clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Best undrafted Bronco of all time

Chris Harris Jr is a player we all know and love, but the greatest undrafted Denver Bronco to don the orange and blue was Rod Smith

Denver Broncos v New England Patriots Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Sports debates are fun. Ranking players is fun. It is the offseason and this is kind of talk helps us get through the part of the year when football isn’t happening.

So let’s begin.

In our lead-off article linked below the Denver Broncos posted about Chris Harris Jr. being named the best-undrafted player in Broncos history.

Rod Smith would like a word with you.

As a fan who championed Chris Harris Jr. and will forever love the guy as one of my favorite Broncos of all time, I can’t agree with this take. While there is no doubt that Chris was a badass, it is downright disgraceful to say he’s a better undrafted player than Smith.

Rod Smith absolutely killed it in Denver in his career. He was a key contributor of the Broncos' offense with stellar numbers for a 9-year stretch (albeit with one year under 1,000 yards receiving thrown in there).

Chris Harris Jr, on the other hand had a 7-year stretch of awesomeness, at best. Yes, he was a key part of the No-Fly Zone and during his prime was a better player out of the slot than more than half the league’s outside corners.

Also, 2 rings > 1 ring...just saying.

Broncos News:

Mile High Morning: The 33rd Team picks Chris Harris Jr. as best undrafted player in Broncos history
Harris, who made the team in 2011 despite the challenges of a lockout, earned four Pro Bowl nods during his nine seasons in Denver and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2016.

Russell Wilson Among First to Arrive for Broncos’ Offseason Workouts - Sports Illustrated
The Broncos quarterback seems eager to begin Denver’s offseason program after a difficult 2022 season.

Broncos making good on Payton’s “anonymous donors” plan - Denver Sports
Day 1 of offseason workouts showed that the Broncos will go about their business quietly -- just as Payton said they would.

Other NFL News:

Lions trading CB Jeff Okudah to Falcons for 2023 fifth-round pick
The Atlanta Falcons are acquiring former first-round cornerback Jeff Okudah from the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.

Seahawks DL Dre'Mont Jones wants to put 'people on notice' after Denver departure
The Seahawks wanted Dre'Mont Jones as part of last year's trade of Russell Wilson to Denver. Instead, Seattle had to wait a year and shell out big bucks in free agency to ink the disruptive defensive lineman.

Why Lamar Jackson, NFL stars find guaranteed deals rare
Lamar Jackson is believed to be looking for more guaranteed money than Deshaun Watson received, but history suggests that won't be an easy goal to reach.

Packers, Jets still discussing Aaron Rodgers deal amid delay
The Packers and Jets continue to discuss a trade proposal involving QB Aaron Rodgers, but neither side has set a deadline, Mark Murphy said.

Poll

Who was the best undrafted Bronco of all time?

This poll is closed

  • 88%
    Rod Smith
    (464 votes)
  • 8%
    Chris Harris, Jr.
    (46 votes)
  • 0%
    Rich Karlis
    (4 votes)
  • 2%
    Lionel Taylor
    (13 votes)
527 votes total Vote Now