Undrafted Free Agent With Best Shot To Make Each AFC Roster In 2025

Newsweek

01-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and a couple hundred players achieved their dreams by having their names called.
However, even more players went undrafted, and will instead have to scratch and claw their way onto an NFL roster. Every year, though, several undrafted free agents defy the odds and end up on rosters.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium...
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clemson will be taking on the Texas Longhorns in the first-round of the college football playoff. More
Photo byThis year, there are a ton of talented players who went undrafted. Whether it be due to injury concerns, inconsistency, or other reasons, the crop of UDFAs was deep this year and several teams took advantage.
Now, let's identify the UDFA with the best chance to make each AFC roster.
Baltimore Ravens: Nash Hutmacher, DL, Nebraska
The Ravens have signed one of the bigger UDFA classes, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Hutmacher, a big defensive lineman from Nebraska, seemingly has a solid shot to land a spot.
Travis Jones is the starting nose tackle, and there's no depth behind him. In fact, Hutmacher is listed as Jones' backup. If the Nebraska product has a solid camp, he could not only make the roster, but play a role.
Buffalo Bills: Jacob Bayer, OL, Arkansas State
The Bills didn't add the most prolific group of UDFAs, but a couple of these guys should have a shot.
The one that catches my eye is Arkansas State offensive lineman Jacob Bayer. Bayer has the size to be an NFL blocker and excells in pass coverage. The lineman easily could've been a day three selection, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him crack this roster.
Cincinnati Bengals: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
The Bengals have actually added two UDFAs that I believe will make the roster- Seth McLaughlin and Howard Cross III.
However, if I had to pick one, I'd go with Cross. Cross played under new defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame, and that history could help his case. Cross is undersized but has a relentless motor and the Bengals' defensive line isn't deep.
Cleveland Browns: Donovan McMillon, S, Pittsburgh
Based off who the Browns have signed so far, McMillon seems like the clear choice.
The safety was productive at Pittsburgh, collecting 100+ tackles in each of his final two seasons. The Browns aren't exactly deep at safety, so McMillon should be able to land a spot.
Denver Broncos: Jerjuan Newton, WR, Toledo
Jerjuan Newton is another prospect who easily could've gotten drafted. The Toledo product was consistent in college, and led the MAC in receiving touchdowns in both 2023 and 2024.
The Broncos' receiver room is better than it was a month ago, but Newton could be too good to let go.
Houston Texans: Eli Cox, C, Kentucky
The Texans haven't yet signed many UDFAs, but Cox is a good one.
The lineman played center and guard at Kentucky and didn't allow a single sack in 2024. The Texans need depth on the interior of the line, and Cox could develop into a useful player.
Indianapolis Colts: Maddox Trujillo, K, Temple
The Colts' addition of Maddox Trujillo could become an underrated move. The only other kicker on the roster is Spencer Schrader, who spent time on three different rosters last year.
Without a proven starter, Trujillo shouldn't have to do too much to win the kicking job in Indianapolis.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Green II, EDGE, Colorado
The Jaguars could use some help all along the defensive line, and Green could be a hidden gem.
The Colorado prospect racked up 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 2024. Green may just have to be out former seventh-round pick Myles Cole for a spot on the roster.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Briningstool is a player who was widely believed to be a late-round pick. Even still, Briningstool went undrafted and quickly latched on with the Chiefs, which could be a perfect landing spot.
Briningstool is a solid receiving threat and could provide solid depth behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.
Las Vegas Raiders: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
The cornerback position is one that isn't especially deep in Las Vegas. Mello Dotson is an intriguing prospect who had the production to get drafted.
Dotson had five interceptions in 2024 and could snag a spot in a thin Raiders' secondary.
Los Angeles Chargers: Garmon Randolph, EDGE, Baylor
The Chargers have aging veterans Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree on the edge, so an intriguing, young prospect like Randolph could have a spot.
Randolph collected 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The defender's impressive size at 6-foot-7, 265-pounds will be intriguing.
Miami Dolphins: Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas
Armstrong might be the best undrafted receiver, and the Dolphins could stand to have some young talent at the position.
Armstrong caught 78 passes for 1,140 yards in the SEC last year, so it's confusing as to why he wasn't selected. Armstrong will make this roster.
New England Patriots: C.J. Dippre, TE, Alabama
Dippre went under the radar on an Alabama team that was loaded with talent. However, the tight end was a solid player, both as a pass-catcher and blocker.
Dippre could easily make the team as TE3 behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
New York Jets: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
At one point in time, Edwards seemed like a future NFL star. However, the Michigan product's production fell off a cliff toward the end of his college career.
Still, Edwards is a bruising back who knows how to block and can catch a pass or two. The running back could slot in as the RB4.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa
Sebastian Castro is another player who easily could've been drafted. But he wasn't, and the Steelers could have a future starter on their hands.
Castro can play as a box safety or a nickel. That versatility should intrigue the Steelers enough to keep him around.
Tennessee Titans: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
This may be the most surefire UDFA of any to make the roster. Restrepo was considered to be a mid-round pick before running an abysmal 40-yard dash at Miami's pro day.
Restrepo has chemistry with Cam Ward, and Ward could be instrumental in keeping his target around.