Every year there are hundreds of NFL Draft prospects who go undrafted and have the chance to sign with teams as undrafted free agents. These players participate in mini-camp and fight for a spot on their teams final 53 man roster. This year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have brought in some noticeable talent in the UDFA market. Here are three undrafted free agents who have a real shot at making their dream a reality.
Anthony Johnson/WR/Buffalo
While the Bucs signed Breshad Perriman in free agency and even drafted wide receiver Scott Miller in the sixth round, Anthony Johnson could make some big waves in minicamp. Johnson, a 6-foot-2 210-pound wideout with 4.40 40-yard-dash speed could be yet another target for Jameis Winston. The Bucs will be looking for someone to fill the Adam Humphries role of “security blanket”. In his two years at Buffalo, Johnson amounted 2,367 yards and 25 touchdowns. This came on only 133 career receptions with an impressive 17.8 yards per catch. More impressive than the sheer numbers put up, is how efficient Johnson played.
Not only did Johnson convert 81 percent of third-down catches into first downs, but also had a 67 percent touchdown rate when thrown to in the red zone. Johnson would provide Tampa Bay with another fluent, aggressive quick wideout. He uses his hands and size advantage to ward off corners which is a bonus for the offense. Johnson processes the ability to break arm tackles and exploit bad angles taken by corners after the catch. This is something that Tampa needs more of from their receivers. Johnson would make a solid third or fourth option and an absolute steal after being predicted to be drafted in the fourth round.
Bruce Anderson/RB/North Dakota State
Tampa has its workhorse in Peyton Barber, who is very liked by Bucs head coach Bruce Arians. He is a possible complimentary piece to Ronald Jones who had a rough rookie season after only rushing 23 times in the season and dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. The Buccaneers brought in Andre Ellington, Arians running back from Arizona to be that pass catching back as well as mentor both Barber and Jones. Anderson would bring a mixture of the playing styles of Barber and Jones. He is a shifty power-back who is comfortable catching out of the backfield and can use his underrated speed to turn it upfield for a big gain.
In his four years at NDSU, Anderson rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns on 486 attempts. Bruce Anderson complimented his rushes with his receiving ability. 448 yards and seven touchdowns averaged him 14 yards per catch in his four-year career. Anderson would turn the once non-existent Tampa rushing attack into a three-headed monster. With Jaquizz Rodgers leaving, Anderson could be an immediate plug and play player who would be more valuable long-term than Andre Ellington. While Anderson ran a 4.58 40-yard dash time, his underestimated speed is made up with his ability to break tackles. He also has the ability to continue using his legs to advance downfield upon contact with his 5-foot-11, 210-pound frame. This could make him a LeGarrette Blount type back who punished defenses for years.
Kahzin Daniels/DE/ Charleston WV
One of the best stories to come out of the 2019 draft class was Kahzin Daniels. At the age of five, an accident caused him to become blind in one eye. Until recently, however, very few people even knew. Even more remarkable than that fact is how dominant he has been on the football field. In Daniel’s four year stint at Charleston, he produced three straight seasons of eight and a half sacks or more. This included back to back seasons of double-digit sacks. When watching the film on Daniels, the lack of vision in his right eye does not alter his game. It is nearly unnoticeable even when Daniel’s lines up on the left side. This is remarkable when considering that most defensive ends usually see the quarterback in plain sight, and Daniels sees nothing.
While Daniels may have played at a division two school, his dominance is crystal clear. A slimmer build and strong hands help him bend around defenders and keep pursuit against mobile quarterbacks. Daniels has said to complement not being able to see in one eye he must “keep his head on a swivel at all times”. Kahzin Daniels could add some much-needed speed off the edge. He is a player who plays from whistle to whistle and goes for the ball, instead of the big hit.
The biggest question, however is if Daniels can translate his division two dominance to the NFL, and if other teams can exploit his limited sight. Kahzin has the odds stacked against him, but has come this far, and has a good a shot as any of making the most of upcoming mini-camp.
