For 13 seasons, Rod Smith put up extraordinary numbers as a wide receiver for the Broncos that fooled the experts and made him the most prolific pass catcher in team history.
When Smith finished his career in 2006, he had caught 849 passes from a throng of Denver quarterbacks. Those 849 receptions stand as a record for an NFL player not drafted — Smith was undrafted coming out of Missouri Southern in 1994.
Now Wes Welker comes along as a prolific wide receiver from Texas Tech who was overlooked in the 2004 NFL draft.
Entering the Broncos’ home game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Welker needs only three catches to surpass Smith’s record for most receptions by a player who wasn’t drafted.
“Just being mentioned in the same sentence with him is an honor,” Welker said of Smith this week. “I kind of know him from when he has been around here. I’ve met him a few times.
“I guess it would indicate that we’re overachievers. It’s taking the long road. It’s a hard way to go, but it’s definitely more fulfilling. I think you might appreciate this journey a little more when you take the road Rod and I did.”
Welker’s road to his 847 career catches was different than what Smith traveled. Smith’s entire career was with the Broncos. Welker’s 11-year trip includes stops with San Diego, Miami and New England. He’s in his second season with the Broncos.
Welker wasn’t surprised when he went undrafted out of college.
“I didn’t take it as a total shock because my expectations weren’t very high. Look at me. Come on, man, I wouldn’t draft me either,” Welker said with some humor, pointing to his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame. At least Smith was of more football size at 6-0, 183.
Smith’s career figures of 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns receiving stand well above Welker’s 9,418 yards and 48 touchdowns going into Sunday’s game.
While he wasn’t surprised by the lack of attention from NFL scouts, it left an impression.
“I’ve carried a chip on my shoulder,” Welker said. “But I’m definitely very blessed to be having this opportunity.”
The 2014 season has been an adventure so far. He has faced concussion problems and a league-ordered, four-game suspension for a positive drug test that was reduced to two games.
“I’m just happy to be back and back on the field,” Welker said. “It’s another chapter, and I have to keep going. As for concussions, I just go out and execute and don’t worry about it.”
Welker is back in the routine.
“He’s played in one game, so there is not much to go on quite yet,” coach John Fox said.
Added offensive coordinator Adam Gase: “I know we can do some different things with him out there compared to what we can do with two-tight end packages, but we’re able to move the ball whether he’s on the field or not. I think he’s done a good job, and we’ll get another test this week.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
