Everyone loves an underdog and the same is true for undrafted free agents in the NFL. Dallas Cowboys fans are already rooting for their favorite post-draft rookies, so I thought it would be a good idea to rank the nine UDFAs of the class by likelihood of them beating the odds and making the 53-man roster.
Now granted, it's pretty difficult to predict this and anything over two UDFAs making a team is extremely unlikely. With that in mind, I'll share with you the three biggest factors I considered, in order:
- Guaranteed money (money talks when it comes to NFL UDFAs)
- Need at the position
- Potential special teams impact
9. WR Traeshon Holden, $3,000 guaranteed
Despite the Cowboys' need at wide receiver, money talks loud on this one. Other than a $3,000 signing bonus, Holden is not guaranteed any money on his UDFA deal. Character concerns and lack of top end speed could be Holden's problem.
8. CB Bruce Harmon, $40,000 guaranteed
The money on Harmon's deal is pretty low and the Cowboys' cornerback room is pretty deep, even if there are concerns about Trevon Diggs' long-term health. At 5-foot-11, the former Stephen F. Austin is a longshot. However, with Harmon scoring a 9.30 (out of 10) relative athletic score, his explosiveness makes him an intriguing project.
7. WR Josh Kelly, $67,500 guaranteed
It will be difficult for Kelly to overcome a 4.70 40-yard dash time considering the speed also doesn't jump out on film. Perhaps his route running earns him a spot but the money on the deal says it's unlikely.
6. TE Tyler Neville, $100,000 guaranteed
At 6-foot-4, Neville is a willing blocker. That alone might be enough to make him look like a player with a legit shot at the 53-man roster. The Cowboys are usually willing to carry UDFAs at tight ends so I wouldn't be surprised if the former Harvard player ends up making the team.
5. CB Mike Smith, $175,000 guaranteed
Smith's biggest challenge making the team will likely be the team's depth at the position but his athleticism and versatility could be enough for him to surprise if he proves he can be an impactful special teamer.
4. DB Zion Childress, $135,000 guaranteed
Arguably the most fun UDFA from the Cowboys' class to watch due to his intense, hard-hitting style of play, Childress was also a two-year captain at Kentucky, which fits what Brian Schottenheimer has been looking for all offseason.
3. TE Rivaldo Fairweather, $150,000 guaranteed
Valdo's biggest calling card will be his upside as a contested pass catcher. But he can also block efficiently and make an impact early on. The Cowboys have bet on UDFAs at tight end in 2023 (John Stephens Jr., who the front office admitted would've made the roster had it not been for injury) and 2024 (Brevyn Spann-Ford). Fairweather was the only UDFA I projected in my 53-man roster before contract details came out.
2. LB Justin Barron, $234,000 guaranteed
Not only was Barron one of two Cowboys UDFAs to be guaranteed over $200,000 but he can play multiple positions and has a lot of special teams experience (949 snaps). That should go a long way when battling for that "53rd" roster spot. Barron, who played in Syracuse, might have to fight his former teammate for it, Alijah Clark.
1. DB Alijah Clark, $259,000 guaranteed
Clark tops the list mainly because of the money but also because of the versatility. According to PFF, he played 155 snaps in the box, 154 in the slot, and 259 at free safety in 2024. The remaining questions are what position will he play and who does he need to beat?
