Being drafted is not a prerequisite for greatness in the NFL. While the three days of the NFL draft are when many NFL players take their first step into the league, many never hear their names called. Depending on the year, roughly 30% of the players making up 53-man rosters are undrafted free agents – or UDFA for short.
When people think of UDFA, they usually think of Kurt Warner, James Harrison, and Antonio Gates. In today’s NFL, a lot of key producers were once UDFAs. Shaquil Barrett, Austin Ekeler, JC Jackson, Kenny Moore, and Justin Tucker are all elite NFL talents who never heard their names called on draft day.
So, which UDFA from the 2023 NFL draft should we be looking out for to be impact players that outperform their draft status? Let’s take a look at each team’s best signings to identify those who might be players that make people scratch their heads at the thought of how they went undrafted.
Check out the previous installations of this series here:
Best UDFA for every team 2023 NFL Draft: AFC South
Houston Texans
Former Pitt WR Jared Wayne – Keith Srakocic/AP Photo
The Texans had a potentially franchise-changing draft in 2023. They were confident enough in the centerpieces that they drafted, CJ Stroud and Will Anderson, to become just that for them that they gave up their chance at Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Marvin Harrison Jr. next year. So, DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio will have to add the right talent around their two first-rounders to help ensure their success. Their success and future with the Texans will likely be closely tied to the success of their two first-round cornerstones.
The Texans’ draft was loaded with players that I like a lot, like Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Brandon Hill. One UDFA signing I liked was LSU EDGE, Ali Gaye. Gaye has the prototypical size, strength, and athleticism of an NFL pass-rusher. However, his tape showed mostly instances of being too upright and playing with a questionable motor. His positive play came in short bursts. If Ryans can inspire more consistent effort and improved pad level, however, he might have found himself a diamond in the rough.
Arizona St. and Wyoming RB Xazavian Valladay is another interesting signing. He’s serviceable in pass pro and as a receiving threat. He’s also an extremely patient runner who could have a lot of success behind a talented line. He might have a future as a solid member of a committee of running backs somewhere someday.
My favorite UDFA signing for the Texans, however, is Pitt WR Jared Wayne. Jared Wayne, not to be confused with Reggie Wayne’s relative, Jalen, who is also in this class, is a lengthy and productive WR for Pitt. He won’t wow you with an elite 40-time or explosive breaks. However, Wayne has some of the most dependable hands I’ve seen of a college player. He also consistently finds ways to create separation and make himself available despite lacking top-end physical traits.
An interesting thing about this signing is that I actually suggested in my evaluation of Wayne that he and Tank Dell would pair very well together with Wayne as a WR2 and Dell in the slot. I suggested that Green Bay add them behind Watson, but I think this duo could find success eventually paired with Nico Collins as well. Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne should both compete for snaps behind Woods, Collins, and Dell in the near future.
Tennessee Titans
Former Boise St OT John Ojukwu – Steve Conner/AP Photo
The Titans added a lot of UDFA players that were on my radar this year. However, they added players that were, in my opinion, borderline draftable at best. I don’t love WRs Jacob Copeland and Kearis Jackson, but they should get the opportunity to prove themselves in a weak WR room in Tennessee. Caleb Murphy is another interesting prospect who now joins the Titans.
He’s a two-time champ and single-season sack record holder for D-II. However, reports from the Shrine Bowl indicated that he struggled a bit vs. higher competition. I do trust Vrabel’s ability to develop defensive linemen, though, so I’m cautiously optimistic for Murphy. However, my top two signings for the Titans would be two Boise St players. Safety Tyreque Jones is a talented run defender who should at minimum, have a positive impact on special teams.
The other Boise St alum and overall best signing for the Titans, in my opinion, is OT John Ojukwu. Ojukwu can struggle at times in pass protection, but he is a very experienced and capable run blocker who can play both tackle spots. The Titans’ line will benefit from his versatility and athleticism. He can make an immediate impact as a depth piece that can fill in when needed at either tackle spot and help open up lanes for Derrick Henry and fellow rookie Tyjae Spears.
Indianapolis Colts
Former Alabama OL Emil Ekiyor Jr – UA Athletics/Collegiate Images/Getty Image
The Colts only have one UDFA signing that I want to bring attention to, but that one signing is potentially one of the best of all 2023 UDFA signings. Emil Ekiyor Jr. is a guard who played his college ball at the University of Alabama. Ekiyor is, in my opinion, one of the best-run blockers in the entire 2023 class of draft picks and UDFAs. He is an absolutely dominant mauler in the run game who can pull and reach the second level with ease.
His ability in pass protection leaves a lot to be desired, but he is someone who can absolutely step in and play early for a team like the Colts that will likely look to be a very run-heavy team. I think that Ekiyor is someone who can be a very solid backup for Quenton Nelson or an early starter over at right guard if asked to. Ekiyor may go down as one of, if not the best, UDFA signings of the 2023 class. So, while this group is light in terms of big names, Colts fans can hold their heads up high, knowing they got one of the best-undrafted rookies this offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Former Notre Dame DL Jayson Ademilola – Joe Robbins/Getty Images
The Jaguars, unfortunately, might have one of the weakest UDFA groups in the NFL this year. There are only really two players that I think are worth mentioning, and neither of them are likely to make much of an impact on the Jaguars. LSU WR Jaray Jenkins is an interesting receiver, but he’s not someone I would hold out much hope for. He doesn’t really pop on tape or have a great history of production. He has good size, but Parker Washington is the only WR I’d say is worth getting too excited about in Jacksonville. Notre Dame DL Jayson Ademilola is by far my favorite signing of the Jaguars’ UDFA group.
Ademilola and his twin brother both have been long-time starters on the Notre Dame defensive line. Ademilola likely went undrafted due to his lack of size. He’s a bit undersized for an interior defensive lineman. However, he plays with a lot of aggression and quickness. He’s got a huge motor, so you know you’ll always get his best effort. However, Jags fans shouldn’t expect to see him get too many reps. His lack of size and strength will make it hard for him to see the field too often.
His utility will likely be mostly as a sub-package pass-rusher on passing downs. While he’s not the most versatile player, he should provide value as a quick disruptor in the middle of the line in certain passing situations. Ademilola may not be someone you can expect to see making All-Pro teams, but he is someone who can play his role well and provide value to a team with his quick pass rush.
