former five-star recruit, Taylor never quite figured out to become a consistently dominant force for the Hurricanes. Still, the 6-3, 303-pounder has the frame and initial burst to disrupt plays from the interior, even if he only does so sporadically.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
2. Gabriel Murphy, DE, UCLA
No one will confuse the 6-2, 247-pound Murphy with Laiatu Latu, his former UCLA pass-rushing teammate who was the first defender selected in the draft (No. 15 to the Indianapolis Colts). But edge rushers with quickness, polish and production are hard to come by, and Murphy offers all three.
3. Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
His receiving chops should be readily apparent after a season in which he hauled in 64 catches for 767 yards and six scores. Holker might have to be utilized creatively given his athletic limitations, but he can be a steady contributor to an aerial attack
4. Ethan Driskell, OT, Marshall
A 6-8, 313-pound left tackle who can move comfortably should capture plenty of teams' interest. Driskell is perhaps too towering of a blocker for his own good, but his frame and overall athleticism give a shot at sticking on a roster.
5. Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross
Coker dominated his competition in 2023, hauling in 15 touchdown catches while averaging 17.6 yards per catch. The 6-1, 208-pounder likely will have a tough time learning how to consistently separate from much speedier defensive backs in the NFL, but he deserves a shot.
6. Willie Drew, CB, Virginia State
For the second time in four years, HBCU players were shut out in the draft. Drew was perhaps the best candidate to make the cut, as his length and ball skills (six interceptions, 22 passes defensed in 2023) could allow him to make his mark at the next level.
7. Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri
The former walk-on and transfer from Truman State was one of college football's best stories last season as he broke out for 1,627 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground. The 5-8, 202-pound Schrader likely will be limited to spot work as a ball carrier and special teams contributor, but he should be up to the task.
8. Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
Any team looking to make a big swing with their undrafted free agent class should take a long look at Hall. The 6-6, 294-pounder has massive upside as someone who can generate pressure from the interior, though he's hardly a finished product.
9. Beau Brade, S, Maryland
A savvy leader, Brade should be an asset for almost any secondary and special teams collective. He could contribute as a nickel who can make plays when allowed to work downhill.
10. Garret Greenfield, OT, South Dakota State
His teammate, offensive guard Mason McCormick, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round. Greenfield's experience at both left and right tackle should help position him to become a swing option if he can latch on with a team.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- JoJo Siwa reflects on Candace Cameron Bure feud: 'If I saw her, I would not say hi'
- Usher confirmed as Super Bowl 2024 halftime show headliner: 'Honor of a lifetime'
- Did she 'just say yes'? Taylor Swift attends Travis Kelce's game in suite with Donna Kelce
- Kosovo mourns a slain police officer, some Serb gunmen remain at large after a siege at a monastery
- Sam Taylor
- 1st and Relationship Goals: Inside the Love Lives of NFL Quarterbacks
- US border agency chief meets with authorities in Mexico over migrant surge
- McDonald's faces another 'hot coffee' lawsuit. Severely burned woman sues over negligence
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- 6 dead after train barrels into SUV at Florida railroad crossing
Ranking
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Find your food paradise: Best grocery stores and butcher shops in the US
- RYDER CUP ’23: A look inside the walls of the 11th-century Marco Simone castle
- Taylor Swift turns out to see Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs play Chicago Bears
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
- AP Top 25: Colorado falls out of rankings after first loss and Ohio State moves up to No. 4
- Scientific dynamic duo aims to stop the next pandemic before it starts
- Poland accuses Germany of meddling its its affairs by seeking answers on alleged visa scheme
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Archaeologists unearth the largest cemetery ever discovered in Gaza and find rare lead sarcophogi
Past high-profile trials suggest stress and potential pitfalls for Georgia judge handling Trump case
Saints QB Derek Carr knocked out of loss to Packers with shoulder injury
What to watch: O Jolie night
US border agency chief meets with authorities in Mexico over migrant surge
Hollywood writers reach a tentative deal with studios after nearly five month strike
Former NHL player Nicolas Kerdiles dies after a motorcycle crash in Nashville. He was 29