They normally come into NFL coaching camps as longshots, however typically write the very best underdog tales. With 2024 camps starting, right here’s a listing of 10 former FCS gamers not chosen within the 2024 NFL Draft who may work their approach onto season-opening rosters.
This previous spring, 11 FCS merchandise had been chosen within the NFL Draft. Shortly afterward, one other 60-plus had been signed as precedence free brokers and greater than 100 others earned at the very least a tryout in a rookie minicamp.
As historical past has confirmed, an excellent chunk of the UDFAs – undrafted free brokers – is not going to make the 53-man lively roster come September. Some could find yourself as observe squad gamers, which actually may result in a shot at enjoying in video games later within the 12 months. Some could also be waived and will by no means play soccer once more.
And a few could find yourself being key contributors as early because the 2024 season opener.
With NFL coaching camps opening league-wide, right here’s an alphabetical record of 10 undrafted FCS gamers who’re among the many more than likely to make lively rosters from the beginning of the 2024 season:
Jalen Coker
Place: Extensive Receiver
NFL Staff: Carolina Panthers
FCS Faculty: Holy Cross
The Skinny: At 6-foot-1, 210 kilos, Coker has the proper of measurement for the NFL. He’s bodily and has a sixth sense set of instincts relating to attending to the ball and successful that battle. Put merely, Coker is an impressive route runner. He has midrange velocity, although, and that’ll be one thing he’ll work on. However a spot as a backup receiver and a particular groups contributor might be in his future.
Anim Dankwah
Place: Offensive Deal with
NFL Staff: Philadelphia Eagles
FCS Faculty: Howard
The Skinny: This Ghana native who prepped in Canada is thought for his enormous wingspan (over 87 inches) and measurement (6-8, 350). At first look, one would possibly assume he lacks quickness, however then you definitely see him carry out in drills and understand he’s fairly fast. That combo ought to discover a residence as a training employees and power personnel work to make him even higher.
Garret Greenfield
Place: Offensive Deal with
NFL Staff: Seattle Seahawks
FCS Faculty: South Dakota State
The Skinny: Greenfield impressed on the NFL Mix when it got here to his big-man athleticism. He’s fast, very efficient within the run recreation and a group chief. He comes from an unimaginable FCS program at two-time reigning nationwide champion South Dakota State, beginning 44 video games at left deal with the previous three seasons.
Ty James
Place: Extensive Receiver
NFL Staff: Minnesota Vikings
FCS Faculty: Mercer
The Skinny: While you’re a 6-2, 200-pound athlete who can catch, NFL groups will attempt to discover a spot for you. James might be a rotational receiver and a particular groups participant. He’s an intriguing athlete who could get him an extended look than some FCS prospects with out his measurement.
Robert Javier
Place: Cornerback
NFL Staff: Tennessee Titans
FCS Faculty: Towson
The Skinny: As a particularly athletic cornerback who had 4 interceptions as a senior, this 6-1, 195-pound speedster blew away the viewers throughout Towson’s professional day. His quickness and athleticism will earn him an prolonged look.
Terique Owens
Place: Extensive Receiver
NFL Staff: San Francisco 49ers
FCS Faculty: Missouri State
The Skinny: While you’re the son of Terrell Owens, you’re going to get a strong look in camp. The 49ers are deep on the WR place, however Terique impressed the group at his professional day. He’s identified for making massive performs. On the very least, he appears destined to make a observe squad – and perhaps extra.
Mason Pline
Place: Tight Finish
NFL Staff: San Francisco 49ers
FCS Faculty: Furman
The Skinny: Generally, you simply find yourself in the best place on the proper time. The tight finish/free agent state of affairs has been form to FCS merchandise lately (Robert Tonyan from Indiana State is an ideal instance). Pline is an intriguing athlete who has an opportunity to be taught from George Kittle, however San Francisco may use some depth on the place, and he might be a particular groups contributor as effectively. The one-time basketball participant has a ton of upside.
Jayden Worth
Place: Cornerback/Punt Returner
NFL Staff: Atlanta Falcons
FCS Faculty: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Worth’s future within the NFL could also be extra so at punt returner than cornerback, though he was spectacular at each positions throughout his profession in Fargo. He returned 5 punts for touchdowns and averaged 14.2 yards per return.
Jaden Shirden
Place: Working Again
NFL Staff: Carolina Panthers
FCS Faculty: Monmouth
The Skinny: A compact and explosive runner, Shirden rushed for 3,200 yards and 23 touchdowns the previous two seasons and possesses good strikes when he runs. He confirmed total athleticism and good velocity on the NFL Mix (4.45 seconds within the 40-yard sprint). It will be shocking if the two-time third-place finisher for the Walter Payton Award didn’t make the roster as a backup RB and particular groups participant.
Jalen Sundell
Place: Offensive Lineman
NFL Staff: Seattle Seahawks
FCS Faculty: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Sundell’s power shall be versatility, as he can play nearly wherever on the O-line – although most analysts see him at middle. He’s an athletic, cerebral inside lineman, however must get stronger, based on some pre-draft studies. He comes from a Bison program that’s nearly as good as many FBS packages, and one which routinely places good massive males within the NFL.
That’s 10 candidates, however there are others who could go from undrafted FCS gamers to NFL coaching camps to doubtlessly opening-day roster spots.
Let the underdog tales proceed.
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