Who Is the Best Undrafted NFL Player?
The best undrafted NFL player is a hotly contested title. There are many talented players who didn’t get drafted, and it’s hard to say who is the best. However, there are a few players who stand out above the rest. Here are the top three contenders for the title of best undrafted NFL player.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady, who was drafted in the sixth round with the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, is undoubtedly the best undrafted player in NFL history. Since taking over as the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2001, Brady has led the team to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six of them. He’s also been named MVP of the Super Bowl a record five times.
Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner is often considered the best undrafted player in NFL history. He played for three teams over his 12-year career, winning one Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams and being named Super Bowl MVP. He was also a two-time NFL MVP and a six-time Pro Bowler.
Antonio Gates
Arguably the best player in NFL history to never be drafted, Antonio Gates redefined the tight end position during his 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and receiving touchdowns (116). A five-time First-Team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Gates helped the Chargers to six division titles and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX.
Wes Welker
Wes Welker is widely considered to be the best undrafted NFL player of all time. He was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2004 but was released before the start of the season. He then caught on with the Miami Dolphins and spent two seasons with the team before being traded to the New England Patriots in 2007.
Welker quickly established himself as one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets and went on to have an incredible career with the Patriots. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro three times. He also set numerous franchise records, including most receptions in a single season (112 in 2009) and most receiving yards in a career (9,012).
Welker’s success led to him signing a four-year, $34 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2013. He spent two seasons with the Broncos before retiring in 2015.
James Harrison
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ James Harrison is one of the best undrafted players in NFL history. Harrison was originally signed by the team in 2002 as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. He played sparingly his first two seasons before becoming a regular starter in 2004. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
