Undrafted NFL Free Agents 2012: Power Ranking Top Rookie Signings

It's always great for a football player to get a call from an NFL team letting them know they have been drafted. However, once you get past the first four rounds, it might actually be better to go undrafted because they can choose where to go and get paid close to the same amount of money. 

This year's crop of undrafted players featured some pretty big names from the college ranks, as well as stars we figured were locks to go on the first two days of the draft. 

With so many moves being made now that the draft is over, here is a power ranking of the best rookie signings teams have made so far. 

3. Cincinnati Bengals Sign LB Vontaze Burfict

While Burfict entered the draft as one of the more interesting project linebackers, poor workouts and questionable character kept him from getting drafted. 

Never one to shy away from a controversial player, Marvin Lewis decided to take a chance on Burfict (via NFL.com). His raw athleticism is as good as anyone in this draft class. His dedication and mentality to the game need a lot of work. 

If Lewis is able to tap into Burfict's psyche to find that potential everyone was talking about two months ago, he can be a star. 

2. Philadelphia Eagles Sign RB Chris Polk

Even our own draft expert Matt Miller had Polk being taken by Green Bay at the end of the second round prior to the draft, so it was a shock to see him go undrafted. 

As reported by CBS Sports, there was some concern over Polk's shoulder, which contributed to his draft slide. Nonetheless, the Eagles were quick to pounce on the star running back when all was said and done. 

Even with LeSean McCoy as the feature back, Polk can bring a nice change of pace or take over as the starter if/when McCoy gets hurt. He is not a burner, but he has great field vision and elusiveness out of the backfield. 

1. Washington Redskins Sign CB Chase Minnifield

Unlike the first two players on this list, Minnifield had surgery on his knee before the draft process that included a microfracture procedure to make everything stronger in the long run (per CBS Sports).

That took him off everyone's draft board, but allowed the Redskins, who already boast a solid defense, to capitalize on the misfortune of a once-hot cornerback prospect (via the Washington Post).

Minnifield is more of an instinctual cornerback at this stage of the game than a true coverage guy, but if he can come back healthy, the Redskins could easily develop him into at least a capable starter. 

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