Most draft-eligible college players are not selected in the NFL Draft, so they must attempt to begin their professional career as an undrafted free agent. Legends such as John Randle, Warren Moon, and Kurt Warner weren't drafted, so great players can be found after all of the picks are made. Here are the ten players with the best chance at joining that group.
10. Trenton Thompson, DT, Cleveland Browns
Thompson is one of the more talented defensive lineman in the 2018 draft class, but he was constantly injured in college. That's a concern for NFL teams, especially at a position with so much contact, like defensive tackle. After trading Danny Shelton to New England, the Browns have a depth spot open at DT, and if Thompson can stay healthy throughout training camp and the preseason, he could make a run for the position.
9. Simmie Cobbs Jr., WR, Washington Redskins
Cobbs is a similar player to Allen Lazard (more on him later), but he is slower and not as big. He scored eight touchdowns for the Hoosiers in 2017, but as soon as the season began, Cobbs made NFL teams take notice of him as he dominated Ohio State's vaunted secondary for 11 catches, 149 yards, and a touchdown.
Ryan Grant and Terrelle Pryor are no longer with the Redskins, so if Cobbs can show off the talent that he displayed early in 2017, he could make the roster.
8. Quin Blanding, SS, Washington Redskins
Blanding was a four-year starter in college and will provide leadership for the Redskins' defense. His lack of speed and elite athleticism will force him to move to SS, but he is a capable run defender and has good size at 6'2″ 207 lbs. With the departure of Su'a Cravens, Blanding could make the team as a depth player.
7. Damon Webb, FS, Tennessee Titans
The Ohio State secondary has produced NFL players such as Bradley Roby, Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, Vonn Bell, and Malik Hooker in years past, so starting at free safety for the Buckeyes is no small feat, and Damon Webb excelled at the position. He had five interceptions in 2017, displaying his excellent athleticism and instincts. He is not the biggest or fastest player, but he is a solid cover man and should be at the very least a capable backup.
6. Tarvarus McFadden, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Another tall cornerback, McFadden looked like a top ten pick after his 2016 season in which he intercepted eight passes. NFL teams were expecting him to take another step forward in 2017, but the opposite happened. He had no picks, and looked disinterested and lazy for the majority of the year. His 4.68 40-time at the NFL Combine didn't do him any favors either.
The 49ers are hoping that they get the 2016 McFadden, and if they do, they will be getting a good press corner who can stick with the taller elite WRs in the league.
5. Josh Adams, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
At 6'2″ 213 lbs, Adams has great size for a running back. At Notre Dame, he scored a total of 22 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He has the power to run over defenders and the speed to turn a small gain into a large one. The Eagles' backfield currently consists of Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, Darren Sproles, and Donnel Pumphrey, so Adams will have an uphill battle to make the team, but he has the talent to be an NFL RB for years to come.
4. Holton Hill, CB, Minnesota Vikings
Hill is a tall, physical corner who fits in well in today's game. He was very good in pass coverage in 2017, and his 4.49 speed gives him plenty of potential. Hill is also a fantastic run stopper, so he is not limited to playing only passing downs.
Hill has had multiple off-field issues, so he must prove that he is beyond those. Minnesota's secondary is crowded, but if Hill can stay on as the final CB on the roster, Terence Newman and Trae Waynes may not return for 2019, so Hill's role could increase.
3. Allen Lazard, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
After losing Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns during free agency, the Jaguars were in need of wide receivers. Deep threat D.J. Chark was taken in the second, and Jacksonville was able to pick up one of the class's best red-zone targets in Lazard.
At 6'5″ 227 lbs with a 38-inch vertical, Lazard is able to pull in pretty much any pass that is throw his way. However, Lazard is slow and struggles to create separation, which is why his best use is almost exclusively in the red-zone. Regardless, if the Jaguars use him correctly, he will be a productive player.
2. Desmond Harrison, OT, Cleveland Browns
Playing at West Georgia and carrying a lot of off-field baggage prevented Harrison from being drafted, but there is a very good chance he makes the team in Cleveland. He is an athletic marvel, as he ran a 4.9-second 40-yard dash, the 11th-fastest time for an offensive lineman since 2006. Harrison absolutely dominated his collegiate competition, but that's the thing; scouts have not seen him play against premier teams in a bigger conference.
Harrison also does not play with good technique which will limit his ability to make an impact early on. Still, if he can stay clean off the field and develop his skills more, he can be an elite left tackle in the NFL.
1. Kevin Toliver, CB, Chicago Bears
Tall cornerbacks are at a premium in today's NFL, and that's what makes the former LSU Tiger an intriguing pickup. Toliver did not live up to expectations in Death Valley, but he did improve quite a bit in his 2017 season. Bears DC Vic Fangio is a mastermind and should be able to put Toliver in a role where he can contribute as well as continue to develop. If he is coached well, Toliver could end up being a solid starter down the road.
It's statistically improbable that all ten of these players will remain with the teams that signed them first, but they all have the talent to play in the NFL and could become much more than just end-of-the-roster depth players within a few seasons.
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