Legends like Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, and Wes Welker all went undrafted then showed the world that being passed over on draft day doesn’t define your destiny. Today’s undrafted standouts are following in those footsteps: grinding, proving doubters wrong, and becoming vital pieces for their teams. In this article, we spotlight the 10 best undrafted players in the NFL right now starting at 10 and ending with the very best.
10. Justin Tucker, K: Free Agent (Suspended)
Justin Tucker isn’t just any kicker, he’s widely considered the greatest kicker in NFL history. Undrafted out of Texas in 2012, Tucker turned heads with a leg so strong and accurate it seems almost unfair. Over 13 seasons with Baltimore, he became a Super Bowl champ, a 5-time First-Team All-Pro, and a 7-time Pro Bowler. He holds NFL records for the longest field goal ever (66 yards) and the highest career field goal percentage (89.1%). As of 2025, Tucker is a free agent and currently serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy amid off-field allegations which is why he is at #10 instead of #1.
9. Allen Lazard, WR: New York Jets
Allen Lazard is the Jets’ big-bodied, reliable playmaker who knows how to use every inch of his 6 ‘5″ frame to win contested catches and rack up tough yards. Undrafted out of Iowa State in 2018, Lazard earned his stripes in Green Bay by becoming a trusted target for Aaron Rodgers. After missing 2023 with a knee injury, Lazard bounced back in 2024 with the Jets, hauling in 37 catches for 530 yards and a career-high 6 touchdowns. Lazard’s mix of size, savvy, and smooth route-running makes him a perfect slot/outside weapon next to Garrett Wilson.
8. J.C. Jackson, CB: Free Agent
Undrafted in 2018 out of Maryland, Jackson quickly turned heads with his incredible instincts and lockdown coverage, earning a reputation as one of the league’s top shutdown corners. His peak years with New England saw him snagging a league-leading 9 interceptions in 2021, plus multiple defensive touchdowns. After some ups and downs with injuries and consistency, Jackson was released in 2025. Any team looking to boost their secondary with a proven playmaker should be looking to sign Jackson.
7. Frankie Luvu, LB: Washington Commanders
After being undrafted out of Washington State in 2018, the American Samoa linebacker has made a name for himself. In 2023, he led Carolina with a whopping 125 tackles and 5.5 sacks, then followed it up in 2024 with 99 tackles and 8 sacks for the Commanders, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors along the way. That’s pure production and relentless effort. Luvu blends speed, power, and smarts, chasing down ballcarriers, blowing up run plays, and blitzing with vicious timing. He’s no one trick pony, he can drop into coverage and still wreck havoc with his tackling.
6. Charvarius Ward, CB: Indianapolis Colts
Charvarius Ward went from JUCO grind to lockdown corner, and he did it the hard way: Undrafted, overlooked, and out to prove everyone wrong. He fought his way onto the Chiefs roster, earning a Super Bowl 54 ring before becoming a key piece for the 49ers. In 2023, Ward exploded with 5 interceptions, a league-leading 23 pass breakups, 68 tackles, and his first Pro Bowl selection. And heading into 2025, he signed a big three-year, $60 million contract with the Colts, where he’s expected to be a tone-setter in the secondary.
5. Adam Thielen, WR: Carolina Panthers
From a small D-II school to Pro Bowl stardom, Adam Thielen’s story is NFL underdog legend. Undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2013, he rose to become a two-time Pro Bowler, a Second-Team All-Pro, and the holder of the NFL record for most consecutive 100-yard games with 8. In 2023 with the Panthers, even at 32 years old Thielen showed he still had it, topping 1,000 yards and snagging 103 catches as Bryce Young’s security blanket. He now enters 2025 as a veteran slot weapon for the Panthers, expected to contribute once healthy. He’s never been the fastest guy, but few are better at finding soft spots, making tough catches, and moving the chains.
4. Raheem Mostert, RB: Las Vegas Raiders
Undrafted out of Purdue in 2015, Mostert bounced between teams, starred in Miami, and now lands in Las Vegas as a veteran presence in the backfield. He built his career on pure speed and patience, hitting holes like a track star once he sees daylight. In 2023, at age 31, Mostert put together a career-best season with the Dolphins: 1,012 rushing yards, a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns, and 21 total scores, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He’s now sitting at 4,003 career rushing yards and 36 rushing TDs, with a Super Bowl 77-yard score and an All-Pro kick return honor (2024) on his resume. And while he enters 2025 as a backup, his big-play potential and veteran savvy make him one of the most respected undrafted success stories still active in the league.
3. Jaylen Warren, RB: Pittsburgh Steelers
Undrafted out of Oklahoma State in 2022, Warren came into Pittsburgh as a longshot, and quickly carved out a role with his quick feet, sharp vision, and relentless energy. In 2023, he broke out in a big way: 784 rushing yards, 370 receiving yards, and 4 TDs, all while backing up Najee Harris. He became a fan favorite for his tough runs, explosive bursts, and ability to turn short passes into big gains. Now in 2025, with Harris gone, Warren enters as Pittsburgh’s starting RB, and he’s more than ready. At 5’9”, he packs a punch, runs with balance, and catches passes like a slot receiver.
2. Jakobi Meyers, WR: Las Vegas Raiders
Undrafted out of NC State in 2019, Meyers worked his way from unknown rookie to go-to target. First with the Patriots, and now as the WR1 for the Las Vegas Raiders. Meyers is a technician in the slot. His routes are sharp, his hands are sticky, and he’s always in the right spot. In 2023, he hauled in 71 catches for 807 yards and 8 TDs, then took it up a notch in 2024 with career highs in receptions (87) and yards (1,027). He finished the year with zero drops and emerged as the Raiders’ most reliable option. He might not be flashy, but he’s precise, consistent, and always open when it matters.
1. Austin Ekeler, RB: Washington Commanders
From undrafted out of tiny DII Western Colorado to NFL touchdown machine, Austin Ekeler’s journey is straight-up wild. He led the league in total TDs in both 2021 (20) and 2022 (17), becoming a fantasy football legend and a real-life nightmare for defenses. In 2023, he still produced over 1,000 total yards and 6 TDs for the Chargers, then brought his skillset to Washington in 2024, racking up 733 total yards, 4 scores, and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors as a kick returner. Now in 2025, despite being 30 years old, he enters the season as the Commanders’ starting RB and a team captain. Over the course of his career, Ekeler has racked up 4,722 rushing yards, 4,250 receiving yards, and 73 career TDs. Not only is he one of the best undrafted players of all time, but he’s also one of the most productive running backs of the last decade.
