Rookie Report: Undrafted free agents to watch

The Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates. This week, we'll be highlighting three undrafted players worth keeping an eye on.

Allen Hurns

Allen Hurns is in a prime position to secure a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars' 53-man roster - in part because of injuries at his position, but also because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch from their time together at the University of Miami. If he continues to play as he has in the preseason, Hurns could be in for a breakout year.

Post-Draft Expectations

Appearing in all 13 games as a senior, Hurns led the Hurricanes in receptions (62) and set a single-season school record with 1,162 receiving yards. Scouts liked his length and hands, but weren't overly enamored by his speed or athleticism. Given this year's deep crop of wide receivers, it's not surprising teams passed over Hurns.

Of course, there is more than one path to the NFL, and Hurns is taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to him in Jacksonville. Through three preseason games, he has 13 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown - not bad for someone deemed unworthy of a draft pick.

What They're Saying

"He's very smart, a hard worker, very humble. He understands what he needs to get done and does it. He has a hunger to get better. He has improved tremendously from when he first got there." – Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts

"He's got great football IQ. He's very coachable and faster than you think. He has strong hands, a tough kid, blocker and he's getting better as a route runner." – Jaguars wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan

"It's unfortunate the injuries we had at wide receiver, but because of that, it creates opportunity. Allen Hurns got reps with the ones and you saw him go against our corners and he caught our eye and now he's really catching our eye doing a nice job." – Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley

"He indeed might be the Jaguars' best undrafted free agent, and I do expect him to make the roster. I expect him to start the regular season as one of the team's top four wide receivers, though I don't know if that will be the case all season." – Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser

Davon Coleman

The Dallas Cowboys have a knack for finding quality undrafted free agents, and they may have found another one in defensive tackle Davon Coleman. After being overshadowed by fellow lineman Will Sutton at Arizona State, Coleman has emerged as a surprise training camp standout for the Cowboys and could find himself on the opening-day roster.

Post-Draft Expectations

Coleman broke out in a big way in his senior season, posting a team-leading 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. The biggest knock against him - and one of the big reasons he went undrafted - is his arm length, which measures at 31.25 inches. However, what he lacks in arm length he makes up for in strength and speed. He also has experience playing both defensive tackle and defensive end.

Coleman started the Cowboys' first two preseason games in place of injured veteran Henry Melton, and is expected to get the nod Saturday against the Miami Dolphins. He is competing with Caesar Rayford and the recently-signed Zach Minter for the final two 3-technique spots on the roster.

What They're Saying

"He's a young player, but every day he comes out and does something that flashes at you. He has to get better technically. He has to be more consistent. But you see some flash. You see some get off. You see some ability to get away from a blocker as a pass rusher, and ultimately that's the trait that separates guys." – Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett

"For a young player, he plays with surprisingly good hand use and awareness in how to try and free himself from blockers. He really fits the scheme well in how he gets up the field and disrupts things." – Cowboys.com analyst Bryan Broaddus

Max Bullough

Max Bullough has football in his blood; his grandfather, Hank, was a standout linebacker at Michigan State in the 1950s before joining the NFL coaching ranks, and his father, Shane, and two uncles also played for the Spartans. He was one of the Big Ten's most consistent linebackers over the past several seasons, but went undrafted largely because of off-field issues.

Post-Draft Expectations

Bullough was projected as a mid- to late-round selection in this year's draft, earning praise for his football intelligence and physicality. When his name wasn't called, many pointed to his mysterious Rose Bowl suspension - which he refused to address with the media at the NFL Combine - as the reason. It's unclear how much impact the suspension had on Bullough's draft stock, but he has been making up lost ground since signing with the Houston Texans in early May.

Through two preseason games, Bullough has a team-leading nine tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception. He currently sits behind Brian Cushing, Mike Mohamed, Justin Tuggle, and Jeff Tarpinian at inside linebacker, so he will likely have to settle for a reserve role in Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense if he survives final roster cuts.

What They're Saying

"He lacks speed, but he's instinctive, intelligent and has a motor that never stops. He understands angles. And he's coachable. He's a quick learner who can play special teams." – Houston Chronicle's John McClain

"Here's a guy that I think is a smart player. He's a competitive kid. He's a good communicator. He grew up in a football family, so football, he sees things very well and for an undrafted guy he's earned himself playing time here in training camp." – Texans head coach Bill O'Brien

"Bullough has a strong football pedigree and has looked the part of an NFL linebacker since coming to Texans camp. Almost immediately he drew the attention of his teammates. Outside linebacker Brooks Reed, who worked with the inside guys throughout the spring, called him an 'awesome player.'" – ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli

"He's not a quick-twitch athlete but makes up for it by being one of the most instinctive linebackers to play the game in college. He's got good size and tackles well and can be a nice backup for Brian Cushing if he doesn't take over for Jeff Tarpinian. He should also contribute a lot on special teams." – College Football 24/7's Bryan Fischer

Quick Hits

• Roy Finch is putting up a big fight for a spot on the New England Patriots' 53-man roster. An undrafted running back out Oklahoma, Finch ran for 37 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and caught two passes for 34 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also returned two kicks for 52 yards.
• St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason drew criticism from head coach Jeff Fisher following their 21-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers. Fisher said the rookie is struggling in pass protection and "needs to keep working on it."
• The Cleveland Browns settled their quarterback competition (for the time being, at least) Wednesday, naming Brian Hoyer their Week 1 starter over rookie Johnny Manziel. Head coach Mike Pettine said he does not want to make a permanent commitment to either player, as the decision is and will continue to be based on performance.
• Washington Redskins wide receiver Ryan Grant, who, according to head coach Jay Gruden has been playing "like a 10-year veteran," had a team-leading four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in Monday's preseason victory over the Browns.
• Taylor Lewan received the first fine of his NFL career following the Tennessee Titans' second preseason game. The rookie tackle was fined $8,268 for committing two unnecessary roughness penalties against the New Orleans Saints.