Evaluating the Arizona Cardinals Undrafted Free Agent Signings

The Arizona Cardinals landed 10 undrafted free agents after the draft took place over the weekend. If you're familiar with the NFL, then you'll understand that most undrafted free agents don't necessarily turn into a NFL stars, or even role players at that.

Linebackers Ali Highsmith and Reggie Walker are examples of undrafted free agents, turned Arizona Cardinals, that were mildly successful in the NFL. Both have seen playing time since being signed and Highsmith even started a game last season. They have produced marginally but given that some hidden gems always exist prior to the draft, consider these pick ups as additional 7th round selections. I arranged the signings in order from best to worst, beginning with Jefferson.

A.J. Jefferson | CB | Fresno State

Jefferson was one of our potential draft picks before the draft began, and I originally had him projected to land in the 4th round, so signing him as an undrafted free agent seems like a very good pick up to me. Among corners, he landed first in the vertical jump, the 20-yard shuttle, the 60-yard shuttle, and 3rd in the broad jump and three- cone drill. He also clocked an unofficial 4.43 40-yard dash, considerably fast for being 6'1. He shows a very good effort in pursuit, and he takes a good angle on the ball the first time around. He will rarely give up on a play. His hips are fluid and his feet are quick enough to turn and cover a receiver down field.

He'll often allow receivers to catch the ball before making a tackle, rather then going for the ball. He doesn't time his jumps well and has shown no promise that he has good hands. He has zero interceptions in 22 career starts. He'll peek in the backfield at times and will get beat as a result.

Juamorris Stewart | WR | Southern

Stewart was projected to land in the sixth round in some mock drafts, increasing his value as an undrafted free agent. He possesses a very strong release off the snap and uses his long stride to separate from defensivebacks. His hands are solid and he'll make the occasional leaping catch. He sometimes thinks too soon before securing the catch and needs to run crisper routes. His blocking is only adequate and he doesn't have elite acceleration. He had no character issues in college and does have big play ability.

Casey Knips | OT | SDSU

Knips is a massive specimen at 6'8, 308 pounds. He played left tackle in college but most scouts feel he'd be better suited to play the right side or even line up at guard. His speed isn't elite and quicker defensive ends will give him problems. He likes to punch and latch onto his man but sometimes gets too high in his stance and doesn't bend his knees enough. He'll push the pile on rushing plays. He needs to improve his overall technique. He's raw but could provide very good depth along the offensive line some day.

Marshay Green | CB | Mississippi

The Cardinals added another potential return man in Green. He recorded three punt return touchdowns and averaged 24.5 yards per kick return during his college career. He was also a very successful corner at Mississippi. He's quick in his drop and has fluid hips to turn with fast receivers. Unfortunately, he's only 5'7, 175 pounds and bigger receivers will have their way with him in jump ball situations. He still remains a pesky corner and has great agility to recover if beat. He times his jumps well and is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Stephen Williams | WR | Toledo

At 6'5, 210 pounds, Williams is a tall lanky receiver that will be very interesting heading into training camp. He has the size to create potential match up problems with smaller cornerbacks. He clocked a 4.41 40-yard dash time and recorded a 37.9 vertical jump, meaning he is athletically gifted. His 13.5 yards per catch suggest he also has big play ability. Despite playing games in four seasons at Toledo, experience is a concern. He only has 21 touchdowns in 45 career games as well.

Alfonso Smith | RB | Kentucky

Smith wasn't the most productive running back at Kentucky but served multiple purposes with the team and his great character likely secured his signing by the Cardinals. His high school coach referred to him as having incredible work ethic, great leadership skills, and being outstanding in the classroom. He has started in college, he showed strong hands, and good special teams coverage. His lack of experience will limit him to the practice squad however.

Devin Tyler | OT | Temple

Tyler is another massive offensive tackle, standing 6'8, 308 pounds. He recorded 33 reps of the 225-pound bench press with his 33 3/4 inch arms. He's very powerful and has started games at Temple ever since his freshman year. He's never been a true starter and has much work to do to succeed in the NFL.

Max Hall | QB | BYU

Hall isn't your prototypical sized quarterback(6'1) but makes up for it with his athleticism. He throws accurately when the passes are short and quick, but struggles with the deep ball. He doesn't put his receivers in good position to make a catch and struggles when under duress. He's confident in the pocket and can make a play with his legs.

David Moosman | OG | Michigan

Moosman has played both the guard and center position in college. He has started 23 of the last 24 games and he was built to be an Michigan offensive lineman. He's very efficient, big, and strong. At 292 pounds, he could stand to add some mass to his 6'4 frame. Bigger defensive tackles will have their way with Moosman if he somehow plays in the NFL.

Max Komar | WR | Idaho

Komar broke out his senior year, recording 63 passes for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns. Before then, he was relatively unknown. He's a small(5'11) wide receiver with good speed(4.50) and has the potential to return kicks and punts, and can also be used on running plays. He's had problems with dropped passes before. 

Overall I'd say the Cardinals followed up the draft with a successfull undrafted free agent signing as well. Green and Jefferson are two corners that have the potential to make the team and provide great quality behind the starters. What do you think of the free agent signings?