Top three undrafted rookie gems and late-round picks turning heads in the push for expanded roles

Every year, rookie prospects who were overlooked in the NFL draft process surpass expectations and make the final 53-man roster on cutdown day.

Some even go on to forge long and productive careers, establishing themselves among the best in the league.

Tom Brady, once a sixth-round pick, became the most accomplished quarterback in league history.

Antonio Gates, a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, entered the NFL undrafted before finishing his career as the all-time leader in touchdowns by a tight end.

This season, there are a handful of players whose impressive training camps and standout preseason performances have put them firmly in contention for bigger roles. Here are my top three.

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1. Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt, running back, Washington Commanders

The Commanders' seventh-round pick was already turning heads in training camp, and the hype has reached new levels after his impressive performances in Washington's preseason games.

In the season opener, he carried the ball seven times for 24 yards and caught one reception for eight yards.

It might have been the kind of performance to go unnoticed by most, but not Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn.

"I like the skills that we're seeing from Bill," Quinn said in his postgame interview after the preseason opener against the New England Patriots. "I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far."

Croskey-Merritt followed up with 11 carries and 46 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Commanders' second preseason game.

That performance effectively helped the youngster leapfrog Brian Robinson, Washington's leading running back for the past three years.

Robinson has since been added to the trade block and is rumoured to be a cut candidate if the team cannot find a trade partner.

Assuming Robinson is not on the roster come Week 1, Croskey-Merritt's main competition for touches in the backfield will be 30-year-old Austin Ekeler.

It's been quite a journey for the Alabama State product so far, and it's only just getting started.

2. Efton Chism III, wide receiver, New England Patriots

Despite a record-breaking college career at Eastern Washington, Chism III did not hear his name called on draft night, likely owing to his diminutive 5'10", 195-pound frame and questionable long speed.

The youngster has been doing everything within his power to prove he belongs since being picked up by the Patriots.

His preseason debut for New England vs. Washington saw him top the Patriots in catches (6) and yards (50) while scoring their only receiving touchdown in a 48–18 rout.

Chism III was just as impressive the following week against the Minnesota Vikings, as he caught all six of his targets for 71 yards and his second touchdown in two games.

His performances have drawn the praise of backup Patriots quarterback Josh Dobbs.

"He does a great job in the routes that he has of being fast when he needs to, but also being strategic when he needs to.

"He's a QB-friendly target, like in the red zone or on third down. He gets a lot of good matchups, and he wins those matchups, which is most important."

As a shifty, undersized receiver from a small school, comparisons have been made to Justin Edelman, the Patriots wideout who won three Super Bowls with New England.

In an interview with NBC Sports Boston, Edelman offered his thoughts on the undrafted gem.

"He’s had a hell of a camp. It’s going to be an interesting decision on what to do with these guys in that specific receiver room."

In a crowded wide receiver group that includes Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, and others, there's no guarantee Chism III makes the roster.

But if he doesn't, his standout preseason surely proves he is deserving of a spot on a 53-man roster elsewhere. He's too good to hang around on New England's practice squad.

3. Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Cleveland Browns

While the first and second spots on this list were clear-cut, several players were in contention for the third.

Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, Los Angeles Chargers safety R.J. Mickens, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks, and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jay Higgins have all excelled and deserve consideration in this article.

But in the end, I gave the nod to the player whose infamous draft day slide saw him fall to the fifth round before being selected by the Cleveland Browns, not least because he plays arguably the most challenging position in football.

While dealing with the media frenzy that comes with following in the footsteps of his father - an NFL legend enshrined in the Hall of Fame - the younger Sanders excelled in the Browns' opener.

Sanders' play didn't escape head coach Kevin Stefanski.

"I'm pleased with Shedeur, pleased with the offense," he told ESPN. "The guys' making plays"

Joe Flacco has been named the Browns' Week 1 starter, and the competition with Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett to win the backup job is still wide open, but Sanders has done well to block out the noise and focus on the task at hand.

And with the 40-year-old Flacco entering what could be his final season in the NFL, 2026 could be Sanders' year.

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