Undrafted NFL Free Agents 2012: Big Names Sure to Make an Impact as Rookies

Players go undrafted for a variety of reasons, but it is hardly a death sentence in today's NFL. In fact, some players are better off choosing where they want to go if they're better suited for certain systems.

We've seen more and more stars come from the undrafted ranks in recent years and they're almost as important as the players who are drafted to some.

Here's a look at a few undrafted players who will make an impact in their rookie seasons.

Chris Polk, RB (Signed with Eagles)

Polk tumbled down the draft board because of an injury, but it won't keep him down long. He's not blessed with blazing speed and doesn't excel in one area, but he can do everything.

The team has it's fill of smaller backs in LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis, but Polk is a bigger body they can use if every phase of the game if needed.

Don't be surprised at all if he earns a few carries by season's end. Andy Reid would be foolish to run McCoy into the ground.

Vontaze Burfict, LB (Signed with Bengals)

The Bengals have themselves one heck of an interesting defense filled with big names at very stages of their careers.

They landed some great talent defensive talent in the draft too with the likes of Devon Still, Brandon Thompson, Dre Kirkpatrick and George Iloka and now can safely add Burfict to that mix as well.

He joins a linebacking unit headed by Rey Maualuga and barring any particular meltdowns, the first round talent should make the roster.

If he gets his head right and buys into his own talent there is no telling what type of impact he could make.

Chase Minnifield, CB (Signed with Redskins)

Minnifield was also once considered a first round talent, but injuries sent his stock plummeting and now he's heading to a Washington secondary that plays in the a division stacked with wide receiver talent.

The Virginia player has a good bit of skill and should make his mark in zone coverages immediately.

He has good size for the position and barring any injuries will make an impact.

Donnie Fletcher, CB (Signed with Jets)

The former Boston College corner has better than average size for the position and has enough speed to run with receivers too.

He's not going to line up in a lot of man, but he's a guy who is willing to hit, can make plays on the football and has a fair bit of upside too.

The Jets don't have a ton of great talent in their back line so don't be surprised at all if he sticks and makes an impact, special teams included.