NFL Overreactions: First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down some of the biggest shocks (and expected picks) of the NFL Draft on night one.
Sports Seriously
With the 2024 NFL draft now complete, another scramble for talent begins.
Teams’ efforts to sign the top available undrafted free agents are already underway. And while this year’s draft class seems to be short on depth given that it had just 58 early entrants – the fewest since 2011 – franchises will still look to round out their rosters with role players, special teams contributors and potential developmental prospects. And the payoff can be considerable, as the Minnesota Vikings found this past fall when linebacker Ivan Pace – USA TODAY Sports’ top undrafted free agent last year – rose to become a starter and trusted piece of the defense.
Here are the top 10 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL draft:
A former five-star recruit, Taylor never quite figured out to become a consistently dominant force for the Hurricanes. Still, the 6-3, 303-pounder has the frame and initial burst to disrupt plays from the interior, even if he only does so sporadically.
No one will confuse the 6-2, 247-pound Murphy with Laiatu Latu, his former UCLA pass-rushing teammate who was the first defender selected in the draft (No. 15 to the Indianapolis Colts). But edge rushers with quickness, polish and production are hard to come by, and Murphy offers all three.
His receiving chops should be readily apparent after a season in which he hauled in 64 catches for 767 yards and six scores. Holker might have to be utilized creatively given his athletic limitations, but he can be a steady contributor to an aerial attack
A 6-8, 313-pound left tackle who can move comfortably should capture plenty of teams’ interest. Driskell is perhaps too towering of a blocker for his own good, but his frame and overall athleticism give a shot at sticking on a roster.
Coker dominated his competition in 2023, hauling in 15 touchdown catches while averaging 17.6 yards per catch. The 6-1, 208-pounder likely will have a tough time learning how to consistently separate from much speedier defensive backs in the NFL, but he deserves a shot.
For the second time in four years, HBCU players were shut out in the draft. Drew was perhaps the best candidate to make the cut, as his length and ball skills (six interceptions, 22 passes defensed in 2023) could allow him to make his mark at the next level.
The former walk-on and transfer from Truman State was one of college football’s best stories last season as he broke out for 1,627 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground. The 5-8, 202-pound Schrader likely will be limited to spot work as a ball carrier and special teams contributor, but he should be up to the task.
Any team looking to make a big swing with their undrafted free agent class should take a long look at Hall. The 6-6, 294-pounder has massive upside as someone who can generate pressure from the interior, though he’s hardly a finished product.
A savvy leader, Brade should be an asset for almost any secondary and special teams collective. He could contribute as a nickel who can make plays when allowed to work downhill.
His teammate, offensive guard Mason McCormick, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round. Greenfield’s experience at both left and right tackle should help position him to become a swing option if he can latch on with a team.
