Mandatory minicamps are set to begin around the NFL, and young players are hungry to prove themselves and make a case to earn a roster spot. While most undrafted free agents, or UDFAs, ultimately don’t last through training camp and the preseason, a few hidden gems emerge every year.
With depth charts far from set and reps up for grabs, these players will have an opportunity to show why teams shouldn’t have slept on them. We’ve spotlighted one UDFA from each of the 32 NFL teams who could turn heads during minicamp.
Arizona Cardinals: DT Elijah Simmons
The Arizona Cardinals’ defense finished as one of the worst in the NFL a season ago (ranked 27th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric). The run defense was porous, ranking 28th in success rate, according to TruMedia. Despite adding veteran Calais Campbell and drafting Walter Nolen III, this unit’s defensive front needs to add more depth.
Elijah Simmons has a rare combination of size, power, and burst off the line of scrimmage. At 6’2” and 340 pounds, he’s built to clog the middle and instantly commands attention with his ability to shoot gaps and disrupt blocking schemes at the point of attack.
While his snap count at Tennessee was somewhat limited, the film shows a player who consistently collapsed pockets and stuffed run lanes with sheer strength. Simmons was a load to handle for interior offensive linemen, often demanding double teams and freeing up others to make plays.
Though his impact on passing downs may be minimal, Simmons has the tools to carve out a role as an early-down run-stopper. His ability to eat space and anchor the middle could make him a valuable rotational piece for a Cardinals defense in need of help up front.
Atlanta Falcons: CB Cobee Bryant
The Falcons’ defense left much to be desired in 2024, especially against the pass. They ranked 25th in pass defense success rate (51.9%) and 27th in EPA per dropback allowed (-0.12). Atlanta lacks depth at cornerback, and they were able to sign a player who most thought would get drafted in Cobee Bryant.
Bryant makes up for his leaner frame with exceptional instincts, high-level ball production, and relentless competitiveness. With 13 interceptions and 22 pass breakups in his college career at Kansas, Bryant showed a consistent ability to recognize plays and jump routes, especially in zone coverage.
#Falcons are signing Kansas CB Cobee Bryant as a UDFA, per @Schultz_Report.
Bryant was a Shrine Bowl standout and a consensus top-130 prospect. Most had him as an early Day 3 pick. Potential steal for Atlanta.
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) April 27, 2025
Bryant’s anticipation and timing allow him to be disruptive even when giving up size to bigger receivers. He’s the kind of defensive back who finds ways to be around the ball and make something happen when he gets there. He also brings an emotional edge and energy that can elevate a secondary. His fearlessness and tone-setting attitude should appeal to head coach Raheem Morris, who values toughness and playmakers.
Baltimore Ravens: LB Chandler Martin
General manager Eric DeCosta came away from the 2025 NFL Draft with an impressive haul for the Ravens. They addressed every pressing roster need, but they could stand to add more competition at linebacker, especially after losing Malik Harrison and Chris Board to free agency.
Chandler Martin is a hard-nosed, old-school inside linebacker with the kind of physicality and motor that fits Baltimore’s defensive DNA. He plays with a downhill mentality and has a knack for delivering thumping hits in the box. His instincts and effort stand out on tape, making him a reliable tackler who isn’t afraid to mix it up with offensive linemen in close quarters.
While his compact frame and average lateral mobility can limit his ability to cover ground or disengage from blocks in space, Martin’s toughness and football intelligence help him stay around the ball. He may not flash elite athletic traits, but his feel for the game and ability to read plays make him a strong candidate for early-down work and special teams contributions.
Martin’s production as a blitzer (seven sacks in 2024) adds to his value and could earn him a niche role in a Ravens defense that thrives on pressure and physicality. If he continues to play with the same urgency and edge he showed in college, he’ll be tough for Baltimore’s coaching staff to overlook.
Buffalo Bills: WR Kelly Akharaiyi
The Buffalo Bills may not have an elite receiving corps, but that didn’t stop the offense from averaging 29.5 points per game (No. 2 in the NFL) last season. Buffalo added Joshua Palmer, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Kaden Prather through free agency and the draft, but there could be some competition.
Kelly Akharaiyi is an intriguing prospect, thanks to his solid frame, physicality, and athleticism. He doesn’t boast elite speed or sudden burst, but he makes up for it with toughness and the kind of size that can be valuable in a possession receiver role.
His potential lies in working the short and intermediate areas of the field. If he can improve his route running and consistently use his body to shield defenders, he has the tools to become a reliable target in tight windows.
Akharaiyi’s willingness to compete on contested catches give him a shot to stick in a depth role, especially on a Bills roster that values dependable chain-movers. With continued development, he could carve out a place as a complementary option in the passing game.
Carolina Panthers: OL Luke Kandra
The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line had mixed results in 2024, finishing 19th in our OL+ metric. After not drafting any offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft, they could be looking for one of their UDFAs to play their way into a roster spot.
Luke Kandra is a polished interior lineman whose combination of experience, toughness, and technical consistency could earn him a spot on the Panthers’ roster. A two-year starter at Cincinnati (after transferring from Louisville), Kandra earned All-Big 12 and All-American honors while helping lead one of college football’s most efficient rushing attacks.
At 6’5″, 318 pounds, Kandra brings a strong, balanced frame, dependable hand placement, and the ability to play with tempo and awareness. He’s rarely flagged and allowed just one sack over 24 starts. His motor never stops.
Though he can struggle at times against elite bull rushers and needs to maintain better pad level, Kandra’s solid technique and experience give him a legitimate shot to stick.
Chicago Bears: LB Power Echols
If it weren’t for a volatile offense, the Chicago Bears’ defense could’ve fared better than they did last season. The fact that they still finished 13th in our Defense+ metric is very promising. Despite a strong linebacker duo of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, there could be an open competition for the backup roles.
Power Echols is an energetic, instinctive linebacker whose production and athleticism make him a legitimate player to watch. A three-year starter at North Carolina, Echols posted consecutive 100-tackle seasons while showcasing durability, leadership, and relentless effort as a second-level defender.
Though he may lack ideal size and top-tier strength, Echols (5’11”, 237 pounds) compensates with speed and range. He thrives in space, using his lateral agility to pursue outside runs and stick with backs and tight ends in coverage.
His awareness and motor help him consistently stay around the ball. Echols also brings clear value on special teams, which is a potential path to cracking the roster early.
Cincinnati Bengals: C Seth McLaughlin
There’s no denying how dangerous the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense is. With Joe Burrow throwing the football to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus Chase Brown entrenched at running back, they can put points on anyone.
The offensive line is holding them back, though (29th in OL+). Ted Karras is the starter in the middle, but injuries happen, and depth should be a priority.
Seth McLaughlin’s résumé is among the strongest of any undrafted lineman this year. He started at both Ohio State and Alabama in college. Although a late-season Achilles injury in 2024 hurt his draft stock, his performance speaks to his potential.
Rather than relying on brute strength, McLaughlin excels with leverage, footwork, and anticipation. He’s a natural fit for zone-blocking schemes that prioritize movement and technique. At 6’4″, 304 pounds, he isn’t a mauler, but he consistently wins with balance, positioning, and clean hand usage.
If he gets cleared medically, McLaughlin could provide immediate value as a backup center and compete for a long-term role, thanks to his high IQ and experience.
Cleveland Browns: DL Adin Huntington
Any defensive line that is led by Myles Garrett is going to be dangerous. Throw Mason Graham into the mix, and you have a disruptive inside-outside combination. Cleveland finished with a 40% pressure rate without blitzing last season (best in the NFL).
While none of the UDFAs will compete for a starting job, one in particular could carve out a rotational role. Adin Huntington is a dynamic, high-upside athlete. He doesn’t fit the prototype for a traditional edge rusher or interior lineman, as he lacks ideal length for the outside and the bulk for a full-time interior role, but his rare combination of explosiveness, quickness, and effort gives him real appeal in today’s positionless defensive schemes.
Browns are signing Tulane DL Adin Huntington as a UDFA, per source.
Powerful interior presence had an excellent pre-draft process.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 27, 2025
Huntington wins with a lightning-quick first step and an ability to disrupt plays before they fully develop. His burst off the snap consistently puts offensive linemen on their heels, allowing him to shoot gaps and generate chaos in the backfield. That initial get-off, paired with a relentless motor, gives him clear sub-package potential.
Dallas Cowboys: S Alijah Clark
The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason needing to add depth to their secondary. The group got picked on a bit in 2024, ranking 27th in completion rate allowed (68.2%), 28th in passer rating allowed (99.5), and 31st in yards after catch per reception (6.0).
Injuries ravaged the secondary, most notably with cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. Still, Dallas is relatively thin across the board.
Former Syracuse safety Alijah Clark already seems to be making a name for himself. Starter Malik Hooker left practice during OTAs with an injury, and Clark got some reps with the first-team defense, according to DallasCowboys.com. That could be a sign that coaches are already starting to take note of his abilities.
Clark’s game is built on anticipation and instincts. His ball production (two career interceptions) doesn’t jump off the page, and he’s not the most physical safety, but he’s flashed versatility, with experience at both safety spots, in the slot, and on special teams. Through 44 college games, Clark totaled 189 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and earned Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP honors, proving he can show up in big moments.
Denver Broncos: WR Jerjuan Newton
The Denver Broncos’ offense surprised a lot of people last year. In Bo Nix’s first season under center, they averaged 22.7 points per game (11th in the NFL) and qualified for the postseason. The unit doesn’t have a legit No. 1 receiver … not yet.
Jerjuan Newton is one of the most decorated receivers in Toledo history, leaving the program as its all-time leader in touchdown receptions (36). His steady year-to-year progression, coupled with his ability to produce in a variety of roles, makes him an intriguing undrafted free agent with real developmental upside.
What sets Newton apart is his versatility, as he can operate on the outside, in the slot, and win at every level of the field. His polished route-running, reliable hands, and toughness over the middle are traits that should appeal to head coach Sean Payton.
Newton also brings added value after the catch, ranking among the top 25 nationally in YAC. He may not wow with elite measurables, but his football IQ, consistency, and playmaking ability give him a legitimate shot to stick on Denver’s depth chart.
Detroit Lions: TE Caden Prieskorn
Sam LaPorta is the unquestioned TE1 for the Detroit Lions. However, the No. 1 offense in our Offense+ metric likes to use tight ends, and the right player could compete with Brock Wright for playing time behind LaPorta.
Caden Prieskorn is a well-rounded tight end prospect whose size, toughness, and experience make him a strong candidate to carve out a role in Detroit. With a sturdy frame and in-line blocking ability, Prieskorn fits the mold of a traditional tight end.
While he won’t blow past defenders with speed, Prieskorn makes up for it with reliability as a pass-catcher. He has strong hands, excellent focus in contested situations, and a feel for finding space in zone coverage, making him a dependable target in short-yardage and red zone scenarios.
Prieskorn needs to improve his blocking technique and consistency, but his effort and physicality stand out. That aligns with Dan Campbell’s physical brand of football.
Green Bay Packers: LB Jamon Dumas-Brown
The Green Bay Packers’ defense was solid last season, finishing top 10 in our Defense+. metric. The unit features a strong young linebacker duo in Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper. They have their spots on lock, but it will be interesting to see who earns the backup roles in camp.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson arrives in Green Bay with a winning pedigree and a track record of high-level SEC production. A vocal leader with a physical edge, he brings toughness, experience, and an old-school mentality to the middle of the defense.
While his lone season at Kentucky in 2024 was uneven due to injury and inconsistency, Dumas-Johnson still flashed the instincts and strength that once made him a key contributor at Georgia. He’s at his best when playing downhill, filling run lanes, and delivering hits near the line of scrimmage.
Dumas-Johnson lacks top-tier speed and coverage fluidity, but his value as a run stopper and occasional pass rusher gives him a shot to earn a role in sub-packages or early-down situations. If he stays healthy, Dumas-Johnson could become a dependable depth piece in Green Bay’s linebacker rotation.
Houston Texans: C Eli Cox
The Houston Texans’ offensive line struggled mightily in 2024, finishing dead last in our rankings (F grade). They were bad in both pass protection and the run game. Houston ranked 31st in run block success rate.
After trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green, depth up front is of utmost importance. Eli Cox is a polished, battle-tested interior offensive lineman with the kind of intangibles that NFL coaches value. A two-time team captain and sixth-year senior at Kentucky, Cox brings leadership, maturity, and SEC experience, along with proven versatility at both center and guard.
Athletically, Cox tested well during the pre-draft process, including a 5.02 40-yard dash and a 32.5-inch vertical, both solid numbers for an interior lineman. He’s technically sound, too, with good body control and effort when sustaining blocks. His ability to stay engaged through contact makes him an asset in both run and pass protection.
While his arm length and occasional misreads may limit his ceiling, Cox’s toughness, motor, and football IQ give him a solid foundation to compete for a reserve role.
Indianapolis Colts: WR Landon Parker
Cracking the Colts’ wide receiver room won’t be easy for a UDFA, with established names like Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Adonai Mitchell leading the way. But Landon Parker’s elite athleticism gives him a puncher’s chance to stand out in a crowded group.
Parker’s college production at Troy was modest, finishing with just 27 catches for 350 yards in his final season. However, he turned heads during the pre-draft process.
At 6’2″, 211 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.40 40-yard dash, recorded a 38.5″ vertical, an 11’1″ broad jump, and posted a 6.68 3-cone. Those numbers that would’ve ranked among the best at the NFL Combine.
Mitchell, a second-round pick in 2024, didn’t quite live up to expectations, catching just 23 passes for 312 yards. The Colts are deep at receiver, but if Parker can make some splash plays, he can help push Mitchell to step up heading into Year 2. Parker’s size and athletic traits could also allow him to contribute on special teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars: S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass defense improved down the stretch in 2024, but the unit ranked 31st in pass defense success rate from Weeks 1-11. The front office bolstered the safety group by adding Eric Murray in free agency, but versatility could boost a player’s chances to become a depth piece.
Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig may not boast prototypical size or elite measurables, but his football instincts, physicality, and versatility make him a strong candidate to carve out a role with the Jaguars. Despite a smaller frame, he plays with a fearless mentality, flying downhill, delivering hits, and holding his own both in the box and on the back end.
Colorado Safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig 93 yard Touchdown 🔥 #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/WarTi88qWH
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) September 28, 2024
What sets Silmon-Craig apart is his high football IQ and knack for always being near the ball. He excels in zone coverage, flashing the IQ and instincts to read quarterbacks and disrupt passing lanes. As a run defender, he brings attitude and effort.
Silmon-Craig profiles as a valuable special-teams contributor and a flexible depth piece. Reuniting with college teammate Travis Hunter could also bring out the best in him.
Kansas City Chiefs: TE Jake Briningstool
Travis Kelce isn’t retiring yet. But that doesn’t mean the Kansas City Chiefs should ignore the tight end position. Kelce turns 36 next season, and he’s coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. Patrick Mahomes loves targeting his tight ends, and one UDFA in particular could challenge Jared Wiley for reps behind Kelce and Noah Gray.
Jake Briningstool may not fit the mold of a prototypical in-line tight end, but his toughness, savvy route-running, and dependable hands give him clear value as a receiving threat. He isn’t going to overpower defenders or create major separation in man coverage, but his ability to find soft spots in zone and make difficult catches makes him a dependable target.
Briningstool (6’6”, 240 pounds) moves smoothly for his size and shows impressive body control and concentration, particularly in traffic. He thrives in the intermediate passing game, where his understanding of leverage and spacing helps him stay involved and productive. While he still has room to grow as a blocker, the Clemson product brings enough receiving upside to earn looks on third downs and in the red zone.
Las Vegas Raiders: EDGE Jah Joyner
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the offseason needing more playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. They ranked just 25th in pressure rate without blitzing. The Raiders need more juice on the edge to help Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
Jah Joyner possesses a rare combination of size, length, and motor. At 6’5″, 265 pounds with long arms, he brings physical traits that can’t be taught. Though still a work in progress, his steady growth in college and flashes of disruption suggest there’s more potential to unlock.
He’s not an elite athlete off the edge in terms of first-step explosiveness or bend, but he plays with effort and uses his length to his advantage when setting the edge or creating space as a pass rusher. When given room to operate, Joyner has shown an ability to affect the pocket and finish plays. If he continues to develop, he could emerge as a valuable rotational defender in Las Vegas’ front seven.
Los Angeles Chargers: CB Myles Purchase
The Los Angeles Chargers finished the 2024 season with a top-5 defense in our Defense+ metric. The unit features plenty of young talent, especially in the secondary, where Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart shined as rookies. One of this year’s UDFAs could make an impact on the back end as well.
Myles Purchase is a tough, physical defensive back whose gritty playing style fits perfectly with the culture head coach Jim Harbaugh is building in Los Angeles. While the Chargers have capable options at nickelback, the increasing importance of that role makes it wise to keep developing depth. Purchase plays with an edge and shows a willingness to come downhill and make stops in the run game on every snap.
Purchase also shows strong instincts in coverage. His physicality at the catch point (and as a tackler) adds value in sub-packages, particularly against quick-slot receivers and in run support. He may not have the flashiest traits, but his all-around reliability and toughness make him a strong candidate for a roster spot.
Los Angeles Rams: OL Willie Lampkin
While the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line isn’t elite, they were still a solid unit last season despite battling injuries. Strengthening the unit by adding versatility and depth to the interior could help boost the ground game.
Willie Lampkin may not meet the traditional size standards for an NFL offensive lineman, but his on-field performance tells a far more compelling story. At just 5’10” and 270 pounds, he defied expectations throughout his college career, starting 61 games across multiple positions at Coastal Carolina and North Carolina.
Every Willie Lampkin 1-on-1 from the Senior Bowl pic.twitter.com/wCk8UPeUjq
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 30, 2025
Lampkin’s game features elite technique, relentless effort, and rare athleticism. Though his frame will raise concerns at the pro level, his strong showing at the Senior Bowl proved he can hold his own against top-tier competition. His quickness, football intelligence, and ability to execute in both gap and zone schemes help offset any physical limitations.
His ability to play multiple spots along the interior and compete with a chip on his shoulder makes him a strong candidate to carve out a role during minicamp.
Miami Dolphins: WR Andrew Armstrong
It sounds like Tyreek Hill is staying put, and with him and Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins still have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. Malik Washington should also see an increased role in 2025. Adding another big-bodied threat to compete with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could boost the passing attack, though.
Andrew Armstrong might not have drawn the most pre-draft buzz, but his combination of size, production, and catch-point ability makes him a sleeper to watch. Standing at 6’4″ and over 200 pounds, Armstrong brings impressive length and a wide catch radius. Those traits are hard to find and even harder to defend on the outside.
Armstrong is at his best in contested-catch situations, using his frame and reliable hands to win battles downfield and along the sideline.
While his athletic testing numbers and 2024 touchdown totals didn’t jump off the page — one receiving score last season, and six total touchdowns in 23 games — his tape shows a receiver capable of holding his own against top-tier competition. He’s a true size mismatch on the perimeter and could emerge as a red-zone threat or jump-ball option.
Minnesota Vikings: OT Logan Brown
The Minnesota Vikings already boasted a top 10 offensive line last season. They got even stronger this offseason by adding Will Fries and Ryan Kelly to the interior in free agency. They also drafted Donovan Jackson with the 24th overall pick.
Logan Brown is a high-upside project with the physical tools to eventually make an NFL impact. A former five-star recruit and accomplished multi-sport athlete, Brown finally began to live up to his potential during his final season at Kansas.
At 6’6″, 311 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, he brings an ideal frame and athletic profile for the tackle position. Brown is a physical presence in the run game, capable of generating movement at the point of attack, and has shown glimpses of the dominance that once made him a top prospect.
Brown’s raw traits and coachability give him developmental appeal. He’s not a finished product, but he’s joining one of the most established lines in the NFL.
New England Patriots: TE CJ Dippre
Drake Maye has established himself as the quarterback of the future for the New England Patriots, and the front office has made it a priority to put him in the best position to succeed. With plenty of depth at wide receiver, there could be an intriguing battle brewing at tight end.
CJ Dippre is the kind of well-rounded tight end who quietly carves out a role on an NFL roster. At 6’4″, 262 pounds, he brings a physical, dependable presence to both the run game and short passing attack. He plays with toughness, discipline, and functional athleticism.
On film, Dippre stands out as a reliable target in contested situations and a steady chain-mover in short-to-intermediate areas. He may not create a ton of separation, but his awareness and body control allow him to make timely grabs. As a blocker, he’s technically sound and willing to get his hands dirty.
Given the Patriots’ need for dependable depth and Mike Vrabel’s appreciation for gritty, versatile players, Dippre is the type of prospect who could quickly earn a role.
New Orleans Saints: RB Marcus Yarns
Alvin Kamara is still a dynamic three-down playmaker, but he’ll be 30 when the new season kicks off. With Kamara as the catalyst, the New Orleans Saints ranked ninth in rush success rate in 2024. With Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there’s a bit of a logjam at running back, so it might take a special weapon to carve out a role.
Despite coming from the FCS level, Marcus Yarns put up eye-popping numbers, rushing for over 2,000 yards, adding 800-plus receiving yards, and finding the end zone 34 times in his collegiate career. Yarns excels in space, where his burst, agility, and change of direction allow him to make defenders miss and turn routine touches into explosive plays.
He’s a smooth, one-cut runner with natural acceleration, and his ability to contribute as a pass-catcher makes him a true mismatch threat.
At 5’11”, 195 pounds, Yarns isn’t built like a workhorse back, but his skill set mirrors the versatile Kamara. His agility, receiving chops, and home-run ability give him a real shot to crack the rotation in an offense that knows how to use weapons like him.
New York Giants: S Makari Paige
The New York Giants’ defense fell off down the stretch, but they ranked in the top half in our Defense+ metric for much of the 2024 season. A few bright spots emerged in the secondary with rookies Dru Phillips and Tyler Nubin.
Makari Paige’s size, versatility, and football IQ make him an intriguing add for the Giants. A four-year contributor at Michigan, Paige played a key role in one of college football’s most disciplined and dynamic defenses. At 6’4″, 208 pounds, he boasts elite length for a safety but moves with the fluidity of a smaller defensive back.
Paige’s ability to line up in multiple spots made him a valuable chess piece for the Wolverines. His instincts and experience in a complex system make him a smart, reliable option to develop as a rotational safety, while his physicality and awareness give him immediate special teams upside.
New York Jets: WR Jamaal Pritchett
The New York Jets’ offense will look very different in 2025. The Aaron Rodgers era is over, and that also meant the departure of Davante Adams. That leaves a hole in the wide receiver room alongside Garrett Wilson. New York drafted Arian Smith, but another speedster could make a splash.
Jamaal Pritchett is undersized at 5’9″, 175 pounds, but he plays much bigger than his frame, showcasing elite speed, sharp vision, and the ability to create big plays both as a receiver and returner.
In 2024, he lit up the Sun Belt Conference, leading in receptions (91) and receiving yards (1,126) while tying South Alabama’s single-season touchdown record (9).
Pritchett excels in space, thriving on quick-hitting plays where his acceleration and YAC ability shine. His special teams value as a returner only adds to his appeal, meaning Pritchett could stand out in a receiver room that doesn’t have a lot of playmakers.
Philadelphia Eagles: OT Hollin Pierce
The Philadelphia Eagles have a well-documented history of developing offensive line talent under Jeff Stoutland. Despite falling outside of the top 10 in our OL+ metric a season ago, this unit is one of the most complete in the NFL. You can never have too much talent in the trenches, and the depth they could have would be a luxury.
Hollin Pierce, OT, out of Rutgers, is a player I thought would be a perfect fit for the Eagles & Stoutland U for months during the draft process. I projected & mocked the Eagles selecting him as early as RD4/5
He has the traits they can transform into an NFL starter
A Thread🧵 pic.twitter.com/4LysJSZic6— David (@PHLEagleNews) April 29, 2025
Hollin Pierce is an intriguing developmental tackle to watch at Eagles minicamp thanks to his rare combination of size, strength, and durability. Measuring 6’8″ and 342 pounds with 36.5-inch arms, Pierce is a massive presence on the edge.
He started 50 straight games at Rutgers, including 24 at right tackle and 26 at left tackle, while showcasing impressive consistency and valuable experience against top Big Ten competition. Pierce uses his length and frame to his advantage, creating movement in the run game and anchoring effectively in pass protection.
While he may initially struggle with NFL-level speed and bend off the edge, his raw tools and physical upside give him serious long-term potential. On a strong offensive line, like the one in Philadelphia, he’s a perfect candidate to develop behind proven veterans.
Pittsburgh Steelers: S Sebastian Castro
The Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to attack the safety position in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there is a need for depth there, behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. Despite adding veteran Juan Thornhill in free agency, the Steelers could still afford to upgrade with versatility.
Sebastian Castro is a high-IQ, hard-hitting safety whose aggressive, downhill style makes him an ideal fit for the Steelers’ defensive identity. He excels near the line of scrimmage, where his instincts, motor, and physicality consistently show up. While he doesn’t boast top-end speed or elite range on the back end, Castro’s reliability and feel for the game allow him to thrive in zone-heavy and sub-package looks.
His quick trigger, toughness, and short-area burst give him value as a run defender and a potential special teams contributor. Castro may not be a do-it-all hybrid, but his physicality and football instincts make him a strong candidate to impress the coaches in Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers: RB Corey Kiner
The San Francisco 49ers’ rushing attack is led by one of the best in the business in Christian McCaffrey. However, the injury bug struck again in 2024 after a career year in 2023. The Niners are looking to replace Jordan Mason, who was the team’s leading rusher last season, and one of the UDFAs has a similar running style.
Corey Kiner is a tough runner whose physical style and contact balance make him a strong fit for the 49ers’ backfield. While he doesn’t have top-end speed, Kiner brings a rugged, downhill approach that consistently moves the chains. He excels between the tackles, displaying patience, low pad level, and the ability to power through contact.
With consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at Cincinnati and one of the highest missed tackles forced rates in the country, Kiner proved he’s built for the grind of the NFL. He may not deliver home runs, but his reliability and toughness could allow him to outperform Niners fifth-round pick Jordan James.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Zy Alexander
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense thrived in the first year under new head coach Mike Macdonald. The unit ranked 6th in our Defense+ metric after finishing 29th the previous season.
The secondary is already a pretty strong group, led by Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, and Julian Love. Still, they could add much-needed depth with a corner who surprisingly went undrafted.
Zy Alexander brings an appealing mix of size, athleticism, and natural instincts that could help him carve out a role in Seattle’s secondary. At 6’2″, nearly 200 pounds, he has the prototypical frame for an outside corner and knows how to leverage it in coverage.
With 13 career interceptions between FCS and SEC competition, Alexander has a clear nose for the football. While his press technique still needs polish, his ball skills, physical tools, and playmaking ability make him a strong schematic fit in Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OL Jake Majors
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected six players in this year’s draft, but none of them were offensive linemen. That leaves the window open for a UDFA to potentially earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster.
Jake Majors might not boast elite measurables, but his football intelligence, advanced technique, and pass-blocking consistency could allow him to catch on at the next level. A four-year starter at Texas with a program-record 56 career starts, Majors was a stabilizing force for one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, showcasing toughness, leadership, and awareness at the center position.
Majors uses hand placement, leverage, and balance to win reps, and his mobility allows him to function well in zone schemes and on the move. While he may not wow with his physical tools, his reliability and polish suggest he has a future as a dependable backup.
Tennessee Titans: WR Xavier Restrepo
After selecting Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, the Tennessee Titans’ front office made a concerted effort to surround him with weapons, spending three picks on pass-catchers. Still, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett are the only proven receivers on the roster, so there’s an opening for new competition.
XAVIER RESTREPO WITH A RECORD-BREAKING PLAY ‼️ pic.twitter.com/eIVGm1GtAK
— ESPN (@espn) November 2, 2024
Xavier Restrepo’s 4.83 40-yard dash at his Pro Day hurt his draft stock, but his tape tells a different story. He plays fast and consistently wins with precision, toughness, and football IQ, which could allow him to thrive as a slot receiver in the NFL. He displays sharp route-running, reliable hands, and a deep understanding of defensive coverages.
Restrepo does lack top-end speed, which could limit his ceiling as a pro, but he has all the tools to be a dependable chain-mover at the next level. He was Miami’s most trusted target last season, recording 11 touchdowns and six 100-yard games. His connection with Ward could give him a head start at Titans minicamp.
Washington Commanders: CB Robert McDaniel
The Commanders’ defense made strides in 2024, but they were still susceptible to big plays through the air. With the midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil’s emergence, and the 2025 selection of Trey Amos, there’s reason for optimism. Adding some versatile chess pieces could go a long way to solidifying the unit.
Robert McDaniel stands out as one of the most physically intriguing HBCU prospects in this year’s class. With an appealing combination of size, speed, and physicality, he offers developmental upside as both a downhill safety and a special-teams asset.
Jackson State hybrid S Robert McDaniel, who went undrafted, has agreed to a free-agent deal with the Commanders, according to his agent Rasheeda Liberty. McDaniel was one of the top HBCU players in the nation whose versatility is tailor-made for Dan Quinn/Joe Whitt’s scheme. pic.twitter.com/VdYY3jbWwU
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 27, 2025
McDaniel plays with physicality, flying to the football and delivering hits that set the tone on defense.
While his aggressiveness can lead to missed assignments, and he’s still working on his overall game, the raw athletic traits and versatility are hard to ignore. He was a disruptor at the college level and comes with plenty of upside for a defense on the rise.
