They normally come into NFL coaching camps as longshots, however generally write the perfect underdog tales. With 2024 camps starting, right here’s an inventory of 10 former FCS gamers not chosen within the 2024 NFL Draft who might work their method onto season-opening rosters.
This previous spring, 11 FCS merchandise have been chosen within the NFL Draft. Shortly afterward, one other 60-plus have 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 – won’t make the 53-man energetic roster come September. Some could find yourself as follow squad gamers, which definitely might result in a shot at enjoying in video games later within the 12 months. Some could also be waived and should 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 most probably to make energetic rosters from the beginning of the 2024 season:
Jalen Coker
Place: Vast Receiver
NFL Workforce: Carolina Panthers
FCS College: Holy Cross
The Skinny: At 6-foot-1, 210 kilos, Coker has the correct of measurement for the NFL. He’s bodily and has a sixth sense set of instincts with regards to attending to the ball and successful that battle. Put merely, Coker is an impressive route runner. He has midrange pace, 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 Sort out
NFL Workforce: Philadelphia Eagles
FCS College: Howard
The Skinny: This Ghana native who prepped in Canada is understood for his big wingspan (over 87 inches) and measurement (6-8, 350). At first look, one would possibly assume he lacks quickness, however then you definately see him carry out in drills and understand he’s fairly fast. That combo ought to discover a house as a training workers and power personnel work to make him even higher.
Garret Greenfield
Place: Offensive Sort out
NFL Workforce: Seattle Seahawks
FCS College: 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 workforce chief. He comes from an unbelievable 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: Vast Receiver
NFL Workforce: Minnesota Vikings
FCS College: Mercer
The Skinny: Whenever 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 Workforce: Tennessee Titans
FCS College: 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: Vast Receiver
NFL Workforce: San Francisco 49ers
FCS College: Missouri State
The Skinny: Whenever 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 workforce at his professional day. He’s recognized for making massive performs. On the very least, he appears destined to make a follow squad – and possibly extra.
Mason Pline
Place: Tight Finish
NFL Workforce: San Francisco 49ers
FCS College: 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 in recent times (Robert Tonyan from Indiana State is an ideal instance). Pline is an intriguing athlete who has an opportunity to study from George Kittle, however San Francisco might 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 Value
Place: Cornerback/Punt Returner
NFL Workforce: Atlanta Falcons
FCS College: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Value’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: Operating Again
NFL Workforce: Carolina Panthers
FCS College: 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 pace 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 Workforce: Seattle Seahawks
FCS College: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Sundell’s power will likely be versatility, as he can play nearly anyplace on the O-line – although most analysts see him at middle. He’s an athletic, cerebral inside lineman, however must get stronger, in accordance with some pre-draft reviews. He comes from a Bison program that’s pretty much as good as many FBS applications, 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 probably opening-day roster spots.
Let the underdog tales proceed.
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