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Every year, talented college players go undrafted and disappear from the spotlight. Yet some eventually become important NFL starters or even stars. What do certain teams notice in these players that other franchises miss, and how much does the right opportunity matter?

Teams that find undrafted stars usually look beyond draft position and focus on traits that translate to the NFL. A player might lack ideal size or testing numbers but have great instincts, versatility, work ethic, or a strong fit with a team’s scheme.

Some undrafted players have the skills but lack the size, college reputation, or ideal stats teams look for during the draft. The right coaching staff can spot useful traits and give them a role that suits their strengths. Opportunity matters a lot too. Plenty of players never get enough snaps to show what they can do.

Some teams look beyond size, speed, and college stats to spot players with good instincts, strong technique, and the willingness to do the unglamorous work. An undrafted player might also have been overlooked due to a crowded position group or a poor fit with a particular system. Opportunity is huge, though; if a team gives him real coaching and meaningful snaps, he can prove what he’s capable of.