The 2026 NFL Draft is already in the rearview mirror and it’s time to look ahead to the upcoming season and see which former Michigan State stars are going to be on pro rosters.
Matt Gulbin and Ryan Eckley have a head start on the rest of the Spartan rookies since they were both drafted in the sixth round by the Commanders and the Ravens, respectively, but I have a feeling that we’re going to see some Nate Carter-types who went undrafted but make rosters.
These three undrafted Spartan rookies have the best shot at making 53-man rosters this fall.
1. Omari Kelly, WR, Bears
Glancing at the Bears’ depth chart at receiver, it’s pretty clear that they’re going to need a lot of help for Caleb Williams to succeed. I believe that Omari Kelly has what it takes to make it in the NFL and take some pressure off the franchise quarterback’s shoulders.
The Bears drafted Zavion Thomas in the third round last weekend but they really didn’t address the position group enough. Their clear starters are Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III along with Lions free agents Kalif Raymond, but outside of those guys, it’s anyone’s fight. Outside of Thomas, Kelly will be battling several undrafted free agents for the backup job. I like his chances in this one.
2. Elijah Tau-Tolliver, RB, Ravens
Another guy who’s facing a major uphill battle — as all undrafted rookies are — is Michigan State RB2 Elijah Tau-Tolliver. He was the backup running back behind Makhi Frazier at Michigan State, but I think his carries were mismanaged. There’s just no way that a guy who’s averaging 5.9 yards per carry behind a mediocre line like Michigan State’s should only get 72 carries.
That’s a complaint for a different day, though.
Tau-Tolliver was signed by the Baltimore Ravens following the draft and, as we all know, they have Derrick Henry leading the way. Justice Hill is locked into that backup spot, but I’m not ready to write Tau-Tolliver off despite Baltimore drafting Clemson’s Adam Randall in the fifth round.
Although he might start the season on the practice squad, it wouldn’t shock me in the least to see Tau-Tolliver get called up to the NFL squad at some point this season.
3. Malcolm Bell, CB, Browns (minicamp invite)
I went with a bit of a surprise as my third pick. It may have been easy to choose someone like Malik Spencer who was a multi-year starter in East Lansing and was once regarded as a potential first-round pick, but Malcolm Bell blew me away in 2025 with Michigan State.
The transfer cornerback from UConn was Pro Football Focus’ pick for the highest-graded Spartan defender from last season, and it checks out. He had 49 tackles and six pass breakups over 11 starts and he was one of the best coverage corners in the Big Ten. I was shocked that he didn’t get drafted or even signed, but I see him making the most of this minicamp invite.
My prediction is that he performs well enough to earn an undrafted free agent contract with the Browns and if he does, outside of three guys, the entire cornerback room for Cleveland is filled with undrafted free agents. You can’t tell me that Bell wasn’t one of the best cornerbacks to go undrafted.
This is my surprise pick to make a roster.
Honorable mention: Jack Velling, TE, Falcons
I didn’t include Jack Velling on this list because he faces an uphill battle, but I think that he can make the roster with the right coaching and fit offensively. Atlanta is a good spot for Velling because after Kyle Pitts, it’s really anyone’s game. Obviously Austin Hooper is close to a lock for the backup job, but Velling could very well beat out Charlie Woerner and 2025 undrafted free agent Joshua Simon. The former Michigan State tight end is better than people give him credit for.
Plus, the Falcons have shown the willingness to sign undrafted Spartan free agents to the 53-man roster — right, Nate Carter?
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