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here is something special about when an undrafted free agent makes an NFL roster that’s tough to put into words but seems to go back to why we love sports in the first place.
That’s because if you’re undrafted and wind up in an NFL training camp, you’re an underdog from the moment you step on the field. Always will be.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have one of those rare players that goes from undrafted to the opening-day roster in former Florida State star linebacker Kalen DeLoach.
DeLoach, an All-ACC pick in 2023, has already earned training camp reps with Tampa Bay’s starters.
“Athletic linebackers who can run and tackle are always going to draw roster consideration,” Ballentine wrote. “They are prime candidates to fit in on special teams in addition to adding depth on defense. When one of those linebackers is also getting some opportunities in camp to play with the starters, it’s an even better sign. Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is among the most aggressive defensive play-callers in the league. His love for blitzing should help Kalen DeLoach, who ran a 4.47-second 40 and had seven sacks in his final season with Florida State.”
Why DeLoach Wasn’t Taken in 2024 NFL Draft
If we’re looking to point at a reason DeLoach wasn’t taken in the 2024 NFL draft, there’s an easy culprit — size. DeLoach is only 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, which is undersized for both inside and outside linebackers in the NFL. He had had been listed at 6-foot-1 in Florida State’s media guide.
What DeLoach does have is speed and talent. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds at the NFL combine and was a three-year starter for the Seminoles and finished his career with 212 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles.
