NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2023 NFL Season: 5 Undrafted rookies to watch in the preseason

By Jalen Wilson

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 12: Garrett Shrader #6 of the Syracuse Orange hands the ball to Sean Tucker #34 of the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on November 12, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 12: Garrett Shrader #6 of the Syracuse Orange hands the ball to Sean Tucker #34 of the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on November 12, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 10: Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is seen after the game against the Kennesaw State Owls at Nippert Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 10: Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is seen after the game against the Kennesaw State Owls at Nippert Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

NFL: 5 Undrafted rookies to watch in the preseason

3. Ivan Pace Jr, LB, Minnesota Vikings

Last season Minnesota’s defense struggled at getting stops allowing 25.1 points per game last season. Forcing the Vikings to draft some help in the secondary and defensive line, but they didn’t get to address the Linebacker position. But they may have found a diamond in the rough with Pace before the start of training camp it was believed that Pace would be able to make the team as a player on special teams, but things have changed.

Pace has seen reps with the second-string defense, but the coaching staff gave him reps with the first-team defense. Reports have been saying that Pace has been flying all over the field. Vikings Safety Harrison Smith went on NFL Total Access to talk about training camp and said “Ivan Pace, I believe will show up on the Seattle tape next week”.

Right now it seems like the battle for the starting spot is between Brian Amsamoah II and Pace. These next three preseason games will determine where Pace will end up on the depth chart.

2. Andre Carter II, OLB, Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota might have struck gold in the undrafted free agency market, being able to sign Pace and Carter. Before last season started, Carter was projected to be a 2nd round pick, Due to his play and size his stock dropped.

Carter’s name was removed from the PUP list on Saturday, and Monday was his first day participating in training camp. Since Carter didn’t get to participate much in training camp it will be solely up to what he does in the preseason to determine if he carved his way onto the depth chart.

1. Joseph Ngata, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

From the being of training camp, Ngata has been making a name for himself, using his 6-3 217-pound frame to his advantage. Multiple media sources at the Eagles camp have said Ngata has been the most surprising player in camp. Shamus Clancy of Phillyvoice said  about Ngata, “He’s hauled in everything that’s come his way this summer.”

Preseason performance and staying healthy determine if Ngata makes the official roster or the practice squad. Health was the reason  Ngatas’ college numbers are so low, but if Ngata can stay healthy and perform well he can find his way on the Eagles roster.

Next. 3 MVP candidates that could be a surprise. dark

Home/NFL