NFCE: Four UDFAs to Watch

By Kent Lee Platte

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Continuing around the NFL, we're going to tackle the Beast and one Undrafted Free Agent per team in the NFC East.  The NFCE boasts three QBs that are either considered elite or on the cusp and a fourth that was one of the highest touted draft prospects of 2012, Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.  With so much talent at QB, you'd expect a heavy focus on the passing attack, but two of those QBs are dangerous threats to run presenting some interesting options on both offense in the NFCE and the defenses used to counter it.  One of the most famous examples of an Undrafted Free Agent who makes it big in recent years is represented in this division, with Victor Cruz setting the league on fire in 2012.  If you go back a ways, though, you'll see an even bigger example in the Cowboys starting QB, Tony Romo.  The best Undrafted Free Agent in the NFCE, and possibly the NFL, however is on the Eagles.  Jason Peters went Undrafted as a Tight End, but his frankly ridiculous knockdown numbers in college (61 his final year) got him a look from the Bills.  He was converted to OT and did nothing but impress, but was eventually traded to the Eagles for a 1st, 4th, and conditional 6th round pick.  The former Undrafted TE has shown nothing but excellence, growing into one of the best LTs in the NFL and hasn't missed a Pro Bowl yet.  With such a good track record of UDFAs, are there any other standouts in this year's draft class in the NFCE?

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Tim Benford

With potentially elite receivers in Dez Bryant and (Former UDFA) Miles Austin, the receiver position at first glance isn't one that you'd think would need a serious upgrade.  Behind the two starters, however, the Cowboys are exceptionally thin.  It would be easy to point out Saalim Hakim as a potential standout given his bloodline (Brother of Az Hakim) and crazy speed (4.31), but Hakim has never stood out as a receiver and will likely not impact much as a rookie.  One player that has managed to make a name for himself in camp is Tim Benford from Tennessee Tech.  Benford is unspectacular athletically, which combined with his poor 4.59 time at the Combine helped make him a UDFA.  His routes are sharp, though, and he seems to have a good grasp on how to make cornerbacks bite on his routes.  He answered some questions about his speed at his pro day, running a 4.48, and has taken every opportunity since joining the Cowboys to stand out.  Benford has to beat out perennial disappointment Kevin Ogletree for a roster spot.  Ogletree has a history of looking good in practice then disappearing during games, so it shouldn't be hard for Benford to earn a roster spot while Danny Coale heals.

Jake Muasau

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The Giants won the Super Bowl despite serious deficiencies at multiple positions.  Their most glaring hole on defense was at the Linebacker position where injuries to starters forced the Giants to play Rookies far more often than they had hoped to.  Despite that, the Giants only addressed the position by acquiring Bengals bust Keith Rivers, so they'll likely need their 2011 class and some 2012 UDFAs to stand out this year to strengthen the position.  Jake Muasau comes to the Giants from Georgia State and was a huge standout there.  Muasau played the "Bandit" hybrid LB position.  At first glance, that would make him a better fit for a 3-4 and not the Giants 4-3, but you have to remember the Giants employed Mathias Kiwanuka in a similar role last season.  Muasau has drawn favorable comparisons to Kiwanuka in camp, and has been taking reps for the injured Tyler Sash at Safety.  Did I say Safety?  Oh yeah, in addition to being able to play multiple LB positions in different roles, Muasau is also able to fill in at the Giants' favorite defensive position, giving him immense potential for scheming in the Giants Big Nickel package.  The Giants are heavy at LB in terms of quantity, but none of their starters are guaranteed to keep their position and everyone behind them has a chance to make the team or wash out.  Muasau's versatility means he can fight for a roster spot as a backup of as many as four positions, making him a valuable keep for the Giants if they choose. 

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Chris Polk

With an established starter like LeSean McCoy, fans tend to overlook the severe lack of depth behind him since he's asked to do so much.  The #2 spot is presently held by 2011 draft pick Dion Lewis, but you expect your second RB to have more than 23 carries on the season.  Even if he absorbed all of Ronnie Brown's carries, that's only a paltry 65 carries.  For comparison, some teams' third RB had more than that.  Chris Polk was projected as high as the SECOND round, but concerns about his health and injury history dropped him out of the draft entirely.  This was an easy pick since Polk was widely considered the best Undrafted player in the country.  Polk had 1400+ yards and 9+ TDs in each of his last two years playing for Washington's otherwise poor offense.  He didn't get a lot of help from his line or the playcalling, so it will be interesting to see what a team with the kind of players the Eagles have can do with him.  Polk is practically a lock to make the final roster for the Eagles, with his health being the only mitigating factor.  He won't overtake McCoy, but he has the chance to easily make the team as a change of pace back.  Despite health concerns, Polk can carry a heavy load so he has the potential to greatly help the Eagles rushing attack.

Chase Minnifield

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One thing you don't like to hear from NFL Scouts, but ultimately are bound to for some UDFAs, is things like "I don't think (Virginia's) Chase Minnifield can play. He's not a very good athlete. I don't like him at all."  Ouch.  Since going undrafted, though, Minnifield has done all the right things, impressing his teammates and coaches alike.  It's surprising to see someone fall so far so fast, but much like Chris Polk it was injury concerns that had Minnifield falling from the FIRST round grade he received as late as early April to completely undrafted by the end of the month.  Minnifield was one of the top rated corners coming into 2011, but had a poor season followed up by knee surgery and a poor showing at his pro day.  Largely considered a high risk potential steal of the 2012 draft class, Minnifield will get plenty of chances to shine with the Redskins.  The outside corner spots may be out of his reach at first, with returning starter Deangelo Hall taking one spot and the other likely going to a returning veteran from last season or Free Agent Ced Griffin.  The Nickel spot is up for grabs, however, and Minnifield seems to have the attitude and drive to push for that spot.  Barring any health issues, it's a pretty safe bet he makes the final roster for the Redskins.

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