NFL Draft 2011: The 25 Best Undrafted Players of All Time

Just because you don't get drafted, doesn't mean you can't be the next great NFL player. I hope the incoming rookie class reads this.

Success has been found in the draft, sure, but there have been some notably great players who weren't taken in any of the many rounds that the NFL draft offers.

Here is a list of the best players to never get drafted but still made a huge impact on the field.

Note: Kickers and punters are not included, and if it seems that there are more recent players, it's because the draft is much shorter than it used to be (round-wise, not time-wise).

25. Antonio Pierce

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 8: Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants on the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Giants Stadium on November 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chargers defeated the Giants 21-20. (Photo by Nick Laham

Pierce may only have a total of nine sacks in his career, but there is no doubt the guy was a leader.

A tackle machine from Arizona, he played with the Redskins and Giants in his career that lasted from 2001-2009 and has a Super Bowl ring with New York. 

Notable Accomplishments: 2006 Pro Bowl, 2007 NFL Man of the Year, Super Bowl XLII Champion

24. Wayne Chrebet

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Wide receiver Wayne Chrebet #80 of the New York Jets sets in position as he waits for the snap during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on October 24, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons won 27-14. (Photo by

Hofstra University has surprisingly produced two good NFL receivers: Marques Colston and Wayne Chrebet.

Chrebet played exclusively with the Jets from 1995-2005 and racked up enough yards to make him the second leading receiver in franchise history with 7,365 yards over his decade-long career.

He doesn't have any significant accomplishments for me to put on the bottom here, but ask any Jets fan and I'm sure they have nothing but good things to say about him

23. Cameron Wake

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by linebacker Cameron wake #91 of the Miami Dolphins and fumbles at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Some people may not like Wake being this high since he only has two years in the league, but you'd be hard pressed to find a pass rusher that is much better than Wake. You could find many receivers that were better than Chrebet.

Cameron Wake was actually a New York Giant at one point in 2005 but was released before he could even see the field. He then dominated the Canadian Football League and took his talents back to America.

In 2010, Wake had 14 sacks to go along with the five-and-a-half he added in 2009. He should be a mainstay on the Dolphins defense for years to come.

Notable Accomplishments: 2010 Pro Bowl, 2010 All-Pro

22. Bart Scott

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Matt Spaeth #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers holds up the ball after he made a reception against Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsy

"CAN'T WAIT!"

Everyone remembers that now. What some may not remember is that Scott is one of the better linebackers in the league and has been since his days with the Ravens.

Scott may have never gotten the chance to be a standout if Ray Lewis hadn't gone down with an injury in 2005. He made the most of his opportunity and played well enough to earn himself a starting spot with the Ravens.

He has a career as a professional wrestler lined up if the lockout proves to be ongoing as well. 

Notable Accomplishments: 2006 Pro Bowl, 2006 All-Pro

21. Miles Austin

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Monmouth isn't really known for being a football powerhouse, which is probably why Miles Austin wasn't drafted. I can't think of another reason.

He's been around the league since 2006, but wasn't really given a chance to shine until 2009 when he had 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Thanks to fantasy football, many people took notice.

Austin added another 1,000-plus-yard season in 2010 despite missing Tony Romo for most of the season.

Notable Accomplishments: two-time Pro Bowler

20. Pat Williams

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Pat Williams #94 of the Minnesota Vikings works against Brandon Manumaleuna #86 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

Pat Williams has been around longer than most people realize. In 1997, Williams was passed up by the entire draft and signed with the Buffalo Bills.

It wasn't until 2005 when he was signed by Minnesota that he started to collect some hardware from the league. The jury is still out on whether he was taking performance enhancing drugs or not, but until we know the full truth, let's put him on this list.

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler, 2007 All-Pro

19. Jason Peters

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Offensive tackle Jason Peters #71 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets set in his stance against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Imag

The Bills really have a knack for finding good players in the trenches and letting them go, eh?

After spending his first five seasons with Buffalo, Peters left for Philadelphia and has been in the Pro Bowl his first two years with the Eagles.

He's played defensive tackle and tight end in his pre-NFL career, but has found great success at offensive tackle. 

Notable Accomplishments: 2007 All-Pro, 2008 and 2010 All-Pro Second Team, four-time Pro Bowler

18. Jake Delhomme

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PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Jack Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals on December 14, 2003 at Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. Carolina won 20-17. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

In some careers, it's hard to pinpoint where it all went wrong, but for Jake Delhomme it was January 10th, 2009, in a divisional matchup against the Cardinals when Delhomme threw five picks. He was never the same after that.

Think before that day, though, and you find a pretty darn good quarterback. The Panthers don't look like they're anywhere close to being where they were when Delhomme was at the helm, and he even led them to a near Super Bowl win against the Patriots in the 2003-04 season.

Notable Accomplishments: 2005 Pro Bowler, all-time Carolina passing leader

17. Shaun O'Hara

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Shaun O'Hara #60 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

O'Hara really came into his own when he left Cleveland for the Giants before the 2004 season. Since then, he has been considered one of the best centers in the NFL and has received a few awards the past two seasons.

If you're still not sure who he is, you should ask Eli Manning, Ahmad Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs who he is. I'm sure they would give a good recommendation.

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler, 2008 All-Pro, Super Bowl XLII Champion

16. Tony Romo

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Although he's found minimal playoff success, Romo is one of the best regular season quarterbacks in the last decade.

Never has the word "Gun-Slinger" been used so much for a non-Brett Favre quarterback in my lifetime. The guy can make some plays. He does have his share of odd mistakes, but there aren't that many teams that wouldn't pay good money to find a QB as good as Romo without using a draft pick.

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler

15. Jeff Saturday

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 08: Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday arrives for negotiations at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building March 8, 2011 in Washington, DC. Representatives from the National Football League (NFL) and National F

It only seems natural to have Shaun O'Hara's separated twin and fellow center Jeff Saturday on this list.

Saturday has paved the way for many a great Colts offense and is probably the only offensive lineman that you can find a jersey of. It's hard to believe the Baltimore Ravens ever let him go after being the team to sign the undrafted Saturday. 

Notable Accomplishments: five-time Pro Bowler, 2005 and 2007 All-Pro, 2006 and 2009 All-Pro Second Team, Super Bowl XLI Champion

14. Priest Holmes

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 18: Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball during the game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 18, 2007 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Chiefs 13-10. (Photo by Dilip Vis

Like Saturday, Priest Holmes is also a former Baltimore Raven. After being replaced by Jamal Lewis, Holmes took his game to Kansas City.

If you remember correctly, he was an elite running back in his best days. He had four seasons where he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and put up an ungodly 27 touchdowns in 2003.

These days, you can find Holmes giving scholarships to high school students in the San Antonio area. That's to be expected when your first name is Priest.

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, 2002 Offensive Player of the Year, Super Bowl XXXV Champion

13. Wes Welker

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Wes Welker, #83 of the New England Patriots tries to reel in a pass during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NFC won 55-41 over the AFC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

When Welker's career started, he was a just another undrafted cut from the Chargers. Then he was a good special teams player for the Dolphins. Now he is a great receiver for the Patriots.

As he's climbed the ladder, he's racked up a lot of catches on the way. He's led the NFL in receptions twice (2007 and 2009) and had a career high of 1,348 yards in 2009.

This is why people hate the Patriots. Well, this and getting a Hall of Fame quarterback in the sixth round.

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro

12. Tony Richardson

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Brad Smith #16 of the New York Jets runs with the ball behind the blocking of Tony RIchardson #49 against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indian

Sometimes you have to wonder if Priest Holmes, Adrian Peterson and LaDanian Tomlinson would have the kind of seasons they did without Tony Richardson.

He's paved the way for a countless amount of yards and was let go by the Cowboys in 1994 without even getting a chance to play. The Chiefs scooped him up and they didn't regret it. 

Notable Accomplishments: four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro

11. London Fletcher

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: London Fletcher #59 of the Washington Redskins celebrates a critical third quarter fumble recovery against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins

London Fletcher has quietly been one of the best linebackers in the NFL in the last decade. Without Fletcher's help, the Rams defense may have not been able to keep up with the offense. And I don't want to know what the Redskins would be like without him.

Fletcher had more tackles in the 2000s than any other player in the NFL. It's kind of a random stat that you need to be in the league at the right time to get, but still impressive.

Notable Accomplishments: two-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XXXIV Champion

10. Everson Walls

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: Wide receiver Andre Reed #83 of the Buffalo Bills tries to break away from a tackle by cornerback Everson Walls #28 of the New York Giants on a twenty yard pass in Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991 in Tampa, Flor

There are quite a few people scratching their heads over the fact that Everson Walls is not in the Hall of Fame.

Well, despite being snubbed by Canton, he is still considered a very good defensive back and was on the Super Bowl winning Giants team in the 1990-91 season. He led the NFL in interceptions three times in his stellar career. 

Notable Accomplishments: four-time Pro Bowler, 1983 All-Pro, two-time All-Pro Second Team, Super Bowl XXV Champion

9. James Harrison

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on as the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

After two seasons with the Steelers, Harrison found himself on the Ravens' practice squad. He was then given a second chance with the Steelers and has not disappointed.

Harrison is one of those players that would be great in any generation with his huge hits and hard nose play. Widely considered to be one of the best linebackers in the league, Harrison continues to impress despite almost retiring due to the NFL's new helmet hit policy.

Also, his touchdown against the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII should be enough to get him onto the list. 

Notable Accomplishments: two-time Super Bowl Champion (XL and XLIII), four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, 2009 All-Pro Second Team, 2008 Defensive Player of the Year

8. Rod Smith

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DENVER - AUGUST 19: Rod Smith #80 of the Denver Broncos moves on the field against the Tennessee Titans during preseason NFL action on August 19, 2006 at Mile High Stadium at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Finding an 11,000-plus yard receiver from Missouri Southern State in free agency shouldn't happen.

It did, though, and the Denver Broncos were the beneficiary of Rod Smith's talents. Of all the undrafted receivers (or even Broncos receivers), Rod Smith leads all of them. Some say he wouldn't have the numbers he did without Elway, but regardless, he was a great receiver for a long time. 

Notable Accomplishments: three-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl Champion (XXXII and XXXIII), all-time leading receiver in Broncos history

7. Brian Waters

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 01: Brian Waters of the Kansas City Chiefs answers questions during the Walter Payton Award Press Conference on February 1, 2008 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Jason Taylor, Hines Ward, Jason Witten and Brian Wat

I don't think it's exactly a coincidence that the Chiefs have been one of the better rushing teams of the last decade. Brian Waters came onto the scene in 2000 with Kansas City and has been opening holes left and right ever since.

Sure, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles are/were all good, but someone has to be opening the holes. Now that I think of it, Tony Richardson was his teammate at one point as well. Maybe Holmes and LJ weren't the top backs that we all thought they were. 

Notable Accomplishments: five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, 2009 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

6. Antonio Gates

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers plays against the Tennessee Titans in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Too bad the NBA career didn't work out—this guy's really struggled in the NFL.

If your sarcasm detector ran out of batteries, I'm obviously kidding. Gates has been one of the best tight ends of all time, and to this day he has proven to be a monster of a man. Despite missing six games in 2010, he still put up 782 yards.

Phillip Rivers and Drew Brees needed him badly as they've always been lacking an elite receiver, but Gates has done just well as their primary target. 

Notable Accomplishments: seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, two-time All-Pro Second Team, All 2000s Team

5. Joe Jacoby

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

18 Nov 1990: Offensive lineman Joe Jacoby of the Washington Redskins blocks a New Orleans Saints player during a game at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. The Redskins won the game, 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Joe Jacoby threw the big block that led to this run by John Riggins in Super Bowl XVII to lead the Redskins to victory over the Dolphins.

As a member of the Hogs, Jacoby goes down into Redskins lore as being one of the best lineman in the team's history but has yet to be enshrined in Canton with fellow Hog Russ Grimm.

Still, it would be hard to imagine a Redskins offensive line in the Super Bowl without Jacoby. 

Notable Accomplishments: four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, 1980s All-Decade Team, three-time Super Bowl Champion (XVII, XXII, XXVI), 70 Greatest Redskins

4. Kurt Warner

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner walks on the field prior to the NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

I'm not a Cardinals fan. I'm not a Giants fan. I'm not a Rams fan.

To my dying breath, though, I will fight anyone that doesn't think that Kurt Warner belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Sure, he did have a period in the middle of his career where he struggled, but when he was on, he was one of the best. You could argue that it was his receivers that led him to three Super Bowls, but how did the Cardinals do with their trio in 2010? Exactly.

He was knocked out of the NFL after the 2009 playoffs in a brutal game against New Orleans, but his overall toughness and leadership (along with his awards) make him one of my favorite players of all time. 

Notable Accomplishments: four-time Pro Bowler, 2001 and 1999 NFL MVP, two-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and Champion, 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

3. Dick Lane

We have to go way back on this one.

Chances are, you weren't alive to watch Dick "Night Train" Lane play if you're reading this. If you did, congratulations. For now, I'll have to go by numbers.

Let's just say if you watch video of his tackles, he would be suspended every game in today's NFL. I'm surprised he didn't kill anybody. 

Notable Accomplishments: seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, four-time All-Pro Second Team, 1950s All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary all-time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1974)

2. John Randle

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: John Randle poses with his bust during the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Defensive tackles aren't supposed to have 137.5 career sacks, but John Randle wasn't a defensive tackle...he was a monster in a football uniform.

Some people may argue that he is memorable due to his excessive face paint, but there is no denying that he was one of the best (if not the best) defensive tackle to play in the NFL.

This is a great example of the crapshoot that is the NFL draft. Jeff George was drafted first in 1990 and the other 331 selection cards didn't have Randle's name on them. Unreal. 

Notable Accomplishments: seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, 1990s All-Decade Team, Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010)

1. Warren Moon

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

4 Nov 1992: Quarterback Warren Moon #1 of the Oilers is injured during a game and helped off the field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

We reach the end of our countdown with Warren Moon. Hard to believe the fifth-highest passer of all time was never even drafted.

He threw for over 4,000 yards four different times in his career and was ultimately awarded with a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Not to mention, he spent six seasons in the Canadian Football League. If he had been in the NFL that entire time, there's little doubt that he would have passed Dan Marino in career yards.

He is No. 1 in both jersey number and on the best undrafted players of all time list. 

Notable Accomplishments: nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, 1990 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, 1989 Man of the Year, 1998 Pro Bowl MVP, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)