Packers’ 2020 UDFA class features mixture of college production and athletic upside

The Green Bay Packers have reportedly signed or agreed to terms with 15 undrafted players following the 2020 NFL Draft. This year’s group contains players from a wide variety of programs and with a wide variety of experiences, including six-year collegians, third-year juniors, and players who transferred schools due to disciplinary reasons.

Five players participated in the NFL Combine in February, while five of them were in attendance for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, one of the college all-star games in January. Another four players come from outside the FBS, including one incredible athlete from a Canadian university. Two of these players — Stanford Samuels and Will Sunderland — were also four-star recruits coming out of high school, further adding to the pedigree and potential of the group.

Here is an in-depth look at all 15 players and their collegiate backgrounds.

Combine Invitees

Tipa Galeai, EDGE, Utah State

H/W: 6045, 235 lbs
Hand/Arm/Wingspan: 9-1/2, 33-5/8, 81
40-yard dash: DNP
Bench press: DNP
Vert/broad: DNP
Cone/Shuttle: DNP

2015 (TCU, 4 games): 7 total tackles (5 solo), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 sack
2016 (TCU, 8 games): 24 total tackles (8 solo), 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks; 1 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR
2017: sat out & redshirted due to transfer rules
2018 (13 games): 64 total tackles (29 solo), 13.5 TFL, 10.0 sacks; 2 INTs (one returned for TD), 3 PD; 3 FF
2019 (12 games): 55 total tackles (30 solo), 9.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks; 1 FR

The Packers elected to sign Jordan Love’s Utah State teammate Galeai to a UDFA contract this year to provide some competition on the edge. His measurements suggest that he is currently a little light to hold up on the outside at the NFL level, but one option for Galeai could be to play a similar role in Green Bay to that of another former Aggie: Kyler Fackrell, who dropped into coverage almost as often as he rushed the quarterback. Otherwise, Galeai may have to move off the ball to the inside full-time, though he moves well enough that this could be an option.

Galeai started his career at TCU, but was charged with assault and dismissed from the team in 2017. After transferring to Utah State, he redshirted during his transfer year. He was productive in Logan, using his athletic ability to get after the quarterback. If he can bulk up into the 240s, he may have a chance to stick as a reserve and special teams player. Galeai participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January.

Stanford Samuels, CB, Florida State

H/W: 6010, 187 lbs
Hand/Arm/Wingspan: 10-1/8, 31-3/4, 76-3/8
40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds
Bench press: DNP
Vert/broad: DNP
Cone/Shuttle: DNP

2017 (10 games): 27 total tackles (20 solo), 3.0 TFL, 1.0 sack; 2 INTs, 5 PBU; 1 FF
2018 (12 games): 58 total tackles (37 solo), 1.0 TFL; 4 INTs, 4 PBU
2019 (12 games): 60 total tackles (37 solo), 1.5 TFLs; 2 INTs, 7 PBU

Widely considered the best player in this UDFA class, most analysts expected Samuels to be drafted. Dane Brugler of The Athletic, for example, rated him as a sixth-round value and had him as the 26th-best cornerback in this year’s draft class. According to Bob McGinn of The Athletic, some scouts had Samuels rated as a late day-two or early day-three prospect, but his 4.65-second 40 at the Combine dropped him. However, Samuels believes that some pre-workout activities in Indianapolis, including a stress test the day before his workout triggers because of a minor heart issue, caused him to run slowly.

Samuels was a four-star high school recruit and faced solid competition in the ACC, particularly against Clemson’s stacked receiver group. He is a tall, physical corner with good ball skills who likely is best-suited in a press-man scheme where he can challenge a receiver at the line of scrimmage. He also played safety in 2018, so he comes with some positional versatility as well. If his play speed is faster than his timed speed — he reportedly ran a 4.50 later in the draft process — this could be an absolute steal for the Packers.

Darrell Stewart, WR, Michigan State

H/W: 6028, 212 lbs
Hand/Arm/Wingspan: 9-5/8, 32, 75-7/8
40-yard dash: DNP
Bench press: 15 reps
Vert/broad: 35”, 117”
Cone/Shuttle: DNP, DNP

2016 (5 games): 3 receptions, 29 yards; 5 KO returns, 107 yards
2017 (13 games): 50 receptions, 501 yards, 2 TDs; 20 rushes, 140 yards; 6 KO returns, 152 yards
2018 (11 games): 48 receptions, 413 yards, 1 TD; 4 KO returns, 117 yards
2019 (9 games): 49 receptions, 697 yards, 4 TDs; 8 KO returns, 175 yards

Stewart was one of the nation’s leading receivers early on in 2019 before he missed most of November with an injury. He did participate in some receiving drills at the Combine in February, though he did not perform in the 40 or agility drills.

Dane Brugler calls Stewart’s ball skills “confusing,” noting that he makes a number of tough catches away from his body but is prone co concentration-related drops. “Overall, Stewart competes with the instincts and play personality you want on your team, but his inconsistency at the catch point and average athleticism might keep him from standing out,” Brugler writes, ranking Stewart as the 55th-best wide receiver in this year’s class.

Michigan State also gave Stewart their “Oil Can” award for “team humorist” each of the past three years, so he should be an interesting interview and a fun presence in the locker room.

Patrick Taylor, Jr., RB, Memphis

H/W: 6014, 217 lbs
Hand/Arm/Wingspan: 9-3/8, 32-1/4, 75-5/8
40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds
Bench press: 15 reps
Vert/broad: 34”, 123”
Cone/Shuttle: DNP, 4.34 seconds

2016 (12 games): 93 carries, 546 yards, 2 TDs; 11 receptions, 37 yards
2017 (12 games): 157 carries, 866 yards, 13 TDs; 19 receptions, 148 yards, 1 TD
2018 (14 games): 208 carries, 1,122 yards, 16 TDs; 17 receptions, 197 yards, 2 TDs
2019 (6 games): 78 carries, 350 yards, 5 TDs; 8 receptions, 52 yards

Despite his excellent season in 2018, Taylor made just four starts in his career for Memphis. In 2018 he played behind Darrell Henderson, a third-round draft pick by the Rams last year. However, the two had nearly the same number of touches, though Henderson was by far the more explosive player with 8.9 yards per carry to Taylor’s 5.4.

In 2019, with Taylor expected to take the reins full-time, he injured his ankle in the season opener, costing him half the season and forcing him into a backup role behind freshman Kenny Gainwell when he did return. He eventually had surgery on the ankle this offseason, though he hopes to be able to return in time for training camp. If healthy, Taylor could be a useful reserve and special teams contributor early in his career.

Non-Combine FBS Players

Krys Barnes, LB, UCLA

Listed H/W: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds

2016 (3 games): 3 total tackles (2 solo)
2017 (9 games): 50 total tackles (35 solo), 1.0 TFL
2018 (12 games): 85 total tackles (53 solo), 10.0 TFL, 1.0 sack; 1 INT, 6 PD
2019 (10 games): 72 total tackles (48 solo), 9.5 TFLs, 4.0 sacks; 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF

Barnes is the third member of the Packers’ incoming rookie class to be represented by Athletes First, joining first-round pick Jordan Love and second-rounder AJ Dillon. Barnes started a majority of UCLA’s games in each of his last three years, including full-time starter status as a junior and senior. He earned honorable mention All-Pac 12 status from the conference’s coaches and received UCLA’s award for most outstanding senior in 2019.

A “glue guy” for the Bruins, Barnes has earned accolades from his teammates and coaches for his leadership and hard work. He participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January.

Henry Black, S, Baylor

Listed H/W: 6-foot, 206 pounds

2016 (13 games): 8 total tackles (6 solo)
2017 (12 games): 25 total tackles (13 solo), 1 INT
2018 (13 games): 24 total tackles (18 solo), 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks; 1 FF
2019 (14 games): 62 total tackles (40 solo), 1.0 TFL; 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF

Black gradually developed into a starting safety for Baylor after being recruited as an outside linebacker and spending time there through his first three seasons. However, he moved to safety full-time in 2019 with Baylor’s shift from a 4-3 to a 3-3-5 scheme, bringing a linebacker’s mentality to the secondary.

Travis Bruffy, OL, Texas Tech

Listed H/W: 6-foot-6, 305 pounds

Bruffy started at left tackle for the Red Raiders for the past three seasons and was a captain each of the past two. He earned second-team All-Big XII honors in 2019. Bruffy also was one of 15 student athletes and just four FBS football players to attend the NCAA Convention in 2019, where he participated in the autonomy session to represent student-athletes’ interests.

Frankie Griffin, S/ILB, Texas State

Listed H/W: 6-foot, 205 pounds

2014: redshirt year
2015: received medical redshirt
2016 (9 games): 46 total tackles (32 solo), 5.0 TFLs
2017 (12 games): 74 total tackles (51 solo), 11.5 TFLs, 4.0 sacks; 3 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
2018 (12 games): 71 total tackles (33 solo), 8.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks; 1 PD, 3 FR
2019 (11 games): 67 total tackles (36 solo), 6.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 blocked kick

Griffin spent six years at Texas State thanks to a medical hardship waiver, as he redshirted in 2014 and sat out all of 2015 with an injury. He started his career at safety, then moved to linebacker for 2017. From then on, he played in 35 games with 31 starts in the last three years.

He earned all-Sun Belt third team honors for his 2017 season and honorable mention for his 2018 campaign. Based on his size, Griffin may move to safety, though he is a similar size to some of the players that the Packers used at the nickel and dime linebacker position in recent years.

Willington Previlon, DT, Rutgers

Listed H/W: 6-foot-5, 295 pounds

2016: did not play
2017 (12 games): 13 total tackles (6 solo), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 sack; 2 PD
2018 (12 games): 26 total tackles (13 solo), 3.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks
2019 (12 games): 31 total tackles (19 solo); 7.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack; 1 PD

Previlon became a full-time starter as a senior and earned the award for Rutgers’ team MVP in 2019. An honorable-mention All-Big Ten performer, Previlon was a three-star recruit coming out of high school.

Delontae Scott, EDGE, SMU

Listed H/W: 6-foot-5, 250 pounds

2016 (6 games): 7 total tackles (5 solo), 1.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack
2017 (10 games): 19 total tackles (14 solo), 6.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF
2018 (11 games): 32 total tackles (20 solo), 10.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks; 1 PD, 1 FF
2019 (13 games): 39 total tackles (27 solo), 17.0 TFLs, 9.0 sacks; 1 PD, 2 FF

Another player who participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Scott had a massive senior season, earning second-team All-ACC. He helped the SMU defense lead the FBS in sacks with just under four per game.

Scott earned a few starts as a sophomore, then started every game in 2018 and 2019. His twin brother Michael enrolled with him at SMU, but then went to junior college and eventually played defensive line for Oklahoma State the last two years.

Will Sunderland, Jr., DB, Troy

H/W: 6020, 196 lbs
Hand/Arm/Wingspan: 8-1/8, 31-3/4, 76-1/2
40-yard dash: 4.50
Bench press: 12 reps
Vert/broad: 36”, 119”
Cone/Shuttle: 7.21, 4.27

2015 (Oklahoma, 2 games): 3 total tackles (2 solo)
2016 (Oklahoma, 8 games): 15 total tackle (9 solo); 1.0 TFL; 1 INT, 1 PD
2017: transferred and redshirted
2018 (12 games): 21 total tackles (11 solo), 3.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks; 1 INT
2019 (10 games): 38 total tackles (31 solo), 2.0 TFLs; 4 INTs (one returned for TD), 4 PD

Once a four-star safety recruit who was expected to compete for a starting job in Norman, Sunderland was suspended during the summer of 2017 for an alleged burglary in the OU dorms involving video game systems. He eventually reached a plea bargain to felony charges after sitting out that season and transferring to Troy, where he played both safety and cornerback over the last two years. Troy was one of the few programs to hold its Pro Day early before the COVID-19 shutdown, so we do have measurements for Sunderland.

He earned all-Sun Belt honors last season at cornerback, and his recruiting background suggests a player with excellent athletic ability. His height should prove helpful against bigger receivers at the NFL level if he sticks at corner instead of moving back inside to safety. If he has indeed learned from his previous mistakes, Sunderland could compete for a role on defense as early as 2020. Sunderland was at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl as well.

Non-FBS Players

Marc-Antoine Dequoy, S, University of Montreal

2016 (3 games): special teams only
2017 (9 games): 3 INTs
2018 (8 games): 4 INTs
2019 (8 games): 3 INTs

A video game studies major at Montreal (yes, that is apparently a real major), the 25-year-old Dequoy started his university career on special teams before stepping into the starting lineup at safety in his second year. Dequoy’s Pro Day numbers above are even more impressive when that “bad cold” that Brandt referenced turned out to be the seasonal flu — and thankfully not COVID-19, which he thought it was.

In 2019, Dequoy earned conference defensive player of the year honors and the Carabins advanced to the Canadian collegiate national championship game, but he broke his arm early on in the contest. Dequoy was then invited to the Shrine Bowl in January and practiced during the week, though he did not participate in the game because of the injury. He is also expected to be selected early in the CFL Draft next weekend.

Dequoy’s position in Montreal’s defense is described as “strongside halfback,” a role analogous to a hybrid slot corner/safety. He is a project as he transitions to the NFL from Canadian football, but would at the very least provide tremendous athletic ability on special teams.

Zack Johnson, OL, North Dakota State

Listed H/W: 6-foot-6, 315 lbs

A native of Blaine, Minnesota, Johnson began his career at right tackle, starting there in 2017 and 2018 and earning FCS All-American honors (one first-, one second-, and one third-team) as a junior. He then moved inside to right guard for 2019, where he was a first-team AA again. In his five seasons with the Bison, NDSU won four FCS national championships.

After graduating in December, Johnson earned an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl this year to help bolster his draft stock

Jordan Jones, TE/FB, Prairie View A&M

Listed H/W: 6-foot-1, 250 lbs

2015 (Grambling State, 2 games): 1 solo tackle; redshirted
2016 (Grambling State, 12 games): 10 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TDs
2017 (Grambling State, 13 games): 17 receptions, 316 yards, 5 TDs; 3 carries, 5 yards
2018 (Grambling State, 6 games): 2 receptions, 15 yards
2019 (11 games): 28 receptions, 497 yards, 4 TDs

Jones took an odd route to Prairie View, starting his career at another FCS school, Grambling State, as a tight end. After moving to fullback for his redshirt junior year, injuries cut that campaign short and he transferred to Prairie View where he shifted back to tight end and H-back, his likely role in camp with the Packers. There, he set career highs in receptions and yards as a senior.

Jalen Morton, QB, Prairie View A&M

Listed H/W: 6-foot-4, 226 pounds

2015 (1 game): no stats; redshirted
2016 (9 games): 72-146 (49.3%), 945 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs; 58 carries, 190 yards, 6 TDs; 1 reception, 8 yards, 1 TD
2017 (6 games): 8-17 (47.1%), 107 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs; 8 carries, 65 yards (8.1 YPC); 3 receptions, 21 yards
2018 (11 games): 170-327 (52.0%), 2,344 yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs; 130 carries, 874 yards (6.7 YPC), 10 TDs
2019 (8 games): 122-205 (59.5%), 1.841 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs; 74 carries, 450 yards (6.1 YPC), 6 TDs

Joining his former college teammate in Green Bay, Morton is a reasonably athletic quarterback. He stepped in to start a few games as a redshirt freshman in place of senior Trey Green. One of those contests was a game at Rice University of the FBS, where he threw for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions and added another score with his legs. He backed up as a sophomore, then started for two years, leading Prairie View to a 6-5 season in 2019.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein notes that Morton has an NFL-caliber arm with decent athletic ability, but needs to develop in the mental aspects of quarterback play.

Bonus: Morton lists noted Packers fan Lil’ Wayne as his favorite musician.