2024 NFL Draft: Jets, Vikings each sign two of the top ten undrafted free agents

The 2024 NFL Draft concluded with 257 players selected, but the post-draft period holds immense significance for NFL teams. This phase marks a crucial competition among teams as they vie to sign the top undrafted free agents. This article delves into the top ten undrafted free agents.

2024 NFL Draft: Top ten undrafted free agents

1. Leonard Taylor, DT, New York Jets: A player who had day-two talent yet went undrafted is former Miami Hurricane Leonard Taylor. His top trait is his explosiveness off the ball which should make him an ideal fit as a 3-technqiue defensive tackle in the Jets scheme. However, to make the team, he will have to show a stronger work ethic than he had with the Hurricanes and improve his pad level.

2. Gabriel Murphy, DE, Minnesota Vikings: Last season, the Minnesota Vikings found a starter after the draft when they signed linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. as an undrafted free agent. While it may be a lot to ask of Gabriel Murphy to win a starting job, there is a good chance he will make the team. The undersized pass rusher is an impressive athlete who does a great job of using his hands to get off blocks.

3. Braiden McGregor, DE, New York Jets: Another defensive lineman who had a fourth-round grade on my board yet didn’t get drafted is Braiden McGregor. While McGrergor never put up outstanding production having only recorded 6.5 sacks during his career, he showed the speed and flexibility to get drafted. No matter how you look at though you can be pretty sure McGregor wishes he would have returned to school next year, instead of trying to make a team as an undrafted free agent.

4. Curtis Jacobs, LB, Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have done a great job of adding underrated talent to their defense the past couple of seasons, and this year they may have found a gem in Curtis Jacobs who went undrafted. His most impressive traits are his fluid hips, speed, and overall coverage ability. At the bare minimum look for him to make an impact on special teams next year.

5. Javion Cohen, OG, Cleveland Browns: The highest-graded offensive player on my board that didn’t get drafted is Javion Cohen who signed with the Cleveland Browns. He is an aggressive run blocker who shows a good initial punch. He should compete for a backup job on the Browns this fall, and at worst should make it on their practice squad.

6. Gabe Hall, DT, Philadelphia Eagles: Another inconsistent defensive lineman with good potential that went undrafted is Gabe Hall. While Hall saw his sack production drop each of the past two seasons he has some traits that give him a chance to make a team. One of those traits is his explosiveness off the ball and another thing working in his favor is his length coming in at 6-foot-6 with 34.5-inch arms.

7. Kalen DeLoach, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Two of the most impressive linebackers at the East-West Shrine Bowl were Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs, and Florida State’s Kalen DeLoach. While neither of these players ended up getting drafted both of them have a good chance of making a team this coming fall. DeLoach is on the smaller side weighing in at just 210-punds but he could play an in the box safety type role with Tampa Bay along with helping out on special teams.

8. Dwight McGlothern, CB, Minnesota Vikings: The second undrafted free agent the Minnesota Vikings signed to make this list is cornerback Dwight McGlothern. McGlothern who made my All-Underrated team has outstanding ball skills having led the Razorbacks in interceptions each of the past two seasons. He also has ideal size and should be a good fit in Brian Flores’s defense.

9. Beau Brade, S, Baltimore Ravens: Former Maryland safety Beau Brade should find a role on the Ravens as a core special teams player and strong safety. The past two seasons Brade led the Terps in tackles and was one of the hardest hitters in the Big Ten. He will need to improve his tackling though as he also led the team in missed tackles each of the past two seasons.

10. Kingsley Eguakun, C, still unsigned: One of the main reasons Kingsley Eguakun went undrafted is that he only played in four games due to injury last season. When healthy though he is a quick lineman who should be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme.