Bleacher Report: Houston

powered by Bleacher Report

From Small Time to Prime Time: The 100 Best NFL Players Who Did Not Attend a Division I School of the Past 25 Years: #100-52

Tony Meyer by
Tony Meyer
Tony Meyer

Tony Meyer

Analyst

33 articles written
277 comments written
40 fans

Analyst Written on May 13, 2009
(7)
...
Share This  

Slide 1 of 51

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 18: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns on August 18, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

As I was watching the draft a couple of weekends ago, there were several names that went across the ticker that I hadn't ever heard of.

When your team selects a player that you have never heard of, it's hard to be positive about this news. Here are some players that were selected relatively high that you may not have noticed:

Dallas selected Jason Williams, a linebacker out of Western Illinois in the third round.

Jacksonville selected Derek Cox, a cornerback out of William & Mary in the third round.

Baltimore selected Lardarius Webb, a cornerback out of Nicholls State in the third round.

Detroit selected Sammie Lee Hill, a defensive tackle out of Stillman in the fourth round.

There are several more players who didn't play at Division I schools whom NFL teams are expecting to make an impact in the upcoming season, and these teams are justified in their expectations.

Over the past 25 years, there have been countless small time college players who have put together spectacular NFL careers.

So, let's remember some of the names from this draft and take a look back at some others who paved the way. Enjoy!

No. 100: Lamar King—Defensive End, Saginaw Valley State

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 3: Defensive end Lamar King #92 of the Seattle Seahawks on the field during the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at Seahawks Stadium on November 3, 2002 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins defeated the Seahawks 14-3. (Photo by

King spent five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, racking up 125 tackles and 12 sacks.

No. 99. Vincent Jackson—Wide Receiver:Northern Colorado

SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers goes up to catch a touchdown catch against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 23, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by

In three full seasons with the Chargers, Jackson has 130 catches for 2,233 yards and 16 touchdowns.

No. 98: Drayton Florence—Cornerback, Tuskegee

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 10: Drayton Florence #29 of the San Diego Chargers acknowledges the crowd during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 10, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 48-20. (P

In six season with San Diego, Florence has 273 tackles and 10 interceptions.

No. 97-Leigh Bodden—Cornerback, Duquense

DETROIT - DECEMBER 07: Leigh Bodden #28 of the Detroit Lions in action during the NFL game against the Minnesoa Vikings at Ford Field on December 7, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. The Vikings defeated the Lions 20-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Imag

In six seasons in the NFL, Bodden has amassed 290 tackles and 13 interceptions.

No. 96: Patrick Crayton—Wide Receiver, Northwestern Oklahoma State

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 22: Patrick Crayton #84 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a move on the defender during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 22, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

In five seasons with the Cowboys, Crayton has caught 159 passed for 2,266 yards and 18 touchdowns.

No. 95: Kevin Boss—Tight End, Western Oregon

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Tight end Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring on a ten yard touchdown pass play against the Arizona Cardinals on November 23, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants won

In two seasons with the Giants, Boss has caught 42 passes for 502 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also a first alternate for the 2008 Pro Bowl team.

No. 94: Antoine Bethea—Safety, Howard

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 21: Defensive back Antoine Bethea #41 of the Indianapolis Colts before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 21, 2008 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In three seasons with the Colts, Bethea has collected 256 tackles and seven interceptions and was selected to the 2007 Pro Bowl roster.

No. 93: Todd Herremans—Tackle, Saginaw Valley State

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Todd Herremans #79 of the Philadelphia Eagles watches pre-game warmups before their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 21, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Gardner/G

In four seasons with the Eagles, Herremans has started 50 games at the tackle position.

No. 92: David Patten—Wide Receiver, Western Carolina

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver David Patten #86 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 22, 2002 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 41-38 in o

In 12 seasons in the NFL with six different teams, Patten has 324 catches for 4,715 and 24 touchdowns. He also has three Super Bowl rings.

No. 91: Dominic Rhodes—Running Back, Midwestern State

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Dominic Rhodes #38 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on November 30, 2008 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Colts defeated the Browns 10-6. (Photo b

In eight seasons, seven with the Colts, Rhodes has rushed for 3,114 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was also a member of the Super Bowl XLI champion Colts.

No. 90: Michael Roos—Tackle, Eastern Washington

WASHINGTON ? OCTOBER 15: Tackle Michael Roos #71 of the Tennessee Titans watches the game against the Washington Redskins on October 15, 2006 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. The Titans won 25-22. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

In four seasons with the Titans, Roos has started 64 games and was selected to the 2008 Pro Bowl team. He was also an All-Pro selection in the 2008 season.

No. 89: Cortland Finnegan—Cornerback, Samford

KANSAS CITY - OCTOBER 19: Cortland Finnegan #31 of the Tennessee Titans warms-up on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

In three seasons with the Titans, Finnegan has 235 tackles, four sacks, and six interceptions. He was also selected to the 2008 Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro.

No. 88: Corey Williams—Defensive Tackle, Arkansas State

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Corey Williams #99 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates his sack on JP Losman #7 of the Buffalo Bills November 5, 2006 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

In five seasons, four with the Packers, Williams has 141 tackles and 17.5 sacks.

No. 87: Bill Schroeder—Wide Receiver, Wisconsin-La Crosse

24 Sep 2000: Bill Schroeder #84 of the Green Bay Packers squints as he looks on during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 29-3.Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsport

In 10 seasons in the NFL, Schroeder caught 304 passes for 4,583 yards and 28 touchdowns

No. 86: Terrence McGee—Cornerback, Northwestern State

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 24: Terrence McGee #24 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball during the game agianst the Tennessee Titans on December 24, 2006 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Titans defeated the Bills 30-29. (Photo by Ri

In six seasons with the Bills, McGee has recorded 417 tackles, three sacks, and 16 interceptions. He also has six return touchdowns and was a 2004 Pro Bowl selection. He was also selected to the 2004 and 2005 All-Pro teams.

No. 85: Nick Harper—Cornerback, Fort Valley St.

INDIANAPOLIS - OCTOBER 8: Nick Harper #25 of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at the RCA Dome on October 8, 2006 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

In eight seasons in the NFL, six with the Colts, Harper has registered 544 tackles and 20 interceptions and has one Super Bowl ring.

No. 84: Lee Woodall—Linebacker, West Chester

7 Jan 1995: Linebacker Lee Woodall of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during a playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game, 44-15. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport

In eight seasons, six with the 49ers, Woodall amassed 467 tackles, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro selection in 1995.

No. 83-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie—Cornerback, Tennessee St.

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #29 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In just one season with the Cardinals, Cromartie made his presence felt helping the Cards reach the Super Bowl. He had 42 tackles and four interceptions in his rookie season and has established himself as a shut-down corner.

No. 82: Shawn Barber—Linebacker, Richmond

SEATTLE - DECEMBER 08: Linebacker Shawn Barber #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Seahawks Stadium on December 08, 2002 in Seattle Washington. The Eagles defeated the Seahawks 27-20. (Photo by

In 10 seasons in the NFL, Barber had 516 tackles, 10 sacks, and seven interceptions.

No. 81: Grady Jackson—Defensive Tackle, Knoxville

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 9: Defensive tackle Grady Jackson #75 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field during half-time against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC wild-card game at Lambeau Field on January 9, 2005 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Vikings def

In 14 NFL seasons with five different teams, Jackson amassed 476 tackles and 35.5 sacks while being stout against the run.

No. 80: Jahri Evans—Guard, Bloomsburg

New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans against the Indianapolis Colts at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi on August 26, 2006. The Colts won 27-14. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

In three seasons with the Saints, Evans has started all 48 of his career games.

No. 79: Jermane Mayberry—Guard, Texas A&M Kingsville

CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 24: Offensive guard Jermane Mayberry #71 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the field during the game with the Cleveland Browns on October 24, 2004 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Eagles defeated the Browns 34-31

In 11 seasons in the NFL, Mayberry started 104 games and was selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team.

No. 78: Joe Flacco—Quarterback, Delaware

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 4: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens directs play against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL Wildcard Playoff Game at Dolphins Stadium on January 4, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

In his rookie season with the Ravens, Flacco threw for 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns and led his team to the AFC Championship game. His future looks bright in Baltimore.

No. 77: Willie Williams—Cornerback, Western Carolina

26 Nov 2000: Willie Williams #27 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates on the field during the game against the Denver Broncos at the Huskey Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 38-31.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport

In 13 seasons in the NFL, Williams intercepted 26 passes and returned four to the end zone. He was a member of the Super Bowl XL champion Steelers.

No. 76: Carlos Emmons—Linebacker, Arkansas St.

9 SEP 01: Carlos Emmons #51 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. DIGITAL IMAGE.

In 11 seasons with the Eagles and Giants, Emmons had 653 tackles with 19 sacks and five interceptions.

No. 75: Reggie Langhorne—Wide Receiver, Elizabeth City St.

Display_image

In nine seasons in the NFL, Langhorne caught 411 passes for 5,446 and 19 touchdowns.

No. 74: Pierce Holt—Defensive End, Angelo St.

18 Nov 1990: Defensive lineman Pierce Holt of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game, 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

In eight seasons in the NFL, Holt amassed 37 sacks and was selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

No. 73: Dexter Coakley—Linebacker, Appalachian St.

INDIANAPOLIS-NOVEMBER 17: Dexter Coakley #52 of the Dallas Cowboys looks over the line of scrimmage during their game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 17, 2002 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Cowboys 20-3. (Pho

In 10 seasons in the NFL, Coakley has collected 438 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 13 interceptions. He was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

No. 72: Chad Bratzke—Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky

26 Sep 1999: Chad Bratzke #92 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Colts defeated the Chargers 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport

In 10 seasons in the NFL, Bratzke collected 56.5 sacks and recovered nine fumbles.

No. 71: Robert Mathis—Defensive End, Alabama A&M

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 16: Robert Mathis #98 of the Indianapolis Colts waits for play against the Houston Texans during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

In six seasons with the Colts, Mathis has amassed 53.5 sacks and has forced 30 fumbles. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2008 and has one Super Bowl ring.

No. 70: Brandon Jacobs—Running Back, Southern Illinois

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 05: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs against the Seattle Seahawks during their game on October 5, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

In four seasons with the Giants, Jacobs has rushed for 2,620 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also has one Super Bowl ring.

No. 69—Marques Colston—Wide Receiver, Hofstra

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 28: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints points to the sky during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 28, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

In three seasons with the Saints, Colston has caught 215 passes for 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns.

No. 68: Al Harris—Cornerback, Texas A&M Kingsville

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 13: Al Harris #31 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 33-25 during their game on November 13, 2005 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

In 11 seasons with the Eagles and Packers, Harris has collected 286 tackles and 19 interceptions. He has been selected to two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team.

No. 67: Rashean Mathis—Cornerback, Bethune Cookman

DENVER - OCTOBER 12: Cornerback Rashean Mathis #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars defends against the Denver Broncos during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 12, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Jaguars defeated the Broncos 24-17. (Photo by

In six seasons with the Jaguars, Mathis has made 374 tackles and intercepted 25 passes. He was selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.

No. 66: Bart Scott—Linebacker, Southern Illinois

NEW YORK - APRIL 20: (EDITORS NOTE: IMAGES HAVE BEEN DIGITALLY MANIPULATED) Bart Scott of the New York Jets poses for a portrait on April 20, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

In seven seasons with the Ravens, Scott made 433 tackles, 16 sacks, and three interceptions. He was also a 2006 Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection.

No. 65: Jumpy Geathers—Defensive End, Wichita St.

14 Nov 1993: Defensive lineman Jumpy Geathers of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Falcons won the game, 13-0.

In 13 seasons in the NFL, Geathers sacked the quarterback 63 times and recovered nine fumbles.

No. 64: Donnie Abraham—Cornerback, East Tennessee St.

10 Sep 2000: Donnie Abraham #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches the action during the game against the Chicago Bears at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Bears 40-0.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport

In nine NFL season, Abraham intercepted 38 passes and returned three for touchdowns. He was also selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl team.

No. 63: Chris Warren—Running Back, Ferrum

10 Dec 1995: Running back Chris Warren #42 of the Seattle Seahawks carries his ball into the defense of the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/Allsport

In 11 NFL seasons, Warren rushed for 7,696 yards and 52 touchdowns. He was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

No. 62: Mark Kelso—Safety, William & Mary

29 Oct 1989: Defensive back Mark Kelso of the Buffalo Bills (right) and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Andre Brown fight for the ball during a game at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game, 31-17.

In eight NFL seasons, Kelso intercepted 30 passes and recovered eight fumbles. He may be most remembered, however, for the strange double-helmet he wore to prevent concussions.

No. 61: Adam Timmerman—Guard, South Dakota St.

St. Louis Rams guard Adam Timmerman against the Miami Dolphins August 31, 2006 in Miami. The Dolphins won the week four pre-season game 29 - 9. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

In 12 NFL seasons, Timmerman started 172 games and was selected to two Pro Bowls. He also was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams.

No. 60: Kurt Schulz—Safety, Eastern Washington

10 Sep 1995: Defensive back Kurt Schulz #24 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during a game against the Carolina Panthers played at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game, 31-9.

In 10 seasons in the NFL, eight with the Bills, Schulz amassed 429 tackles and 30 interceptions.

No. 59: Ashley Ambrose—Cornerback, Mississippi Valley St.

30 Sep 2001: Ashley Ambrose #33 of the Atlanta Falcons in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 34-14.Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport

In his 13 NFL seasons, Ambrose intercepted 42 passes and returned three to the end zone. He was also selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team.

No. 58-Tim McKyer—Cornerback, Texas Arlington

SAN FRANCISCO - JANUARY 14: Cornerback Tim McKyer #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a play during the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams at Candlestick Park on January 14, 1990 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by George

In 12 NFL seasons with seven different teams, McKyer intercepted 33 passes and was a member of three Super Bowl champions.

No. 57: Anthony Pleasant—Defensive End, Tennessee St.

3 Sep 2000: Anthony Pleasant #94 of the San Francisco 49ers walks out to the field during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 36-28.Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

In 14 NFL seasons with six different teams, Pleasant amassed 531 tackles and 58 sacks. He was also a member of two Super Bowl championship teams.

No. 56: Aaron Smith—Defensive End, Northern Colorado

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Quarterback #13 of the Arizona Cardinals kneels on the field after he was hit on a play in the fourth quarter as Aaron Smith #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Sta

In 10 seasons with the Steelers, Smith has collected 376 tackles and 42 sacks. He has been selected to one Pro Bowl and has two Super Bowl rings.

No. 55: Donald Driver—Wide Receiver, Alcorn St.

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 07: Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers makes a reception in the second half against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2008 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Texans defeated the Packers 24-21. (Photo by Jeff G

In 10 seasons with the Packers, Driver has caught 577 passes for 7,989 yards and 43 touchdowns. He has been selected to three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team.

No. 54: Jeremiah Trotter—Linebacker, Stephen F. Austin

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 5: Jeremiah Trotter #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the field during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 5, 2004 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Packers 47-

In 10 seasons in the NFL, Trotter has amassed 642 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and nine interceptions. He is also a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

No. 53: Don Beebe—Wide Receiver, Chadron St.

1989-1990: Wide receiver Don Beebe of the Buffalo Bills looks on during a game against the New England Patriots at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

In nine NFL seasons, Beebe 219 passes for 3,416 yards and 23 touchdowns. He played in an incredible six Super Bowls, coming away victorious only once.

#52-Marcellus Wiley-Defensive End-Columbia

30 Sep 2001: Marcellus Wiley #75 of the San Diego Chargers walks out on the field during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 28-14.Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran

In his ten NFL seasons, Wiley made 324 tackles and collected 44 sacks. He was also selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team.

For the rest of the list, check out parts II and III

View more great content on other channels:
  • News & Opinions
    Detroit Lions

    Making the Leap: NFL's 2009 Rookies To Make Big Impact in 2010

  • Article of the Day
    NFL

    The Top 10 Quarterbacks in the NFL: Post-Super Bowl Edition

  • Guilty Pleasures

    AskMen.com Top 99: The 25 Hottest Sports Gals to Ever Crack the List

More: Detroit Lions | NFL
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

36 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

461
reads

36
comments

written on May 13, 2009 Rankings/List

The best Lions newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address