Consistent with previous years, numerous late-round selections and undrafted free agents successfully secured spots on their teams’ 53-man rosters following training camp and the preseason. This article highlights the most compelling of these rookies—those players who, despite being largely disregarded during the draft process, possess the potential to contribute positively to their teams.
The criteria for inclusion in this list are straightforward: Rookies selected in Rounds 5 through 7, as well as those who earned a place on the roster as undrafted free agents, qualify for consideration.
Javon Solomon
During the preseason, Solomon recorded five quarterback pressures out of 40 pass-rushing attempts, including a notable play where he successfully neutralized Steelers’ 2023 first-round draft choice, Broderick Jones, in Buffalo’s second exhibition game.
In the opening preseason match against the Bears, the edge rusher, who stands just under 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 245 pounds, also made two tackles near the line of scrimmage on running plays. Given that he was the leading sack producer in Division I for 2023, any successful disruption of the opponent’s rushing offense is considered a significant advantage. What makes Solomon particularly intriguing extends beyond his impressive performance at Troy in 2023.
In 2021, he achieved the highest pressure-generation rate of his collegiate career, reaching an impressive 17.7%. Furthermore, despite his relatively smaller size, Solomon possesses 33 7/8-inch arms, placing him in the 63rd percentile among edge position participants at the combine since 1999. This characteristic is significant because the ability to engage offensive linemen before they can counter is crucial for defensive linemen, irrespective of their alignment prior to the snap. Typically, edge rushers of Solomon’s stature face challenges at the NFL level due to shorter arm lengths. However, Solomon stands out in this regard.
As for the Buffalo defense, Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa are set to be the starting defensive ends in Week 1. Veteran Dawuane Smoot has demonstrated strong performance over the summer and will also see playing time. Additionally, there is Von Miller, whose weekly playing time remains uncertain, creating an opportunity for the fifth-round pick to leave his mark on Buffalo’s revamped defense in 2024. I believe he will have a beneficial impact, initially in a limited capacity, which will later expand.
Austin Booker
Did you observe Booker during the preseason? He exhibited the poise of a seasoned player entering his fifth-year option season, clearly intent on securing a substantial multi-year contract. His movements were exceptionally fluid, and he demonstrated remarkable dynamism off the ball, showcasing an array of pass-rush techniques.
These attributes were evident in his film from Kansas, where it seemed he could have been selected on Day 2 prior to the combine. However, his performance in Indianapolis was rather mediocre. He measured in at a somewhat slender 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds. His broad jump of 10 feet placed him in the 73rd percentile among edge rushers, while his 40-yard dash time of 4.79 seconds ranked in the 52nd percentile. Additionally, his vertical leap of 32.5 inches was only in the 41st percentile for edge rushers at the combine since 1999. Overall, his athletic performance was not particularly impressive.
It is possible that Booker is one of those athletes who performs better in game situations than in timed drills.
He led the Bears with nine quarterback pressures across three preseason games and demonstrated solid performance against the run. Furthermore, Chicago traded a fourth-round pick in 2025 to re-enter the 2024 draft and select Booker in the fifth round. The scouting department clearly valued him as a complementary edge rusher alongside Montez Sweat. At just 21 years of age, Booker’s progress this summer suggests he may be ahead in his development compared to many older players from his draft class.
Jamari Thrash
Thrash’s omission from the fifth round of the draft is inexplicable. There were not 22 receivers in the 2024 class who surpassed his talent. Over four seasons of exceptional performance at Georgia State, where he averaged 16.6 yards per reception and achieved a forced missed tackle rate of 22.8%, Thrash transitioned to the ACC and continued to be a reliable contributor at Louisville.
Although his yards-per-reception average decreased to 13.7, he achieved a career-best in the forced missed tackle category, reaching 27.4%. Thrash showcased impressive stop-start agility, quick footwork both before and after making catches, and deceptive speed while running routes and handling the ball. At the combine, he recorded a time of 4.46 seconds at just under 6 feet tall and weighing 188 pounds.
During the preseason with the Browns, Thrash recorded 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, clearly demonstrating the elusive, separation-creating skills he exhibited with the Cardinals in 2023 and at Georgia State prior. While Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy are the primary targets in Cleveland’s offense, there has been considerable anticipation for Elijah Moore’s breakout since his rookie year.
It should not come as a surprise if Thrash assumes a more significant role as the year unfolds in Cleveland. He possesses a contemporary skill set as a receiver, characterized by his slender build, explosive speed, ability to create separation, and remarkable agility in open spaces.
Leonard Taylor III
In May 2023, Taylor was prominently featured in early projections for the 2024 draft. This widespread recognition for the Miami Hurricanes standout stemmed from his outstanding performance in 2022, during which he pressured quarterbacks at an impressive rate of nearly 16% across 159 opportunities. He appeared poised for a breakout season in his final year within the ACC. However, that anticipated breakout did not materialize. Despite demonstrating flashes of potential as a pass-rusher, Taylor generated fewer pressures over nearly 50 additional pass-rushing attempts. Concerns regarding his work ethic emerged during the pre-draft evaluation period. This combination of factors likely contributed to the former No. 3 defensive line recruit, according to 247 Sports, being overlooked in the draft.
The Jets, a team rich in defensive-line prowess, selected him, and the young, somewhat inexperienced Taylor showcased his potential during the preseason, achieving seven pressures and seven tackles for loss on 87 snaps.
Although a definitive opportunity for Taylor to play may not currently exist, he possesses a robust physique as a nose tackle, along with impressive pass-rushing ability and strong hands, making him a valuable asset for any defensive lineup.
Carson Steele
The discussion surrounding Steele’s potential as a fullback is perplexing, as he has never played that position. He enters the league as a former UCLA Bruin, but it was during his time at Ball State in 2022 that Steele, now recognized for his impressive stiff-arm, rushed for nearly 1,600 yards at an average of 5.3 yards per carry, scoring 14 touchdowns. Throughout that remarkable season, he forced 98 missed tackles on 298 attempts, demonstrating his capacity as a true workhorse.
Given this performance, it is hardly surprising that he maneuvered through defenses with agility and sharp cuts as a 6-foot, nearly 230-pound runner this August. He concluded the preseason with 87 yards on just 11 carries, including two rushing touchdowns. What is particularly intriguing about Steele’s situation is his proximity to receiving opportunities in what is expected to be another highly efficient offense under the leadership of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in 2024. I am genuinely interested in this undrafted free agent who was overlooked at the combine and has now garnered a dedicated following in Kansas City, much like Pacheco did, and this admiration is well-deserved.
Malik Washington
The Dolphins currently feature a mere four receivers on their 53-man roster: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, and Washington. In light of injuries at the position, they have recently added D’Wayne Eskridge to their practice squad. This situation may well position Washington favorably within the second-highest scoring team of 2023.
However, this choice extends beyond mere opportunity within a high-performing offense. Washington possesses significant talent and athleticism, qualities that align perfectly with Mike McDaniel’s vision.
Having recorded over 100 receptions for more than 1,200 yards during his final two seasons at Northwestern, Washington transferred to Virginia for the 2023 season, where he quickly became the cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ offense, amassing 111 receptions for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns. While his 4.47-second 40-yard dash may seem slow by contemporary Dolphins standards for skill positions, his impressive 42.5-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-6 broad jump indicate his exceptional explosiveness. During the preseason, Washington showcased his versatility by executing two gadget plays for 62 yards and catching three passes for 16 yards.
Even if he is primarily utilized as a gadget player, being that individual in Miami appears to be quite advantageous. I would argue that it is indeed an ideal situation.
Ryan Flournoy
Flournoy is expected to receive opportunities in his rookie year, contingent upon the distribution of targets following CeeDee Lamb’s weekly receptions. Beyond Lamb, the Dallas receiving corps includes Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, and KaVontae Turpin.
Flournoy’s straightforward approach on the field indicates that he may earn playing time as a newcomer. Standing nearly 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 204 pounds, the Southeast Missouri State alum recorded a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and boasts a 39-inch vertical leap. His playing style aligns with that of a robust boundary wide receiver possessing notable speed.
During his two seasons at Southeast Missouri State, Flournoy accumulated over 1,800 receiving yards at an average of more than 15 yards per catch, with only four drops. In 2023, he also forced an impressive 24 missed tackles. His game exhibits a distinct physicality, particularly against less aggressive cornerbacks, as he embraces and often shakes off contact near the line of scrimmage. This capability was evident during the preseason, where he demonstrated proficiency in tight spaces, achieving two remarkable releases for touchdowns from close range. While Flournoy may not possess exceptional quickness to outmaneuver defenders, he exhibits significant build-up speed and is formidable in open field situations.
Tyler Owens
Byron Jones’ remarkable broad jump of 147 inches, equivalent to 12 feet and 3 inches, was once regarded as an insurmountable combine record, seemingly beyond the reach of any competitor. This record stood unchallenged since Jones achieved it in 2015, until Owens recorded a jump of 146 inches in April.
Owens, a formidable safety from Texas Tech, boasts impressive physical attributes, standing nearly 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 216 pounds. Additionally, he recorded a vertical leap of 41 inches. As one of the most dominant and explosively athletic safeties in the NFL, it is noteworthy that he was ranked as the No. 3 safety recruit in the nation for the high school class of 2019, according to 247 Sports. The only safeties ranked higher that year were Daxton Hill and Kyle Hamilton.
During his collegiate career, Owens spent five years, with three years at Texas and two at Texas Tech. His time in Austin saw limited playing opportunities, but with the Red Raiders in 2023, he recorded 37 tackles and deflected two passes.
In the preseason with the Commanders, Owens primarily played as a free safety, accumulating seven tackles while allowing only one reception for four yards on two targets in his coverage. Although his exhibition performances did not generate significant headlines, Owens’ exceptional physical attributes make him a noteworthy player to consider.
Brevyn Spann-Ford
In the 2022 season, Spann-Ford recorded 42 receptions for 497 yards and two touchdowns while playing for a predominantly run-oriented Minnesota team. He appeared to be on the verge of a breakout fifth-year senior season, positioning himself as a top tight end prospect for the upcoming draft in April. However, his final year with the Gophers proved to be unexpectedly disappointing. After experiencing only five drops in his first four seasons in the Big Ten, Spann-Ford was noted for nine drops in 2023, which likely contributed to his absence from the draft.
His performance was further hindered by a 4.77-second time in the 40-yard dash and a relatively slow 7.18-second time in the three-cone drill.
Nevertheless, Spann-Ford, who stands nearly 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 260 pounds, possesses significant blocking capabilities along with receiving potential. This summer in Dallas, he showcased a return to form, making five receptions for 41 yards, effectively neutralizing pass rushers when tasked with blocking, and aiding the run game by moving defenders. Although he did not dominate in the preseason games, Spann-Ford’s size and previous collegiate performance as a receiver indicate his potential. Additionally, the Cowboys’ trade of veteran tight end Peyton Hendershot has elevated Spann-Ford’s position on the depth chart in Dallas.
