Undrafted free agents are still making a big impact on the NFL game. Last season, there were 54 undrafted free agents (UDFAs) on an active roster to open the season. UDFAs contributed over 3,300 offensive snaps and 3,200 defensive snaps in 2025. Teams are able to identify inexpensive youth who can offset larger salary cap hits on the roster. 

Who are some of those undrafted free agent rookies to create buzz in their bid to make the active 53-man roster and continue their respective NFL dreams? Surveying the league, there are 10 names to know. 

S Nick Andersen, Rams

A few years ago, I conducted some research that found defensive backs were the most likely undrafted free agents to make an NFL roster. Safety, specifically, is a position that requires a higher level of cerebral understanding and is not necessarily solely reliant on athleticism. Los Angeles, in particular, has done an excellent job identifying these players through the years: Jaylen McCollough, Tanner Ingle and a handful of other Day 3 selections. 

Andersen may be next. In his five collegiate seasons, he amassed eight interceptions. In preseason exposure, he has not been afraid to play downhill and deliver big hits. 

TE Tanner Arkin, Patriots

Veteran Hunter Henry and rookie Eli Raridon have separated themselves as the top two tight ends on the roster, but injuries have given Arkin a platform to earn more playing time. As tight end usage rises around the league, and teams are keeping more at the position, the Illinois product, via Colorado State, is coming into the league at the right time. 

Arkin is not going to be confused for a vertical element of the team's pass attack, but he has played fullback for the Patriots and has been inserted into gaps as a lead blocker. 

OT Kahlil Benson, Chiefs

Offensive tackle has been a concern for Kansas City. Left tackle Josh Simmons stepped away from the team for personal reasons last season, veteran Jawaan Taylor was released and Wanya Morris was traded. Veteran Jaylon Moore flipped to right tackle and has been in competition with Benson. 

Benson has cross-trained at both right tackle and right guard for the Chiefs this preseason. If he is not named the starting right tackle, then he is building a portfolio to become one of the primary reserves capable of fulfilling multiple roles. 

Benson spent four seasons at Indiana, one season at Colorado and returned to the Hoosiers for one final season in 2025. The Memphis native appeared in 49 games over the course of his collegiate career. 

WR Camden Brown, Cowboys

Brown has made some sensational acrobatic catches in both training camp and the preseason. Dallas has a quartet of entrenched pass catchers -- CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy and Kavontae Turpin -- but Brown is in the mix for one of those remaining one or two spots. 

After three years at Auburn, he finished his career at Georgia Southern. He had 26 career receptions before breaking out with 65 receptions for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns his senior season. At 6-foot-2-inches and 204 pounds, with good body control, Brown offers the ability to win above the rim down the field. 

CB Michael Coats Jr., Browns

Veterans Tyson Campbell and Denzel Ward are the known commodities in the Cleveland secondary. A few others have the inside track on regular playing time, but playing time is at stake every time the unit takes the field. Coats is a player who, by all accounts, has consistently shown up regardless of whether or not it has been practice or the preseason. 

The diminutive cornerback had five interceptions with Nevada before transferring to Morgantown and wrapping up his time in college with the Mountaineers. Coats also showed some play-making ability on special teams. 

RB Dean Connors, Rams

The former Houston running back is a candidate to make the Rams roster as well. Although the team has built a bit more depth in that spot. He was impactful running and catching the football, tallying 51 total yards in his debut. He also made a tackle on special teams. 

Connors was impactful in his lone season with the Cougars after transferring up from Rice. 

CB Ayden Garnes, Buccaneers

Garnes was the less-heralded member of Arizona's secondary last season. Fans are more familiar with his teammates: defensive backs Treydan Stukes, Genesis Smith, Dalton Johnson and Michael Dansby; all of whom were drafted in April. 

After faltering in his first preseason snap, Garnes rebounded well as a boundary cornerback for Tampa Bay. He missed a few backfield tackles in the opener, but shows the aggressiveness and athletic baseline to grow into a larger role. He jumped a route that broke in front of him and returned the interception for an interception.

Several cornerbacks associated with the Buccaneers over the years (Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting) have since moved on, which leaves Garnes fighting for a role with the new guard. 

S Maximus Pulley, Eagles

Philadelphia is replacing safeties Sydney Brown and Reed Blankenship from last season's roster. The former had been a key contributor on special teams, which is where Pulley has made the biggest impact early in his time with the NFC franchise. 

Beyond Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps and Cooper DeJean, if Philly elects to play him there, the depth chart is relatively open for Pulley to make the roster. 

K Drew Stevens, Commanders

Stevens has won the kicking competition in our nation's capital. The former Iowa Hawkeye is known for his leg strength. He is no stranger to kicking in weather Washington may see late in the season. 

WR J. Michael Sturdivant, Packers

Sturdivant offers a bit more size, physicality and downfield play-making ability than the Packers receivers could offer beyond Christian Watson. However, his greatest contributions may be on special teams. Through two preseason games, he has three receptions for 30 yards, as well as two special teams tackles. 

Green Bay has been known for its ability to identify and develop receivers. Time forced them to make decisions and allow the likes of Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs to seek opportunities elsewhere. How the team chooses to fill those two or three spots on the depth chart behind Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed and Watson is discretionary. Sturdivant is making his case by competing in two phases. 

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