National Football League

10 undrafted free agents who could become NFL stars

Published May. 4, 2015 2:56 p.m. ET

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By Kevin Causey

The history of the NFL tells us that if a player goes undrafted, the odds of him making an NFL team are not great. But, sometimes landing with the right team is just as important as getting drafted. One benefit for UDFA’s (undrafted free agents) is that they can pick the team they want (well, as long as that team wants them).

There are many players that have fought the odds and went on to have great careers in the National Football League. Players like Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and Arian Foster are just some of the undrafted free agents that have morphed into NFL superstars.

Looking at the list of UDFA’s from this years draft, here are ten players that have a shot of growing into stars.

1. La’el Collins, OL, Free Agent (LSU)

Collins went from being a first-rounder to undrafted in just over a week in one of the most bizarre circumstances seen in NFL Draft history. Provided he gets his legal situation squared away, he can pick his landing spot, and that gives him a leg up in finding early success in his NFL career.

2. Shane Carden, QB, Chicago Bears (East Carolina)

As a senior at ECU, Shane Carden threw for over 4,700 yards and added 30 TD passes. Carden is the type of player that gets knocked for his arm strength, accuracy and athleticism. He doesn’t fit the mold of the average NFL quarterback, but he’s a gamer who knows football and is not afraid to let it fly. Landing with the Bears - a team with a quarterback problem -could be a big benefit for him.

3. Trey Williams, RB, Houston Texans (Texas A&M)

Williams is not a three-down back, but he can be a difference-maker in space. As a third-down passing-option back, Williams has great hands and will be a difficult cover for any defender. He also has the ability to return kicks and potentially could work out of the slot as a receiver.

4. John Crockett, RB, Green Bay Packers (North Dakota State)

The Packers have had success with both UDFA’s and running backs who aren’t household names. Crockett put up big numbers for NDSU as a patient runner who possesses explosiveness. He should fit in well with the Packers' offense.

5. Gavin Lutman, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Pittsburg State)

Lutman is a tall receiver with great hands. He had 70 receptions with 13 TD at Pitt State, so we know he can produce. If he can make the Vikes, he can make some noise.

6. Gabe Holmes, TE, Oakland Raiders (Purdue)

One of the reasons he dropped down draft boards was because of previous injuries. If healthy, he presents mismatch problems for the defense. He has the size that the NFL covets at his position and he’s one of those guys that played basketball. We know that has helped some previous players at his position.

7. Bobby Richardson, DT, New Orleans Saints (Indiana)

The Saints need bodies on defense, so Richardson could have a shot at seeing the field very soon. He’s teeters between be a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive player, but he’s athletic and his style is disruptive.

8. Taiwan Jones, LB, New York Jets (Michigan State)

He has the type of size and durability that you look for in a linebacker. He’s great in blitz packages and has great closing speed but will need to work on coverage skills.

9. Ray Drew, DE, Miami Dolphins (Georgia)

Drew was a very high recruit coming out of high school and showed some flashes in college, but he never quite found his niche. He’s very good at rushing the passer and often gets to the quarterback or alters the play in a way that doesn’t show up in the box score. If he can be coached to finish, he can make an immediate impact.

10. Cody Prewitt, S, Tennessee Titans (Ole Miss)

He had 12 interceptions during his career at Ole Miss, including six in 2013. Prewitt is a physical safety but also has good instincts. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he could be a steal for the Titans.

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