With the start of NFL training camps, the next month is vital for late-round picks and undrafted free agents to climb depth charts through practices and preseason games, according to NFL Nation reporters. The outlet asked its reporters to name one player from each of the 32 teams who used offseason work to go from unknown to regular contributor or star.
The piece cites several well-known examples. Broncos running back Terrell Davis first made an impression without the ball in Tokyo, Giants receiver Victor Cruz erupted for three preseason touchdowns against the Jets — a performance that left coach Rex Ryan stunned — and the rise of Vince Papale inspired the film Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg, the article notes.
Some less-expected breakouts are detailed by team reporters. According to Alaina Getzenberg, Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor beat out Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel for the 2015 starting job after completing 24 of 31 passes for 236 yards across three preseason games, while adding 11 carries for 108 yards and a rushing touchdown. Taylor then started 43 games over the next three seasons and was part of the team that ended Buffalo’s long playoff drought in 2017.
Marcel Louis-Jacques highlights Miami linebacker Zach Thomas, an undersized fifth-round pick in 1996 who won a starting job as a rookie following a standout training camp. Thomas’s camp performance led Miami to release veteran Jack Del Rio, and Thomas finished that season with 120 solo tackles, a mark he never surpassed in a 13-year career.
Mike Reiss recalls Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, who came from Division II West Alabama and worked part time at Popeyes before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Butler earned the final roster spot, drew the nickname “Strap” for his tight coverage in practice and recorded the Super Bowl-saving interception that season; Bill Belichick later called Butler “a great story.”
Rich Cimini points to Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet, who arrived in 1995 as the 10th receiver on the depth chart and was a Week 1 starter by season’s start. Chrebet finished his career with 580 receptions (second in franchise history), was added to the Jets’ Ring of Honor and has been called “The Godfather” of slot receivers by Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the article reports.
