The 2023 NFL Draft is over, as 259 players got drafted during the three-day event. However, hundreds of players went undrafted. Many have already signed with teams, hoping to make the final roster in August.
While the NFL Draft is about the players selected, nearly a quarter of the opening-day rosters last season went undrafted. Furthermore, there are 15 undrafted players in the Hall of Fame. Everyone who didn’t hear their name this past week hopes to be this year’s Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates, London Fletcher or Adam Vinatieri.
Let’s look at the top undrafted free agents at every position for the 2023 Draft class and see what their future might hold.
Tyson Bagent (QB – CHI)
The former FCS quarterback had an outstanding career at Shepherd. Tyson Bagent finished his college career, completing 68.1% of his pass attempts for 12,454 yards and 118 touchdowns in 38 games. Furthermore, he had an outstanding 2021 season with 5,000 passing yards and a 4.1:1 touchdown to interception ratio. Many believe Bagent should have gotten drafted. He potentially becomes the backup to Justin Fields in a year or two.
Sean Tucker (RB – TB)
Many NFL Draft evaluators thought Sean Tucker could be the next Austin Ekeler. Unfortunately, the former Syracuse star went undrafted like the superstar running back. Tucker likely went undrafted because he wasn’t healthy during the pre-Draft process. However, the rookie running back had over 3,100 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in 33 career college games. Furthermore, he had 36 receptions in 2022, a career-high. With Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds leading the way in Tampa Bay’s backfield, Tucker has an excellent chance at making the final 53-man roster.
Mohamed Ibrahim (RB – DET)
Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game of football. Mohamed Ibrahim was a potential Day 2 prospect after his junior season in 2020. Yet, Ibrahim returned to Minnesota in 2021, only to tear his Achilles in the first game of the year. Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, he returned in 2022. Ibrahim played well, totaling 320 rushing attempts for 1,665 yards and 20 touchdowns, all career highs. However, with nearly 900 touches in college and torn Achilles, it’s no surprise Ibrahim went undrafted. The good news for the rookie is that he can make Detroit’s final roster. All Ibrahim has to do is beat out Craig Reynolds or Jermar Jefferson for one of the last running back roster spots.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton (WR – NYG)
I thought Bryce Ford-Wheaton would have been a mid-round selection, so to see him go undrafted was shocking. The former West Virginia had a productive senior season, totaling 62 receptions for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. Furthermore, he led the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2022. Ford-Wheaton is a bigger receiver who can make plays downfield. After going undrafted, the former West Virginia receiver signed with the Giants. Given the number of wide receivers on the roster, Ford-Wheaton will struggle to make the final 53-man roster. Yet, he should find his way onto the practice squad.
Rakim Jarrett (WR – TB)
Rakim Jarrett had a solid career at Maryland. He had 119 receptions for 1,552 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 28 career games. His best year was in 2021, when Jarrett had 62 receptions for 829 receiving yards and five touchdowns, all career highs. He finished top 10 in the Big 10 in receptions and receiving yards that year. Despite the lack of eye-popping numbers, Jarrett could make an opening-day roster. The Buccaneers have their starting three wide receivers set in stone. However, Jarrett has limited competition for one of the final two-three wide receiver spots.
Michael Ezeike (TE – LAC)
The former UCLA tight end started his career as a wide receiver, catching 12 passes for 136 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2018. However, Michael Ezeike had his best season last year, totaling 20 receptions for 226 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While his stats aren’t elite, the former Bruin was a trustworthy target for Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Ezeike had the second-most receiving touchdowns on the team last season, finishing only behind Jake Bobo. Meanwhile, the former UCLA tight end could make the final 53-man roster in Los Angeles, as the team didn’t spend a draft pick on the position.
Mark Evans II (OL – NO)
New Orleans has had a talented offensive line for years. While they have invested multiple early-round draft picks on the offensive line, the Saints can find and develop players too. Mark Evans II landing with the team was excellent for his long-term future. While the team has their starting offensive line set, they lack depth and versatility. Evans II got plenty of starting experience at Arkansas Pine Bluff. While he likely never turns into a starter, the rookie offensive lineman has a fair shot of making the final roster.
Jaxson Kirkland (OL – CIN)
Jaxson Kirkland declared for the 2022 NFL Draft last year. However, he withdrew after a pre-draft medical exam showed Kirkland had a high ankle sprain that required surgery. Kirkland returned to Washington and played 10 games last season. The former Husky has experience starting at guard and tackle, though many scouts believe he’s better suited at guard. While Kirkland will likely never be a starter, he can provide depth to a Cincinnati offensive line that has struggled to stay healthy the past few years.
PJ Mustipher (DL – DEN)
Penn State had six players drafted this year, including three in the second round. Unfortunately, PJ Mustipher went undrafted. However, he landed in an excellent spot with the Broncos. The former Penn State defensive lineman didn’t have eye-popping numbers, totaling 144 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and only three sacks in his career. Yet, he did his job on defense and could become a productive nose tackle in the NFL. Denver has limited depth behind D.J. Jones, giving Mustipher a real shot at making the final 53-man roster in August.
Jalen Redmond (DL – CAR)
The Panthers spent all but two of their draft picks on offense this year. Meanwhile, the team signed Shy Tuttle in free agency but has limited depth at defensive tackle. Yet, Carolina might have landed an impact player with Jalen Redmond. The former Oklahoma defensive lineman had 29 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks over the past three seasons. Furthermore, he had double-digit tackles for a loss twice, including last year. Redmond can play on the edge and slide inside on passing downs. He likely won’t become a starter anytime soon, but Redmond could become a critical rotational player for Carolina.
Andre Carter II (EDGE – MIN)
Following the 2021 season, Andre Carter II looked like a potential first-round pick. He had 17 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks that year. Furthermore, the former Army star finished second in the country with 14.5 sacks in 2021, only behind Will Anderson. Unfortunately, Carter II regressed last year. His tackles for a loss dropped to 7.5, while his sack total was more than cut in half (7.5). Between the drop in production and his poor athletic test, it’s no surprise Carter II went undrafted. However, the Vikings have several edge rushers entering the final year of their contracts. Don’t be surprised if Carter II spends this year on the practice squad before becoming a rotational player in 2024.
Mohamoud Diabate (EDGE – CLE)
Mohamoud Diabate spent the first three years of his college career at Florida before transferring to Utah last season. Yet, he had a career year in 2022. Diabate had 13.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks last year, both career highs. Furthermore, he finished second in the Pac-12 in tackles for a loss. More importantly, Diabate can play off-the-ball linebacker and rush the passer, providing Jim Schwartz’s defense with versatility. While it won’t be easy, Diabate could push for playing time as a rookie.
Anfernee Orji (LB – NO)
The former Commodore linebacker started his career as a safety. Anfernee Orji switched to linebacker before the start of the 2021 season and took off. He had 92 tackles that year, including 13 for a loss. Furthermore, Orji led the team in both categories, totaling eight more tackles for a loss than any other player. Unfortunately, his smaller size led to him going undrafted. However, the Saints have a habit of drafting smaller-size linebackers. He might have to spend a year on the practice squad, but Orji should stick around in New Orleans.
Cam Jones (LB – KC)
Cam Jones only played in five games for Indiana last year. Yet, he still had 54 total tackles, including three for a loss and a sack. Furthermore, the former Hoosier linebacker finished sixth on the team in total tackles despite missing over half the season. He ended his career with over 200 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Jones could make the final roster in Kansas City. The team’s top four linebackers are set in stone. However, the remaining roster spots are up for grabs. If he can make an impact on special teams during the preseason, Jones should be part of the opening-day roster.
Eli Ricks (CB – PHI)
Every year there is one player everyone is surprised went undrafted. This year that player was Eli Ricks. Yes, he had a disappointing 2022 season, but the former Alabama cornerback has too much talent to go undrafted. He landed in an excellent spot with the Eagles. Philadelphia is one of the top teams at developing secondary players. While he might have to start the year on the practice squad, don’t be surprised if Ricks joins the active roster before the end of the regular season.
Starling Thomas V (CB – DET)
Starling Thomas V had a productive college career, totaling 107 tackles in 42 career games. He only had three career interceptions, including zero last season. However, the former UAB cornerback had 15 passes defended in 2022. Thomas V finished second in Conference USA and fourth in the country in passes defended last season. Furthermore, he finished sixth in the conference in passes defended in 2021. Meanwhile, the Lions made several additions in the secondary this offseason. Yet, Detroit still could use another outside cornerback. Thomas V could potentially fill that role as a rookie.
Brandon Joseph (S – CLE)
After three years at Northwestern, Brandon Joseph transferred to Notre Dame before the start of last season. However, he saw his production decline. Joseph had 125 tackles and nine interceptions over his final two years at Northwestern. Unfortunately, the rookie safety only had 30 tackles and one interception in 2022. Meanwhile, the Lions have added multiple defensive backs this offseason. Therefore, Joseph will have an uphill fight to make the final roster. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will put the former Notre Dame safety in a position to shine during the preseason. Whether in Detroit or elsewhere, Joseph will be on a 53-man roster in Week 1.
Ronnie Hickman (S – CLE)
Ohio State has produced several talented safeties in the past. Over the past two years, Ronnie Hickman had 152 tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended. Furthermore, he led the team in interceptions in 2021. While the former Buckeye went undrafted, Hickman has a legit chance to make the final roster in Cleveland. The starting safeties are Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill. However, the depth behind them is thin. If Hickman has a productive preseason, the former Buckeye could start the year as the top reserve safety on the roster.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
