National Football League

The Current Top 10 Undrafted NFL Players

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive back Tanner McEvoy (6) catches a pass and is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Deveron Carr (1) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Seattle won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Some College Football players get overlooked coming out of College. Here I rank the top 10 undrafted NFL Players.

Every year hundreds of College Football players declare for the NFL Draft, and by the end, usually just over 250 players get drafted to NFL teams. That’s when the cameras turn off, the lights get less bright, and it’s all said and done, right? Wrong. A handful of players continue their dream. Training more, working harder, trying to manage their way onto an NFL Roster through Undrafted Free Agency.

In 2016 we’ve seen the likes of Trevone Boykin in Seattle, filling in for an injured Russell Wilson. Tanner McEvoy out of Wisconsin caught a long touchdown pass the next week when Wilson made his way back to the starting lineup.

Jalen Richard and Josh Ferguson are both getting regular snaps for the Raiders and Colts respectively.

Jalin Marshall is in the Wide Receiver rotation for the Jets.

Lastly, Brian Poole has worked his way into the starting lineup for the Atlanta Falcons at CB, while De’Vante Harris is seeing time at CB for the New Orleans Saints. All of these players went undrafted in 2016, but beat the odds and are making a difference for their teams.

While these players are merely making a difference, some current NFL players went undrafted, but are stars in the league, some Pro Bowlers, and some integral pieces to Super Bowl Champion teams.

Here is my top 10 Current NFL Players that went Undrafted.

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) walks off the field after defeating the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention

I had a tough time deciding on a top 10, so I had to include an honorable mention section. Just missing the cut:

Doug Baldwin, WR – Seattle Seahawks – After ending last season with 78 receptions, 1,069 yards, and 14 touchdowns, Baldwin had a career year last year. He could well be on his way to a very productive career.

Vontaze Burfict, LB – Cincinnati Bengals – Burfict entered the NFL in 2012, and played in all 16 games as a rookie, starting 14 of them. Since then, he’s been a force to be reckoned with….when healthy.

Malcolm Bulter, CB – New England Patriots – Best known for his Super Bowl winning interception vs. Seattle, Butler has earned the starting job under Belichick. He has solidified himself as a great playmaker and very solid NFL cornerback. Expect good things to come, and he could finish higher on this list in years to come.

C.J. Anderson, RB – Denver Broncos – Anderson already has one Super Bowl ring under his belt, and could win more as the featured RB for the Broncos. In the last 2 years, he’s covered over 2,100 yards and found the endzone 15 times. He’s still very young, and could prove to be a great player for the Broncos for many years.

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs off the field after the Giants defeated the Saints 16-13 at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

#10 Victor Cruz – WR – New York Giants

The Salsa King himself comes in at No. 10. After a monster Senior Year at the University of Massachusetts, Victor Cruz went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft. In a Preseason game vs the Jets, he finished the game with 6 catches for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns. The rest was history.

In 2011 & 2012, Cruz finished the regular season with 80+ receptions, 1500+ & 1000+ yards respectively, and 9 &10 touchdowns. He probably would have done the same in 2013, had a couple injuries not kept him out of 2 games.

Cruz was a major part of the Giants Superbowl win over the New England Patriots in 2011.

As we all know, since 2014, Cruz has dealt with multiple injuries, including a torn patellar tendon and severe calf injuries. Luckily, he has returned to field in 2016 and is beginning to look like his old self.

Cruz not only gives the Giants another playmaker but someone who adds some juice to the offense. He plays with such a passion that it rubs off on the rest of his teammates. His importance in the offense could grow if Odell Beckham Jr. doesn’t get his emotions in check.

Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#9 Chris Harris Jr. – CB – Denver Broncoos

The cornerback from Denver comes in 9th on this list. Chris Harris Jr. is a part of the intimidating defense that won Super Bowl L. After a very successful season at Kansas in 2010, Chris found himself fighting for a roster position after going undrafted.

In his rookie season, he finished with 65 tackles and an interception, playing in all 16 games. He also made the Broncos All-Rookie team, as well as winning the Broncos Breakout Player of the Year award.

Since then, Harris Jr. has been increasingly difficult for opposing offenses to deal with. He has great strength and quick feet, very rarely losing receivers in coverage. The opposing AFC Quarterbacks can attest, they don’t like playing against Chris Harris Jr.

It’s his ability to limit separation that makes him so special. He features a great combination of balance and fluid hips. This allows him to stick close to his target.

Harris Jr. adds extra value because of his versatility. He is someone that the Broncos can play on the outside or move into the slot. Harris also has the rare ability to stick with the quicker targets and also get physical with the bigger wideouts in the league.

Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

#8 Michael Bennett – DE – Seattle Seahawks

Michael Bennett was signed by the Seahawks after his 2009 season at Texas A&M. Most considered his undrafted status a result of his inconsistent play in college. After making the 53 man roster, he was released by the Seahawks in his rookie season and signed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In his 3 year stint with the Bucs, he totaled 82 tackles and 14 sacks. Bennett was primarily used as a pass rushing DT.

In 2013, Bennett was signed back to the Seahawks, and this is when he really hit his stride. He had 8.5 sacks that season as a rotational DE, helping the stout defensive front seven on their way to a Super Bowl title.

Over the last 2 years, Bennett has added 17 more sacks to his personal stat sheet, and continues to be a beast in Seattle. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl in 2015, winning Defensive MVP.

Bennett continues to be a major part of the Seahawks defensive attack. He’s counted on to set the tone and make life miserable for the opposing quarterback. However, his unhappiness about his contract could eventually lead to some miserable moments for the Seahawks.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jason Peters (71) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#7 Jason Peters – OT – Philadelphia Eagles

At #7, and the only offensive lineman to make this list, is Jason Peters. Peters may be the player on this list that surprised the most.

After his Senior season at Arkansas in 2003, and being selected 2nd Team All-SEC, Jason Peters was projected to be a 4th round pick by Sports Illustrated. He had 21 catches for 218 yards and 4 touchdowns. Oh. Wait. Did I forget to mention that he was a Tight End in college?

Peters recognized his blocking ability at the position. Add that to his huge frame at 6’4″ 320 pounds on top of his surprisngly quick feet, and he positioned himself as a future offensive tackle coming into the NFL Draft.

However teams were skeptical of Peters making the adjustment and he eventually went undrafted, being signed by the Buffalo Bills as a free agent. In just two years, Peters solidified himself as the starting Right Tackle, and one year later earned the starting role on the left side, protecting his QB’s blind side.

2008 was Peters last year with the Bills, after making the Pro Bowl the year before. In 2009 he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Andy Reid, the coach at the time, thought Peters was the best tackle in football, and it was hard to argue.

As an 8 time Pro Bowl Selection, and 1st Team All-Pro in 2011, 2013, and 2014. Peters earns his spot at #7.

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

#6 Cameron Wake – DE – Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher finds his place on the list at No. 6. After an inconsistent and arguably disappointing career at Penn State, Wake was originally signed by the New York Giants in 2005 as a free agent, but released soon after.

After a two year stint with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League and leading the league in sacks in consecutive seasons, Wake was a hot prospect for the 2009 NFL Season.

He received interest from many teams but signed with the Dolphins and has remained in Miami since. When healthy, Cameron Wake has been an unstoppable force, causing pain and misery for opposing Quarterbacks.

Since 2010, Wake has never totaled less than 8.5 sacks when playing in 15 or more games. His season high in sacks came in 2012 when he finished with 15 sacks, 38 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles.

He has been selected to the Pro Bowl 4 times, and was a First Team All-Pro selection in 2012.

At this stage of his career, Wake sees most of his action in apparent passing situations. The Dolphins like to keep him fresh and put him on the field when the game is on the line.

Aug 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) on the filed for warm-ups before playing the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. The Detroit Lions won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

#5 James Harrison – DE/OLB – Pittsburgh Steelers

If you can believe it, James Harrison graduated from Kent State University in 2001, and still plays in the league today. He went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft, and found himself on and off the Steelers practice squad in his first two seasons.

From 2004-2006, Harrison was doing what he could with the time alotted. He made a name for himself on Special Teams, as well as making some good plays on defense as well. His path to stardom was paved with hard work and a no-quit attitude.

However in 2007, Harrison got his chance as a starter and cashed in. With 76 tackles and 8.5 sacks, Harrison was selected to his first Pro Bowl and started for the AFC. In 2008, Harrison was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first ever undrafted player to win the award.

He is still playing at a high level and may realistically have a few more seasons left in the tank.

Over his career, he has amounted 536 tackels and 76.5 sacks. He has been selected to 5 Pro Bowls, and twice to the 1st Team All Pro. Match that with 2 Super Bowl Rings and Harrison is solidly in at No. 5.

Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) runs as Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) attempts to bring him down during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated San Diego Chargers 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

#4 Antonio Gates – TE – San Diego Chargers

At No. 4, is the former Kent State Basketball player turned NFL Tight End. After being considered a “tweener” by NBA scouts, Gates announced his plan to try his hand at football, despite never playing in college. He held workouts for many teams, eventually being signed by the Chargers in 2003.

In his first NFL Season, he made an immediate impression moving from 3rd on the Depth Chart, to starter by November of his rookie season. The pundits couldn’t wait to see what his sophomore season would bring to the Chargers.

In 2004, he emerged as Drew Brees’ favorite target, finishing the season with 81 receptions for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Even with an eventual change at Quarterback, he developed instant rapport with Philip Rivers. Gates has been a top tight end in San Diego for his duration there.

His career is coming to a close but he’s still seen as a big part of the offense. The Chargers will also be looking to him to train his replacement—Hunter Henry.

In his career he has notched 850 receptions, 10,679 yards, and 105 touchdowns to his name. With 8 Pro Bowl selections, 3 First Team All-Pro selections, and ranked 7th overall in receiving touchdowns all time….Gates is worthy of his No. 4 choice.

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks a field goal in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Adam Vinatieri – K – Indianapolis Colts

Yes, I did just do it. A kicker comes in at #3, but not just any kicker. This is the GOAT himself, Adam Vinatieri. Most known for his time as the New England Patriots Kicker, he now pays his bills kicking in Indianapolis.

Adam was a place kicker and punter for all 4 years of his time at South Dakota State University. After not being drafted, Vinatieri played in the now defunct World League of American Football for the Amsterdam Admirals.

The next season in 1996, Vinatieri was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent as a place kicker.

Vinatieri is arguably most known for his two Super Bowl winning field goals as time expired to defeat first the St. Louis Rams, and then in almost identical fashion, the Carolina Panthers. The man is cold-blooded. In his time in New England, he kicked 18 game winning field goals with less than a minute remaining on the clock.

In 2006, Vinatieri signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and his legacy continued. In his first season, the Colts won the Super Bowl, in which Vinatieri made three field goals.

So far, he has made 511 field goals, and 752 extra points, and is almost unanimously considered the greatest kicker of all time.

Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster (29) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Miami, 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Arian Foster – RB – Miami Dolphins

Coming in at #2, and most likely in debatable fashion, is Arian Foster. After a slightly above average career at Tennessee, Foster was considered a late round RB draft prospect.

However, he went undrafted and was eventually signed by the Houston Texans as a free agent in 2009. After drifting between practice squad and active roster, Foster got his chance towards the end of his rookie season and played well.

In the following season, Foster was named the starter, and this decision payed immediate dividends. In his first game as a starter, Foster carried the ball 33 times for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns. Talk about a good first game.

He won the rushing title in his 2nd season with 1,616 yards, adding another 604 yards receiving to eclipse the record for total yards from an undrafted player.

Even with injuries always playing a role in Foster’s career, he managed to rush for 1,000 yards in 4 different seasons. Foster has 54 rushing touchdowns, 14 receiving touchdowns, and 8,740 total yards. He holds Texans franchise records for rushing touchdowns, rushing yards, and single season records in both categories.

4 Pro Bowl selections and a First Team All Pro selection in 2010 solidifies him as a top RB in this league. Though slowed by injuries, and future looking bleak, Foster is still a tremendous player.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) comes out of the tunnel for pre game warmups against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Tony Romo – QB – Dallas Cowboys

The number one undrafted player to make a significant impact on his team is the one and only, Tony Romo. Tony was an amazing college quarterback at Eastern Illinois University, earning All-American honors from 2000-2002.

However, the small school stud went undrafted in 2003, and signed with the Dallas Cowboys following the NFL Draft. Romo started as the 3rd String QB, and had some scares throughout his first 2 seasons, almost getting cut and traded a couple of times.

But against all odds, Romo earned a starting position from Drew Bledsoe midway through the 2006 season, and boy did he do something with that. He finished the season by leading the Cowboys into the playoffs, in which they lost to the Seahawks in rather unfortunate fashion…(we’ll leave the details out)

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In 2007, Romo was named the starting Quarterback outright, and led the Cowboys to the playoffs once again. Romo has been the starting QB for the Cowboys ever since…when healthy. For the last 10 years, Romo has been considered one of the elite Quarterbacks in the NFL.

Romo has been selected to 4 Pro Bowls, and has amazing career stats. He has passed for 34,154 yards, 247 touchdowns to 117 interceptions with a 65.3% completion record. His career QBR is 97.1 which ranks 3rd all time.

Tony Romo gets a lot of negative attention for his play in the playoffs, but it can’t be argued that he has been a great quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys over the last decade. And in doing so, earns my number one spot in this list.