The names read like a Pro Bowl squad. That, of course, isn’t surprising given that many of these players did, indeed, make those teams.
They share something else in common, too: They were all undrafted free agents. And if the NFL lockout lingers into August, this might be the hardest hit group of all. At least a draft pick can call another player on the roster and get the playbook. The undrafted guys can’t even sign until the lockout ends.
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“If you’re bringing in the undrafted free agents at the same time as the vets and you only have two weeks [to prepare], they will have a hard time,” said NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, who worked in Dallas’ front office for 29 years.
Here are a few undrafted players in the past 17 years: Antonio Gates, Priest Holmes, Tony Romo, James Harrison, Wes Welker, Kurt Warner, Rod Smith, Josh Cribbs, Willie Parker, Wayne Chrebet, Jeff Saturday and Pat Williams.
Not all of those players made instant marks. Warner, for one, bounced around. But several of them did play as rookies, and the only way to reach that point is to impress coaches during minicamps and organized team activities and in a full training camp. Who do you think gets knocked aside in an abbreviated camp?
The Redskins benefitted from undrafted free agents in 2010: Keiland Williams, Brandon Banks
and Logan Paulsen combined to play in 36 games. Once upon a time Antonio Pierce went from undrafted to the starting lineup in one season.
This past season, LeGarrette Blount went from undrafted to 1,000-yard rusher with Tampa Bay.
But in 2011, a guy like Blount or Pierce may be forced to play in the United Football League. Or the Canadian Football League. Or the Arena Football League.
“More so this year than in recent years,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said, “these undrafted free agents will struggle to get on the field and make a contribution as rookies at least.”
In a league in which some players feel they need just one shot, it’s fair to ask: Will they get one?
