2013 NFL Draft: 10 Impact Undrafted Free Agents

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Arian Foster. Antonio Gates. Wes Welker. And YES, even Tony Romo! What do these current NFL players have in common, besides earning Pro Bowl honors at some point in their respective careers? They were ALL undrafted free agents as rookies!

Entering the NFL as undrafted free agents was an amazing feat for these established NFL veterans, considering all the accolades they’ve accrued during the course of their auspicious NFL careers.

After an intriguing, yet bizarre 2013 NFL Draft, with all of its pomp-and-circumstance, grandeur, and most of all, drama, the post-draft period has been equally as intriguing!

Without the fanfare and frills that IS the NFL Draft, let’s cut to the chase! Here are the 10 undrafted free agents that will make an immediate impact on the 2013 NFL season and beyond:

10 - Nickell Roby, CB – Buffalo Bills (USC; 5’7” 169 lbs.) – This ‘Mighty Mite’ is not afraid to sacrifice his body to make tackles. He has NFL cornerback speed, and has a nose for the ball. His small frame may make him susceptible to relinquishing back-shoulder, high passes to taller receivers.

9 - Kenbrell Thompkins, WR – New England Patriots (Univ. of Cincinnati; 6’1” 193 lbs.) – As a hard worker, Thompkins can be an immediate contributor in the Patriots’ offensive system. He is unafraid of attacking the middle of the field on crossing routes. He should see significant playing time as a slot receiver.

8 - Matt Furstenburg, TE – Baltimore Ravens (Univ. of Maryland; 6’3” 242 lbs.) – Although slightly undersized for a prototypical tight end, Furstenburg has reliable hands, and is versatile enough to line up inside or outside. He is a sound blocker with good technique.

7 - T.J. Barnes, DT – Jacksonville Jaguars (Georgia Tech; 6’6” 369 lbs.) – This ‘man-mountain’ has the potential to be an absolute BEAST on the Jaguars defensive front. He can play the one, three and five-techniques. He has impressive athleticism for his size.

6 - Joe Caprioglio, OT – Arizona Cardinals (Colorado St.; 6’5” 317 lbs.) – Caprioglio has the dimensions of an NFL-prototype left tackle. He has great technique, and can make multiple blocks at different levels as the play progresses. His footwork is his greatest asset.

5 - Kaderius Lacey, RB – Kansas City Chiefs (Alabama A&M; 6’ 240 lbs.) – He was grossly under-evaluated throughout his collegiate career by being compared to Alabama’s Eddie Lacy. He has an impeccable work ethic, and is very physical. He will be a great change-up back in tandem with Jamaal Charles.

4 - Aaron Hester, CB – Denver Broncos (UCLA; 6’1” 207 lbs.) – At his size, Hester is an imposing figure as a cornerback! He’ll be able to steal some ‘jump balls’ in goal line situations.

3 - Michael Ford, RB/KR – Chicago Bears (LSU; 5’9” 210 lbs.) – Ford will serve a dual purpose: He’ll help out with the Bears’ run game, and he’ll be a change of pace for Devin Hester in the return game.

2 - Jamaal Johnson-Webb, OT – Arizona Cardinals (Alabama A&M; 6’5” 313 lbs.) – Rarely do two athletes from the same small college (Alabama A&M) make an impact in the same year as rookies in the NFL. Johnson-Webb, an NFL Combine invitee, has the physical tools and mentality to steal a starting position on the Cardinals’ offensive line!

1 - Jordan Rodgers, QB – Jacksonville Jaguars (Vanderbilt; 6’1” 212 lbs.) – Once his groin injury heals completely, LOOK OUT! He’ll have that same chip on his shoulder that his brother Aaron had, because he went undrafted this year! Jacksonville is the PERFECT place for him to STEAL a starting job!

Like their successful predecessors, all of these undrafted rookie free agents possess a common trait – hunger! That hunger, coupled with the determination and drive to be successful, will motivate this class of undrafted free agents to make an immediate impact on their respective teams, and the NFL!

Keep a running tally of how many of them will be playing in Honolulu in February!

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