Undrafted free agents have a long road ahead to prove their worth in the NFL, but there have been special athletes who have not only survived, but thrived as UDFA steals.
John Randle, Kurt Warner, and James Harrison are just a few examples of undrafted free agents who excelled to become All-Pro or Hall-of-Fame players.
The Washington Commanders are hoping a UDFA on their current roster can make that same jump.
Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel had standout career that made him an HBCU star, and signed with Washington to a UDFA contract. He's hoping to follow history's example of HBCU stars to make a name for themselves in the NFL.
"It doesn't matter where you come from," McDaniel said in an interview with NFL reporter Kyle T. Mosley. "Having guys like Shannon Sharpe out of Savannah State, Jerry Rice out of Mississippi Valley, Walter Payton, Robert Brazile coming from Jackson State. These guys paved the way to show you that legends don't always have to start from big schools."
Unlike many UDFAs, McDaniel will have a very strong chance to not only make Washington's 53-man roster, but also could crack the starting lineup. Washington lost Jeremy Chinn in free agency, and will need all the bodies they can get in the secondary.
There is a path for McDaniel to prove himself as a top player on the roster. ... And if he finds a way to do so, he will continue the proud tradition of UDFAs to excel after making the jump from HBCU schools.