Undrafted free agents impact the NFL at a high level every year, whether it be legends like Kurt Warner, playmakers like Victor Cruz, or aces like Justin Tucker. Most recently in 2023, we saw undrafted free-agent quarterbacks take significant snaps, like Chicago Bears’ Tyson Bagent and New York Giants Tommy Devito. Multiple skill position UDFA’s carved out roles for themselves as well, like Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo and Baltimore Ravens speedster Keaton Mitchell.
In the days after the 2024 NFL draft, teams scrambled to obtain the top undrafted talent. After numerous signings, there are a few that stick out.
#3- Cardinals Grab Colorado Undrafted Free Agent WR Xavier Weaver
Xavier Weaver impressed in his final season at Colorado under Deion Sanders. Tallying nearly 1,000 yards and 70 catches in his final season, Weaver always appeared to be one of the best natural athletes and football players in every game he appeared in. He is sporting tools like above-average route running with an impressive pop on his break that pairs with his slippery running well.
Though he will need to put on muscle to stay in rhythm with the physical corners of the NFL, Weaver will be able to compete for snaps early in the Arizona Cardinals offense led by young quarterback Kyler Murray. With the right development, Weaver could be a weapon across the field from the fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.
#2- Combine Legend Dallin Holker Signs UDFA Deal With The Saints
Dallin Holker put the NFL world on notice with his exciting NFL combine highlight where he caught a one-handed catch with his only free hand in the gauntlet drill. When drawn to his production, Holker put together an impressive season in 2023, topping the FBS in receiving yards and being named team captain. His efforts named him a Second-team Associated Press All-American and a finalist for the John Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end).
Although Dallin Holker is undersized for the NFL tight end, he will quickly find production as a pass catcher when given the opportunity due to his knack for finding space, athleticism to get into that space, and focus/ability to make nearly any catch that is thrown his way. In the New Orleans Saints depth chart, Holker will have all the opportunity to earn spots by grabbing passes from quarterback Derek Carr.
#1- Unexpected Undrafted Free Agent Gabriel Murphy Joins Minnesota Vikings
Gabriel Murphy found a lot of success at UCLA in 2023. He played in all 26 games of his final two years where he found the quarterback 9.5 times as well as over 70 total tackles. The 6’2″, 250-pound edge rusher is slightly undersized, particularly with his shorter arm length. He makes up for that with extreme skill at the position. From hand technique to foot placement Murphy could technique his way into advantages regardless of size. His impressive speed and athleticism are traits coveted by NFL teams at the edge position, and he has enough to chase any quarterback out of the pocket.
Gabriel’s lack of measurables was likely the prime reason he became an undrafted free agent, although despite those he was mocked to go as high as the fifth round in the NFL Draft. Regardless, he found his first destination in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a team that could use help in the pass-rushing category. With the departure of Danielle Hunter, the Vikings find themselves lacking in the edge depth. After acquiring Dallas Turner in the first round of the NFL draft, the Vikings may have found him a partner in the pass rush with Gabriel Murphy.
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