After the New Orleans Saints selected seven players during the 2023 NFL Draft last weekend, the organization quickly followed up by signing 11 undrafted free agents to the roster.
Here’s who will have a chance to make the final 53-man roster come July.
SaRodorick Thompson, Jr. – Texas Tech RB
Thompson was a three-time All-Big 12 performer for the Red Raiders, compiling the third-most rushing touchdowns in school history with 40. That being said, Thompson saw a dip in production his senior season, not being able to eclipse 1,000 yards or double-digit touchdowns.
Alex Pihlstrom – Illinois OL
A five-year player for the Illini, Pihlstrom is listed at 6’6” and 305 pounds. Transitioning from tight end to the offensive line after his freshman season in 2018, Pihlstrom eventually worked his way to being named an All-Big Ten center in 2022.
Mark Evans II – Arkansas-Pine Bluff OL
Evans was a three-time All-SWAC tackle for the Lions. As a senior, he started nine games at left tackle and was named an AP FCS second-team All-American. Evans is listed at 6’2” and 305 pounds.
Joel Wilson – Central Michigan TE
While Wilson will need some work if he wants to be a good blocker in the NFL, he has proven himself as a good route-runner during his time with Chippewas. In two seasons as a starter, he had 812 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
Lou Hedley – Miami (FL) P
The 6’4” former Australian football player could have been solely signed for competition’s sake. Nevertheless, Hedley’s numbers at Miami were impressive enough to make him a Ray Guy Award semifinalist.
Anthony Johnson – Virginia CB
The Cavalier defensive back had five interceptions during his only two seasons at Virginia after transferring from Louisville. The turnovers combined with over 100 tackles made him a 2022 All-ACC selection.
Anfernee Orji – Vanderbilt LB
A four-year contributor at Vanderbilt, Orji led the Commodores in tackles for three straight seasons with 269 total and 21 for a loss. He also added three sacks, one interception, and two fumble recoveries.
Nick Anderson – Tulane LB
A local Mississippian from Vicksburg, Anderson transferred to Tulane after a year at Jones County Junior College. With the Green Wave, Anderson had 275 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks across four seasons.
Blake Grupe – Notre Dame K
After four seasons with Arkansas State, Grupe transferred to Notre Dame and was a perfect 49 for 49 on PATs. He lacked consistency on field goals, going 14 for 19 with a long of 37 yards.
Shaquan Davis – South Carolina State WR
Another player from an HBCU player, Davis had 119 receptions for 2,430 yards and 25 touchdowns across three full seasons. He’s listed at 6’5” and 180 pounds.
Jerron Cage – Ohio State DL
Cage will look to provide additional depth to an already stacked defensive line. Over the course of five seasons at Ohio State, Cage played in 42 games and totaled 34 tackles, three sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
Malik Flowers – Montana WR/RS
Flowers could make a name for himself in the pros as a return specialist. While at Montana, he returned 92 kickoffs for a Big Sky conference-record 2,659 yards with seven touchdowns. The FCS All-American also added 460 yards and two touchdowns as a wide receiver.
Sy Barnett – Davenport WR/P
After playing at Ferris State for four years, Barnett decided to play his final season at Davenport where he was utilized in multiple positions. As a receiver, he had 694 yards and four touchdowns. As a punter, he averaged 42 yards per punt.
