Draft season is often one of lists. Of rankings and slotting. Of top fives, top 10s, with an almost endless supply of conversation starters about when players will, or will not, be selected on draft day.
And yet, with all of the miles covered and the money spent on scouting by teams throughout the NFL, there are always cases like Frank Zombo’s.
Zombo is one of four undrafted rookies on the Packers’ 53-man roster. Zombo, who played collegiately at Central Michigan, will see action at outside linebacker for the Packers in the Super Bowl.
Starting a Super Bowl is a long way from a guy sitting by his phone last April as three days of the draft concluded without anyone calling his name.
“A year ago, I didn’t even know anything, if I’d be drafted, if I’d be doing anything with football,” Zombo said. “I didn’t know if I would make a team or even be in a camp. And now I could start the Super Bowl.That’s a crazy ride.”
In the era of a seven-round draft, it’s a ride a lot of players may have to take. When all the names are called on draft weekend, there are still plenty of players left on the board who have draftable grades.
Rookie free agents, frustrated they weren’t picked, can play their way on to rosters if they leave that disappointment and frustration behind.
Zombo basically took that attitude after he was signed by the Packers.
“Honestly, in camp I was just hoping to make the practice squad,” Zombo said. “I just decided to be ready to take advantage of the opportunity. I ran as hard as I could to every ball in practice, in preseason games. I just tried to give everything I had so I had no regrets however it turned out.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I had to give it everything I had so when I looked back on it I wouldn’t look back and say, ‘I wish I did this, I wish I did that.’ I just wanted to have no regrets.”
As it turned out, he had no regrets and earned a roster spot.
Both the Steelers and Packers are draft-built teams. The Packers’ four undrafted players are in a mix of eight rookies, a total that was likely increased by a number of injuries on defense.The Steelers will also carry eight rookies into Sunday’s game.
Pittsburgh’s rookie total means eight of team’s 10-member draft class from last April is on a Super Bowl roster.
“I’m proof all you need is an opportunity, an opportunity to show yourself,” Zombo said. “If football didn’t work out, I was going to go back to school and pursue my physical therapy degree. But right now, I’m really not worried about that. I’ll get it when football’s done, and hopefully that’s not for a long time.”
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
