2026 UDFA thread

Crow said:
Tristen Kuhn
@KuhnTristen
Few Key Notes:

- High GTD can also be the player was in steep competition for, also does indicate a player that the staff could view as a more likely candidate to make the 53 man roster (in 2025, Greedy Vance signed for 80k GTD, Jahfari Harvey 0, and Carter Runyon 115k) also notable Ma'ae 90k.

- Slone/Rucker ranked T10th for all UDFA, Roberts ranked 17th. The team gave out the 3rd highest UDFA GTD money of all teams behind KC & TEN
- Slone the 2nd highest paid UDFA EDGE rusher (Logan Fano), Rucker 2nd highest paid UDFA WR, Hemby highest paid UDFA RB, and Roberts 4th highest paid UDFA WR. Gary Smith 4th highest paid UDFA DT
- Tyler Duzansky the highest paid LS in terms of GTD money ever at 110k
- Matsuzawa the 2nd highest paid K in 2026 for GTD money, but 6th all time. Dom Zvada in 2026 highest paid ever at 145k GTD.
- #Raiders draft pick Malik Benson earning just 275k GTD & DT Brandon Cleveland at 158k GTD - LS Alex Ward is earning 0 GTD $
Click to expand...
SpyGuy went to bat and guaranteed some coin, nice!
 
Crow said:
He says we've got 25 mill in cap space remaining. I'm sure he's got that wrong.
Click to expand...
it's quite likely correct because most of these deals will fall below, or not be much more than the current top 51 cutoff.

3 picks left to sign including Mendoza will eat that space though.
 
While not listed in Arif’s T300, Raiders’ UDFA NT came in at #319, and is among Arif’s favorite UDFA b/c B. Martin is the only other fatty on the roster, Cleveland is the only other NT, and Pegues’ role is unclear.

UCLA DT Gary Smith III — Las Vegas Raiders (319th)​

Gary Smith III will likely never offer much more than being a reliable run stopper in the NFL. The good news for Smith is that being a big body in the middle of a defense is a skill set that will continue to get players paid.

While Smith doesn’t offer much athletically, his 2025 film showed more explosiveness and quickness than any other season, likely a direct byproduct of him losing 20 pounds following a season-ending injury in 2024. Even with that increased quickness, Smith’s calling card is pure strength and aggressive hands, making him an intriguing space-eating nose tackle.

Although the Raiders had a reasonably good run defense last season, there isn’t a lot of talent on the Raiders’ defensive line. Players like JJ Pegues (a sixth-round pick in 2025) and Adam Butler will likely see a bulk of the playing time, but there’s a pathway for someone like Smith to crack the 53-man roster and even see playing time as a rookie if he can beat fellow rookie, seventh-round pick Brandon Cleveland, and players like former Lions, Chiefs and Steelers defensive tackle Brodric Martin.
 
Birdwell said:
Shit. How can anyone not root for the kid?

And FFS, taught himself off YouTube, went to a JUCO, went to Hawai'i. Somehow I think with NFL coaching he could be the guy.
Click to expand...
I am rooting for him but his leg is a concern. Carlson lacked the leg for the 60+ kicks and those matter more and more in this accelerated age. This kid has barely hit over 50 and scouts were concerned about distance.
 
Darkenblot said:
I am rooting for him but his leg is a concern. Carlson lacked the leg for the 60+ kicks and those matter more and more in this accelerated age. This kid has barely hit over 50 and scouts were concerned about distance.
Click to expand...
Well, he’s a UDFA so no pick was wasted.
 
Darkenblot said:
I am rooting for him but his leg is a concern. Carlson lacked the leg for the 60+ kicks and those matter more and more in this accelerated age. This kid has barely hit over 50 and scouts were concerned about distance.
Click to expand...

I think he had only 2 attempts over 50. His kickoffs were a concern too but he's pretty deadly within 50.
 
Sleet said:
What’s his nickname?
Click to expand...
Doesn't have one that I'm aware from but being from Michigan I'd call him the Blue Bomber!
As of August 2025, Michigan Wolverines kicker Dominic Zvada successfully drilled a 70-yard field goal during practice warmups at Michigan Stadium. The 2024 All-American and 2026 Giants UDFA signee achieved this feat during practice using a tee, demonstrating massive leg strength
 
DonkeyKilla said:
Doesn't have one that I'm aware from but being from Michigan I'd call him the Blue Bomber!
As of August 2025, Michigan Wolverines kicker Dominic Zvada successfully drilled a 70-yard field goal during practice warmups at Michigan Stadium. The 2024 All-American and 2026 Giants UDFA signee achieved this feat during practice using a tee, demonstrating massive leg strength
Click to expand...
Mich owner and GM, WTF is going on!
 
I bet the leg strength thing is slightly overblown.

Kicking here 3 years ago from 57.

Give him a month with the fancy high powered K ball and he will be fine. NFL balls are easier to kick farther.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top