Can Peters and company find a diamond in the rough?
Adam Peters and crew wasted absolutely no time after the end of the 2024 draft reaching out to, and signing, a whole passel of undrafted free agents. Scott did a great job aggregating that information immediately after the draft at the link below, but I thought I’d take a little bit closer look at each of the players now that the dust has settled.
QB
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Hartman grades out as a late Day 3 or PFA prospect. He could slip into the undrafted free agent pool, but it’s also just as likely he’s selected in the late rounds for his appeal as an NFL backup. His lack of elite traits and advanced age locks him out of early-round range, but he has some desired qualities in a safety blanket.
Hartman was a starting QB at the collegiate level for the better part of six years. His experience is something that distinguishes him, as is his production. His physical talent, however, is not. His arm is average at best, and while he’s an above-average creator, he’s not a dynamic rushing threat.
Additionally, there are some aspects of Hartman’s operational profile that could cause concern at the next level. While he has a degree of situational precision, his lower-body mechanics remain inconsistent on release, even after an extended starting career.
Additionally, some of his favorite throws — slow, lofted touch passes in the vertical plane — might not translate at the NFL level, where defenders are faster and have better eye discipline and ball skills. And his lacking velocity can hinder his ability to hit tight windows.
Nevertheless, Hartman does have coveted qualities as a potential backup. He’s mobile enough, with enough athleticism and arm elasticity to operate off-platform. He’s incredibly poised in the pocket, with the steely resolve to stand tall amidst pressure.
He processes and navigates fairly well, has some functional discretion as a decision-maker, and has a degree of accuracy and situational precision when he’s mechanically sound. And his competitive toughness in all phases serves as a bonus.
Hartman’s age and lack of high-end physical traits will limit his range as a 2024 NFL Draft prospect, and he doesn’t quite have the requisite operational profile to compensate. But in the late Day 3 range, he could field an investment as a passer with long-term quality backup potential.
Possible Trajectory:
A “best case scenario” for Hartman would likely be for Hartman to win the QB3 job over Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm this season, and to have matured enough to compete for a QB2 role in 2025. He has some clear limitations – like arm strength – that cap his opportunity to ever be a starter.
RBs
Austin Jones, USC
Compact back with adequate size to keep runs on time between the tackles. Jones is a complementary back who makes up for a lack of juice with consistent tempo and a lack of dancing. He can take on contact and has pretty good vision, but he’s unlikely to create yardage for himself with elusiveness, power or speed. He shows some guts in pass protection and can get what’s available as a pass catcher, but Jones doesn’t appear to have the traits to help him stand out as a prospect.
Michael Wiley, Arizona
Michael Wiley is a one-speed type of runner who can overpower tacklers yet lacks the footwork and burst to find open grass. He’s slow to identify rushing lanes on outside zone, meaning his run style could find its quickest success in a gap-oriented approach upfront. Will live on a north-south plane as a runner.
He’s tough to take down in open space due to his physicality but lacks the burst and wiggle to churn extra yards. Finishes every run by lowering his shoulder. Excellent vision on designated touches (Utah) and has experience on delayed opportunities out of the backfield and out wide on tunnel screens. He was also dynamic in one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl.
Wiley’s evaluation enters a new stratosphere as a pass-catcher—his third-down ability is evident. He’s comfortable running routes out of the backfield and out wide. Smooth hands and quick to work upfield. Not a twitchy or dynamic separator by any means, but has showcased the ability to sink, redirect, and change direction quickly against slower linebackers and smaller safeties. Willing in pass pro.
Overall, Wiley’s immediate path to snaps could come on passing downs where his ability out of the backfield should present opportunities.
Possible Trajectories:
Of these two backs, I like Wiley’s odds to stick much better than Jones’. From the small amount of tape that I’ve seen on each, Wiley is more dynamic and, hearing Wiley described as one of the better 3rd down backs in the draft strikes me as a good match for the team’s eventual needs. Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez have the “bruiser” role down – though I actually hope to see BRob used more as a pass catcher this year – and third down backs don’t get much better than Austin Ekeler. Wiley will have plenty of time to develop into that role on the practice squad.
DBs
AJ Woods, Pittsburgh
Fifth-year Cornerback with adequate height/weight measurements, top-end speed, excellent athleticism, and a well-refined DB skill set. Lines up mostly at the outside corner spot but has some experience playing in the slot. Posted a 4.28 40-yard dash and 36-inch vert during the 2023 offseason.
Possesses proficient coverage ability in man and zone coverage. He is most effective in press-man coverage where he can open his hips and play bump-and-run down the sideline. Maintains a tight cushion with notable make-up speed and sufficient physicality to stay in the hip. Exhibits active, controlled use of hands in phase and is not overly grabby. He sinks his hips and changes directions fluidly, which allows him to mirror receiver movements throughout the route.
Appears comfortable operating as a cover-two corner due to his swift plant & drive and burst-to-close capabilities. Drops into his zone and covers ground efficiently, but experiences frequent lapses in spatial awareness when threatened by two or more receivers. Will get out-muscled on contested catches against big, physical hands-catchers on the boundary, but will scrap and play through the hands to force incompletions. Flashed great ball production from 2020-2022 (3 INT & 25 PBU in 37 GP) but has yet to replicate similar success in 2023.
Not a thumper, but boasts decent tackling ability in the box and open space. Likes to ankle bite but often drops his head near the point of impact. Tends to give up outside contain by pursuing the ball carrier “inside-out”, which vacates outside running lanes to the second level. Tough competitor who is willing to step down into the box and blitz off the edge. His acceleration, scrappiness, and physicality provide an intriguing upside at the Nickel spot. Has displayed valuable position versatility as a gunner on kick/punt coverage and as a kick returner early in his career.
Tyler Owens, Texas Tech
Traits-based safety with limited in-game experience and bumpy tape but impressive flashes. Owens simply hasn’t played enough football for one to determine whether or not his apparent mental busts and issues with positioning in the run game will subside with more experience. He’s big, physical and rangy with a temperament for striking near the line of scrimmage. He’s not ready to handle high safety responsibilities but can be a tough out when he’s in position to contest a throw. His A+ special teams potential could buy him time as he continues his schooling as a hybrid linebacker/safety with a higher floor and lower ceiling.
Chigozie Anusiem, Colorado State
Anusiem is a big, strong outside cornerback whose lack of ball production could cancel out his favorable size. He doesn’t have ideal top-end speed or closing burst, but he’s a decent athlete in space. He’s more interested in covering than finding the football and taking it away, and that is unlikely to change in the NFL. He might not have the necessary speed to stick at cornerback, but his tackling success and size give him a chance to try his hand at safety.
Ben Nikkel, Iowa State
Nikkel might not be talented enough to handle backup safety duties without more coaching and experience, but he deserves a look for his special teams work. He has good size and races down the field like his hair is on fire, both on kickoffs and as a gunner. Nikkel played on all five phases of special teams at Iowa State, but he’s nowhere near ready to take NFL snaps at safety.
Possible Trajectories:
All of these players are likely back-end candidates for special teams roles on the team. As you’ll notice from several of their profiles, that’s a particular area of strength. This group will be competing against guys like Nick White, Tariq Castro-Fields, D’Angelo Mandell, Kyu Blu Kelly, James Pierre, and Christian Holmes. An ideal developmental path would be something like the one Jeremy Reaves has followed.
DT
Norell Pollard, Virginia Tech
THE NUMBERS: Pollard is six feet tall and weighs 288 pounds. Strong and durable, Pollard played immediately as a freshman and did not miss a game in his five-year career. He finished with 118 tackles, including 45 solo tackles, 22 TFLs and 12 sacks. He forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2, taking one to the house his freshman year.
THE TRUTH: Pollard quietly had a strong career at Virginia Tech. He played in every game over five years (61), starting in 48 of them. His numbers varied over his time at Tech, but he also had to play for three different defensive coordinators (four if Brent Pry and Chris Marve are considered separately). He is a good leader, serving as a captain for the past two seasons, but it is unlikely that the Apopka, Florida native is drafted this April.
Possible Trajectory:
Pollard was a player who received a lot of pre-draft interest from a number of teams, including the Browns, Titans, Chiefs, Bears, and Rams, suggesting that Washington wasn’t the only front office who saw something there. With the third highest pass rush win rate at his position, some have – very generously – comped him to Ed Oliver. Perhaps he could become a rotational pass rusher.
OT
David Nwaogwugwu, Toledo
Versatility is the name of the game and David Nwaogwugwu from Rutgers provides it. He’s a well-traveled player as Toledo will be his third school in six years. In his time at Temple and Rutgers, Nwaogwugwu logged time as both guard and tackle, showing Toledo coaches that he will do whatever is necessary to get on the field.
The third time was the charm for David Nwaogwugwu. He came to Toledo after spending some time initially with Temple and then with Rutgers. With the Rockets, Nwaogwugwu was the starting right tackle all 13 games and helped pave the way for the MAC’s top offense. Before Toledo, he appeared in 12 games across five seasons.
Possible Trajectory:
Nwaogwugwu has the makings of a practice squad, developmental offensive lineman. He has elite explosiveness, but athletically, he has a number of additional limitations.
LB
Bo Bauer, Notre Dame
Strengths: Explosive, hard-charging linebacker who is forceful up the field. Breaks down well and locates the ball handler. Instinctive, quickly diagnoses the action, and takes proper angles to plays. Moves well laterally, works hard, and plays through the whistle. Drives his shoulders through tackles, wraps up tackling, and brings opponents down in the open field.
Weaknesses: Displays average playing speed and does not show much ability in pursuit. Minimally effective in coverage and chases opponents downfield. Played just five games last season after injuring his knee.
Overall: Bauer was a solid run-defending linebacker at Notre Dame, but he comes with limitations. He struggles in coverage and must now rebound from the knee injury he suffered last October.
Possible Trajectory:
Best case scenario for this guy would seem to be something like David Mayo 2.0. Possible special teams contributor. He attended rookie camp with the Seahawks last year, so I suspect ST coordinator Larry Izzo is familiar with his work.
WR
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia
Georgia’s Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint has been a dependable target for the Bulldogs throughout his career. He set career highs in 2023 as a senior and became one of Georgia’s top weapons.
As an NFL prospect, Rosemy-Jacksaint has a lot to like. He is a well-built big-bodied receiver who possesses very good strength and length. He is just an above-average athlete and is more built to speed rather than being quick or dynamic.
Rosemy-Jacksaint primarily aligned outside as the “X” receiver for the Bulldogs but would also see some snaps in the slot as well. He has a good release package and is physical enough to beat press coverage. He is a big-bodied pass-catcher who is excellent on routes working into the field such as slants, posts, ins, and comebacks as he knows how to use his body and position himself between the ball and the defender. He has enough speed to get the defender on their toes when he presses vertical but he isn’t a big play threat by any means. He is raw as a route-runner and struggles to get in and out of breaks at times.
Rosemy-Jacksaint has outstanding hands and ball skills and is excellent at attacking the ball in the air. He is a physical runner after the catch and it takes multiple defenders to bring him down. He is an outstanding blocker on the perimeter and takes a lot of pride in his game in that phase.
Overall, Rosemy-Jacksaint projects as a possession receiver who can move the chains on third down at the next level, but he isn’t a dynamic enough athlete to develop into a top target.
Possible Trajectory:
There’s a lot to like about Rosemy-Jacksaint based on his pre-draft evaluations, and he certainly seems like he could compete for a back-end wide receiving role, potentially. A minimum, he could be a practice squad developmental WR in the mold of a player like Cam Sims.
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