2026 draft: UDFAs

zn wrote:

North Carolina OL Austin Blaske

Austin Blaske
HT/WT: 6′ 5″, 310 lbs

The #Rams are signing former North Carolina offensive lineman Austin Blaske, @Ethos_SG tells @mzenitz and me for @CBSSports.

Blaske started 21 games over the last two seasons for the Tar Heels. He played both center and LT. Began his career at Georgia. pic.twitter.com/DgDVraSTsW

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 25, 2026

…

Rams make a jumble of roster moves immediately after 2026 NFL Draft

Bret Stuter

https://ramblinfan.com/rams-make-jumble-roster-moves-immediately-after-2026-nfl-draft-udfa

With the addition of five drafted rookies, the Los Angeles Rams still need 20 more players to round out their 90-man training camp roster. Ironically, the same team that needed three days at the 2026 NFL Draft to add just five players was wasting no time at signing rookies now that the draft has concluded. And as hinted in a previous article:

“The team’s greatest need for depth after the draft includes defensive backs, offensive linemen, offensive skill players, and defensive players for the trenches.”

LA is a pretty tight group, with many roster spots already claimed by veterans. But this is also a team that has been generous in affording real opportunities to make the team to rookies signed after the draft. In fact, many starters have come from such modest beginnings, including left tackle Alaric Jackson and both linebackers Nate Landman and Omar Speights

Knowing this, it’s always wise to learn something about the newest rumored additions to the roster

QB Matthew Caldwell – Texas | A resilient quarterback who flashed some impressive athleticism at his pro day, Caldwell is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback who last backed up Arch Manning at Texas.

DT Jalen Logan Redding – Minnesota | A versatile defensive lineman whose superpower is the ability to line up anywhere along the defensive front

CB Nyzeir Fourqurean – Wisconsin | An intriguing big-bodied defensive back who measures 6-foot-1. Fourqurean was incredibly productive, logging 90 tackles in two seasons.

DL Jaxson Moi – Tennessee | A rugged interior defensive lineman, Moi gives a bit of a snarl to the trenches. At 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, he’s ready to suit up and get to work

RB Dean Conners – Houston | The lone running back (so far) added to the Rams roster, Conners has the type of speed that begs to be trialed in a special teams role.

DT Payton Zdroik – Air Force | This defensive lineman was touted as a sleeper of this draft class, and that could be spot on. He was surprisingly productive, ending with 116 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, and 14.0 quarterback sacks.

CB Drey Norwood – Missouri | Norwood is a 6-foot-0 cornerback who was a solid pass defender for the Tigers. While he did not jump off the page at any specific area, he proved to be effective in all roles of a cornerback.

OL Austin Blaske – North Carolina | The former Tar Heel is one of the few offensive linemen who has experience at all five positions. His versatility is absolutely what intrigued the team to sign him up.

C Chad Linberg – North Carolina | A teammate of Blaske (above), Linberg offers interior offensive line versatility. And he was a rumored target of the Philadelphia Eagles.

OLB Darryl Peterson – Wisconsin | Clearly, LA recruited Peterson heavily, meeting with him on multiple occasions. And he recorded 6.5 quarterback sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2025.

WR Nick Anderson – LSU | Despite the lack of production in college, this 6-foot-4, 208-pound receiver out of LSU is tough to ignore. Projected as early as Round 4, he offers size and speed. Unfortunately, injuries interrupted his development, so he’s raw.

CB Al’zillion Hamilton – Fresno State | Despite his 5-foot-11 height, Hamilton is a bona fide ball hawk. If he can learn from Trent McDuffie, LA landed a good one.

TE Rohan Jones -Arkansas | A highly regarded but lightly scouted tight end, Jones hauled in 19 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. Yes, that averages more than 27 yards per reception.

OLB Eddle Walls – Houston | … This 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher lowered the boom on unsuspecting quarterbacks. He’s big enough and productive enough to keep on your radar.

DE Wesley Bailey – Louisville | Another potent edge rusher, Bailey exploded in one season for the Louisville Cardinals in 2025 with 6.0 quarterback sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

LB Nikhai Hill-Green – Alabama | LA may have found its off-ball pass-defending linebacker. This solid prospect made it a point to play in a wide range of defensive schemes, improving along the way. His pre-draft interview gives off great football-passion vibes

DB Nick Andersen – Wake Forest | Well, this could get confusing. A 2nd rookie named Nick Andersen (with an e) is rumored to have signed with LA. This 5-foot-11, 197-pound defensive back is ultra productive. He may have what it takes.

TE Dan Villari – Syracuse | Dan Villari joins a packed tight end room, but he possesses an intriguing background as a former quarterback. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 245 pounds, and is compared to LA Rams tight end Davis Allen. He can do it all on offense: Run, pass, and catch. Very interesting rookie prospect who deserves to stay on your radar.

zn wrote:

LB Nikhai Hill-Green – Alabama | LA may have found its off-ball pass-defending linebacker. This solid prospect made it a point to play in a wide range of defensive schemes, improving along the way. His pre-draft interview gives off great football-passion vibes

from https://rollingout.com/2026/04/13/jaguars-nikhai-hill-green-in-nfl-draft/

A linebacker with a resilient college journey

Hill-Green’s path to NFL Draft consideration has been anything but conventional, and that is precisely what makes him such a compelling prospect to evaluate. He launched his college career at the University of Michigan, recording 50 tackles and two tackles for loss in 2021 before an injury in 2022 derailed that chapter and prompted a transfer. Rather than let the setback define him, he moved on to Charlotte, where he rebuilt his momentum and earned third-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2023, finishing that season with 73 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks.

His most impressive chapter came in 2024 at Colorado, where he shared the field with current Jaguars players Travis Hunter and B.J. Green. Hill-Green finished that year with 82 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions — numbers that speak to both his instincts and his growth as a player. Across five collegiate seasons and 55 total games, he has constructed a résumé that commands attention from NFL scouts looking beyond the first few rounds of the draft.

… His experience across three programs — Michigan, Charlotte and Colorado — reflects an ability to adapt to new environments and different coaching expectations, a quality that NFL organizations deeply value when assessing late-round prospects.

Beyond his tackle numbers, his two interceptions in 2024 reveal an instinctive feel for the game that extends well beyond standard linebacker duties. That kind of versatility can make him a genuinely useful piece in multiple defensive looks, adding real value as coaches build out their schemes for the upcoming season.

…

Zooey wrote:

Not that Mel Kiper is the best evaluator, just the first and maybe the loudest, but he’s not nobody. WTF is this?

InvaderRam wrote:

39th among edge rushers.

Yes Kiper rated him that high. And it’s 39th among players, not rushers: https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46573669/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions

This draft was deep at WR, Edge, and TE. As we know when a draft is deep at a position, players fall throught he cracks.

from: all over the damn internet

Eddie Walls III |
DE | SR/TR | Houston
Ht: 6040 | Wt: 250
Transfer Schools: Florida International / Bethune-Cookman

2025 Stats
SOLO SACK FF INT
31 7.0 0 0

As a senior started all 13 games on the defensive line
All-Big 12 Second Team
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 27)
69.9 PFF pass rush grade led the Cougars
30 PFF stops ranked 36th nationally among linemen and third in the Big 12
Paced Houston with 11.5 TFLs and seven sacks
Nine QB hurries tied for the team lead
3.0 sacks at Arizona State tied Houston’s record in a Big 12 game
Posted 3.0 TFLs twice during the season
Recorded at least one sack in five games

PRIOR TO UH
Spent the 2024 season at FIU and three seasons at Bethune-Cookman (2021-23)
2024 All-CUSA Preseason Fourth Team honoree by Phil Steele
32 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and three sacks in eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2022
Played just three games as a freshman in 2021 – redshirt season

Zooey wrote:

zn wrote:

Yes Kiper rated him that high. And it’s 39th among players, not rushers:

No, Invader is right. 39th among Edge rushers. From the Kiper link you posted.

My mistake.

Mistakes like that will drop me to 39th among huddle posters.

Anyway I edited out the misleading quotation from the article you originally responded to.

zn wrote:

LB Nikhai Hill-Green – Alabama | LA may have found its off-ball pass-defending linebacker. This solid prospect made it a point to play in a wide range of defensive schemes, improving along the way. His pre-draft interview gives off great football-passion vibes

My favorite Rams UDFA signing thus far.

Plays the ball 100mph like a psychopath. Batted balls, just gets involved. Excited to see em work at camp. https://t.co/DVen4vcRwE

— 1st & Tuna 🏈 (@1standtuna) April 26, 2026

zn wrote:

2. Al’Zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Last season, Hamilton earned Second-team All-Mountain West as he tied for second in the conference with four interceptions. He lacks some size and explosiveness, but is active on the ball. Hamilton allowed just 23 receptions on 44 targets and a passer rating of 55.6 when targeted, which ranked inside the top 25 in college football.

from https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-hq/prospects/alzillion-hamilton

Al’zillion Hamilton is a potential late-round or PFA prospect who was productive at the Group of Six level. A former three-star recruit who played all five seasons at Fresno State, Hamilton first entered the full-time starting lineup in 2023, after flashing promise as a redshirt freshman in 2022. Across three years as a starter with the Bulldogs, Hamilton amassed eight interceptions, 26 pass breakups, and six tackles for loss.

In 2025, Hamilton snagged a career-high four INTs, while earning a PFSN CB Impact grade of 82.9. Per TruMedia, he also earned a forced incompletion percentage of 14.9%, and only had a missed tackle percentage of 4.5%. With Hamilton, there are clear physical limitations that may cap his ceiling long-term.

His Relative Athletic Score of just 4.78 pulls in non-elite vertical speed, average explosiveness, and below-average size at around 5’11”, 186 pounds, with just 31″ arms. In particular, the speed deficiency shows up on film, as Hamilton is susceptible to being stacked on the vertical plane. Having said all this, there’s also a visible functional floor with Hamilton.

While he’s not particularly fast or explosive at his size, he is sufficiently fluid, agile, and fleet-footed in coverage. He has a good mirror-motor and willing physicality in press-man, and he can also use a variety of techniques in off-man and zone to maintain spatial discipline and hip leverage with targets in his range. He’s a proven playmaker at the catch point with good eye discipline and proactivity, and in run support, he’s fairly angle sound, willing to engage, and reliable as a tackle convertor.

Additionally, as an experienced member of Fresno State’s defense, Hamilton displayed the ability to play on the boundary or in the slot. Against NFL athletes, Hamilton’s margin for error will be lower, but he presents as a technically-sound, role-diverse, and instinctive cover man with two-phase playmaking value and a physicality that can help him stick around as quality depth.

zn wrote:

18. Matthew Caldwell, QB, Texas
Caldwell backed up Archie Manning last year.

from https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-nfl-draft-profile-texas-185800133.html

As a prospect, Caldwell has good size — he’s 6’4 and listed above 210 pounds. He also possesses sneaky athleticism, posting a 4.62 40 and a 34-inch vertical.

from One thing to know about each of the Rams’ 18 undrafted rookies
Get to know the Rams’ 18 undrafted rookies this year with one interesting fact about each player

Cameron DaSilva

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/04/29/rams-undrafted-rookies-free-agents-things-to-know-facts/89854764007/

A handful of UDFAs have a real chance to secure a spot on the roster this year and will be worth keeping an eye on. Get to know all 18 of them with one interesting stat or fact about each one.

Vanderbilt OT Bryce Henderson
Was highest-graded run-blocking lineman in FCS in 2024

According to PFF, Henderson had a 94.1 run-blocking grade in 2024 at South Dakota, which was the highest of any offensive lineman in the FCS.

Syracuse TE Dan Villari
Played TE, QB and RB at Syracuse

Villari was primarily a tight end at Syracuse, but he also took snaps at quarterback. He rushed 84 times for 410 yards and four touchdowns, completed 23 of 33 passes for 177 yards with one touchdown and two picks, and also caught 66 passes for 671 yards and three touchdowns in four years.

Louisville OLB Wesley Bailey
He has an RAS of 9.83

Bailey is a terrific athlete at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, running a 4.69 in the 40 with an outstanding 10-yard split of 1.53 seconds. He’s one of the most athletic edge rushers in this class.

Arkansas TE Rohan Jones
Earned highest receiving grade of any FBS TE last season

According to Pro Football Focus, Jones’ receiving grade of 92.7 was the best of any tight end in the FBS last season.

Alabama LB Nikhai Hill-Green
Allowed 2nd-lowest completion rate (55%) among qualified LBs last season

Among all linebackers with at least 188 coverage snaps last season, Hill-Green ranked second with a completion rate of only 55% allowed. He gave up just 11 catches on 20 targets for 110 yards, per PFF.

Texas QB Matthew Caldwell
Threw game-winning touchdown pass vs. Mississippi State last season

While Arch Manning was in the medical tent, Caldwell came in and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to beat the Bulldogs.

Tennessee DL Jaxson Moi
Models his game after Aaron Donald

In his bio at Tennessee, Moi says he models his game after Donald, the Rams’ legendary defensive tackle. Moi is slightly undersized like Donald, coming in at 6-2 and 292 pounds. Donald was around 6-1, 280 during his career.

Air Force DT Payton Zdroik
90.4 defensive grade led all D-linemen in FBS last season

No interior defensive lineman earned a higher grade last season than Zdroik, who PFF gave a 90.4 overall score for 2025. His 92.2 pass-rush grade was also No. 1 at the position.

Wake Forest DB Nick Andersen
12th-best coverage grade among all safeties last season

PFF gave Andersen an 88.3 coverage grade in 2025, which was the 12th-best among all safeties. His overall defensive grade of 87.3 was the eighth-best among FBS safeties.

Fresno State CB Al’zillion Hamilton
Allowed a 52.2 passer rating in coverage last year

Hamilton was great in coverage, allowing a passer rating of only 52.2 – which ranked 34th among qualified cornerbacks in the FBS. He gave up just 23 catches on 47 targets for 265 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Wisconsin OLB Darryl Peterson
Tied for 16th-most sacks among 2026 draft-eligible edge rushers

Pro Football Focus credited Peterson with eight sacks last season, which was tied for 16th among all draft-eligible edge rushers. His 82.3 pass-rush grade was 28th at the position.

Missouri CB Drey Norwood
Only allowed a completion rate of 50% in coverage

Norwood was targeted 34 times last season, allowing just 17 receptions for a completion rate of 50%.

Wisconsin CB Nyzier Fourqurean
Missed 2025 season due to ineligibility ruling from NCAA

Fourqurean was forced to sit out the 2025 season after the NCAA ruled he didn’t have an extra year of eligibility. He attempted to get an added year of eligibility at Wisconsin but was overruled and could not play. He played 12 games for the Badgers in 2024.

Minnesota DL Jalen Logan-Redding
Was a 5-time Academic All-Big Ten selection

Logan-Redding was a standout in the classroom at Minnesota, earning five straight Academic All-Big Ten selections from 2021-2025. According to LinkedIn, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing Education and a Master’s in Human Resource Development.

North Carolina OL Austin Blaske
Allowed just 1 sack in his college career

Blaske played 843 pass-blocking snaps in his career at North Carolina and Georgia, and he allowed just one total sack across five seasons, which came against Clemson last year.

North Carolina C Chad Lindberg
Played every position on the offensive line

Lindberg is as versatile as they come. He played all five positions on the O-line in his career.

Houston RB Dean Connors
Led his team in rushing 3 years in a row

Connors was productive in college, leading his team in rushing three years in a row. He led Rice in 2023 and 2024 with 771 yards and 780 yards, respectively, before transferring to Houston in 2025 and leading the Cougars with 977 yards on the ground. He totaled 22 rushing touchdowns and nine touchdown receptions in his career.

Houston OLB Eddie Walls
Had top-30 pass-rush grade in 2024 at FIU

Walls was a force during the 2024 season while at FIU, earning an 88.7 pass-rush grade, which ranked 27th among all edge rushers in the FBS. He was credited with five sacks and 40 total pressures that year.