Every year, there are more undrafted free agents than first round picks on NFL rosters.
Of course, that’s just a matter of sample sizes. There are only 32 Day 1 picks each year — 31 in 2023, thanks to the Miami Dolphins’ shenanigans. There are more than 1,000 undrafted free agents who’ll get calls from teams, contract offers and training camp invitations
Still, several players have gone all seven rounds without hearing their names called just to thrive in the pros. Tony Romo slid under the radar at Eastern Illinois to become a Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys. Kurt Warner went unselected, ground his way through the Arena Football League, then became a two-time MVP and Hall of Famer. Six-time Pro Bowl center and 1-7 NFL head coach Jeff Saturday counts himself among the undrafted free agent success stories.
2023 will produce its share of starters and future stars. We’re not sure who that’ll be just yet, but if we had to place a bet these are the 10 players we’d back.
1
EDGE Andre Carter II
School: Army
Who is he? Versatile outside linebacker who had 14.5 sacks in 2021. At ARMY.
2
OG Emil Ekiyor Jr.
School: Alabama
Who is he? Athletic interior lineman who can flatten linebackers on the run.
3
CB Eli Ricks
School: Alabama
Who is he? Once thought to he a first round talent, Ricks is a big rangy cornerback who’s been unable to live up to a four-interception rookie season at LSU.
4
DT Jalen Redmond
School: Oklahoma
Who is he? Extremely athletic defensive tackle whose tape doesn’t yet match his measurables.
5
LB Anfernee Orji
School: Vanderbilt
Who is he? Smart, high-motor off-ball linebacker who gets places in a hurry and stops runners on sight.
6
EDGE Isaiah Land
School: Florida A&M
Who is he? Undersized but tenacious edge rusher with high potential and plenty to prove.
7
TE Joel Wilson
School: Central Michigan
Who is he? Reliable, strong-handed tight end with a big body and red zone skills
8
S Brandon Joseph
School: Notre Dame
Who is he? Another guy with Day 2 potential who slid down draft boards thanks to missed tackles.
9
EDGE Lonnie Phelps
School: Kansas
Who is he? Consistent pass rushing threat, whether that was at Miami of Ohio or, in 2022, Kansas (11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks)
10
DE Habakkuk Baldonado
School: Pittsburgh
Who is he? 4-3 defensive end with the power to get inside and technique to finish downs — had nine sacks in 2021.
