Briefly breaking down the top undrafted free agent signings so far
Dallas Cowboys: RB Ben Malena, FB J.C. Copeland, QB Dustin Vaughan, WR L’Damian Washington
The Dallas Cowboys best undrafted free agent is “local” prospect Ben Malena, who should have been selected in the later rounds. I think he’ll crack the roster, while West Texas A&M QB Dustin Vaughan will latch onto the practice squad. He’s a very intriguing talent after some big-time success at a very small program, but his size masks the fact that he played in the least advanced pistol offense you could think up. Copeland was a stud lead-blocker at LSU, and I like his chances. I also think L’Damian Washington has a strong chance of cracking the roster, as he flashed plenty of ability as one of James Franklin’s many talented wideouts at Mizzou.
New York Giants: DT Kelcy Quarles, TE Xavier Grimble
Jerry Reese and the New York Giants netted two big-name UDFAs yesterday, and it was a surprise to see Kelcy Quarles go undrafted. I’m not a big fan of his and believe Jadeveon Clowney greatly aided him, but Quarles was productive last season and should have heard his name called on the third day. Grimble will have to fight to stick in New York, but the fact that the Giants aren’t strong at tight end helps the USC product significantly.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR/TE Trey Burton, RB David Fluellen, RB Henry Josey, OT Kevin Graf, S Daytawion Lowe
Henry Josey was one of the most heart-warming stories in college football last season, and I’ve fallen in love with his vision and cutting ability. A priority free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles, Josey should make the roster after the Eagles dealt Bryce Brown to the Buffalo Bills for a conditional fourth-round pick next year. The Eagles also added another talented RB in small-school guy David Fluellen, who is receiving plenty of buzz. Trey Burton is a classic “move” tight end who filled out Jordan Reed‘s old role for the Gators last season, but he’s a longshot to have the same kind of huge impact that Reed had last season for the rival Washington Redskins. That said, Burton was a very nice signing for the Eagles, as reflected by his reported bonus. Kevin Graf will have a shot at cracking the roster after a good career at USC, and Daytawion Lowe is a sleeper defensive back who has the athleticism and versatility the Eagles like.
Washington Redskins: RB Silas Redd, WR Cody Hoffman, QB Tommy Rees
The Washington Redskins brought in a trio of big-name college skill position players as undrafted free agents, and it’s clear that I’m only listing Notre Dame product Tommy Rees because he’s a big name; I don’t think he’ll make the roster. Silas Redd reminds me a little bit of another former PSU star RB in Evan Royster due to their lack of speed but big college production. Redd has injury and fumble concerns, but he has a shot at cracking the roster. Cody Hoffman is undoubtedly the best player in the Redskins UDFA class of 2014, and he’s getting a hefty signing bonus to reflect that. I’m surprised the talented BYU wide receiver didn’t hear his name called, because he is an intriguing prospect.
Carolina Panthers: WR Marcus Lucas, CB Carrington Byndom
Seven of the Carolina Panthers eight UDFA signings listed on the SB Nation UDFA tracker are from big schools, and the two most intriguing names are Lucas and Byndom, whose name is literally intriguing. Lucas, like Washington above, was a part of the Missouri Tigers excellent WR corps, and he is landing in a great spot. Not only are they thin at receiver, but Lucas’s size and catch radius make him an interesting possession receiver for the Panthers. Byndom is fast and athletic and joins a team that’s thin at CB, but he might have a better chance of making the p-squad.
New Orleans Saints: S Pierre Warren, WR Brandon Coleman, RB Tim Flanders, LB Spencer Hadley
The New Orleans Saints signed a host of quality undrafted free agents, with Brandon Coleman being the biggest name of the bunch. Because he’s raw and is joining an incredibly crowded WR corps, the Rutgers product will most likely hit the practice squad. A long-strider a la Alshon Jeffery with an excellent size/speed combination, Coleman suffered through some terrible play from QB Gary Nova last year. He clearly needs polish, but he should have heard his name called yesterday. Tim Flander is an intriguing small-school RB who will probably hit the practice squad, but keep his name in mind down the road. Pierre Warren is an even more intriguing player, and I also thought the Jacksonville State product should have been drafted yesterday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Brett Smith, WR Solomon Patton, DE Chaz Sutton
The Buccaneers added Clowney’s partner in crime in Chaz Sutton, and it will be interesting to see how he looks right-off-the-bat this offseason. Solomon Patton didn’t do much as a receiver at UF, but the 5’8″ return man could make an impact in that regard in the NFL. Brett Smith is a QB well-worth developing, and he was a favorite of some draft analysts as something of a poor man’s Johnny Manziel. The Bucs drafted his favorite wide receiver Robert Herron in the sixth round, and Herron could make a big impact in the slot as a rookie. Smith, on the other hand, seems like a practice squad guy, but he has a legit shot at making the roster.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Jeff Matthews
Cornell signal-caller Jeff Matthews is yet another intriguing small-school passer in this year’s class, and it will be interesting to see if he can make the roster and eventually become a dependable backup for Matt Ryan. He’ll definitely at least make the practice squad, and Matthews has great size and arm strength. He is, however, immobile and horrible in front of the pass rush, so he’s a bit like Zach Mettenberger.