When the NFL returns, one of the first orders of business will be signing undrafted free agents. Here are five reasons you shouldn’t overlook the potential of these players:
5. Running back Priest Holmes » Baltimore signed him first, but it was in Kansas City where he made an impact. Holmes was the 2002 NFL offensive player of the year and is one of two running backs, along with Emmitt Smith, to post consecutive seasons with at least 20 rushing touchdowns.
4. Defensive lineman John Randle » He’s the only one on this list already in the NFL Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2010. Randle, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, ended with 137.5 sacks in his career, most ever by a defensive tackle.
3. Tight end Antonio Gates » Not only was he undrafted, he was a basketball player at Kent State University. But all he’s done is make seven straight Pro Bowls. Gates has caught 72 touchdown passes and is a no-brainer for the Hall of Fame after he’s done playing.
2. Receiver Rod Smith » New England signed and cut him in 1994, allowing Denver to grab him. Smith is the only undrafted free agent to have at least 10,000 receiving yards. He twice caught at least 100 passes in a season and finished with 849 for his career.
1. Quarterback Kurt Warner » His story will someday be a movie. Warner was a unique player who guided two teams — two previously bad teams for that matter — to the Super Bowl. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time MVP of the league.
