Ten Underrated Undrafted Free Agent Rookies Who Could Make Rosters
Kevin Fielder was tasked with finding ten UDFAs outside of the Top 300 of the Consensus Board who could stand out in training camp. He had no trouble figuring out who he wanted to talk about
Once Mr. Irrelevant gets announced and the NFL Draft officially finishes, the next moments are anything but calm for the front offices of all 32 teams.
Immediately after the draft, all 32 teams start working to add additional prospects to their 90-man roster through undrafted free agents. For most of the players signed at the conclusion of the draft, the only guarantee is a spot on the training camp roster. In fact, most players won’t make their teams’ opening-day roster, instead landing in developmental leagues like the UFL or on a practice squad.
For some, though, undrafted free agency is only the beginning of a rather long career in the NFL.
After making the Seattle Seahawks’ original 53-man roster in 2024, North Dakota State center Jalen Sundell quickly saw playing time as a rotational offensive lineman. Last season, Sundell was the Seahawks’ starting center during their Super Bowl run.
While most teams will only add a handful of undrafted free agents to their 53-man roster, there’s a good chance more than a few will become reliable players, even if it takes a few years of actual development.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, 70 players in the top 300 of the Consensus Big Board went undrafted. Headlining that list were Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (No. 117) and Baylor tight end Michael Trigg (No. 118). However, there are plenty of players outside of that top 300 that have a strong chance of carving out roles in the NFL, and even making their team’s initial 53-man roster after cutdowns.
Toledo RB Chip Trayanum — New York Jets (306th on the Consensus Big Board)
Despite reaching the mountain top by playing at Ohio State for two seasons, it wasn’t until his fourth college and seventh season that Chip Trayanum found his groove. In one season at Toledo, Trayanum earned first-team All-MAC honors after leading the team in rushing with 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Even though Trayanum is an older prospect with average speed, it was surprising that he went undrafted. Between his contact balance and strength, Trayanum is a challenge to bring down for any defensive player, making him the perfect short-yardage back for NFL teams. He needs to work on his pass blocking, but his receiving ability gives him some third-down upside in the future.
The Jets’ running back room is crowded, especially after Breece Hall’s extension, but there’s a pathway for Trayanum to make the roster over either Isaiah Davis or Kene Nwangwu, who offers upside as a returner.
UCLA DT Gary Smith III — Las Vegas Raiders (319th)
Gary Smith III will likely never offer much more than being a reliable run stopper in the NFL. The good news for Smith is that being a big body in the middle of a defense is a skill set that will continue to get players paid.
While Smith doesn’t offer much athletically, his 2025 film showed more explosiveness and quickness than any other season, likely a direct byproduct of him losing 20 pounds following a season-ending injury in 2024. Even with that increased quickness, Smith’s calling card is pure strength and aggressive hands, making him an intriguing space-eating nose tackle.
Although the Raiders had a reasonably good run defense last season, there isn’t a lot of talent on the Raiders’ defensive line. Players like JJ Pegues (a sixth-round pick in 2025) and Adam Butler will likely see a bulk of the playing time, but there’s a pathway for someone like Smith to crack the 53-man roster and even see playing time as a rookie if he can beat fellow rookie, seventh-round pick Brandon Cleveland, and players like former Lions, Chiefs and Steelers defensive tackle Brodric Martin.
Oregon State SAF Skyler Thomas — Chicago Bears (373rd)
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