Every year, once the NFL Draft ends, a second wave begins. It’s quieter, but often just as impactful. Undrafted players are where teams find hidden value, developmental talent, and occasionally, future stars. And after the 2026 Draft, several signings immediately stood out as potential steals. Here are five of the best:
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1. J. Michael Sturdivant (WR) → Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers may have landed one of the most explosive undrafted receivers available in J. Michael Sturdivant. A product of the UCLA Bruins, California Golden Bears, and Florida Gators, Sturdivant brings elite measurables:
• 9.96 Relative Athletic Score (RAS)
• 4.40 40-yard dash
He was widely viewed as a top UDFA wideout, and Green Bay’s track record of developing receivers makes this an ideal pairing.
2. Nadame Tucker (EDGE) → Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers added serious value with the signing of Nadame Tucker. Out of Western Michigan, Tucker was ranked as high as No. 158 overall by CBS Sports, making his undrafted status a bit of a surprise. This is the kind of move contenders make:
• High upside
• Proven production
• Minimal risk
Tucker could push for rotational snaps sooner rather than later.
3. Michael Trigg (TE) → Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys continue to invest in offensive versatility with the addition of Michael Trigg. Coming out of Baylor, Trigg has long been viewed as a high-upside, athletic tight end with mismatch potential. For Dallas, this is about development:
• Size and athleticism at the position
• Red-zone potential
• Long-term upside
If he puts it together, this could quietly become one of the better signings on this list.
4. Taurean York (LB) → Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos may have found a hidden gem in Taurean York. A standout at Texas A&M Aggies, York was one of the most productive linebackers available, but slipped due to size concerns. Still, his strengths are undeniable:
• Instincts
• Tackling ability
• Consistent production
This is exactly the type of player who outplays his draft status.
5. Kyron Drones (QB) → Green Bay Packers
Yes, the Green Bay Packers show up again, and for good reason. Kyron Drones, out of Virginia Tech, brings one thing teams covet: upside. With a 9.58 RAS, Drones is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in this class. He’s raw, but intriguing:
• Dual-threat ability
• Physical tools
• Developmental ceiling
In the right system, this is the kind of signing that can pay off in a big way.
Any Future Stars?
UDFA success stories aren’t rare; they’re expected. Every year, players overlooked in the draft find their way onto rosters and into meaningful roles. The difference comes down to fit, opportunity, and development.
These five players have all three. The draft may be over, but roster building isn’t. And if history tells us anything, at least one of these names will matter a lot more by the end of the season.Because in the NFL, being undrafted doesn’t mean being overlooked forever.
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