Talent always finds its way through the cracks. Here are my best available priority free agents after this weekend’s NFL Draft in Detroit:
1. Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami, So., 6-4, 303
Taylor was one of the top recruits at his position coming out of high school. He’s an explosive interior defender who can overwhelm opponents when he’s on his game. He has a pro-ready build, but needs to play with more discipline and awareness to unlock superstar mode.
2. Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA, Jr., 6-2, 247
Murphy was a three-star recruit who transferred from North Texas ahead of the 2022 season. He’s short-armed, but he’s slippery and features a premium mix of athleticism and agility. The Bruins used him in creative ways across various alignments. The versatility will serve him well in the pros.
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3. Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri, Sr., 5-8, 202
The zero-star recruit spent four seasons at Division II Truman State — leading the NCAA in rushing yards with 2,074 in 2021 — before walking on at Missouri, where he went from seventh on the depth chart when he arrived to leading the SEC in rushing (1,627 yards) last season. Schrader lacks explosiveness, but he balances the ledger with elite vision and fearlessness, plus he’s a capable pass-protector with three-down ability. Schrader will turn 25 in September.
4. Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado St., Jr., 6-3, 234
The former three-star recruit served his two-year church mission (2019-20) before returning to BYU. Frustrated with his role, Holker transferred to Fort Collins for his junior season and led all FBS tight ends in receptions (64) and receiving yards (767). He received 105 targets in one season with the Rams compared with only 59 in his three seasons with the Cougars. He doesn’t add a lot of value as a blocker, but he’s a smooth athlete in space with good feel for making catches in traffic. Holker had 11 receptions of 20-plus yards last season, third most among FBS tight ends behind only Georgia’s Bowers and Texas’ Sanders. His 15 forced missed tackles also ranked third most among all FBS tight ends. Holker was named team captain for Colorado St. despite only spending a single season on campus.
5. Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech, Sr., 6-2, 216
Owens was the No. 9 safety in the 2019 recruiting class and an accomplished track athlete in high school — he was No. 29 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” in 2023. After playing primarily on special teams his first two seasons with Texas, Owens entered the transfer portal in a search of more playing time. He’s only started 12 games in five seasons, but he features the type of rare size/speed combo defensive coaches salivate over. He’s also been elite on special teams with 10 career tackles and two blocked punts.
6. Beau Brade, S, Maryland, Sr., 6-0, 203
Brade was a backup and played special teams until his junior season. As a two-year starter, he produced 170 tackles, 14 passes defensed, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three interceptions for a program known for producing solid defensive backs. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree led the Terrapins in tackles both seasons and was voted team captain in 2023. Brade possesses adequate athleticism to compete in the pros. He is a capable run defender and doesn’t fall for a quarterback’s tricks in coverage.
7. Nelson Ceaser, Edge, Houston, Jr., 6-3, 254
Ceaser was a productive two-year starter and 2023 team captain for the Cougars. There’s work to do if he’s going to be an asset against the run, but he already has a diverse rush toolbox, including a long-arm bull rush, Eurostep, and an effective spin move as a counter, inside and outside.
8. Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas, Sr., 6-1, 185
The former four-star recruit spent two years at LSU, but transferred to Fayetteville following head coach Ed Orgeron’s departure. McGlothern allowed only one catch of more than 15 yards in 2023, and led the Razorbacks in interceptions and passes defensed in each of the last two seasons. His outstanding route recognition is indicative of a former wide receiver (he played the position at a high level as a prep). He’s long and disruptive, but he’s an average athlete who will need to develop his technique in the pros.
9. Curtis Jacobs, LB, Penn St., Sr., 6-1, 241
Jacobs was a five-star recruit, and the No. 3 outside linebacker in the 2020 recruiting class. The three-year starter checks the size and athleticism boxes, but he never quite fulfilled the hype at State College. I’d like to see more aggression as a tackler, and he’ll have to be more consistent in coverage if he hopes to be more than a backup or special teams contributor in the pros.
10. Blake Watson, RB, Memphis, Sr., 5-9, 200
The Old Dominion transfer is undersized, but the former wide receiver features reliable hands (only four drops out of 105 targets the last two seasons). He led the Tigers in rushing (1,152 yards) last season, but his receiving acumen is what will give him a shot in the pros. He and Bucky Irving were the only two FBS running backs with 50-plus receptions last season. Watson turns 25 in October.
11. Brady Latham, OL, Arkansas, Sr., 6-5, 305
Latham was a four-year starter for the Razorbacks with the vast majority of his experience coming at left guard. He’s physical, tough and technically sound. The senior captain works well with his center or tackle on double-teams and features smooth athleticism.
12. Aaron Casey, LB, Indiana, Sr., 6-0, 230
Casey is limited in coverage, and his range will be tested against NFL speed, but he’s an enforcer who brings the hammer down when he hits. The Hoosiers’ team captain was the only Division I player with 100-plus tackles and 20-plus tackles for loss in 2023.
13. Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota, Sr., 6-6, 260
The former three-star recruit struggled badly with drops (nine) this past season, but teams may be intrigued by the potential matchup issues he could create as a big slot target. Spann-Ford led the Gophers in receptions (42) in 2022. He’s an aggressive blocker with impressive size and toughness for the position. There’s no way he gets drafted based on his 2023 performance alone (it was that bad), but he was an ascending player the year before and he possesses enough premium physical traits (something coaches can’t teach) to earn him an opportunity. Spann-Ford caught a 2-yard TD pass from Bo Nix for the National Team in the Senior Bowl.
14. Easton Gibbs, LB, Wyoming, Sr., 6-0, 232
The Temecula native was a two-star recruit at safety when he committed to the Cowboys in 2019 before switching positions and adding nearly 40 pounds. Former Wyoming linebackers Logan Wilson and Chad Muma followed a similar path to the NFL. Gibbs doesn’t possess the same athletic traits Wilson or Muma had, but he’s a productive team leader with 319 tackles over his last three seasons.
15. Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois, Sr., 5-9, 179
A former four-star recruit at quarterback, Williams switched to wide receiver in 2021 and led the Big Ten in receptions (82) last season, becoming the conference’s first player in almost two decades to post back-to-back seasons of 80-plus receptions. The two-time team captain plays bigger than his size, and is capable of using a defender’s leverage against him while varying the speeds of his routes. Williams had 10 fumbles in his collegiate career, including three muffed punt returns.
16. Andrew Raym, OL, Oklahoma, Sr., 6-4, 314
Raym was a former four-star recruit, and the No. 2 offensive guard in the 2020 class. He took over starting center duties after Creed Humphrey was drafted in 2021. The three-time All-Big 12 honoree is an average athlete with a high football IQ, and will have to win with technique and toughness in the pros.
17. Kalen DeLoach, LB, Florida St., Sr., 5-11, 210
The three-year starter looks more like a safety, but only Jared Verse had more sacks for the Seminoles (seven) in 2023. DeLoach is a fast (ran a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the combine), run-and-hit talent with a nose for the football, but he may not have the size or strength to be an every-down player unless he switches positions or he ends up with a creative defensive coordinator. He’s a potential special-teams ace at the next level — 10 career tackles for Florida St.
18. Javion Cohen, OL, Miami, Sr., 6-4, 324
Cohen was a four-star recruit at tackle and was selected for the SEC All-Freshman team as a backup for future first-rounder Alex Leatherhead his first year at Alabama. After three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Cohen transferred to Coral Gables after being selected second-team All-SEC at guard for the Crimson Tide. He earned honorable mention All-ACC honors for the Hurricanes his senior season. Cohen’s size, strength and heavy hands will endear him to most offensive line coaches, but his sustain skills are lacking and he struggles against speed.
19. Bo Richter, LB, Air Force, Sr., 6-0, 248
Richter was a standout lacrosse player and didn’t begin playing football until his junior year of high school. A no-star recruit, he chose his lone FBS scholarship offer over several Ivy League opportunities. Athletically, Richter is in the same stratosphere as NC State’s Payton Wilson. He totaled 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2023. Some teams could draft or sign him in hopes of developing his skills as an edge defender.
20. Tulu Griffin, WR, Mississippi St., Sr., 5-10, 181
Griffin was the No. 8 athlete in the 2020 recruiting class. He’s dangerous on reverses and manufactured touches, but he’s undersized and his targets primarily came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Griffin’s speed and talent in the open field will attract suitors. He averaged 29.3 yards per kick return in college, including two return TDs of 90-plus yards.
21. Julian Pearl, T, Illinois, Sr., 6-6, 312
Pearl features NFL size with big hands and long arms. He’s agile enough to handle speed rushers off the edge and has proven capable as a puller in the run game. He’s a three-year starter with experience at both tackle positions and right guard. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree was sidelined for the combine and Illini pro day with a hamstring issue. Pearl will turn 25 in October.
22. Tyrek Funderburk, CB, Appalachian St., Sr., 5-11, 186
The Richmond transfer is a hard-hitting playmaker with eight interceptions (three pick-sixes) and 26 passes defensed the last two seasons for two different programs. Funderburk needs to become a more consistent tackler, but he features adequate size and premium speed.
23. Jalen Sundell, T, North Dakota St., Sr., 6-5, 301
Sundell battled injuries as a sophom*ore and junior, including a fractured foot, but replaced second-round draft pick Cody Mauch at left tackle in 2023 and had his best season. He had played center his previous three seasons for the Jackrabbits. He needs to get stronger, but he’s athletic and would be at his best in a move-blocking scheme that allows him to pull or get out in space.
24. Kendall Milton, RB, Georgia, Sr., 6-1, 225
Milton was the No. 7 running back in the 2020 recruiting class. Everything screams traditional workhorse, but Milton was rarely asked to handle a workhorse load for the talent-rich powerhouse program. He produced nine rushing TDs and 7.9 yards per carry his final five games for the Bulldogs. He’s a bruiser with a nose for the end zone, but he’s an unproven receiver (only 13 career targets). Milton battled numerous injuries (knee, shoulder and groin) during his time in Athens.
25. Frank Crum, T, Wyoming, Sr., 6-8, 313
Crum was a third-generation player for the Cowboys. He features imposing size, and impressive athleticism (albeit a little stiff). He’s a better run blocker than pass-protector at this point and will need to continue to develop his footwork and play strength — finds himself on the ground too often. Crum is dependable with double-digit starts at both left and right tackle (57 career games played), missing only one game because of injury.
26. Kingsley Eguakun, OL, Florida, Sr., 6-3, 304
Eguakun features prototypical movement skills for an NFL center. He has below-average length, but he’s well-built otherwise and he shows strength at the point of attack. He has the reputation of a “field general,” but he needs to show more discipline (multiple flags in eight career games). Eguakun missed eight games with a right ankle injury that hindered him his entire senior season.
27. Demani Richardson, S, Texas A&M, Sr., 6-0, 210
The former four-star recruit was a five-year starter and two-time team captain. Richardson is an aggressive tackler with a special-teams pedigree, but features limited agility and cover talent.
28. Emany Johnson, S, Nevada, Sr., 6-1, 218
Johnson had a breakout super senior season, earning first-team All-MWC honors while leading the Wolf Pack in tackles (100) and interceptions (three) after spending five seasons as a reserve and special teamer.
29. Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame, Sr., 6-1, 211
The former three-star recruit finished with the fifth-most passing yards (15,656) in FBS history and fourth-most passing TDs (134). He was a three-time team captain (twice for Wake Forest and once for the Irish). He’s a quick-processor with a nice touch, who has shown flashes, but his lack of physical traits and turnover totals could set his ceiling as backup. Hartman will turn 25 in July.
30. Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss, Jr., 5-7, 198
The former three-star recruit is compact, but he’s his father’s son. Meaning Gore uses his natural leverage, toughness and vision to consistently fall foward, gaining whatever yards are available to him. He’s not a top-tier athlete, but he can handle work on all three downs and he was highly productive in his four seasons with the Golden Eagles. Gore was just the third player in school history to surpass 4,000 career rushing yards. Gore’s father, Frank Sr., ranks third all-time in the NFL in career rushing attempts (3,735) and rushing yards (16,000).
31. Anim Dankwah, T, Howard, Sr., 6-7, 349
Dankwah was raised in Ghana by his mother before moving to Ontario to live with his father at the age of 9. He’s enormous and moves gracefully for a man the size of a French door refrigerator. Bull rushers have no chance (it’s like running into a black hole). Dankwah doesn’t have a large sample size against high-level competition, and his instincts are still a work in progress, which is expected considering his inexperience. He missed chunks of his sophom*ore and junior seasons because of injuries, but size and power matter a lot to NFL teams.
32. Jalen co*ker, WR, Holy Cross, Sr., 6-1, 208
A former no-star recruit, co*ker possesses NFL-caliber size and ball skills. He faced four FBS opponents in his collegiate career and held his own. He produced an FCS-best 15 TD receptions last season. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. was the only Division I player with more TD catches (17).
33. Omar Brown, S, Nebraska, Sr., 6-0, 205
Brown set the bar high with six interceptions as a true freshman corner for Northern Iowa, earning the FCS Defensive Freshman of the Year, before transferring to Nebraska for his final two seasons, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten as a senior.
34. Michael Wiley, RB, Arizona, Sr., 5-10, 210
Wiley was a senior captain and three-year starter for the Wildcats. He had good size, quickness and has a nose for the end zone, scoring every 16.3 touches. He finished with 28 career TDs (16 rushing and 12 receiving). Wiley set school-records for receptions (123) and receiving yards (1,150) by a running back and is a weapon in the screen game. Durability could be what keeps him from landing on a roster. Wiley dealt with several injuries through his time in school, including an ankle sprain, an injured oblique, a hamstring injury and a back injury.
35. Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky, Sr., 6-1, 220
The former no-star recruit dominated at the Division II level with West Florida, including winning a national title, before taking over for Bailey Zappe in Bowling Green and producing 83 total TDs in his two seasons with the Hilltoppers. Reed is highly-productive, elusive competitor who can make plays off-platform, but he lacks NFL traits for the position.
36. Matthew Jones, OL, Ohio St., Sr., 6-3, 316
Jones started a combined 25 games over his final two seasons for the Buckeyes, earning second-team All-Big Ten both years. He primarily played both guard positions during his time in Columbus, but he did start at center in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri.
37. Kedon Slovis, QB, BYU, Sr., 6-2, 223
The former three-star recruit was elected team captain at all three programs where he played college football — USC, Pittsburgh and in Provo — but he never matched the hype created from his first season with the Trojans, when he earned freshman All-American honors. He threw for 3,502 yards and 30 TDs while completing 71.9 percent of his passes. Inconsistency and injuries have plagued him since then.
38. Miyan Williams, RB, Ohio St., Jr., 5-8, 229
Williams stepped into a featured role in a pinch and averaged 6.4 yards per carry while leading the Buckeyes in rushing (825 yards) and scoring 14 TDs his sophom*ore season, but he battled several injuries over his college career, including a season-ending knee injury last season.
39. Xavier Johnson, WR, Ohio St., Sr., 6-0, 202
Johnson was elected team captain as a senior after starring on special teams in each of his five seasons with the Buckeyes, finishing his collegiate career with an impressive 14 tackles. He also played running back and receiver during his time in Columbus.
40. Kenny Logan Jr., S, Kansas, Sr., 5-10, 209
Logan led the Jayhawks in tackles each of the past four seasons, earning All-Big 12 recognition each year. He’s produced at least 95 tackles his final three years. The lack of prototypical size or speed might pigeonhole him as a special-teamer.
41. Colson Yankoff, TE, UCLA, Sr., 6-3, 233
The former four-star recruit at quarterback (and Elite 11 participant) committed to Washington before transferring to Westwood after redshirting his first year. Yankoff moved to wide receiver in 2020, then to running back in 2022. He’s clearly a projection at tight end, but he showcased the necessary skills and tested well at the Bruins’ pro day. If given an opportunity, he could become a special teams ace — Yankoff produced 10 tackles in 2023.
42. Winston Reid, LB, Weber St., Sr., 5-11, 223
Reid is undersized, but the two-time team captain produced 230 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions his last two seasons for the Wildcats.
43. Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Maryland, Sr., 5-10, 185
The former four-star recruit is a smaller version of his older brother, Tua. After transferring from Alabama, Tagovailoa became the Big Ten’s all-time leading passer (11,256 yards).
44. John Jiles, WR, West Florida, Sr., 6-2, 219
Jiles blocked three kicks (two field goals, one punt) during his two seasons at Division II Virginia Union before transferring to Pensacola, where he produced 66 receptions for 1,255 yards and 16 TD receptions.
45. Cole Burgess, WR, SUNY Cortland, Sr., 6-0, 192
Burgess dominated Division III with 124 receptions, 2,191 yards and 27 TD receptions his last two seasons and helped lead the Red Dragons to their first national title last season. He’s a potential three-level threat with kick-return value if he can handle the leap in competition.
