Denver Post staff writer Jim Armstrong picks the five best undrafted free agents in NFL history and the five best from state colleges:
BEST IN NFL HISTORY
1. Kurt Warner, QB, Rams: OK, so his career has leveled off, but give him his due. He won two MVP awards.
2. Willie Wood, CB, Packers: Anchored Packers’ secondary in the 1960s with fellow Hall of Famer Herb Adderley.
3. Warren Moon, QB, Oilers: Had to take his act to the CFL before the NFL establishment would accept him as a quarterback.
4. John Randle, DT, Vikings: Likely future Hall of Famer played in seven Pro Bowls, ranks fifth all time with 137 1/2 sacks.
5. Joe Jacoby, OT, Redskins: At 6-feet-7, 300 pounds, Lawrence Taylor’s old nemesis became the prototype for today’s tackles.
BEST FROM STATE SCHOOLS
1. Matt Lepsis, OT, CU: Former Buffs TE went on to become one of NFL’s most solid left tackles.
2. Tom Ashworth, OT, CU: Started for Patriots in Super Bowl victory over Carolina.
3. Rick Dennison, LB, CSU: College tight end played nine seasons at linebacker with the Broncos before becoming their offensive coordinator.
4. Cecil Sapp, FB, CSU: Made switch from TB to become Broncos’ current starter at fullback.
5. Tom Rouen, P, CU: How many players, punters or otherwise, last 13 seasons in the NFL?
