The 2015 NFL Draft came to a close in Chicago on Saturday, but teams will continue to add talented prospects who didn’t hear their name called during the three-day festivities for weeks to come.
Though they face uphill battles, there are plenty of undrafted players who have excelled in the NFL.
Within 24 hours following the draft, the Chicago Bears have signed 15 UDFAs (undrafted free agents), including UCLA safety Anthony Jefferson, Rice CB Bryce Callahan, UCF CB Jacoby Glenn, East Central CB Qumain Black, Washington LB John Timu, TCU linebacker Jonathan Anderson, Miami DE Olsen Pierre, Old Dominion long-snapper Rick Lovato and Toledo kicker Jeremiah Detmer.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears have also signed Coastal Carolina guard Chad Hamilton, Arkansas OT Cameron Jefferson, Alabama TE Brian Vogler, Illinois State WR Cameron Meredith, Baylor receiver and return specialist Levi Norwood and the most notable name — East Carolina quarterback Shane Carden.
In three seasons with the Pirates, Carden completed over 66 percent of his passes for 11,991 yards with a TD-to-INT ratio of 86:30. He went undrafted due to concerns over his release and arm strength, but he does boast a high football IQ, great work ethic, impressive toughness and functional mobility (he rushed for 24 TDs at ECU).
He also throws with accuracy and desired ball placement and processes quickly as he scans the field.
In fact, the day before the draft, an NFL scout actually compared Carden to Brett Favre.
“He reminds me of Favre,” the scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “He’s got some swagger. Really good leadership ability. His physical skill is OK. Some quarterback coach is going to love him because of what’s in his heart and between his ears (Wonderlic of 25).”
Carden’s college teammates have also compared him to Favre for their “facial likeness and mannerisms.”
They also boast a similar frame and share the gun slinger’s mentality. If you can’t beat ’em, get his doppleganger.
Carden will compete this summer on a depth chart that includes Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen and David Fales.
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