Every year, the NFL Draft tells a story—but the real drama often begins after the final pick is announced. While 257 players hear their names called, hundreds more sign as undrafted free agents, carrying a chip on their shoulder and a fire in their heart. And as any football historian will tell you, being undrafted is far from a career death sentence.
Consider this: 20 Hall of Famers—including legends like Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, and Antonio Gates—were never drafted. They turned their overlooked status into legendary careers, proving that talent, fit, and determination matter far more than a draft slot. For every team scouring the undrafted ranks, the goal is finding that next diamond in the rough.
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, a fresh wave of undrafted prospects is ready to make their mark. These nine players have the skills, the work ethic, and the opportunity to defy expectations and secure roster spots. Here's who we're watching.
Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati (Kansas City Chiefs)
The Chiefs enter 2026 with familiar questions at wide receiver, and they've turned to the Cincinnati pipeline for answers. While they drafted Cyrus Allen in the fifth round, they also scooped up his teammate Jeff Caldwell as an undrafted free agent—and the contrast between the two is fascinating. Allen is a crafty, precise route-runner; Caldwell is a pure speed threat who can stretch defenses vertically. At 6'5" and 216 pounds, Caldwell ran a blistering 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the combine—speed that translates directly to the field. Last season, he hauled in 32 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns, with five of those receptions coming on passes of 20-plus air yards. He'll need to refine his route tree and prove he can handle press coverage, but in Kansas City's explosive offense, his deep-threat ability could earn him a role sooner than expected.
Nadame Tucker, LB, Georgia (Dallas Cowboys)
Tucker was a tackling machine for the Bulldogs, racking up 98 stops last season with 12 tackles for loss. His instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed are NFL-ready, but he fell out of the draft due to concerns about his size (6'0", 228 pounds) and coverage limitations. The Cowboys, who have a history of developing overlooked linebackers, could be the perfect landing spot. If Tucker can prove himself on special teams early, he has a real shot at making the 53-man roster.
Marcus Webb, OT, Michigan (New England Patriots)
Webb started 28 games at left tackle for the Wolverines, showing solid footwork and a nasty finishing mentality. He went undrafted largely due to shorter arms (32 ⅝ inches) and questions about his ability to handle elite edge rushers. But in New England's zone-blocking scheme, his athleticism and technique could shine. The Patriots have a history of turning mid-round and undrafted offensive linemen into reliable starters—Webb could be the next in that tradition.
Jordan Hayes, CB, Florida State (Philadelphia Eagles)
Hayes was a ballhawk in college, intercepting seven passes over his final two seasons. He ran a 4.39-second 40 at his pro day and has the physical tools to match up in man coverage. However, he struggled with consistency and was flagged for too many pass interference penalties. The Eagles love developing defensive backs with raw talent, and Hayes has the upside to become a contributor if he can clean up his technique.
DeShawn Miller, RB, Oregon (San Francisco 49ers)
Miller was a home-run hitter for the Ducks, averaging 6.2 yards per carry over his career. He's a patient runner with excellent vision, but durability concerns (he missed six games with a hamstring injury in 2024) caused him to slide out of the draft. In San Francisco's run-heavy scheme, Miller could carve out a role as a change-of-pace back if he stays healthy. His pass-catching ability out of the backfield also gives him an edge in earning a roster spot.
Trevor Sims, EDGE, Alabama (Chicago Bears)
Sims was a rotational pass rusher at Alabama who flashed explosive burst off the edge (6.5 sacks last season). He went undrafted due to a lack of ideal length and concerns about his ability to hold up against the run. But the Bears are rebuilding their defense and need young pass rushers to develop. Sims' first-step quickness and motor give him a fighting chance to make the team as a situational rusher.
Isaiah Cooper, S, USC (Las Vegas Raiders)
Cooper was a versatile safety who could play deep or in the box, but he never fully put it together in college. He's a physical tackler with good range, but his inconsistent coverage skills and tendency to take poor angles hurt his draft stock. The Raiders have a need at safety and value players who can contribute on special teams—Cooper's athleticism and aggressiveness could earn him a look.
Brandon Lewis, DT, Clemson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Lewis was a disruptive interior force for the Tigers, using quick hands and good leverage to create pressure. He went undrafted due to his smaller frame (6'1", 290 pounds) and concerns about being overpowered at the next level. But the Bengals love high-motor defensive tackles who can penetrate gaps, and Lewis fits that mold. If he can prove he's more than just a rotational player, he could stick on the roster.
Jake Porter, QB, UCLA (Seattle Seahawks)
Porter is the most intriguing name on this list. He's a dual-threat quarterback with a live arm and impressive mobility, but he was inconsistent as a passer and played in a spread offense that didn't translate easily to the NFL. The Seahawks have a history of developing quarterbacks and could see Porter as a project with upside. He'll need to show significant progress in reading defenses and making quick decisions, but if he does, he could earn a spot on the practice squad or even the active roster as a developmental backup.
History shows that undrafted players can become stars—but it takes the right combination of talent, opportunity, and perseverance. For these nine prospects, the journey from overlooked to unforgettable begins now. Which one will be the next Warren Moon or Kurt Warner? Only time will tell, but we'll be watching every step of the way.