Top 5 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Studs of the Past Decade

Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

In light of Week 7 fantasy revelation DeMarco Murray's earth shattering performance, I decided to take a look back at a few of the greatest fantasy pickups of the last half decade. Savvy and experienced owners know that one smart waiver-wire claim can turn a struggling and hobbled team into a serious contender. Will Murray continue to produce against better run defenses in the future? We shall see.

Tony Romo

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

5. Tony Romo (2006)

Romo, an undrafted free agent from Eastern Illinois, replaced Drew Bledsoe in Week 8 of the 2006 season. A team struggling for an identity since the days of Troy Aikman, Romo endeared himself to fantasy loyalists by providing a 306-yard five-touchdown game against the Bucs on Thanksgiving. Since then, he has been a Top 10 quarterback in nearly every fantasy draft.

Marques Colston

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

4.Marques Colston (2006)

Colston, a big bodied seventh-round pick from football powerhouse Hofstra (haha), was thrust into a starting role for the Saints when Donte Stallworth was traded to the Eagles. The rookie, who was a just a small blip on owners' radar, had a slow start but put up three consecutive 100-yard performances starting in Week 8.

Colston finished the year with 1,038 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. Since 2006, he has become Drew Brees' go-to target.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2010)

The "Lawfirm" finally gave fantasy owners a running back they could count on in a perplexing New England backfield. With perennial fantasy bust Laurence Maroney exiled to Denver, Green-Ellis immediately showed himself as a bull to be reckoned with.

With over 1,000 yards rushing and an eye popping 13 touchdowns, Green-Ellis provided those lucky enough to claim him as a consistent and durable touchdown machine.

Miles Austin

former Mr. kardashian
Charley Gallay/Getty Images

2. Miles Austin (2009)

A heart warming tale about a Jersey Boy done good, and we're not talking about the guy from Asbury Park. Austin was an undrafted special teamer prior to T.O. talking his way out of Dallas. With only Roy " Stone Hands" Williams available at wideout, the Monmouth product was given his shot.  

His coming out party came within the first month of the season when he lit up the Kansas City Chiefs for 250 yards and two scores. The former Mr. Kardashian never slowed down, racking up over 1,300 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. Have to get a cheap shot in; I bleed green.

Michael Vick

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

1. Michael Vick (2010)

What better city than Philadelphia to serve as the backdrop to this story of redemption. After long-term quarterback Donovan McNabb was jettisoned to Washington, it was Kevin Kolb's turn to take the reigns. But things changed quickly on opening day as Kolb appeared to eat more turf than a grass-fed cow.

Vick came in that day and held his own before cementing himself as the starter within a few weeks. A new found dedication to practice and film study made Vick as explosive with his arm as it did with his legs.It became his finest season to date amassing over 3,000 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.

But what has made Vick truly special is his ability to create with his speed and elusiveness, rushing for close to 700 yards and nine TDs. If you had Vick last year, you are most likely still hoisting your fantasy championship belt.