5. Jacob Hollister, TE, New England Patriots
At 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, Jacob Hollister has a solid frame to work with in the NFL. And in 2016, he drastically improved his route running ability and flashed some quality athleticism for Wyoming.
That sort of ability is welcomed with open arms in the NFL. And while Hollister is still raw in many areas of his game, he offers a unique option at tight end for a team with a good quarterback — and who better to work with than Tom Brady?
Hollister may not be an every-down tight end, but that’s obviously not what New England needs. He’s a sneaky and unsuspecting big-play option who seems to fit in perfectly with what Bill Belichick and the Patriots do offensively. He should also feel right at home working with twin brother Cody Hollister
"Being back together is an incredible experience."
Twins & undrafted #Patriots rookies, @C_hollister81 & @hollister_jacob share one goal: pic.twitter.com/MBQPyrBcG9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 28, 2017
4. Jordan Roos, G, Seattle Seahawks
After the 2017 NFL Draft had concluded, the Seattle Seahawks wasted no time calling and signing Jordan Roos.
Almost immediately, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was singing Roos’ praises, saying the guard was a “bright spot” in the post-draft free agency process. Then, after the conclusion of rookie mini-camp, Carroll seemed even happier with Roos’ addition.
“Yeah, I really liked Jordan Roos,” Carroll said via Seahawks.com. “I thought he looked really good. That was a really important signing for us, we had targeted him through the draft, and we weren’t able to get him, but he looks like he fits right in.”
Roos had a good chance to get drafted in 2017, but a mid-season back injury not only slowed him on the field, but also hurt the Purdue product’s stock. Still, even with a number of other players at his position, he stands a good chance at making Seattle’s 53-man roster.
3. Praise Martin-Oguike, Edge, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins may have selected Raekwon McMillan in the third round of the NFL Draft, but their depth at linebacker is still lacking, and they could use pass-rushers.
Over his last three seasons at Temple, Praise Martin-Oguike compiled 102 quarterback pressures and 91 defensive stops. And although he’s not projected to come anywhere close to that production in the NFL — if he were, he wouldn’t have gone undrafted — he appears to have enough versatility to offer a solid rotational option.
He already made some noise at camp for the Dolphins:
Rookie DE Praise Martin-Oguike just whipped Jesse Davis for a pressure and drew a holding penalty.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) May 25, 2017
Like several others on this list, Martin-Oguike will also have to play well on special teams, but that wasn’t an issue with him with the Owls. He’s coachable and that goes a long way in the NFL.
2. Austin Carr, WR, New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have mastered the art of turning undrafted players or unwanted talent in productive machines. Is there any reason to believe that won’t be the case when it comes to Austin Carr?
With Danny Amendola reportedly on the bubble in New England, that opens the door even further for Carr, who likely went undrafted due to a perceived lack of top-end athleticism and a deep wide receiver class.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pound Carr exploded onto the scene in 2016, hauling in 90 reception for 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns, but doesn’t field much of a solid statistical resume beyond that. Still, he proved last season he can produce when called upon and if anyone can turn him into an impact player, it’s Belichick.
Cody Hollister, Devin Lucien and DeAndrew White will also provide competition for Carr, in addition to free agent signing Andrew Hawkins.
1. Joe Mathis, Edge, Houston Texans
Joe Mathis was a mid-round talent who went undrafted due to a foot injury in 2016 and overall durability concerns. However, if not for being snakebit, there’s a chance the edge rusher could have actually improved his stock heading into the NFL Draft.
In just six games last season, Mathis posted a total of 30 quarterback pressures, five sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. He added 17 defensive stops and, perhaps most impressive of all, did not miss a single tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.
One UDFA signing that #Texans fans should be excited about? Joe Mathis.
Here's how he stacked up against the other Edges in this class. pic.twitter.com/WxNPvzKEAR
— Vinnie Ronca (@PFF_Vinnie) May 1, 2017
The Texans may have tremendous talent in J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, but in the words of former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi, you can never have too many pass rushers. And as undrafted free agents go, Mathis is about as good as it gets.
