The famous Christmas song has it absolutely correct: It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  Friends and family reunite to celebrate the Holiday season, Santa Claus is on his way to give joy to children across America, and football season is in full swing and full of “What if” questions.  Who will make the postseason?  Who will win the “Reggie Bush Bowl”?  Can Texas beat USC in the Rose Bowl?

With the end of the regular season, football fans will know a majority for the draft order, especially crucial this year because of playmaking running back Reggie Bush.  Any draft guru will tell you what player will definitely get taken on Day 1 and some will have the insight to tell you which player will get take Day 2.  However, for many college football players, that phone call never comes.  Hundreds of players are not drafted and must wait for teams to call them to be signed as undrafted free agents.

Many of these undrafted free agents will end up on practice squads or special teams, while many will be cut and never heard from again.  But how many guys really make a difference?  Surprisingly, a lot of no names have emerged as fine players and have had great impacts on their team and the rest of the NFL.  You are probably sick of lists, but here is another one, so bear with me.

Four of the best undrafted free agents that have made a name for themselves in the NFL

1)      Priest Holmes, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, Priest Holmes did go undrafted.  It’s amazing no one took a gamble on this guy in the later rounds of the draft.  The Baltimore Ravens signed Holmes in 1997 as a rookie from Texas.  He played with the Ravens from 1997 to 2000 and became a Kansas City Chief as the starting running back.  In Kansas City, Holmes became a household name.  In his first season, Holmes became a Pro Bowler, being the first undrafted free agent to win an NFL rushing title since 1954.  Holmes broke the single season touchdown record in 2003 with 27 touchdowns and has been considered an elite runner since coming to Kansas City.  Sadly, Holmes has been plagued with injures throughout his career and we might have seen the end of Holmes’ career, due to a career threatening injury earlier this season.  Words cannot describe the fact that Holmes went undrafted.  The only word that comes to mind is “Wow.”

2)      Antonio Pierce, LB, New York Giants

Pierce is easily one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL today.  He is a leader on the field and a student of the game.  Somehow, even with all these leadership skills and talent, Pierce went undrafted and was signed by the Washington Redskins.  Coaches loved his talent and he played all 16 games as a rookie, mostly on special teams.  Pierce started games throughout his career but was never a permanent starter.  In 2004, after injuries hurt the Washington linebacking core, Pierce became a full time starter, opening the eyes of players, coaches, and fans all across America.  He showed great talent and great instint on the field and was considered a top linebacker after the 2004 season.  He signed with the New York Giants and has showed people he is no one hit wonder.

3)      Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Warner, one of the better quarterbacks in the history of the NFL (statically speaking) was, in fact, undrafted.  He was signed by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 and played in the Arena Football League from 1995 until 1997.  The St. Louis Rams signed him in late 1997 and in 1999, his first year as a starter, Warner lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.  He won the MVP award and Super Bowl MVP award in 1999 as was considered an elite QB in the league.  He was one of the reasons why “The Greatest Show on Turf” was so great: Warner has great accuracy and makes good decisions in the pocket.  Warner has seen his share of injuries and has traveled from team to team in recent years.  In recent weeks, as the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals, Warner has put up fine numbers while his team struggles.  Warner’s career may end soon, due to the fact he is an aging quarterback who cannot stay healthy, but his contribution to the Rams will never be forgotten.  Warner is a classy guy and he will go into the history books was one of the better quarterbacks, statically, of all time.

4)      Wayne Chrebet, WR, New York Jets

Chrebet may not be the flashiest receiver or the best receiver in the NFL, but he is definitely one of the toughest.  Chrebet gives his all on the field: he suffered his ninth concussion earlier this year and will be forced to retire, but no one can match his toughness.  Chrebet will do whatever it takes to help his team.  He’ll take hit after hit, only to get back up again and do it all again.  Signed by the Jets before the 1995 season, Chrebet was an undrafted wide receiver coming out of Hofstra University in New York.  One has to admire Chrebet for his attitude and toughness.  The man, no matter how hard he gets hit, is willing to do it again.  He may not have the best numbers (41 career touchdowns and a career high of nine touchdowns) but he definitely has the heart and commitment.  People should look up to Chrebet: the man simply does not give up.

There you have it folks, four of the best players that were undrafted coming out of college.  We all want to see where Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Vince Young will get drafted, but I will be excited to see which undrafted free agent will have the biggest impact on his team in his rookie year.  It’s the guys like that that make you wonder “What are the scouts looking at?”

As always, comments/suggestions/criticisms are welcomed and encouraged.