From Undrafted to Unstoppable: NFL’s Top UDFA Gems to Watch in 2025

From Undrafted to Unstoppable: NFL’s Top UDFA Gems to Watch in 2025

Every year, the NFL Draft captivates fans as teams invest in the future of their franchises. But the draft is not the only avenue for talent acquisition. Beyond the televised spectacle, a hidden pool of potential stars awaits discovery: undrafted free agents (UDFAs). These players, overlooked by every team during the draft, possess the grit and determination to defy expectations. Just ask Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves to becoming a Super Bowl MVP after going undrafted in 1994. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several UDFAs are poised to make a significant impact.

The Underdog Mentality: Why UDFAs Thrive

The path to NFL success is rarely linear, and for UDFAs, it’s often paved with extra challenges. Unlike their drafted counterparts, they don’t receive guaranteed contracts or the immediate attention of coaching staffs. They must earn every snap, every opportunity, through sheer hard work and unwavering dedication. This underdog mentality fuels their drive to prove doubters wrong.

As Trent Williams, left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, noted about undrafted running back Jordan Mason, “He came in pretty mature. Even being the third or fourth back, he was always ready… He earned everybody’s respect.” Mason’s journey from an overlooked prospect to a key special teamer and valuable offensive contributor exemplifies the UDFA spirit.

Identifying the 2025 UDFA Gems

So, who are the UDFAs to keep an eye on as the 2025 season approaches? While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, several players from the 2024 UDFA class have already generated buzz during training camp and preseason.

  • Gabriel Murphy (LB, UCLA, signed by the Minnesota Vikings): Many analysts were surprised when Murphy went undrafted. The Vikings may have found a steal.

  • Dallin Holker (TE, Colorado State, signed by the New Orleans Saints): Holker landed in a strong spot with the Saints, who run an offense that could get him immediate snaps.

  • Leonard Taylor III (DL, Miami, signed by the New York Jets): It was a surprise to see Taylor go undrafted, but the Jets may have found a hidden gem.

  • Curtis Jacobs (LB, Penn State, signed by the Kansas City Chiefs): Another puzzling case of a player who wasn’t drafted, Jacobs has the potential to be a lottery ticket for the Chiefs.

  • Cody Schrader (RB, Missouri, signed by the San Francisco 49ers): Schrader, one of the top running backs in college football last year, joins a crowded backfield in San Francisco.

  • Dillon Johnson (RB, Washington, signed by the Tennessee Titans): Johnson, who played a big part in Washington’s offense during their run to the national championship game, landed in a strong spot with Tennessee.

  • Nelson Ceaser (DL, Houston, signed by the Seattle Seahawks): The Seahawks have been looking to beef up their defensive line, and they did that by signing Ceaser.

  • Beau Brade (DB, Maryland, signed by the Baltimore Ravens): If any team can fix a project in the secondary, it’s the Baltimore Ravens.

  • Javion Cohen (OL, Miami (FL), signed by the Cleveland Browns): The Browns continue to prioritize depth on their offensive line, and they land a prized undrafted free agent in Cohen.

The UDFA Hall of Fame: Legends Who Defied the Odds

To truly appreciate the potential of UDFAs, it’s essential to remember the legends who paved the way. These players, initially overlooked, went on to achieve greatness and etch their names in NFL history.

  • Kurt Warner: Perhaps the most iconic UDFA success story, Warner went from bagging groceries to leading the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory. He earned two NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP award, solidifying his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • Warren Moon: Moon’s path to the NFL was unconventional, starting with a successful career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). After dominating the CFL, he joined the Houston Oilers and became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. He was the first Black quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • Adam Vinatieri: The New England Patriots picked up Vinatieri after he went undrafted out of South Dakota State. He is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points.

  • Rod Smith: Smith was more than just a good wide receiver. He became a franchise icon who still leads the Broncos in all-time receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and touchdowns (68).

  • John Randle: Randle overcame being considered too short to become the dominant pass-rushing defensive tackle of his era and was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • Chris Harris Jr.: Harris’s career is marked by four Pro Bowl nods, a first-team All-Pro selection in 2016, and two second-team All-Pro selections. He also played a key role in the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory.

What it Takes: The Traits of Successful UDFAs

While talent is undoubtedly a factor, several other key traits separate successful UDFAs from those who fade away.

  • Resilience: UDFAs face constant adversity and must possess the mental fortitude to overcome setbacks. Caleb Murphy, an undrafted rookie who made the Tennessee Titans’ roster, admitted his rookie season was hard. Learning to prioritize his mental health was crucial to his development.

  • Work Ethic: With no guaranteed roster spot, UDFAs must outwork their competition every day. They are often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, constantly honing their skills and seeking improvement.

  • Adaptability: UDFAs often need to be versatile and willing to play multiple positions or contribute on special teams to make the team.

  • Coachability: Being receptive to coaching and willing to learn new techniques is essential for UDFAs to develop and improve their game.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect in 2025

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, keep an eye on these UDFAs as they battle for roster spots and playing time. Their journey from overlooked prospects to potential stars is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of the underdog story. While the draft may be the main event, the UDFA pool offers a compelling subplot, filled with players eager to prove they belong on the NFL stage.