Undrafted FCS Players Who May Make NFL Rosters

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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