Which Undrafted Free Agents Are Turning Heads in OTAs? By Brent Sobleski Jun 9, 2015 
Julio Cortez/Associated Press The life of an undrafted NFL free agent isn't easy. Each day, these individuals most provide their daily affirmations and prove themselves upon the field of play. As Stuart Smalley once famously said, "...I"m good enough. I'm smart enough. And, doggone it, people like me." This is the continual plight of an undrafted free agent who is trying to earn a spot on a team's roster. Each and every snap is an opportunity to prove he's good enough and smart enough for coaches to really like him. Inevitably, there will be those around the league who not only make rosters but contribute as rookies. Yes, it's difficult to usurp a roster spot from established veterans or even fellow rookies who were drafted to provide help at the same position. The NFL, however, is a meritocracy. Each year, numerous players who weren't drafted eventually make a team's roster.New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler proved to be the perfect example over the past year. He went undrafted out of West Alabama and needed to impress the coaches during a tryout before the organization even signed him. Eight months later, he made one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history by intercepting Russell Wilson's pass at the goal line to ensure the Patriots' fourth championship. Like many others, though, his trek began during camps and OTAs. This is the point where young players receive the most attention and opportunity to establish themselves as potential playmakers for their respective teams. La'el Collins, OG, Dallas Cowboys
Brandon Wade/Associated Press Every conversation pertaining to this year's undrafted rookie class must start with La'el Collins. It's a new rule (or something).Even five weeks after the NFL draft's conclusion, Collins' story still borders on the unbelievable. The offensive lineman's nightmare, though, came to an end once he signed a three-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys to join the NFL's best offensive line. The LSU product is feeling his way through the acclimation process, but he's doing well after getting repetitions at right tackle and left guard. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett described the offensive lineman's progress, per the Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota:“ He’s done a good job. He’s played both tackle and guard for us, like we had talked about coming out. He’s done some good things at tackle, he’s done some good things at guard. He’s learning, he’s a young player, and he’s four practices into his NFL career. He hasn’t done a whole lot, and we do a lot in terms of installation every week.He’s going to see a lot of different looks from the defense, so he, like a lot of young guys, they’re trying their best to hang in there. But they’re a long way off from where they need to be. He’s working the right way, though.”During the last two seasons, the Cowboys quickly adjusted to a pair of rookies, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin, who both started from Day 1 and played at a high level from the onset of their careers.Collins is next in line as he competes with veterans Doug Free and Ronald Leary for a starting spot.Corey Grant, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gary McCullough/Associated Press Corey Grant continues to be one of the most heralded undrafted free agents among all of the teams because of his performance during the Jacksonville Jaguars' camps.Two weeks ago, Bleacher Report's Curt Popejoy provided an initial look at undrafted free agents who impressed during rookie camps. At the time, the team was enamored with Grant's burst, but it's since developed into a full-blown love affair. "I saw him hit the corner the other day, then cut it down and I said, 'Man, that’s your chance to go, to fly,'" fellow running back Toby Gerhart told Jacksonville.com's Gene Frenette. "I kept waiting for him to open it up. Then he flashed that and I remember grabbing Bernard [Pierce] or Denard [Robinson] and saying, 'Hey, man, you see him move on that play.' He makes you shake your head."As Gerhart established, the Jaguars are deep at running back, but Grant brings a completely different dynamic with his 4.2-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Jaguars general manager David Caldwell wasn't ready to anoint anyone during OTAs, but he told Frenette that the team is encouraged by Grant's early contributions: “ The initial returns are really good. You don’t want to put anybody into the Pro Bowl this time of year, but it’s better than [Grant] not looking good. There are players who are stopwatch fast, and it doesn’t transition [into games]. That’s where scouting comes in. Corey is a guy that clocks fast and, right now, is playing fast.”Grant might not supplant any of the veteran running backs on the roster or second-round pick T.J. Yeldon, but he should make an impact as a kick returner and change-of-pace back. Dominique Brown, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris O'Meara/Associated Press In Tampa Bay, size matters. The Buccaneers are searching for a big, physical back to add to a stable that already features Doug Martin, Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey. None of those backs, though, weighs more than 215 pounds. Dominique Brown, meanwhile, is a hefty 234-pound back who knew exactly what the team needed after it didn't spend a pick on the position during the NFL draft. “It was great for me,” Brown told PewterReport.com's Scott Reynolds. “I felt like Tampa Bay was a great spot for me being a big back and coming in and competing. They want a player like me for this offense.”Brown, who entered Louisville's program as a quarterback, is accustomed to playing in a rotation after only starting a handful of games for the Cardinals. This will allow him to transition smoothly into a backfield that is already loaded with talent. The running back explained why his production dipped from 825 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a junior to 397 yards and four scores a year later:“ We had multiple guys, and we’ve played different guys ever since I was a freshman. They wanted to get more guys into the rotation this past year, so they just went a different route. We ended up playing four or five guys this season, which was productive for us because we ended up having fresh legs in there all the time. My coach just wanted to go a different way.”The Buccaneers, though, lack size and a physical presence since the 223-pound Mike James hasn't been a reliable option. Brown could prove to be the answer.Brett Boyko, OG, Philadelphia Eagles
Rick Bowmer/Associated Press As the standoff between the Philadelphia Eagles and All-Pro guard Evan Mathis continues, both guard spots remain wide open for the taking. Mathis' possible (eventual?) departure would come after the team released fellow starter Todd Herremans in February.During OTAs, Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin lined up with the first team, but a versatile rookie from UNLV who went undrafted last month now has a legitimate chance to make the roster this fall. ESPN Insider Adam Caplan believes Brett Boyko can claim a roster spot. "...Boyko could seriously push for roster spot," Caplan tweeted. "Eagles gave him [$20,000] fully guaranteed." He added, "Boyko had a draftable grade from many teams, but suffered an elbow injury late last season, which was a caused him to drop out of draft."The former member of the Running Rebels did carry a draftable grade for a few teams, but those turned out to be affiliates of the Canadian Football League. The British Columbia Lions selected him in the second round of the CFL draft.He'll try his hand in the NFL first. Boyko can play both guard and tackle for the Eagles and eventually serve as a swing lineman off the bench.DeAndrew White, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sometimes, all it takes is one big play to leave a positive impression on a coaching staff. For wide receivers, a tremendous or unexpected catch can display their ability to track the football, contort their body, maintain concentration and still come down with the reception. DeAndrew White provided a few memorable catches during his collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, particularly one against the Georgia State Panthers. A receiver needs to make those types of plays once he reaches the professional ranks to establish himself as a reliable target who can also make his quarterback look good. The San Francisco 49ers released a video last week that showed White's ability to adjust to the football even after an errant release. An opportunity is present for White and fellow undrafted rookie Dres Anderson to make the 49ers roster and potentially contribute this fall. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith are the only two wide receivers on the roster who are guaranteed to claim roster spots. It's wide open for the rest of the group.A big-play receiver with a penchant to make the tough catch like White will have a better-than-average chance of making the roster if he continues to prove himself during training camp. DeAndre Carter, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Lido Vizzutti/Associated Press The Baltimore Ravens spent a first-round pick on wide receiver Breshad Perriman, yet another young target drew plenty of praise during OTAs, and it wasn't fellow draftee Darren Waller.Undrafted free agent DeAndre Carter has already earned the seal of approval from one of the league's best, Steve Smith Sr.. "I'm biased, he's a West Coast guy," Smith told the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson when asked about Carter, who is also a California native. "I just love his attitude. I see a young Randall Cobb in him, but I think he can play inside or outside. I'm excited to watch him play."Biased or not, a comparison to Cobb shouldn't be taken lightly. Cobb is one of the NFL's most versatile weapons. Last season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for the Packers wide receiver after he made 91 receptions for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. He re-signed with Green Bay during the offseason to the tune of a four-year, $40 million contract. Much like Cobb and Smith, Carter is an undersized target who still produced at a high level last season at Sacramento State. At 5'8" and 185 pounds, he is much smaller than both Perriman and Waller, yet he was still able to lead the FCS level with 17 touchdown receptions. The former Hornet also snagged 99 receptions for 1,321 yards during his senior season. All Carter wanted was a chance, and he found one in Baltimore. "The coaches really wanted me here," Carter previously told Wilson. "They told me I would have a pretty good chance. I definitely like it here so far. I'm looking forward to spending my career here. Everything is going really smooth."The Ravens needed plenty of help at wide receiver after last season. Carter will compete with Michael Campanaro and Aldrick Robinson for repetitions out of the slot. If the Sacramento State product is as good as the team's top receiver believes, then he should easily win the job.Kevin White, CB, Atlanta Falcons
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Dan Quinn couldn't bring the "Legion of Boom" secondary with him once he left his position as the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator to become the Atlanta Falcons head coach, but he saw firsthand how a team can craft a talented group of defensive backs into a dominant unit by finding the right fits for the system. When Seattle originally built its fearsome group, an undrafted free agent stepped in and claimed the role of nickelback. Walter Thurmond III was a well-regarded prospect for the Oregon Ducks, but he suffered an injury as a senior and didn't possess prototype. The Seahawks, however, found a niche for him by sliding him inside to cover the slot. Kevin White is similar to Thurmond in both size and style of play. White's short-area quickness and overall toughness make up for a lack of physical stature. But teams were concerned with the TCU product's small frame and consistency, according to WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell: “ Sources say there were a few reasons why White went undrafted. For one, the 5-foot-9, 183-pounder is undersized and could be limited to slot-cornerback duties in the NFL. The same sources also said that White's tape and skill set were just average. Teams felt that, by far, his best game was against West Virginia and his other performances weren't of that caliber. Thus, teams didn't feel compelled to select White. ”It does bode well for White that his best game came against the wide receiver of the same name who eventually became a top-10 pick by the Chicago Bears. Plus, the Falcons don't need an outside cornerback; therefore, it doesn't matter if other teams viewed him solely as a nickel corner. "The Falcons also have an open competition for their fourth and fifth cornerback spots; the top three are set with Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford and Jalen Collins," Campbell wrote. "After those three, White should have a fair shot to win one of two roster spots. With a new coaching staff, White is landing in Atlanta at a good time, and it wouldn't be surprising if he sticks on the roster."With Ricardo Allen's move to free safety, veteran Phillip Adams is the primary obstacle in White's way to winning a job with the Falcons. Justin Cox, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Charlie Riedel/Associated Press Ball skills are a valuable NFL trait. A good way to get noticed as an undrafted free agent is by covering one of the team's most dangerous offensive weapons during practice and still excelling. This is what Justin Cox accomplished during the Kansas City Chiefs OTAs.According to the Chiefs Digest's Herbie Teope, the Mississippi State product was able to maintain coverage against the explosive De'Anthony Thomas and still make a play on the ball. Cox provided a couple of pass breakups during an early OTA session. “We had a couple of tipped balls and they took advantage of it,” head coach Andy Reid said of the team's defensive backs, per Teope. “They’ve been doing a good job of that, and then they’re going back and forth, which is good."It shouldn't come as a surprise that Cox is making plays during practice sessions. He's a tremendous all-around athlete. At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, the 6'1", 191-pound safety finished in the top five performers among all of the defensive backs in the 40-yard dash (4.36 seconds), vertical jump (38 inches), broad jump (10'9"), 20-yard shuttle (4.07 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (11.20 seconds). Cox's natural ability was never in question. The primary reason behind his not being drafted was off-the-field concerns. "We have him as a draft reject based on character and his overall tape." an anonymous NFC East scout told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein prior to the draft. Due the Chiefs' lack of depth at safety, Cox has a chance to make the roster or practice squad if he continues to display good ball skills during camp and finds a role on special teams. Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings
Jim Mone/Associated Press After missing rookie camp due to offseason shoulder surgery, safety Anthony Harris participated during the Minnesota Vikings' OTAs. It was the first glimpse of a player the Vikings brass was already high on after signing him as an undrafted free agent. "He's a very instinctive, smart, very, very smart, very communicative safety," coach Mike Zimmer said after rookie minicamp, per ESPN.com's Ben Goessling. "I think he plays real hard. I think he has a lot of the traits of the starting safeties in this league."Clearly, the injury impacted Harris' draft status, because he was one of the top safeties in the nation over the past two seasons. His eight interceptions and 80 total tackles as a junior were good enough for him to be named a member of the Walter Camp All-America second team. Harris' interception total wasn't as high during his senior season, but the safety finished second on Virginia with 108 total tackles. The Vikings should also prove to be a good opportunity for Harris too. "They've got great position coaches in coach (Jerry) Gray and (assistant defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon), and coach Zimmer, a defensive-minded guy (who) works very well with defensive backs," Harris told Fox Sports' Brian Hall. "So I felt like it was a good opportunity for me to get around some guys who've been in the business a long time and been very successful, and try to help improve my game."Minnesota's safety dance is only halfway finished. As Bleacher Report's Matt Bowen wrote, Harrison Smith deserves more attention for his play, but Robert Blanton and Taylor Mays will compete to start at strong safety. There is potential for a young safety to enter the rotation with a strong performance during training camp. The Vikings are excited enough by Harris' potential for him to eventually be that safety.Andrew Franks, K, Miami Dolphins
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Kickers are players too. In fact, three true rookies—Chandler Catanzaro, Cody Parkey and Cairo Santos—earned kicking jobs last season. The only job potentially up for grabs for another rookie this year resides in Miami.