The Spaz
07-21-2004, 03:32 PM
Most people only pay attention to the draft and the signing of NFL free agents during any given NFL off-season. What many football fans don't see is the work that goes on behind the scenes and the mass frenzy of signing undrafted free agents once the draft is completed. This process can often get lost in the hype of big-name players and large signing bonuses, but often times can be just as crucial to building a championship team.
Though it may be a long shot, some of these free agents actually make the team and some go on to have illustrious careers. Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle, John Randle, played 14 seasons in the NFL. Seven of those seasons ended in Honolulu with Randle playing in the Pro Bowl.
Wide receivers Rod Smith of the Denver Broncos and Wayne Chrebet of the New York Jets were also undrafted. Both have made major contributions for their teams over the past decade.
While these players are only a few examples of success stories, the biggest steal in the undrafted free agent market would have to be Kansas City Chiefs running back, Priest Holmes. Holmes was signed by the Baltimore Ravens following the 1997 draft in which he was not selected through seven rounds of picks. Today, Priest Holmes is one of the NFL's most dominant and complete tailbacks.
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=2596
Though it may be a long shot, some of these free agents actually make the team and some go on to have illustrious careers. Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle, John Randle, played 14 seasons in the NFL. Seven of those seasons ended in Honolulu with Randle playing in the Pro Bowl.
Wide receivers Rod Smith of the Denver Broncos and Wayne Chrebet of the New York Jets were also undrafted. Both have made major contributions for their teams over the past decade.
While these players are only a few examples of success stories, the biggest steal in the undrafted free agent market would have to be Kansas City Chiefs running back, Priest Holmes. Holmes was signed by the Baltimore Ravens following the 1997 draft in which he was not selected through seven rounds of picks. Today, Priest Holmes is one of the NFL's most dominant and complete tailbacks.
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=2596