Undrafted Free Agents

Click here for the latest undrafted free agent signings

Each year there are a handful of talented college players who go undrafted. This year was no different. Some players, once thought to be draft locks, find themselves looking for work.

Chris Leak QB Florida (Signed by the Bears)

Why did he go undrafted?
Size is one of the main drawbacks with Chris Leak. He is listed at just 6' tall, and just under 210lbs, making him small for an NFL QB, especially one that is more of a pure passer. Leak also does not have the major arm or big time rushing threat to help ease the questions about his size in the pocket.

Why should a team sign him?
Leak is as experienced and battle tested as a quarterback can be. He’s been a starter since his true freshman season, playing in the tough SEC, and has played in two very different offenses. As highly touted as he was, he’s faced a ton of pressure, and through it all, he has always played at a high level. He is an intelligent football player, and is efficient on the football field.

Tyler Palko QB Pitt

Why did he go undrafted?
Palko lacks the prototypical height and arm strength for the QB spot. His arm is not poor, but he doesn’t have a cannon. His height may cause him some problems seeing the entire field behind his line while in the pocket. Palko has also had the tendency to try and force some big plays and it leads to questionable decisions at times.

Why should a team sign him?
He is an efficient signal caller that has been very successful for Pitt. He shows the toughness to stand in the pocket and take a hit while delivering the football.

Darius Walker RB Notre Dame

Why did he go undrafted?
Walker does not have one true standout physical ability. He has average size, and will not be able to be a true interior runner unless he bulks up. He also lacks the second gear to turn the corner and run away from defenders.

Why should a team sign him?
He has the quickness to hit the hole, and to make the first defender miss. Walker really developed into a receiving threat over his career, and is now a viable option out of the backfield. He has been very durable over his career in South Bend.

Rhema McKnight WR Notre Dame

Why did he go undrafted?
Despite having three seasons of starting experience for Notre Dame, McKnight still needs work. Two of those were in the Willingham years, and he didn’t get a chance to fully develop his talents. McKnight has also had some bouts with the dropsies. He needs to become more consistent with his hands.

Why should a team sign him?
Rhema McKnight is a talented, all around wide receiver. He is built well, and is a threat to go over the middle and make the grab and take a hit. He combines that ability though, with the speed and athleticism to make plays with the ball in his hands.

Earl Everett LB Florida

Why did he go undrafted?
His poor performance in speed and agility drills have made some question his speed. Everett does not fare well at the point of attack. He can be taken out of running plays by blockers, and he does not get off blocks well. He’s going to have to get stronger to improve his all around skills.

Why should a team sign him?
Everett is a very good athlete with better game speed then he showed during the combine. On the field, he has the speed to chase plays down. His athleticism allow him to drop into coverage and stay with most backs and tight ends. He has a lot of experience inside, but his talent projects better to the outside. That could give him added value because of his ability to play multiple spots in a pinch.

Jon Abbate LB Wake Forest

Why did he go undrafted?
A lack of height is a major issue for Abbate. He is a shade under 5'10, which creates problems matching up against lineman and in coverage. His body also appears to be maxed out at just over 230lbs. He shows some cover instincts, but lacks the speed and athleticism to cover down the field.

Why should a team sign him?
There is not a tougher player in the draft, and Abbate will continue to fight until the play is over. He has excellent instincts, and reacts quickly to plays in front of him. He reads a run play and aggressively hits the gap to plug a hole. He is very strong, and combined with his tenacity, makes him a force between the tackles at stopping the run.

Rory Johnson LB Ole Miss

Why did he go undrafted?
Size is the only thing physically that Johnson lacks. He can be engulfed at the point of attack, and he lacks the height to match up with taller players in coverage. There is also some concern about his ability to make an impact immediately since he only has one year of experience at the D1 level.

Why should a team sign him?
Johnson played with excellent athleticism, speed, and quickness. It is on display in every facet of his game. Johnson is at his best in coverage, where he has the ability to run step for step with his man, and follow him in and out of breaks. He also shows the speed to really close on the ball carrier once he locates them.

Nate Harris LB Louisville

Why did he go undrafted?
On the field, size is the big area Harris is lacking in. He is short, and may have maxed out his frame. He has problems with lineman overpowering him and taking him out of running plays. The biggest issue with Harris may come off the field though. Harris originally signed with Miami, but after being arrested for armed robbery and spending time in jail(and later in boot camp after a guilty plea), Miami pulled their offer, and he had to go the JuCo route.

Why should a team sign him?
Harris is an aggressive linebacker that flies around the field with reckless abandon. He is very good at reacting to plays in front of him and getting to the ball carrier. He is tough and strong enough to mix it up with lineman, but quick enough to slip through and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Travarous Bain CB Hampton

Why did he go undrafted?
The big knock on Bain is the level he plays at. He had the talent to sign with Miami, but never made an impact on the field there. He’s been able to rely on his athletic gifts to make plays at Hampton. He will also have to get stronger and be more physical with receivers in the NFL. He needs to show more willingness and intensity in stopping the run.

Why should a team sign him?
There is not any tool that Bain does not possess physically. He is a very good athlete, and has the quickness and agility to change direction and the speed to shadow receivers down the field.