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Last month's NFL Draft saw a number of really good players left on the board after the seven rounds were over. Some of those players are likely going to make it onto NFL rosters in 2024 as undrafted free agents, including some wide receivers who may end up making a difference in the league.
Some notable recent wide receivers who went undrafted include Rashid Shaheed in 2022, Jakobi Meyers in 2019, and Allen Lazard in 2018. Historically, Drew Pearson and Wes Welker both had strong careers despite not being drafted.
Here are the top UDFA wide receivers to monitor for fantasy football leagues. Some of these players have redraft appeal while others are better options in dynasty.
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Xavier Weaver - Arizona Cardinals
Xavier Weaver went undrafted in 2024, but he has the skill set to be an NFL receiver. While the six-foot wide receiver is a little undersized, he's a strong route runner with the speed to get going quickly and create some big plays.
Take a look at Xavier Weaver get active with the Arizona Cardinals👀pic.twitter.com/v6exnA3V0u
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@LJSZN) May 10, 2024
Weaver, who played his first four seasons at South Florida, caught 68 passes for 908 yards and four touchdowns in his final season, which he played at Colorado. He also added two carries for 15 yards and two touchdowns. He ended his five years in college football with 15 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Arizona drafted Marvin Harrison Jr., who projects to be the No. 1 receiver for the team for the next decade, but there's a real hole after him. Michael Wilson, a 2023 third-round pick, has shown some real potential, but the No. 2 role is wide open. Greg Dortch has had his moments, while Chris Moore and Zay Jones bring some veteran experience to the team, but you have to think the team wants an upgrade there. Maybe that upgrade could come via finding snaps for Weaver.
Isaiah Williams - Detroit Lions
Last season, Isaiah Williams led the Big Ten in receptions, showcasing his reliable hands and also showing some intriguing speed, especially after the catch. However, he ran a slow 40 at the NFL Combine, leading to questions about his ability to make plays against NFL defenses. He's also undersized, leading to concerns about him dealing with the physical nature of the pro game.
When watching Illinois and new Detroit Lions WR Isaiah Williams this morning, there's only one player comparison that came to mind. Former Michigan State and current Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed. Played similar roles on offense for their college teams. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/gIIiLhNHo2
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) April 28, 2024
Williams is coming off the first 1,000-yard season of his college career, catching 82 passes for 1,055 yards and five touchdowns. Over his final two seasons at Illinois, the former quarterback caught 164 passes.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is really the only wide receiver lock on this Lions roster as far as the future goes. 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams really needs to show consistency in 2024, while players like Kalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones are good for depth, but aren't necessarily the long-term answer for Detroit.
Joshua Cephus - Jacksonville Jaguars
Joshua Cephus was a productive college receiver, someone who comes with an intriguing frame and who showed himself to be a reliable possession receiver in college. He might not wow anyone from an athletic perspective, but he can move the chains.
WR Joshua Cephus doing the three cone drill. @UTSAFTBL #ProDay pic.twitter.com/Lk2PyMz8rE
— Vinnie Vinzetta (@VVinzetta) March 18, 2024
Cephus had a strong career with UTSA, capping his time with the Roadrunners off in 2023 with 89 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns, all career highs.
Jacksonville drafted Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round and signed Gabe Davis this offseason. Add in Christian Kirk and the receiver possession is pretty stacked. Still, NFL teams carry more than three wideouts and Cephus could show enough to earn a roster spot over players like Devin Duvernay and Parker Washington.
Lideatrick Griffin - Las Vegas Raiders
The 5-foot-10 Lideatrick Griffin's NFL future depends on him finding a way to take advantage of his speed in the short passing game. He won't win one-on-one down the field against elite corners, but he can find space over the middle against linebackers to make positive plays.
Studying Mississippi St. WR Lideatrick Griffin. Predominately aligned in the slot, but he brings speed & quickness as a route runner.
His footwork at the line and at the top of his stem are nice. Will be interested to see how well he tests in Indy. pic.twitter.com/tLCJ8Tj8Q3
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) February 17, 2024
Griffin caught 50 passes for 658 yards and four touchdowns for Mississippi State in 2023. While he wasn't the most productive collegiate player, he brings intriguing athletic upside. He also had 17 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown as a senior for the Bulldogs.
The Raiders have Tre Tucker in the slot right now, and the 2023 third-round pick ended the 2023 season on a hot streak. But Griffin has the skill to make this roster and offer the team an insurance policy in the slot if Tucker isn't able to build on his 2023 success.
Drake Stoops - Los Angeles Rams
Drake Stoops, the son of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, tested poorly at the NFL Combine. He's still an intriguing player because of his ability to have reliable plays in the slot and because he went to a team known for turning undersized slot guys into good NFL players.
Drake Stoops to the Rams!! HE IS GOING TO EAT in Mcvay system!! PERFECT FIT!! LETS GO KID!! @Drake_stoops 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) April 28, 2024
I'm not saying Stoops is the next Cooper Kupp, but he's the kind of player that Sean McVay can really work with, someone who can carve out a larger role than expected. Maybe not while Kupp is still on the team, but I'm fascinated by the possibility of a 2026 Drake Stoops, someone who gradually builds himself into an NFL talent and can man the slot in a post-Kupp world.
Stoops is coming off of the best season of his college career, catching 84 passes for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns as he finally got an opportunity to be a featured part of the Sooners offense.
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