They usually come into NFL training camps as longshots, but sometimes write the best underdog stories. With 2024 camps beginning, here’s a list of 10 former FCS players not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft who could work their way onto season-opening rosters.
This past spring, 11 FCS products were selected in the NFL Draft. Shortly afterward, another 60-plus were signed as priority free agents and more than 100 others earned at least a tryout in a rookie minicamp.
As history has proven, a good chunk of the UDFAs – undrafted free agents – will not make the 53-man active roster come September. Some may end up as practice squad players, which certainly could lead to a shot at playing in games later in the year. Some may be waived and may never play football again.
And some may end up being key contributors as early as the 2024 season opener.
With NFL training camps opening league-wide, here’s an alphabetical list of 10 undrafted FCS players who are among the most likely to make active rosters from the start of the 2024 season:
Jalen Coker
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Team: Carolina Panthers
FCS School: Holy Cross
The Skinny: At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Coker has the right kind of size for the NFL. He’s physical and has a sixth sense set of instincts when it comes to getting to the ball and winning that battle. Put simply, Coker is an outstanding route runner. He has midrange speed, though, and that’ll be something he will work on. But a spot as a backup receiver and a special teams contributor could be in his future.
Anim Dankwah
Position: Offensive Tackle
NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
FCS School: Howard
The Skinny: This Ghana native who prepped in Canada is known for his huge wingspan (over 87 inches) and size (6-8, 350). At first glance, one might think he lacks quickness, but then you see him perform in drills and realize he’s pretty quick. That combo should find a home as a coaching staff and strength personnel work to make him even better.
Garret Greenfield
Position: Offensive Tackle
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
FCS School: South Dakota State
The Skinny: Greenfield impressed at the NFL Combine when it came to his big-man athleticism. He’s quick, very effective in the run game and a team leader. He comes from an incredible FCS program at two-time reigning national champion South Dakota State, starting 44 games at left tackle the past three seasons.
Ty James
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings
FCS School: Mercer
The Skinny: When you’re a 6-2, 200-pound athlete who can catch, NFL teams will try to find a spot for you. James could be a rotational receiver and a special teams player. He’s an intriguing athlete who may get him a longer look than some FCS prospects without his size.
Robert Javier
Position: Cornerback
NFL Team: Tennessee Titans
FCS School: Towson
The Skinny: As an extremely athletic cornerback who had four interceptions as a senior, this 6-1, 195-pound speedster blew away the audience during Towson’s pro day. His quickness and athleticism will earn him an extended look.
Terique Owens
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers
FCS School: Missouri State
The Skinny: When you’re the son of Terrell Owens, you’re going to get a solid look in camp. The 49ers are deep at the WR position, but Terique impressed the team at his pro day. He’s known for making big plays. At the very least, he seems destined to make a practice squad – and maybe more.
Mason Pline
Position: Tight End
NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers
FCS School: Furman
The Skinny: Sometimes, you just end up in the right place at the right time. The tight end/free agent situation has been kind to FCS products in recent years (Robert Tonyan from Indiana State is a perfect example). Pline is an intriguing athlete who has a chance to learn from George Kittle, but San Francisco could use some depth at the position, and he could be a special teams contributor as well. The one-time basketball player has a ton of upside.
Jayden Price
Position: Cornerback/Punt Returner
NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons
FCS School: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Price’s future in the NFL may be more so at punt returner than cornerback, although he was impressive at both positions during his career in Fargo. He returned five punts for touchdowns and averaged 14.2 yards per return.
Jaden Shirden
Position: Running Back
NFL Team: Carolina Panthers
FCS School: Monmouth
The Skinny: A compact and explosive runner, Shirden rushed for 3,200 yards and 23 touchdowns the past two seasons and possesses good moves when he runs. He showed overall athleticism and good speed at the NFL Combine (4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash). It would be surprising if the two-time third-place finisher for the Walter Payton Award didn’t make the roster as a backup RB and special teams player.
Jalen Sundell
Position: Offensive Lineman
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
FCS School: North Dakota State
The Skinny: Sundell’s strength will be versatility, as he can play just about anywhere on the O-line – though most analysts see him at center. He’s an athletic, cerebral interior lineman, but needs to get stronger, according to some pre-draft reports. He comes from a Bison program that is as good as many FBS programs, and one that routinely puts good big men in the NFL.
That’s 10 candidates, but there are others who may go from undrafted FCS players to NFL training camps to potentially opening-day roster spots.
Let the underdog stories continue.
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