Wisconsin Badger Undrafted Free Agent RBs
A pair of Wisconsin Badger RBs were snatched up in the mad scramble of signings following the NFL Draft.
As I tried to argue on Friday, going undrafted is not always bad news for players. As a “free agent” a player can find the best home possible. The team that gives him the best chance to make an NFL roster.
So far, Corey Clement to the Eagles, Dare Ogunbowale to the Texans, & Sojourn Shelton to the Cardinals as undrafted free agents
— Ryan Wing (@RyanWingFOX11) April 29, 2017
Shortly after the draft concluded, Corey Clement evidently signed as an Undrafted Free Agent (UFA) with the Philadelphia Eagles. The New Jersey native will be heading back to his home region to try and make an NFL roster.
https://twitter.com/CoreyClement_6/status/858477656735707136
Clement will have some serious obstacles to overcome in the battle for a roster spot. The Eagles spent a 4th rounder on Donnel Pumphrey, the NCAA’s all time leading rusher (sort of) Pumphrey got to count Bowl Games while Ron Dayne did not. The Eagles have a fairly crowded backfield at the moment with 5 incumbents + Pumphrey on the roster. The good news is that Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles both are Unrestricted Free Agents in 2018. That tandem combined for 314 touches from scrimmage during the 2016-2017 season. That represents 38.4 percent of total Eagle receptions + rushing attempts. Two more Philly RBs enter Exclusive Rights Free Agency in 2019. Clement will have to have an impressive training camp and preseason to catch on in Philly. If he stays healthy I would expect him to at least be stashed on the practice squad for the season.
Next: Vince Biegel From Badger to Packer
Wisconsin running back Dare Ogunbowale to Texans on undrafted free agent deal
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 29, 2017
Clement’s backfield mate in Madison last year Dare Ogunbowale signed as an UFA with the Houston Texans. He appears to be projected as a 3rd down back at the NFL.
"A third-down back with the effort and consistency to compete for a roster spot on the next level. While his carry count is relatively low he’s a serviceable option as a runner and has the pass-catching talent to compete for snaps on a team devoid of a prototypical third-down back."
"Ogunbowale projects well as a third-down back initially who can grow into a larger role in the NFL. He showed with the Badgers he can be a good blocker, and if he adds size to his 5-11, 205-pound frame, his role in the league could also expand."
"Dare Ogunbowale excelled in his third-down-back role at Wisconsin, catching a combined 60 passes in his last two seasons while averaging 8.5 yards per reception. He has soft hands and the ability to catch and run."
The Texans spent a 3rd round pick on D’Onta Foreman, the Texas Longhorn who finished 2nd in rushing in the NCAA (behind Pumphrey). Foreman totaled eight receptions in his three seasons in Austin, TX. The Texans spent a 4th round pick last season on Tyler Ervin.
Houston’s current bell cow is Lamar Miller, who had 268 rushing attempts and caught 31 passes last season. Miller isn’t a free agent until 2020 but his dead cap figure is only $2M and $1M over the next two years. The Texans have five RB on its roster (including Foreman) two of whom will enter free agency in 2018. All told, the three RB not named Lamar Miller combined for 18 catches last season. With a rookie QB in Deshaun Watson leading the offense, a safety valve pass catching RB for easy completions should be valuable for Houston.
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Much like his former teammate, Ogunbowale has his work cut out for him to latch onto a spot in the final roster. The practice squad may be his destination next season at least. According to Bleacher Report, most NFL teams keep four RBs on their active roster. Barring injury, Miller, Foreman, and Irvin are safe to keep/earn their roster spot which may leave only one other place on the 53-man roster.
For both Clement and Ogunbowale demonstrating they can contribute on special teams returning kicks, blocking, or tackling will be critical to heightening their chance of making the active roster. More likely both will be kept on the practice squad for the year ready to contribute in the event of injuries or contract changes.