Saints, other NFL teams bring in undrafted rookies

The post draft signings is something that has separated the Saints coaching staff from many franchises in the NFL in recent years. There is a history of success of New Orleans’ recognizing quality undrafted free agents and winning the races to sign them in the past.

The Saints made just five draft picks in 2019 so there are a few extra spots on the 90-man roster for the offseason and training camp.

Here are a list of this year’s undrafted rookie free agents (UDFAs) the Saints acted quickly Saturday evening to bring into the fold to compete for roster spots:

DE Carl Granderson (6-4 1/2, 255) Wyoming, ran a 4.79 forty with a 35″ vertical, had a 5th or 6th round grade.
DT Shy Tuttle (6-3, 302) Tennessee
LB Chasen Hansen (6-3, 222) Utah, totaled 114 tackles last season, including 22 tackles for loss, also had five sacks.
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey (6-3/1/2, 212) Texas, ran a slow 4.75
CB Jordan Wyatt (5-11 1/2, 195) SMU, ran a 4.52, 4-year starter for Ponies. Special teamer/nickel back.
DS Nick Moore (Georgia) deep snapper
RB Darnell Holland (5-10, 195) Kennesaw State, 4.38 forty, 37″ vertical, 2,431 career yards with 26 touchdowns.
DT Kenny Bigelow (6-4, 310) West Va. knew Ed Orgeron from his days at USC before transferring to West Virginia.
DE Corbin Kaufusi (6-8 1/2, 280) BYU
TE Jake Powell (6-6, 230) Monmouth
OT/OG Ethan Greenidge (6-4, 335) Villanova, 40 starts at RT/LT. 4 year starter.
Devine Ozigbo (5-10 1/2, 220) Nebraska, 4.54 forty, good receiver, physical runner.
KR Deonte Harris (5-6, 173) Assumption, 12 returns for touchdowns, NCAA all-divisions career leader.
OL Derrick Kelly (6-4, 323) Florida State, started 28 games at LT, RT and LG. He has good size and athleticism for his large frame but is likely a guard in the NFL. As a 4 star recruit in 2014, Kelly went back and forth between LSU and Florida State before opting for the ‘Noles.

The Saints invited North Dakota State strong safety Robbie Grimsley (6-0, 198) to attend rookie minicamp. I would not bet against this guy. Grimsley has been a winner everywhere he has been.

The Hutchinson, Minnesota product was his state’s Mr. Football in 2014 and became a four-year starter (54 starts) for the FCS powerhouse Bisons with three national title wins. Grimsley was a 2018 1st team All American who finished his college career with 17 interceptions and 38 passes broken up.

Very instinctive but also an avid film study buff, Grimsley is known as a conditioning enthusiast. He lacks great speed (4.67 forty) but rarely takes false steps. Grimsley may be an ideal contributor on special teams.

Other notable NFL UDFA signings…
QB Tyree Jackson (U. of Buffalo) Bills
QB Kyle Shurmur (Vanderbilt) Chiefs
QB Jake Browning (Washington) Vikings
QB Brett Rypien (Boise State) Broncos
RB Alex Barnes (Kansas State) Titans
RB Nick Brossette (LSU) Patriots
RB Travon McMillian (Colorado) Steelers
FB Alec Ingold (Wisconsin) Raiders
WR Tyron Johnson (Oklahoma State/Warren Easton) Texans
RB Elijah Holyfield (Georgia) Panthers
WR Stanley Morgan (Nebraska/St. Aug) Bengals
WR Demarkus Lodge (Ole Miss) Buccaneers
WR Jazz Ferguson (Northwestern State) Seahawks
TE Matt Sokol (Michigan State) Chargers
OT Koda Martin (Syracuse) Chargers
OT Tyree St. Louis (Miami) Patriots
OG Alex Bars (Notre Dame) Bears
OG Fred Johnson (Florida) Steelers
OG Garrett Brumfield (LSU) Steelers
OG O’Shea Dugas (Louisiana Tech) Bengals
LB B.J. Blount (McNeese, McDonogh 35) Redskins
DE Kahzin Daniels (Charleston) Buccaneers
DT Gerald Willis (Miami/Edna Karr) Ravens
DT Chris Nelson (Texas) Steelers
LB Terrill Hanks (New Mexico State) Dolphins
LB Gary Johnson (Texas) Chiefs
LB Josiah Tauaefa (UTSA) Giants
QB Wilton Speight (UCLA) 49ers
WR David Sills (West Virginia) Bills
CB Saivion Smith (Alabama) Jaguars
Center Bunchy Stallings (Kentucky) Jaguars
Safety John Battle (LSU) Jets