Every NFL Team's Most Exciting 2022 Undrafted Free-Agent Addition

We identified the free agent most likely to make the roster of each team last week. The selections were based on the situation, money and talent.

We are taking a different approach. We focus on each team's most exciting UDFA based on their talent, skill set or the promise they are already showing in rookies minicamps.

Undrafted free agents face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster since their teams did not invest draft capital in them. They could make the coaching staff think twice about cutting them in August if they flash during the summer program.

The best players play, and the best players are the guys who play the best, according to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. That is how we do it.

The Arizona Cardinals have a downhill power runner in James Conner, but their other running backs are not quite settled. The Miami Dolphins signed ChaseEdmonds, who was in the role last season.

T.J. Pledger is a different type of player than the two drafted by the Cards.

Pledger is an interesting option in the backfield.

According to Pro Football Focus, he led all backs in this year's class with an average of 4.90 rushing yards per carry on runs that weren't perfectly blocked.

Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl, said that Pledger displayed the fastest max acceleration of any offensive player. He can blow past defenders.

Downhill run-stuffers don't hold nearly as much value as they did 30 years ago.

At times, stopping the run is necessary. Landman is joining the Atlanta Falcons as an exceptional run defender.

I have played the game at a high level for several seasons now, and I have those instincts that you cannot teach. I have a power that makes me stop. I do it better than anyone else.

Landman does not sell himself short.

Landman is an intriguing fit as a situation-specific talent with run-and-chase linebackers, because of his extensive special teams experience.

During his time in college, Zakoby McClain showed improvement. After committing to the program as a 205-pound recruit, he grew into a 228-pound second-line defender who displayed an evolving game with each passing season.

During his final season on campus, McClain showed immense improvement as a run defender. According to Pro Football Focus, his run-defense grade was the best in the SEC.

The Butkus Award winner was one of six people who heard their names called during draft weekend.

Over his last 23 games, McClain made over 200 total tackles. The second-team All-SEC selection is an ideal weak-side linebacker and special teams contributor because of his instincts, quickness, comfort level working in space and relentless motor. He improved his run fits and physical strength last year.

The defender should find a home with the Ravens.

The Buffalo Bills offense is predicated on a spread passing attack built around the exceptional talent of quarterback Josh Allen. They don't have backs who are capable of shouldering a large workload so they place less of an emphasis on the running game.

Buffalo has not had a 1,000-yard runner in a year. The Bills value a lot of tailbacks.

Singletary caught 40 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, while leading the team with 870 rushing yards. The Buffalo Bills signed Duke Johnson in free agency and drafted James Cook with the 63rd overall pick.

Virginia Tech's Raheem Blackshear can help.

Blackshear never served as a full-time starter. He was the leading scorer for Virginia Tech this past season, and he had 29 catches for Rutgers in 2019. He has experience helping on special teams.

The first thing people notice about Marquan is his size. He can be heard over everyone else. While playing one of the game's least desirable positions, McCall brings a larger-than-life personality.

The nose tackles don't get the respect they deserve for their work. The Carolina Panthers are a space-eater. The defensive lineman holds the point of attack well and even shows a little bit of burst to get up the field.

Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl, said that McCall dropped 40 pounds this summer and became more committed. He will always have an issue with his weight, but a dedicated McCall can be one of the best nose tackles from this year's class.

McCall needs to keep his size in check and continue to provide the same intensity and skill he displayed when playing with some of the nation's best during this year's all-star circuit.

A prospect with a limited skill set is not necessarily a bad thing.

Sanborn can be exposed when asked to cover for any extended amount of time or to run sideline to sideline.

Sanborn had 221 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks over the last three seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded as the third-best Power Five linebacker and registered the most quarterback pressures among all Big Ten linebackers since the start of the 2020 campaign. He spent three years on the punt coverage team.

The Chicago Bears do not need Sanborn to be someone else. He can be a contributor if he continues to do what he does.

Jaivon Heiligh, a wide receiver from Coastal Carolina, was the highest-rated offensive prospect on Bleacher Report's final big board not to be drafted.

Heiligh received a fourth-round grade. Why?

"Heiligh is a long, twitchy outside receiver who can play a handful of snaps from the slot because of his body control and feel for space," scout Nate Tice wrote. "He has good hands and is very comfortable using his length to extend for throws away from his body, and his length is not a hindrance on throws at his body since he is such a natural catcher."

The two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection left Coastal Carolina as the program's all-time leading receiver. Heiligh can't be overlooked because of his skill set and collegiate production.

The wide receiver corps of the Cleveland Browns consists of... uh... Amari Cooper.

Younger options such as Anthony Schwartz still have a lot of potential. David Bell was drafted by the Browns in the third round.

Since Cooper is the only sure thing in the pass-catching corps, the door remains open for another young, physically gifted option to carve out a role.

Weston is a large target with exceptional natural gifts. The 6'4'', 214-pound prospect posted the seventh-best relative athletic score of any wide receiver over the last 35 years.

More often than not, Northern Iowa's passing offense centered on throwing the ball into the air and asking Weston to get it. His physical ability cannot be denied, even though he isn't refined by any means.

Weston is as good as any wideout on the roster not named Cooper.

Players who have more impressive physical characteristics than their on-field performances are often described as height/weight/speed prospects. USC's Taylor-Stuart is a good fit for that mold.

The accompaniment of natural upside can be seen as a negative by some. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft was a developmental prospect named Travon Walker.

Expectations are different for a free agent. The same premise applies to Taylor-Stuart on a lower level.

Taylor-Stuart has everything a team should want in a corner. He is a 6'1'' wingspan, 200 pound defensive back with 31 inch arms and a 6'5'' wingspan. Tracking Football states that he has legitimate track speed as a top 10 400-meter sprinter among this year's draft class.

He has the raw material for the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff to make him into a professional.

Christopher Allen had 13 tackles for loss and six sacks for Alabama in 2020. He had a fractured foot and only played one game of the season.

His previous production was not forgotten by the Denver Broncos. They signed Allen to their biggest free agent deal with $180,000 in guaranteed money, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Broncos head coach said that he was a good person and that it was important to get him healthy. He has a lot of stuff that he has to offer this team, and we just have to get him out there so we can evaluate it.

A healthy Allen provides more pass-rushing punch off the edge. His status with the Broncos is dependent on his recovery from that foot injury.

The environment where professional football was a fact of life is always intriguing for prospects with NFL bloodlines.

The shadow of a successful relative can be a burden for some. For others, the drive instilled to meet or succeed one's relative can be a positive force towards establishing their own successful careers.

Deese won the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. His son is a tight end, but his father can still be found in his game.

Deese led the San Jose Spartans with 47 catches for 730 yards. He had good hands, body control and was able to stretch the seam despite his poor timed speed. The tight end was unable to practice after the first day because of a lower-body injury.

The genetics are a blocker. According to Pro Football Focus, Deese was one of three tight ends who graded well as a receiver and run-blocker.

The last two seasons, Penn State placed a lot of defensive talent in the NFL. All of them heard their names called during that time.

The leading tackler of the Nittany Lions did not.

Over the last two seasons, Ellis was the leader in tackles for Penn State with 160 and 100. He is an alpha, despite his lack of impressive physical speed.

When he arrived at the Shrine Bowl practice field, he took control of the entire defense by barking out where everyone should go. In an all-star situation where awkwardness can arise, he looked right at home in the middle of the defense as its leader.

The Green Bay Packers will find it hard to keep him off their roster because of his aggressiveness and instincts.

The starting left tackle in the SEC has been there for three years.

Myron Cunningham went from being a redshirt freshman at an FCS program to a JUCO transfer to a team captain and stalwart blindside protector at Arkansas.

Cunningham is not a polished blocker. His feet are not consistent. He isn't the most reliable. Cunningham is a 320-pound lineman with 34inch arms. The size and length of him makes it possible to move him to guard.

The Houston Texans did a great job during the draft by addressing multiple positions. In the first and sixth rounds, they selected Kenyon Green and Austin Deculus to improve their offensive line.

Cunningham is clearly someone who bets on himself and overcomes the odds, even though he is not as well-known as Green or Deculus.

The competition to become the Indianapolis Colts third running back looked wide open until they signed Phillip Lindsay. They have a pair of interesting hybrid players.

They are both safeties/linebackers. Domann received the higher grade across the board. The Scouting Department of Bleacher Report gave him a fifth-round grade.

"Domann is a bet on NFL athleticism and coverage potential," B/R scout Derrik Klassen wrote. "At the very least, he will need a unique role early on while he tries to get his legs under him as a legit box linebacker."

According to Pro Football Focus, the safety-turned-linebacker didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage last year, and he led Big Ten linebackers in overall grade over the last three seasons. Domann has a chance to be a core-four special teamer, which makes him an ideal fit for Bradley.

Over the last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars have added multiple pieces to their tight end room, but they still don't seem to be settled at that spot.

Chris Manhertz was signed by the organization in March of last year, then they traded for Dan Arnold in September. Evan Engram, a former New York Giants tight end, signed a one-year, $9 million contract with Jacksonville.

Prince is intriguing because of his skill set.

Prince had an average of 19.5 yards per reception last season. His 10 touchdown were third in the group.

Prince is not a traditional in-line option. He needs to improve his play strength and possibly add bulk to provide much of anything as blocker.

Prince can be a weapon for the Jags, considering how valuable athletic targets are today.

Most rookies know how to make a final roster.

If you are not valuable on special teams, your value greatly decreases, according to Kansas City Chiefs rookies Jack Cochrane.

South Dakota had 103 total tackles led by Cochrane. The linebacker has some athletic qualities.

The 236-pound defender posted a 41-inch vertical with a 10&4 broad jump at his pro day. The latter would have ranked second at the combine. The short shuttle event at Indianapolis was won by his 4.17-second shuttle.

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted two running backs. Some might think that their backfield is too small with Josh Jacobs, Kenyon Drake, Brandon Bolden and the two rookies.

Maybe it is. There might still be room for Sincere.

The new Raiders head coach likes a varied backfield with plenty of depth. During his time at the helm of the New England Patriots, he featured many backs.

Over the last three seasons, McCormick has posted 3,929 rushing yards, including more than 1,400 in each of the last two years. He is a typical story of not being big enough or fast enough for teams to like.

A runner who plays behind his pads is named McCormick. He is already comfortable working as a third-down back despite not wowing in any area.

Another team with a deep backfield and little room for a free agent to make the roster is the Los Angeles Clippers. Austin Ekeler has a tendency to get dinged up as a smaller back, and Joshua Kelley hasn't quite produced to the expected level yet.

Leddie Brown is a good fit for the Bolts because of how he contributes in both offensive phases.

The 213-pound back is not the most powerful runner. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns at West Virginia.

Brown has caught 67 passes for 419 yards and three touchdown over the last two seasons.

Brown was one of the top four in the class in target share.

Even though they can play a critical part in an offensive scheme, blocking tight ends isn't exciting.

The Los Angeles Rams decreased their usage of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) last season compared to the previous two campaigns, in part because Gerald Everett joined the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. Pettigrew could help them get back into more personnel.

Pettigrew isn't the same as Everett. He is the opposite of a skill set perspective. The team's other tight ends could benefit from keeping the 6'7'', 245-pound prospect in-line.

Pettigrew has the frame to be a good blocker at the point of attack with some upside as a pass-catcher.

The Rams do a good job of developing late-round/undrafted talent. The staff might be able to get the most out of the Pettigrew.

Both Jevon Holland and Verone McKinley III are former collegiate teammates. Both of them are capable of playing either safety spot or cover the slot.

McKinley told reporters at the NFL combine that kids coming up, playing different positions and understanding that that helps you increase your value if you can play multiple positions and do everything. That's what we were, so it definitely helps.

Other teams didn't look at McKinley the same way because he wasn't the same caliber of athlete as Holland. McKinley had a poor relative athletic score during the predraft process.

McKinley has a strong on-field presence because of hisVersatility and assertiveness. He already knows how to play off his new teammate, so he should fit right in with the Dolphins.

Greg Joseph missed four extra points and a few potential game-winning field goals last season. His conversion rates were 16th and 25th. Not terrible, but not great.

The Vikings decided to give the restricted free agent kicker a tender. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press says that there is no guarantee that Joseph will get a new deal.

Minnesota signed a top-three kicking prospect. Over the last two seasons, the Lou Groza Award finalist has nine field goals of 50 yards or longer.

He missed only four kicks under 40 yards during his collegiate career, but his consistency on intermediate attempts can be better.

The top two centers in the league, David Andrews and James Ferentz, both came into the league as free agents.

The team can save $5.1 million with his release prior to the 2023 campaign if he turns 31 next July. Ferentz is under contract for this season, but he will be 33 later this year.

The setup over the ball seems to be the reason why the Pats signed Kody Russey to a free-agent deal.

Russey is a sawed-off pivot, but he is strong and plays with a powerful base. He played in 60 games for Louisiana Tech and Houston. He earned enough respect with his teammates to be named a captain, even though he only played one season.

New England is looking to have another free agent take over snapping duties.

Lucas Krull was hard to miss when evaluating Kenny Pickett.

Jordan Addison won the Biletnikoff Award. He looked to Krull when he needed to make a play. The second-team All-ACC selection had a chance to shine in 2021.

Krull is an excellent athlete. He was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 34th round of the MLB draft. The 260-pound tight end has a 40-yard dash speed and a 35-inch vertical jump. His physical tools are very impressive. He needs to build on his final season with Pitt.

The New Orleans Saints offense lacks the type of athletic and explosive qualities that Krull brings, unless Taysom Hill makes a miracle transition to the position.

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. The New York Giants have a running back named Jashaun Corbin.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that he stood out and looked athletic.

The irony is that when he was a student at Texas A&M, he struggled to find his footing, and now he is viewed as a success at Florida State.

He racked up 1,547 yards from scrimmage and served as the team's kick returner during his two seasons in Florida. He worked as a punt returner during the Giants' rookies mini camp.

In two different phases of the game, he should be able to make the Giants roster.

At an all-star event, certain prospects stick out during the predraft process. The Shrine Bowl has a requirement for a Linebacker like DQ Thomas.

The 6'1'', 225-pound defender might be a little light, but his size shouldn't fool anyone, because he had one of the biggest highlights during the practice week. On one-on-one pass-blocking drills, the LB lit up the running back.

Thomas was the most fluid of the linebackers, though he did not finish the week due to an injury. He was in position when he was on the field. He could have walked away as one of the most improved players at the event if he had butted up when he had opportunities to make plays.

The New York Jets had a linebacking corps that could use another young athlete.

The acquisition of a quarterback is treated differently than any other position. The signing of Nevada's Carson Strong by the Philadelphia Eagles raised eyebrows.

The franchise did everything in its power to help Hurts, so he shouldn't feel threatened by Strong. Even so, the Eagles made a significant investment by signing Strong to the most lucrative undrafted free-agent deal, which includes $320,000 in guaranteed money.

The signing bonus of last year's 156th overall pick, PittsburghSteelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk, is equivalent to Strong's guarantees.

Over the last two seasons, the two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 7,033 yards and 63 touchdown. He is a sturdy, vertical thrower who can be used as a pocket passer. He is the antithesis of Hurts, which makes the signing so intriguing.

Concerns over a balky knee that required two surgeries and how it will hold up over time likely explains why the talented passer didn't get drafted.

The NFL teams are always interested in taking former top talents.

Chris Steele was the fifth-ranked defensive back in the class of 2019. He was close to the likes of Andrew Booth Jr. and Kaiir Elam, who were both first- or second-round picks this year.

Levi Wallace is taking over for Joe Haden as the starting Cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wallace is a former undrafted free agent who took over a starting job with the Buffalo Bills as part of the league's best pass defense.

Steele went to a major program after transferring from Florida, but never put together his resume to warrant a draft consideration. Steele is a 187-pound corner and has a 40-yard dash time of 4.48 seconds. He has the talent to excel in the NFL, but his poor tackling and coverage can be a problem.

The San Francisco 49ers center is different. How different?

Brandon Thorn was a Bleacher Report scout.

Poe is an athletic, physical spark plug on the move and can make an immediate impact as a fullback. His body type makes it hard for him to stick on the offensive line, but he has enough juice and tenacity to carve out a role for a creative, diverse run game in the NFL.

According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, Poe will start his career on the offensive line.

His mobility is special in the trenches. The 300-pound powder keg blew up defenders. His predraft testing showed his movement skills. According to Pro Football Network's Kent Lee Platte, the FCS product has an elite relative athletic score in every category except size.

He might eventually convert to another position, so his development will be fascinating to watch.

A player who played for a Division III program should be considered for an NFL job.

The program has never produced an NFL player, but Onujiogu has a chance to change that.

His agent, Joe Linta, told the Metrowest Daily News that the Seahawks felt Seattle was the right place for him.

Seattle is the right landing spot because A) head coach Pete Carroll only cares about competition and B) the organization spent a second-round pick on Boye Mafe this year.

The 250-pound Onujiogu was a terror at the lower levels. He treated Division III offensive tackles in a cartoonish way. Onujiogu was able to take full advantage of his speed-to-power moves as blockers were frequently seen flying through the air.

He had 25 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks last season.

Kyler McMichael started two seasons for the North Carolina Tar Heels after transferring from the Clemson Tigers.

McMichael is a 6'0'', 202-pound defensive back with a 4.34-second 40-yard-dash speed. He should be a good fit for the Buccaneers because of their aggressive scheme. McMichael thrives in man-press situations.

"That is something that I was definitely able to work on with Dre' (Bly)," McMichael told Horseshoe Huddle's Zach Hicks. "I like to be a physical corner that takes advantage of my size at the line of scrimmage. Being a guy with my size, it makes it easier for me to stay square as long as possible and get hands on these receivers. This is definitely an area that I pride myself in."The Buccaneers staff is already taking notice. Bowles said McMichael looked "sharp" during rookie minicamp and competes hard, per Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site. 

The Texas A&M Aggies defensive front featured a lot of talent, but it was Jayden Peevy who drew attention away from others.

Put the tape from Arkansas on it. An anonymous scout told The Athletic that he was a one-man wrecking crew. It was long. Heavy-handed. The quicks were off the ball. Can run. This guy is too big and athletic to not play in a 4-3 or 3-4.

There were issues with balance and pad level. Peevy is almost 6 years old, which makes it hard for him to establish leverage. At the collegiate level, the defensive tackle could throw around offensive linemen. The same won't happen in the NFL.

Peevy has the size, length and ability to develop into a premium interior defender, and the TennesseeTitans boast one of the best defensive fronts in the league. They have the talent to help him.

Peevy could very well be the best defensive lineman from a Texas A&M unit that also featured DeMarvin Leal, Micheal Clemons and Tyree Johnson.

Armani Rogers doesn't need to look far to find someone who can help with his transition from quarterback to tight end. Rodgers only has to ask fellow Washington Commander Logan Thomas, who turned himself into one of the league's better tight ends after only playing quarterback at the collegiate level.

Rogers was behind the center for UNLV and Ohio. He graded as the nation's best freshman quarterback. Rogers was the only quarterback to have a 99-yard touchdown run.

The 6'5'',225-pound athlete deviated more toward a star athlete than a consistent pocket passer. At the Shrine Game, Rogers began the switch to tight end, and he looked very comfortable running routes.

Rogers needs time to establish a comfort level at his new position, though Thomas can help with the process. In doing so, Thomas could be grooming his own replacement since he turns 31 later this year and has salary-cap hits north of $8 million in the next two years.