NFL free agency is just over a week away, the deadline for franchise tagging players is today, lots of deals are getting done to stop key players hitting the open market. One thing that has stood out in my mind is that a lot of the big named players that have been given big deals or are going to get big contracts in free agency are late round picks.
NFL Free Agency Showing The Importance Of Late Round Draft Picks
The Bills just announced they agreed to a long term deal with Johnson. Johnson signed a five-year, $36.25 million deal. $19.5 million of that is guaranteed. Johnson was formerly the 224th pick of the 2008 NFL draft (that's a seventh round pick).
Colston was the 252nd pick of the 2006 NFL draft. Colston looks set to be one of the top free agents available on the open market. He could make a huge amount of money next week when free agency begins.
Foster went undrafted in 2009 and ended up on the Texans roster. They signed him to a five year deal this morning without releasing the terms of the deal. Three years removed from being an undrafted free agent, Foster has turned into one of the leagues best running backs at only 25.
Flynn was drafted by the Packers with the 209th pick of the 2006 NFL draft. The seventh rounder was developed behind Aaron Rodgers and now looks to be one of the bigger names available (after potentially Peyton Manning).
Nicks was a fifth round selection by the Saints (164th overall) in 2008. He is the premier guard available and will look to get something similar to what his teammate Jahri Evans (a fourth rounder from 2006) got last year, seven-years, $56.7 million.
Fletcher went undrafted in 1998, but has turned into one of the best linebackers in the league for the last decade. Last year, at age 36, he lead the league in tackles with 166 (eight more than his closest competitor). The Redskins should be paying Fletcher what it takes to get him back next season (or so I hope...)
Mathis has been one of the top pass rushers since he entered the league in 2003 as a fifth round selection by the Colts. While Mathis is now 30 years old, he can still get after the quarterback.
A fourth round choice of the Titans, Tulloch has been unspectacular, but consistent during his debut in 2006. He looks to be one of the top free agent linebackers this year.
As much as people may not like Finnegan, he can play corner pretty well. He was the 215th selection of the 2006 draft. The seventh rounder looks set to hit the open market after the Titans used their franchise tag on safety Michael Griffin.
Clearly, there is plenty of talent and value to be had with later round draft picks. Who do you think will be this year’s late round steal?
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