Underrated UCLA Prospects Who Could Sneak Into NFL Draft

See which Bruins may get a shot at the NFL, even as they fly under the radar.

Sept 25, 2010; Austin, TX, USA; A member of the UCLA Bruins holds up his helmet to acknowledge their fans against the Texas Longhorns during the fourth quarter at Texas Memorial Stadium. UCLA beat Texas 34-12. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-Imagn Images | Brendan Maloney-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and several former UCLA players are hoping to hear their names called and get a shot at playing professional football at the highest level. So far, offensive tackle Garrett DiGiorgio and defensive tackle Gary Smith III have received the most publicity, but there are others working for that chance with lesser recognition.

The Bruins had 18 total players participate in their Pro Day last month. Here are a few of the underrated players from that day who may get a chance in the NFL.

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Key Lawrence - Defensive Back

As with many of the overlooked UCLA players, one of the big issues for Lawrence will be his age. He's already 25, which is often considered too old for a rookie. He's spent six years in college as well, which may raise concerns about his developmental capabilities.

However, Lawrence was a productive college football player. He's played more than 60 games with over 200 tackles, four interceptions, and 15 passes defended. His best years came during his time at Oklahoma, where he was an All-Big 12 honorable mention player in 2021.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Nyziah Hunter (13) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence (4) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

His best attribute is his tackling. He only spent one season at UCLA and led the secondary with 70 tackles, making the third-most on the team in 2025. Couple that with his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, and there might be something worth taking a chance on. Yet, he enters the draft process as a potential undrafted free agent.

JonJon Vaughns - Linebacker

The biggest questions for Vaughn are whether his game will and which version of him teams will get. He's also an older player, having had his 2024 season derailed by an injury in the season-opener, but he responded with an incredible 2025.

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Kyron Hudson (1) is tackled by UCLA Bruins linebacker Jonjon Vaughns (6) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

During his first five seasons at UCLA, Vaughns made a total of 113 tackles. Yet in 2025, he became a monster and threatened that cumulative total in one season, amassing a whopping 107 tackles while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. It was also good enough for the fourth-most tackles per game in the conference and 24th-most (per game) nationally.

Someone has to stop these high-powered offenses, and tackling is obviously a significant part of that. There's a place for sure-tacklers in the league, and that might get Vaughns drafted.

Jalen Berger - Running Back

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jalen Berger (0) carries the ball against Southern California Trojans safety Kennedy Urlacher (28) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This is a polarizing player because Berger never hit his full potential as a collegiate player. As the No. 87 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class out of Don Bosco Prep (NJ), he was expected to be an elite college player. Yet, after an impressive freshman year with Wisconsin in which he ran for over 400 yards on just 60 carries, he regressed.

His sophomore campaign saw him total just 88 yards before transferring to Michigan State. Berger's first season with the Spartans was the best of his college career, but by 2024, he was off to UCLA, where he began as a backup and finished 2025 as the Bruins' top rusher.

Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; The 2026 NFL Draft logo at the Super Bowl LX Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Again, this is an older prospect, so it's easy to see teams shying away, but enough production is there for an NFL franchise to think he can play a role.