The 2024 NFL Draft concluded, and numerous undrafted free agents are still seeking opportunities in the league. Several have inked deals with teams in recent days, while others have secured invitations to rookie camps across different franchises, aiming to showcase their abilities and secure a contract.
Among the standout undrafted free agents signed this week is Nelson Ceaser, a promising EDGE player from Houston. General manager John Schneider and the Seahawks wasted no time in securing him post-draft, offering a contract that includes a $10,000 signing bonus and an additional $100,000 guaranteed.
Houston edge rusher Nelson Ceaser has signed undrafted free agent deal with Seattle Seahawks. Big 12 sacks leader with 9 1/2 last season. @UHCougarFB @IAMNPC3_ pic.twitter.com/MLGIKoohzO
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) April 28, 2024
Nelson Ceaser, EDGE Houston
In an era where transferring is common, Nelson Ceaser chose to remain loyal to Houston for five years. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 254 pounds, this edge rusher showcased his talent with a notable 10 sacks in his latest season, maintaining an impressive pass rush pressure rate of nearly 13% throughout his college career. He consistently proved himself as a disruptive force off the edge every season.
Despite facing slightly weaker opponents, Ceaser often excelled against top-tier competition. Notably, he recorded 20 pressures and 6 sacks against Big 12 teams last season, and in the previous season, he managed nine pressures in a single game against a formidable 11-3 UTSA team.
While his performance at the NFL Combine was not outstanding, landing in the 49th percentile in the A to Z Sports Athletic Composite Score, he left a mark at the Senior Bowl prior to that, impressing scouts and observers alike.
Nelson Ceaser’s fit with the Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks boast several edge rushers with impressive physical attributes, but last season, only Boye Mafe managed to pressure opposing quarterbacks on over 10% of his pass rush attempts. Despite experimenting with a rotation of five different edge rushers, the Seahawks struggled to find consistent pressure outside of Mafe.
Nelson Ceaser presents a promising solution to this issue and could find himself breaking into the Seahawks’ rotation this upcoming season. With the team in desperate need of additional pressure off the edge, Ceaser is likely to start training camp splitting reps with the third team, possibly as the fifth or sixth pass rusher on the depth chart. However, if he showcases his talents during the summer, he could swiftly climb the ranks.
There’s a genuine chance Ceaser earns the role of the third edge defender by the end of the season, given his proven ability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks with his pass rush skills.
