For the first time since 2021, no Virginia football alumni were selected in the NFL Draft. As of Sunday, though, five Cavaliers signed undrafted free agent deals and five more received invitations to an organization’s rookie camp.
All 10 former Virginia players will have an opportunity to crack an NFL roster. However, making the cut as an undrafted player is a difficult feat. Each Cavalier will enter their own unique situation.
Running back J’Mari Taylor — Jacksonville Jaguars
Taylor had the best chance to be drafted among his college teammates — ESPN graded him as the 136th best prospect in a draft that included 257 picks. Ultimately, 13 running backs were selected but Taylor was not one of them. As a result, Taylor became an undrafted free agent with the ability to sign to any NFL team.
Taylor signed with Jacksonville, a team with one of the least-experienced running back rooms in the league. Longtime starter Travis Etienne Jr. left for New Orleans this offseason, opening the door for Taylor to compete with Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., LeQuint Allen Jr. and DeeJay Dallas. None of those players have surpassed 550 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in their careers. Taylor has a real shot to make this roster.
Defensive tackle Jahmeer Carter — Los Angeles Chargers
Carter was not ranked inside ESPN’s top 35 defensive tackles in the draft, despite his experience of 3000-plus snaps at Virginia. However, Carter enters a favorable NFL organization in a similar way to Taylor.
The Chargers are currently rather thin at defensive line, to the extent that ESPN lists Carter as the third-string left defensive end on Los Angeles’ roster. If the Chargers do not make a few additions to their defensive line, Carter could find a secure spot with the organization — even if that means spending 2026 on the practice squad.
Safety Devin Neal — Jacksonville Jaguars
Neal’s shot at an NFL career begins at the same place his college career ended — Jacksonville, the host city of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. However, he faces an uphill battle compared to Taylor and Carter.
The Jaguars’ starting strong safety spot is firmly occupied by Antonio Johnson, and the starting free safety spot is currently owned by veteran Eric Murray. Jacksonville also drafted safety Jalen Huskey this year, and features a couple of late round picks at the position from the past few drafts. Neal is a multi-time All-ACC player, though, so he could certainly fight and earn a spot.
Defensive end Mitchell Melton — Indianapolis Colts
Melton’s scenario is a different version of Neal’s. Melton signed with the Colts, an organization that has a wealth of experienced defensive linemen — however, most of them have been unimpressive. Only DeForest Buckner is a top-tier contributor. The door is open for Melton to earn a roster spot, but he will have to unseat players with far more NFL experience.
Melton did accrue a boatload of college experience, though — he won the 2024 National Championship with Ohio State before becoming the anchor of Virginia’s pass rush in 2025. Melton’s ability to contribute as both a pass rusher and run defender could help him surpass some incumbents.
Wide receiver Cam Ross — Denver Broncos
Ross signed with the Broncos post-draft, an organization that shredded a multi-year slump and ended up earning the AFC’s top seed in 2025. Denver is led by an offensive guru in Coach Sean Payton. The Broncos have a firmly entrenched starting receiver trio in Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.
Beyond them and a few young wideouts, however, there is a wide open competition to be the team’s sixth or seventh receiver. Ross’ primary competition is 28-year-old Michael Bandy, who has only amassed 139 career receiving yards. Ross could win that battle given his extensive special teams experience as a dazzling returner.
Rookie camp invites
For players who were neither drafted nor signed as an undrafted free agent, rookie camp is the best available option. Most rookie camp invitees do not earn a spot at the team’s summer training camp, but it is a brief and valuable introduction to NFL life.
Quarterback Chandler Morris and cornerback Jordan Robinson get chances with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, long snapper Bryce Robinson received an opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts, tight end Sage Ennis heads to the Miami Dolphins and linebacker James Jackson to the Tennessee Titans.
Morris lands with Tampa Bay, a strong landing spot given his physical and stylistic similarities to starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Morris will battle to make the summer camp roster. He very well could, given that the Buccaneers currently only have three other quarterbacks.
Jordan Robinson was dependable for Virginia in 2025, locking down receivers. However, he did not make splashy plays such as interceptions or tackles for loss with much frequency. He may have to earn his snaps through special teams.
Bryce Robinson could stick around longer due to the scarcity of long snappers, although Indianapolis has an established starter in Luke Rhodes.
Sage Ennis was one of the best blocking tight ends in the nation, and now takes his talents back home to his native state of Florida. The Dolphins feature two other rookie tight ends plus a pair of decent veterans — Ennis could end up sticking with Miami through the summer.
James Jackson was a longtime starter for Virginia, which included serving as a defensive captain in 2025. He joins a Titans squad that finished 2025 tied for the worst record in the NFL — so playing time is certainly up for grabs all across the Tennessee defense.
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