As teams complete the mad scramble to sign undrafted free agents, the big names have already been snapped up on this annual hot market for players.
After the draft, where teams pick up seven or so rookies (seven rounds, plus compensatory picks and trades), each team typically will sign anywhere from 10 to 20 additional players as free agents. And while many of these players won’t make the final 53-man roster, there are always some diamonds in the rough.
In past years – Wes Welker went undrafted out of college in 2004, and became the only player in NFL history with four 110+ receiving season. Two time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster went undrafted in 2009, and proceeded to lead the league in rushing in 2010. Adam Vinatieri, arguably the best kicker in NFL history, went undrafted, as did Hall of Famers Warren Moon and John Randle.
Who are the potential gems this year? Here’s a few to look out for:
Quarterback Kellen Moore recently signed with the Detroit Lions as an UFA. Moore led Boise State to a career record of 50-3, making him the winningest quarterback in NCAA Division I history. He passed for over 14,000 yards and 142 touchdowns. Being snubbed in the Draft will certainly serve as motivation for Moore, just as it has for other players that were passed over in years past.
The Eagles picked up Chris Polk, former Huskies running back. Polk racked up over 1,400 yards in 2010, but suffered a knee injury before the 2011 season requiring arthroscopic knee surgery. Despite the injury, he racked up over 1,400 yards again in 2011, and averaged over 5 yards per carry both years. Polk is a strong, tough runner who could earn a role sharing carries with LeSean McCoy in Philly.
The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up Marquis Maze out of Alabama, a solid wide receiver to add to their already crowded receiving corps. He’s unlikely to snag too may receptions with Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery already on the field, but he could be an immediate contributor on special teams.
