NFL Rookies- Undrafted Free Agent Rookies to Keep an Eye on in 2018
ALLEN LAZARD | WR | JAGUARS
Throughout the entire draft process from the college football season all the way to draft night itself, one of my favorite WRs to watch has been former Iowa State WR Allen Lazard. The 6-5 WR was a massive target for Iowa State and not only did was he physically imposing but he backed it up by producing over 3000 receiving yards and 26 TDs during his 4 years at Iowa State and was one of the programs most productive WRs. Lazard may not impress with his speed or ability to separate from defenders but he is a big target and should at the very least be a redzone target for the Jaguars and QB Blake Bortles.
KEVIN TOLIVER | CB | BEARS
Over the last 2 years of college football, former LSU CB Kevin Toliver went from a potential high round draft pick to an undrafted free agent with the Bears. The 6-2 CB flashed in his freshman year but since then has not lived up to the hype and fell off the draft radar leading to his undrafted status. Toliver is a name to watch though due to his upside and also the fact that he is on a team that is known for finding gems in the later rounds and even some undrafted players who became starters (CB Bryce Callahan & WR Cameron Meredith).
TAVARUS MCFADDEN | CB | 49ERS
Before last year’s college football season kicked off, former Florida State CB Tavarus McFadden was praised as one of the more consistent defenders in college football and even considered a potential first round pick. Fast forward to now and instead of being draft at all, McFadden found himself on the outside of the draft bubble looking in and hoping to sign with a team as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). After the draft McFadden signed with the 49ers, an excellent spot for the CB, with the thought that he will get to sit and learn behind one of the game’s best CBs in Richard Sherman and maybe see some playing time in his rookie year. San Francisco is a young team on the rise and with their defense still made up of some young, unproven talent; it may just be the perfect situation for McFadden to show why he was once touted as one of college football’s best CBs.
MARCELL FRAZIER | DE | SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks are team in flux right now and while they still have one of the league’s best QBs in Russell Wilson, they certainly lost several key starters on their defense including CB Richard Sherman, along with several key impact defenders on their defensive line. With the loss of key linemen including Sheldon Richardson, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, that’s where undrafted free agent Marcell Frazier becomes an intriguing name to watch for in Seattle. The 6-5 pass rusher from Missouri is a versatile lineman that can rush the QB from both a 4-3 defense as well as a standup edge rusher in a 3-4 defense which is something Seattle needs in 2018 and could result in Frazier seeing extended playing him in his rookie year.
SIMMIE COBBS | WR | REDSKINS
One of the more intriguing prospects on this list is Indiana’s Simmie Cobbs. Go back to the first game of Indiana’s season vs Ohio State and it’s easy to see why Cobbs is on the list of UDFAs to watch for in 2018. The 6-4 WR had 11 catches for over 100 receiving yards against one of college football’s best defenses while demonstrating his ability to use his big frame as a to-go target for Indiana’s offense. While he failed to do this consistently throughout the season, he still as the traits and size to be a big play weapon for Washington and veteran QB Alex Smith, especially considering they are still looking for weapons at WR. Recently signed free Paul Richardson and 4th year speedster Jamison Crowder may be Washington’s only two true reliable targets at WR so if Cobbs has any chance of showing his talents in the NFL, this may be his best shot.