Undrafted Free Agents
By: Staff

Each year there are a handful of talented college players who go undrafted. This year was no different. Some players, once thought to be draft locks, find themselves looking for work.

Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech

Why did he go undrafted?
He is very raw at the QB position, and still makes too many mistakes out there. He also lacks ideal size in a QB, and is actually smaller than his brother, who is considered undersized. If you move him to wide receiver, he will just be relying on physical talent. Whatever position you project him at, he is a work in progress. Also, he's had as many off the field issues as any player in recent memory. It started as a freshman when he was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors, as he provided teenage girls with drugs and alchohol. He was then suspended for his sophomore season after being pulled over for reckless driving. During a search of the car, officers found marijuana in the car. He returned to the playing field in 2005, but his immaturity again was on display just before halftime of the Fiesta Bowl. After a play, Vick got up and stomped on the back of Elvis Dumervil's knee, and Dumervil never returned to the game. Vick was then suspended for an unknown amount of games when he was yet again arrested. This time he was arrested for three misdemeanor counts of brandishing a firearm at a McDonalds. Virginia Tech had enough and kicked him out of school, and Vick declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

Why should a team sign him?
Vick is an awesome athlete. His quickness, agility, and straightline speed are all excellent. He brings a lot of versatility to the field. His athletic gifts give him the ability to play wide receiver, and he did at times during his stay at Va Tech. But he is also a legitimate quarterback prospect. This past season he grew a lot as a quarterback. He made better decisions, was a lot more accurate, but still displayed the playmaking ability he always had. He definitely proved he was on the right path to developing as a quarterback.

Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB

Why did he go undrafted?
He has a tendency to pack on a few extra pounds and is very short for the position, checking out just a hair under 6' at the combine. On the field he has had problems with consistency on a throw to throw basis. Passes sail on him and he'll underthrow balls even when he sets up in the pocket. Hackney also tends to rely on his arm too much. He feels he can throw it through defenders and coverage to complete passes, and that will not cut it in the league.

Why should a team sign him?
There is not a single quarterback in this draft that has an arm like Hackney. As soon as he is on an NFL roster, he will have one of the best arms in the league. He can gun it into tight coverage or let it fly down the field. He is also a bull on the football field. Defenders have a hard time bringing him down in the pocket because of his bulk and strength.

Martin Nance, WR, Miami(OH)

Why did he go undrafted?
Nance struggled at the combine, running a 4.58 40 and struggling to catch the ball in drills, and that hurt his stock. Even though the MAC has gained some respect nationally, it still is not the most talented conference out there. With just over two years of experience on the field, he has not faced the most talented corners in college.

Why should a team sign him?
Martin Nance is a flat out playmaker. At 6’5, with great athleticism, and jumping ability, he is nearly unstoppable in one on one situations. He’s not just big though, he has good straight-line speed. He can get deep, and make plays vertically. Some people questioned if his success in 2003 was due to Roethlisberger, but he showed early on in 2004, and has shown again this year that he is a talent.

Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico

Why did he go undrafted?
Baskett lacks the explosive speed to be a major threat with the ball in his hands. Even though he reached the end zone nine times this year, he hasn't produced consistently enough in the red zone for someone with his size.

Why should a team sign him?
He is tall and strong. He has the perfect wide receiver body. Along with that size, he has excellent leaping ability, which makes him deadly in one on one situations. Hank could be an awesome red zone target at the next level because of his height, athleticism, and jumping ability.

Tim Day, TE, Oregon

Why did he go undrafted?
Injuries may be the biggest reason Day went undrafted. He has been unable to stay healthy.

Why should a team sign him?
There aren’t very many tight ends with a combination of size, power, and athleticism that Day has. He is a big target to throw to over the middle, and is tough to bring down in the open field. His athleticism and quickness allow him to match up well against most linebackers or safeties as a receiver. As a blocker, he has the power and agility to keep his man at bay.

Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia Jr.

Why did he go undrafted?
Parham is slow, he ran 5.03 40 at the combine. His lack of speed hinders his ability to turn and cover, because he cannot keep up with players down the field.

Why should a team sign him?
Parham is the prototypical run stuffing linebacker. He is very aggressive when he reads a run play and immediately moves forward. With his bulk and strength, he can weed through traffic and get to the ball carrier.

Spencer Havner, OLB, UCLA

Why did he go undrafted?
Lacks the pure athletic ability that most NFL teams desire.

Why should a team sign him?
Spencer Havner is a complete linebacker prospect. He won’t wow you with any awesome physical ability, but he is a good football player. His instincts are his best asset, as he quickly diagnoses plays and flows to the action. He is a coach’s dream at linebacker.

Charles Gordon, CB, Kansas Jr.

Why did he go undrafted?
The bouncing around between wideout and corner his limited his development. His aggressiveness and inexperience causes him to bite on fakes and go for the big play too often.

Why should a team sign him?
He has excellent quickness, and shows the ability to easily turn and cover, and the speed to follow down the field. He has a nose for the ball, and has the ability to be a big time playmaker. His ability as a kick and punt return man only enhances his value.