Brugler: Top targets from undrafted group
Not being drafted can be a tough pill to swallow for prospects, but one look around the NFL shows a league full of productive pros who started their career as undrafted free agents.
The NFL dream isn't over for these prospects, so below are the top 25 who did not hear their names called, but still have a chance to stick in the NFL.
1 -- Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn (6-1, 249, 4.78)
Taking over Carl Lawson's post as the Tigers' BUCK pass rusher, Holland posted 10.0 sacks as a junior with his try-hard edge-rush skills, flashing ability similar to Jeremiah Attaochu.
2 -- Holton Hill, CB, Texas (6-2, 196, 4.49)
Arguably the best tackling cornerback in the draft, Hill has a draftable skill-set with his foot quickness and toughness, but his off-field questions with multiple failed drug tests dropped him off boards.
3 -- Hercules Mata'afa, DE/OLB, Washington State (6-2, 254, 4.76)
It is rare for a player with his production (47.0 tackles for loss in 25 starts) to go undrafted, but Mata'afa is a tough evaluation because of fit. He will transition from an interior defensive lineman to the outside or linebacker.
4 -- Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana (6-3, 220, 4.60)
A big, physical target, Cobbs did a nice job against Ohio State's Denzel Ward in the 2017 opener, showing flashes of a poor man's Mike Evans, but body stiffness and poor routes were concerns.
5 -- Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford (6-1, 209, 4.49)
The tape was very up-and-down and his lack of play speed is a concern, but Meeks has the toughness and smarts to earn a NFL roster spot. He was a surprise undrafted player.
6 -- Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia (6-3, 288, 5.06)
On the field, Thompson flashes power and coordination to line up inside and outside, but he has struggled to stay healthy and failed several medical evaluations from teams.
7 -- Tarvarus McFadden, CB/S, Florida State (6-2, 204, 4.58)
After a noteworthy 2016 season with eight interceptions, McFadden struggled as a junior with zero pick-offs. His 4.67 40-yard dash (4.58 at the pro day) didn't help his chances of being drafted.
8 -- Levi Wallace, CB, Alabama (6-0, 179, 4.47)
One of the best stories in the draft, Wallace was the rare walk-on at Alabama and did a nice job with most offenses targeting his side of the field. He is accustomed to overcoming the odds.
9 -- JC Jackson, CB, Maryland (5-10, 201, 4.46)
A Florida transfer, Jackson had draftable tape with his athleticism and press-man skills, but his background issues likely led to him going undrafted.
10 -- Kameron Kelly, CB/S, San Diego State (6-2, 204, 4.55)
A safety/cornerback hybrid, Kelly is a highly competitive player who plays with the demeanor and toughness NFL coaches covet, but "fit" questions were an issue for several teams.
11 -- Korey Robertson, WR, Southern Miss (6-1, 212, 4.56)
12 -- Poona Ford, DT, Texas (5-11, 312, 5.13)
13 -- Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State (6-5, 227, 4.55)
14 -- Joshua Kalu, CB/S, Nebraska (6-0, 203, 4.58)
15 -- Darrel Williams, RB, LSU (6-0, 225, 4.66)
16 -- Grant Haley, CB, Penn State (5-9, 190, 4.44)
17 -- Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame (6-2, 213, 4.48)
18 -- Trayvon Henderson, S, Hawaii (6-0, 208, 4.58)
19 -- Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa (5-10, 194, 4.54)
20 -- Marcell Frazier, DE, Missouri (6-4, 261, 4.63)
21 -- Toby Weathersby, T, LSU (6-4, 317, 5.34)
22 -- Skyler Phillips, G, Idaho State (6-3, 318, 5.09)
23 -- Quin Blanding, S, Virginia (6-2, 207, 4.63)
24 -- Sean Welsh, G, Iowa (6-3, 306, 5.28)
25 -- Deontay Burnett, WR, USC (6-0, 186, 4.70)
