The "undrafted stud" Myth

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 3, 2011 9:29 PM MDT

I have read and re-read posts, comments and snide remarks here on MHR talking about Which UDFA or waiver wire guy everyone thinks will be this years "Rod Smith" or the like. First off I think that is VERY unfair to Mr. Rod Smith in that Mr. Smith worked his tail off for years proving he was worthy of a roster spot. I think to say this every year makes the Amazing-ness of Rod Smith become diminished. Rod was a once in a life time player and a once in a generation situation.

Eron Riley is not Rod Smith, Matt Willis is not Rod Smith anyone else who was undrafted and signs with the broncos is not Rod Smith. ROD SMITH IS ROD SMITH. I realize guys look good in training camp and against other 3rd stringers fighting for jobs, but if a guy is passed over 200 times there is probably a good reason for that.

I am not saying any of these players is horrible just asking for a bit more caution when comparing players who are bubble players and have been for 2-3 years to legends and greats.

Thank You and

GO BRONCOS!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Well said Jon.

Rod Smith is definitely not a player that comes around every year much less out of the UDA crop.

VonDoom for Secretary of State!

by broncofaninIL on Sep 3, 2011 9:36 PM MDT reply actions

Kinda like karl Mecklenburg drafted from outer space...

You always hope theres a gem forgotten, but they are real…Rod Smith can’t be replaced just like Steve Atwater can’t.

by bfree2bronc on Sep 3, 2011 9:47 PM MDT reply actions

"I realize guys look good in training camp and against other 3rd stringers fighting for jobs, but if a guy is passed over 200 times there is probably a good reason for that."

You mean, like Rod Smith…?

by JeffG on Sep 3, 2011 9:48 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

not sure if serious...

or missed the point of the fanpost.

POP POP!!!

by Tollyvolley127 on Sep 3, 2011 9:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Who is Rod Smith?

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
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by KaptainKirk on Sep 3, 2011 10:07 PM MDT reply actions

ha ha

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 3, 2011 10:20 PM MDT up reply actions

You should be on time out for that remark

by Da Bum on Sep 6, 2011 11:02 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree Jon & rec'd

I think people tend to forget that it took two years of hard work before Smith was rewarded by becoming a full-time starter. His first year he had 6 catches. His second — 16.

It took Rod twelve years of utter devotion to the game and the Broncos to establish his reputation/legend as an “undrafted stud.” There is no way that can be matched in a single preseason, nor even in a single year.

Thanks for reminding us.

We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough

by Brian Shrout on Sep 4, 2011 12:05 AM MDT reply actions

a pleasure sir

I just get tired of this guys the next rod or the next TD, NO! there is only one!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 12:18 AM MDT up reply actions

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!

POP POP!!!

by Tollyvolley127 on Sep 4, 2011 12:50 AM MDT up reply actions

Yes, Rod Smith is a once in a lifetime player. Yes, Rod Smith worked his ass off for the success he had.

But with that being said, it is totally reasonable for people to look at undrafted rookies and think they could be the next Rod Smith.

Obviously, it’s not going to happen over night and obviously it’s going to take a lot of lucky breaks…

But is it so hard to believe that Eron Riley, a 6 ft 2, 200+ pound receiver with 4.3 speed could be the next great undrafted free agent wide receiver for the Denver Broncos?

If he works hard continues to work on things like coming out of breaks and his routes, is it so ridiculous for people to think he could be the next Rod Smith?

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by Nick Cast on Sep 4, 2011 3:23 AM MDT reply actions

It's not unreasonable to think he could work out

It IS unreasonable to expect it from everyone of the UDFA’s.

My Opinion of Eron Riley is that he can play well against sub-par talent. He looked good in the Arizona game. Can you point out another area he looked good to me? I didn’t go to TC so I didn’t see him there but I did see him get playing time in preseason games and I saw two plays worth noticing in four games.

I am a firm believer in working hard to succeed. I am 26 and starting my masters, I know its going to be very hard to do but I am going to work on it.

Eron Riley, Matthew Wilis DeAndrea Goodwin they can all work hard if they want to but from what I have seen of them they only work hard once in a while.

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 3:46 AM MDT up reply actions

It’s not fair to make a comment like Eron Riley and Matthew Willis “only work hard once in a while”.

For the obvious reason that you certainly have no clue how hard they actually work, but the even more obvious reason that nothing has ever surfaced about these guys negatively. I have never heard a report or article that has anything but positive things to say.

I would agree that it is unlikely that they will be setting the recieving record for undrafted players. I would also say it is crazy to pretend like you have any basis for talking about how hard they work

by DW76 on Sep 4, 2011 8:51 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

Ok fair enough

From what I have seen, which is just in games, they only appear when the talent on the other side of the ball is less than!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions

I completely understand where you are coming from

and I agree, there will never be another Rod Smith but I am going to say something that might make me very unpopular. Had a 3rd year Rod Smith been on the 2011 Denver Broncos, he would’ve been cut just like Riley.

There are three things that make a UDFA successful. Hard work, continuity, and a lack of invested talent at his position. The 1996 Broncos had Anthony Miller as their #1 WR and a still rather unproven McCaffrey as the #2. Sharpe was the leading receiver on the team and he had about 1.5x the amount of receptions that the next bronco receiver (Miller) had.

Now I know the game has changed and the passing game is much more involved then it was back then but lets still compare the two receiving cores. Miller had a nice career in SD before coming to us at the tail end of his career and McCaffrey came to us after a very lackluster year in San Fran yet had a decent 95 campaign for us. Mike Sherrod signed with us after suffering a season ending injury the year before. Patrick Jeffers was the only receiver drafted by the Broncos and he was a 5th round pick. Pretty easy to see why Rod Smith stuck with the team.

The 2011 broncos hold the 2010 leading receiver in Lloyd and two of their own 2010 draft picks in a 1st rounder (Thomas) and a 3rd rounder (Decker). Royal was a 2nd rounder for us in 08 and has been solid player for us and Willis is a UDFA from 07 who has been with us since 08. That’s a ton of potential and talent so it’s easy to see why Riley didn’t make the team and as good as Rod Smith might’ve looked, I doubt he would’ve made the team w\either. However knowing Smith, he could’ve done it.

Alright Bronco fans, rip into me now. I’m already hitting myself for even thinking Rod Smith not making any team.

And now for something completely different

by AlbertaBronc on Sep 4, 2011 3:24 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

It's a good theory

But I would say that Rod Smith has the right attitude about it. Come in work hard and beat out the “better guy.”

Do you honestly feel that if Eron Riley or Matthew Wills had THIS type of attittude, I think they would have an easier time making the team. Rod Smith Himself said he felt like he was one drop away from a pink slip EVERY DAY! That is why Rod Smith is who he is.

To all the WIllis’ Riley’s and others- SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 3:50 AM MDT up reply actions

Can you deny potential of anyone to make the team in a Rod Smith or TD fashion?

I feel its not just hard work that makes the team, just about everyone in the NFL works hard. I think it comes down to your ability to make plays in a game. TD would not have made the team if he had not lit it up on one play (in case you forgot). That’s really all it takes is one special play, that gets you recognition as a football player. Alberta Bronc I agree with your point that the situation had to be right for Rod Smith to make the team. However that does nothing to diminish his career, in fact I would say it helps to bolster it further by showing what a long shot average joe (he is anything but that in my opinion, I am just speaking to his undrafted nature) can do with the right mindset, what an amazing diatribe for NFL ideals Rods career spoke to.

by InRodWeTrust on Sep 4, 2011 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Youre Right

Potential is always there. Here is where I draw the line though:

Take Matthew Willis

He is 26 and been on what three practice squads and seen no real game time. To me that seems like he just doesn’t have it. I am always willing to admit errors in judgement or the like but I dont see it.

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 9:39 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't see anything wrong in thinking a guy could become a Rod Smith or a James Harrison

That’s the great thing about the NFL. If it doesn’t workout, it doesn’t workout. Yet, I’m going to be rooting for Willis until his cut. The reason why is because of guys like Rod Smith and others that shown it’s possible. Also you have to realize, Willis is a feel good story around here. We all want him to be the next Rod Smith because how good he did last year and how he ended up getting hurt before he could show what he could do. I think Willis showed last year and this year that he deserves a shot. There’s guys like that on every team that fans like us—hardcore ones— root for to succeed. So I see nothing wrong in thinking someone like Willis could very well pan out to be like a Rod Smith.

Also on a minor note, Tollerud, do you really think Willis doesn’t have that same attiude—like Rod Smith? Because I gurantee you that most if not all undrafted players think that way. How else do you think they make the team? I’m pretty sure Willis is thinking the same thing every day. Just because Rod Smith made it, doesn’t mean he was the only one thinking that and to think guys like Riley and Willis aren’t thinking that way either, is really BS. Otherwise they wouldn’t be where they are.

by tiderfootball09 on Sep 4, 2011 8:18 AM MDT reply actions

Jon your completely missing the boat here

1. Hope about undiscovered gems is what makes this time of year fun, so why shouldn’t people dream about it.

2. Who is saying it doesn’t take hard work, everyone agrees with that.

3. How about guys like Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, John Randle, Dick Night Train Lane, Priest Holmes, this thing is not all that rare. What about all the guys drafted after round 7 back when there were more rounds. Maybe I’m reading you wrong but I think this is not nearly as rare as you make it out to be.

by wierdfan on Sep 4, 2011 8:19 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Definitely understand this post

And I would be shocked if anyone meant any disrespect at all to Rod Smith.

There won’t be a Rod Smith very often, but what about a Cassius Vaughn?

Guys like Cassius Vaughn are cut all the time and there is not even the slightest stretch of the imagination to be talking about a guy like Riley next year the same way people are or at least should be with Vaughn

by DW76 on Sep 4, 2011 8:48 AM MDT reply actions

Agreed...

I’ve never been fond of undrafted players and the fan over-reactions that come with them. However, we can find some solid role players like Woodyard and such.

Learn how to dominate your fantasy football league through a solid fantasy football strategy. A shameless plug for a fellow Broncomaniac!

by Tim Lynch on Sep 4, 2011 10:09 AM MDT reply actions

This si my point the over reaction

I am all about success stories but banking on every free agent rookie is silliness and seems to be where we are headed at this point.

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Sep 4, 2011 9:40 PM MDT up reply actions

Well.....

the OP seemed a bit rash, IMO. It is not unususal to use a “comparison” figure to convey some ideas about an unfamiliar player. For example. I think Decker has been favorably compared to Eddie Mac. That does not diminish Eddie Mac, but does convey to the reader that the guy is tall, good route runner, tough, good hands, reliable, ball hound and has a slight mean streak (remember the block in the SB?).

Some might compare characteristics other than physical characteristics: dedication, personal ethics, general personality. demeanor, and work habits. None of that dimenishes Smith, but does convey some information to others. The rant also seems a bit too contrived to me. Righteous Indignation should be reserved for something important such as starting wars or committing rape or abuse.

I like it when someone tells me that they think so-sbd-so is “like” someone. It is a shorthand method (not profiling) of giveing an idea of what to look for in the player……

by Gulbrand on Sep 4, 2011 10:19 AM MDT reply actions 2 recs

1 word for your post:

Rec’d!

I bleed Orange & Blue.

by Fabio Broncos on Sep 4, 2011 12:51 PM MDT reply actions

Thank you.

I do apologize for the missspellings. My glasses are not working wright…..

by Gulbrand on Sep 4, 2011 3:35 PM MDT up reply actions

Hey Gul

I’m a self-studying brazilian… It never was easy to write my ideas and understand properly some friends’ ones… So I can imagine how many mistakes I make around MHR for sure. We all do our best, so don’t worry about it =) The most important is the reasoning transmited, and yours here was excelent imo. Great post and nothing else matters.

I bleed Orange & Blue.

by Fabio Broncos on Sep 5, 2011 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions

Thanks.....

And I must say that you are doing very well if English (well, American style) is not your First Language.

by Gulbrand on Sep 5, 2011 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions

The odds of becoming a star after being undrafted is more than 1000 to 1 against.

Every year teams try to find that guy, the one that was overlooked in the draft by everyone else. It’s a tall task and sometimes it works, but the odds are never in a teams favor to find the gem they really want. Eron Riley’s release was probably more of attrition of the wide receivers we have on the roster, since we can only keep so many. Whether the broncos put him on the PS when he clears the wire is another question. They might feel he isn’t what they need.

by bfree2bronc on Sep 4, 2011 1:18 PM MDT reply actions

But hope is hope.....

It is the prospect of finding gold that one pans in the old streams any more. Sometimes I go to a new stream, dip the pan and get all excited looking for a flake ir a small nugget It happens today. It is not much but there is always hope……..

by Gulbrand on Sep 4, 2011 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Fans will be fans and get carried away, but the Rod Smiths of the sports world are a great

example to all athletes that anything is possible. Enron Riley obviously has a great deal of talent. With a lot of hard work and LUCK, who the heck knows. Hopefully the kid will latch on with another team(99% sure he will) and develop into a solid receiver. To become a HOF receiver…going to need a team with a great QB.

by rocko1 on Sep 4, 2011 2:14 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks for the good post Jon.

Hey Eron, call Rod Smith and ask him for some help.

Then maybe Rod Smith himself could help develop the next “Rod Smith” type of player

Pepper needs new shorts!

by Clompy on Sep 4, 2011 3:57 PM MDT reply actions

I see what you're saying in your post, and understand where you're coming from.

But the idea that lightning can’t strike twice is a myth. And just like the fact that lightning will strike the same pole several times, if Rod Smith can find success after going undrafted, others can too. I also don’t think it’s insulting to Rod Smith to put him on a pedestal in order to compare undrafted players. He is exactly what all teams are and should hoping to find out there. If they weren’t, we could miss out on some really special players. So here’s to finding the next Rod Smith. Will he surface anytime soon? Who knows. All I know is I’m glad we’re continually looking.

None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal

by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Sep 5, 2011 1:35 PM MDT reply actions